8.3 | / 10 |
Users | 4.2 | |
Reviewer | 3.5 | |
Overall | 3.7 |
The fun begins when the grumpy, grouchy, Yule-hating Grinch plots to ruin the Whos’ Christmas. Can he steal their holiday spirit by stealing their holiday treats? Or does Christmas...perhaps...mean a little bit more? Based on the Dr. Seuss classic.
Starring: Boris Karloff, June Foray, Thurl Ravenscroft, Dal McKennon, Phil RomanFamily | 100% |
Animation | 78% |
Comedy | 59% |
Holiday | 38% |
Musical | 36% |
Fantasy | 28% |
Short | 15% |
Video codec: VC-1
Video resolution: 1080p
Aspect ratio: 1.37:1
Original aspect ratio: 1.37:1
English: Dolby Digital 2.0 Mono (192 kbps)
Dolby Surround-encoded
English SDH
25GB Blu-ray Disc
Two-disc set (1 BD, 1 DVD)
Digital copy (on disc)
DVD copy
Slipcover in original pressing
Region free
Movie | 5.0 | |
Video | 4.0 | |
Audio | 2.5 | |
Extras | 2.5 | |
Overall | 3.5 |
The name Theodor Geisel may not mean anything to you, but chances are the name Dr. Seuss does. Born Theodor Seuss Geisel, the acclaimed author and illustrator published more than sixty best-selling stories, introduced his young readers to countless creatures and numerous worlds, and continues, posthumously, to sell millions of books around the world. Identifying Seuss' most popular, most influential tale is next to impossible, but candidates include "Green Eggs and Ham," "One Fish Two Fish Red Fish Blue Fish," "The Cat in the Hat" and, of course, "How the Grinch Stole Christmas," a not-so-subtly veiled evisceration of consumerism that was granted immortality in 1966 when Chuck Jones' animated television special first captured hearts and imaginations everywhere. But Dr. Seuss' How the Grinch Stole Christmas isn't just a charming holiday classic, it's an unforgettable treat that teaches children to cherish family and friends above all else. It isn't just a yuletide staple, it's a smartly written, sharply narrated, wonderfully conceived animated masterpiece.
I think that the most likely reason of all may have been that his heart was two sizes too small...
Much has already been written about the Blu-ray edition of Dr. Seuss' How the Grinch Stole Christmas and the sudden influx of bright, lime-green fur that accompanies its every frame -- a point of contention for purists, especially those relying on screenshot comparisons that reveal how brown the Grinch had become in television broadcasts and home video releases over the years -- but the television special's original animation cells prove Warner's 1080p/VC-1 transfer is a faithful representation of its animators' choices and intentions. Colors are rich and rewarding (yep, even the greens), blacks are suitably inky, contrast is gorgeous, and Chuck Jones' lineart is crisper than it's ever been. Yes, print damage, wavering color fills, and background anomalies are ongoing distractions (as they are in any forty-year-old animated production), but inconsistencies and eyesores such as these should be attributed to the film's original animation cells and print, not Warner's technical transfer. In fact, I only encountered one technical issue: some rather negligible artifacts shudder into view on occasion. It isn't a debilitating problem by any means, but it is one that holds the presentation back from perfection. All things considered, the young at heart (at least those with appropriate expectations) will thoroughly enjoy Warner's efforts.
Dr. Seuss' How the Grinch Stole Christmas arrives alongside A Charlie Brown Christmas and Dr. Seuss' Horton Hears a Who!, and all three suffer strikingly similar sonic fates. Instead of offering lossless stereo mixes, Warner has simply repurposed the 192kbps Dolby Digital stereo tracks that appear on the animated specials' standard DVD counterparts. The tracks are passable and, considering their age and condition, altogether serviceable, but wavering music, at-times muffled voices, and background hiss are frequent issues. Though they'll undoubtedly earn a free pass from nostalgic fans focused on the cartoons' humble productions -- perhaps rightfully so -- I wanted more. A lossless stereo track, a more extensive audio restoration... something. Anything more than recycled mixes from previously released DVDs. No, its meager audio offering shouldn't prevent anyone from purchasing How the Grinch Stole Christmas, but it certainly won't leave a lasting impression.
The 2-disc Blu-ray edition of Dr. Seuss' How the Grinch Stole Christmas offers fans a solid audio commentary, but flounders with a pile of archaic special features that, quite frankly, go nowhere. Considering the relatively steep cost of this release, I expected much more. Slipcover enthusiasts will also be infuriated -- the box is covered with loose glitter that will quickly find its way onto their hands and shelves.
It may be more than forty-years old, but Dr. Seuss' How the Grinch Stole Christmas continues to delight viewers of all ages. With a seemingly simple tale at its center and a memorable narrator at the helm, Jones' animated special is a true holiday classic. The Blu-ray edition stumbles a bit with a lossy Dolby Digital stereo track and a superficial supplemental package, but more than makes up for such shortcomings with a striking video transfer. Its price point is a bit steep, but nostalgic fans and kids, young and old, will be pleased with its high definition debut.
+ The Grinch Grinches the Cat in the Hat / Halloween Is Grinch Night
1966
50th Anniversary Deluxe Edition
1966
50th Anniversary Deluxe Edition | Exclusive Lenticular + Postcards
1966
The Ultimate Edition | + Halloween Is Grinch Night + The Grinch Grinches the Cat in the Hat | Includes Max Funko Pocket Pop! Keychain
1966
The Ultimate Edition | + Halloween Is Grinch Night / The Grinch Grinches the Cat in the Hat
1966
Deluxe Edition
1969
Deluxe Edition
1970
30th Anniversary Edition
1992
2018
Includes 6 Disney Tales
2017
Peanuts Collection / + It's Christmastime Again, Charlie Brown
1965
Dance Party Edition
2020
1970
2013
Anniversary Edition | The Signature Collection
1989
Ultimate Collector's Edition
1993
Peanuts Collection / + Mayflower Voyagers
1973
2017
2000
50th Anniversary Edition
1963
1974
2008
Grinchmas Edition
2000
1992
2003-2011