‘Sonic the Hedgehog 3’ is a family affair

Category: Blu-ray's and DVD's

The Sonic team is back for more fun, action, and moments to remember. Sonic the Hedgehog 3 is a traditional Sonic movie filled with all the cuteness of Sonic, Knuckles, and Tails as well as many edge-of-your-seat exciting scenes.

This film introduces Shadow (voiced by Keanu Reeves), a colorful Hedgehog with a sad backstory. This fellow has been held in tight security for fifty years due to the danger he can cause. But his backstory that comes out through the film explains why he became the evil fellow everyone fears.

Also, enter The Professor, the grandfather of Rovotnik, who has devious plans using Shadow. He intends on using his super weapon, The Eclipse Canon,  to end life on Earth.

Team Sonic has it’s hands full with Shadow who is stronger and faster than they are and who provides a foe that might just be the demise of this cute little trio.

With the help of Tom (James Marsden) and Maddie (Tina Sumpter) they plan to get the keys to the weapon and disable it, but things don’t turn out as easily as they planned.

All along the Sonic team must remember to make the right choices, as they were instructed to do by Tom and Maddie. And sometimes the right choice isn’t as easy as it sounds, especially when revenge comes into play.

This third film in the franchise follows the stories of the Sega characters as they fight evil for good. But besides the main story of Shadow and the Eclipse Canon, threading through the film is the idea of family. 

Tom, Maddie, Sonic, Tails, and Knuckles are a family. They’re a little unorthodox, but they are a family nonetheless. And that entails all the love family members give to each other.

Jim Carrey reprises his role of Ivo Robotic and also plays his grandfather Gerald Robotic. Ben Schwartz continues to supply the voice of Sonic, Idris Elba as knuckles, and Colleen O’Shaughnessey as Tails. Tom Butler returns as Commander Walters and Krysten Ritter as Director Rockwell.

As viewers learned earlier in the story, Shadow’s heart has turned dark due to the death of his human friend Maria who became his family. But as Sonic reminds him, ‘A light shines even though the star is gone.” This is a sad scene and one that might bring a tear to viewers.

There are plenty of bonus features on this release whether it is digital or Blu-ray/4K Ultra.

“Sonic Family Fun” looks at the family connection between the characters of this blended family. “Robotic Family Reunion” looks at the newly reunited Robotics.

There is a featurette about Jeff Fowler who has directed all three Sonic feature films, and a cute featurette looking at the human actors providing the voices for Sonic, Tails, and Knuckles. 

This film utilized a larger set than the others and a bonus explains the various sets designed for the film. Another bonus is a look at Team Sonic versus Shadow, their most difficult foe. 

In the past the human actors had to act alongside – or with – tennis balls however this time the filmmakers provided puppets to portray the animated characters, which was a treat for everyone.

“A Very Sonic Christmas” video is included as well as a gag reel and deleted scenes that round out the bonus features. 

Sonic the Hedgehog 3 is rated PG for action, some violence, rude humor, thematic elements, and mild language.

The digital is available now and the 4K Ultra Hd, Blu-ray, and DVD discs will be available on April 15, 2025, including a collectible SteelBooks version which includes both the 4K Ultra and HD in a collectible box.

Sonic the Hedgehog 3 is also screening on Paramount+.

About the Author

Francine Brokaw has been covering all aspects of the entertainment industry for over 30 years. She also writes about products and travel. She has been published in national and international newspapers and magazines as well as Internet websites. She has written her own book, Beyond the Red Carpet The World of Entertainment Journalists, is the entertainment correspondent for Good Day Orange County, and has her own TV show, Beyond the Red Carpet, on Village Television in Orange County. She is a longstanding member of the Television Critics Association and is accredited by the MPAA.