Addams Family Values 4K Blu-ray Movie

Rating summary

Movie		4.0
Video		0.0
Audio		4.0
Extras		2.0
Overall		3.5

Addams Family Values 4K Blu-ray Movie Review

Paramount has released the frightfully funny sequel film 'Addams Family Values,' directed by Barry Sonnenfeld and starring Anjelica Huston, Raul Juliá, Christopher Lloyd, Joan Cusack, Christina Ricci, and Carol Kane, to the UHD format. New specifications include 2160p/Dolby vision video. As has become custom for Paramount, this UHD's primary audio track is the same DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 lossless presentation that accompanied the Blu-ray in 2019. Of note is that the old Blu-ray was featureless, but this release includes two new extras, including a brand new commentary track and a retrospective feature. The old Blu-ray is not included; this is a UHD and digital combo pack only. Note also that the original film in the series, 'The Addams Family,' is also available on the UHD format, and is also available in collectible SteelBook packaging.

Addams Family Values 4K Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

The included screenshots are sourced from the UHD disc output at 1080p. They are not representative of the UHD/Dolby Vision image you will see on your screen.

Paramount brings Addams Family Values to the UHD format with a wonderful 2160p/Dolby Vision UHD presentation. Paramount states in its press materials that the film arrives on UHD with a "new 4K restoration of the film from the original camera negative." The one sentence review is that the picture looks excellent. While I cannot make a direct comparison with the 2019 Blu-ray -- I did not review it, I do not have a copy of it, and it is not included in this release -- I can say with confidence following Dr. Larson's 3/5 review and the included screenshots that this is a monumental upgrade for the film.

The picture is freshly sourced from a new 4K scan, and it shows. It's wonderfully filmic, boasting superb definition that really only wavers in some of the VFX shots (think some of the shots with Thing, such as in the opening minutes during the birth scene). Overall, however, it is just about the equal of the original film's UHD presentation, which was absolutely stellar. This one holds to a perfectly filmic appearance, boasting a constantly even and very flattering grain structure that is natural and complementary. The image shows no signs of unwarranted noise reduction, retaining truly terrific detailing to faces, complex interiors and exteriors around the home that show weathering, wear, and heavy textures, and even the clothing that runs the gamut of fabrics, from extremely thin to unusually dense. There are a few fleeting speckles, and if you squint half an inch from the screen you might spot a few compression issues, but at normal viewing distance this looks excellent.

The film also looks terrific under the new Dolby Vision color grading. It's a very naturalistic presentation with bountiful color expression in daytime scenes (look around the 21-minute mark) where colors are rich, full, and balanced. But, the film is at its most moody and expressive best in the lower light interiors of the Addams family home. The assorted shades of murky brown, dull gray, and shades of black really thrive with the Dolby Vision grading, delivering a steady diet of environmental excellence that contributes greatly to atmosphere and mood, complementing the familiar aesthetics and bringing home the film's very tonal essence to near perfection. Some of the real Dolby Vision highlights come in blacks and whites. Black levels show wonderful depth and intensity while still holding to excellent black detail. Likewise, white balance is wonderful, even considering a few off-white colors. Both ends are perhaps best exemplified with Morticia Addams, who wears black attire but also has ghostly pale white skin; both look stunning in every shot. This is not the absolute best UHD out there, and it's not quite as good as the original film's brilliant UHD presentation, but it definitely approaches best case scenario.

Addams Family Values 4K Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

As has become the custom for Paramount catalogue UHD re-releases, this 4K presentation of Addams Family Values simply ports over the existing DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 lossless soundtrack from the 2019 Blu-ray. While fans might have understandably yearned for a new Atmos track, the included 5.1 track is certainly more than adequate to support the film's sonic needs. For a full review of the track, please click here for Dr. Larson's thoughts.

Addams Family Values 4K Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

The original Blu-ray release of Addams Family Values contains no supplemental content. Paramount rectifies that omission with two brand new supplements: a commentary track and a new retrospective featurette. These are welcome, and necessary, adds to the package that bring substantial extra value to the presentation. While no Blu-ray copy is included, Paramount has bundled in a fresh digital copy voucher and also provided an alternate artwork slipcover, which is always nice when it's not simply a second printing of the case's artwork.

• Audio Commentary: Director Barry Sonnenfeld and Screenwriter Paul Rudnick deliver a solid commentary that covers the breadth of production elements, from acting to production details. Fans will find it to be revealing and satisfying, even if the cadence and rhythm are not tops in the audio commentary arena.
• Crafting Family Values (1080p and SD upscaled, 1.78:1 and 4x3, 10:29): A collection of film clips, still images, and vintage interviews that help to shape the story behind the film.

Addams Family Values 4K Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

Paramount did right by The Addams Family on UHD and the studio has once again done a wonderful job with the franchise, this time releasing the sequel with a stellar new 2160p/Dolby Vision video presentation and, to sweeten the pot, a pair of new extras, including a newly recorded audio commentary track. Outside of adding a new Atmos track, it couldn't get much better. Here's hoping Paramount will release a new SteelBook packaging variant at some point in the future to pair with the SteelBook from the original 1991 film on the UHD format. As it is, this standard packing presentation comes highly recommended!.