Rating summary

Movie		5.0
Video		5.0
Audio		5.0
Extras		3.5
Overall		4.5

The Holdovers 4K Blu-ray Movie Review

Reviewed by Brian Orndorf December 31, 2024

Alexander Payne has an incredible track record as a director, overseeing a list of amazing pictures during his time, including 2011’s “The Descendants” and 1999’s “Election.” His streak was broken with 2017’s “Downsizing,” unable to find a proper mood for the misguided comedy, though it was hardly a disaster. Payne is back on his feet in “The Holdovers,” reuniting with his “Sideways” star, Paul Giamatti, and the pair once again examined the life of an arrogant man facing the cold reality of his personality, trading the sloshed battleground of wine fields for a private school for boys. Scripted by David Hemingson, “The Holdovers” is completely dedicated to the examination of its characters, putting these nuanced people in a variety of situations that test their resolve and break through their defenses. And it’s a wonderful film, carried by pitch-perfect performances and gorgeous cinematography by Eigil Bryld, putting Payne back on track with another human tale of connection.

As the 1970 holiday season arrives at Barton Academy, not every student is able to go home to their families. The Holdovers are a limited bunch, as Angus (Dominic Sessa) is rejected by his parents, left with a few classmates to ride out two weeks at school, put in the care of Paul (Paul Giamatti), an ancient civilizations teacher who’s wildly disliked. Angus is going through a lot, managing family issues, only to face Paul’s by-the-book understanding of guardianship during the holidays, with the small group soon whittled down to just Angus and his teacher, while Mary (Da’Vine Joy Randolph) handles food services. Angus is stuck in a bad situation, and while he rebels, hurting himself in the process, he also begins to see Paul in a different way, talking the custodian into taking on small adventures to experience more than just Barton, helping them to achieve a new understanding along the way.

Payne hopes to set a period mood in “The Holdovers,” opening the feature with a retro main title sequence and studio identification, while Bryld’s work involves the clever use of cinematographic manipulation to help capture the period endeavor, which is set in the wintertime. It’s an evocative look at the past, setting an exact atmosphere immediately as the characters start to populate the frame, including Angus. He’s a teenager but a smart kid, often argumentative with his dim-witted classmates, and he’s the only student to achieve success in Paul’s class, as the teacher remains ruthless when it comes to grading and demands of attention on reading materials. Paul takes his position seriously, keeping to his ways as he sucks on pipes and sneaks drinks whenever possible, openly contemptuous of the kids and annoyed with anyone who isn’t his intellectual equal. He’s tough, with a lazy eye the boys make fun of behind his back, setting him as a loathed authority figure in “The Holdovers,” and one Angus has to endure for two exceptionally long weeks when he’s left behind by his mother and stepfather for Christmas.

“The Holdovers” doesn’t get cute, as Hemingson uses a potentially sitcom-ish plot to really cut into the layers of the characters, who are all dealing with things in their lives. The adventure begins at Barton, where boredom reigns supreme, triggering a revolt from Angus, who ends up in the hospital with a dislocated shoulder. Paul offers practiced authority, but the script tracks his softening as he gets to know his student, though he refuses to break character to prevent the teen from acquiring the upper hand. “The Holdovers” puts Angus and Paul on the trip to Boston to test their tentative trust, where the young man learns more about the teacher’s life and mistakes, humanizing him in a way that almost disturbs the pupil. Time is also spent with Mary, who’s suffered an impossible tragedy in the death of her son, a Barton graduate, in Vietnam, and her observations, family relationships, and love of drinking are also examined.

The Holdovers 4K Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

"The Holdovers" was issued on Blu-ray a little less than a year ago. Shout Factory offers a new UHD release, and the Dolby Vision viewing experience is interesting, getting closer to exposing the HD-shot origins of the feature than the theatrical presentation offered. It's a clear look at the details of the movie, maintaining excellent textures on skin particulars from a wide range of faces, and interiors deliver full inspection of decorative additions around the school and during city tours. Costuming retains fibrousness. Exteriors are deep, preserving the remoteness of the campus. Colors are inviting, securing the sometimes subtle hues of the 1970s and Christmas decorations, which register with clear primaries. Cooler environments for wintertime atmosphere and urban excursions are consistent. Skin tones are mostly natural, with a touch of redness during low-light events. Blacks are largely consistent. Highlights are tasteful.

The Holdovers 4K Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

The 3.0 DTS-HD MA mix supports the retro approach of "The Holdovers," delivering sharp dialogue exchanges throughout, managing hushed, emotional performances and more aggressive encounters. Scoring retains crisp instrumentation and balance, maintaining a slightly wider presence. Choir selections are also defined. Atmospherics are preserved, visiting cavernous rooms and bustling parties and bars.

The Holdovers 4K Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

• "Working with Alexander" (8:36, HD) features interviews with director Alexander Payne, screenwriter David Hemingson, production designer Ryan Warren Smith, costume designer Wendy Chuck, actors Paul Giamatti, Da'Vine Joy Randolph, Dominic Sessa, Brady Hepner, and Carrie Preston. This is an examination of Payne's on-set presence, finding the interviewees highlighting his professionalism and sense of humor. A discussion of technical achievements is provided, spotlighting the labor that went into bringing the 1970s to life. BTS footage is also included, watching the cast and crew at work and play.

• "The Cast of 'The Holdovers'" (10:41, HD) features interviews with director Alexander Payne, screenwriter David Hemingson, producer Mark Johnson, and actors Paul Giamatti, Da'Vine Joy Randolph, Dominic Sessa, Brady Hepner, Carrie Preston, Jim Kaplan, Ian Dolley, and Michael Provost. The featurette begins with a celebration of Giamatti, as Payne believes in his greatness, even testing his abilities to sell the dramatic intensity of a phone book. The part of Paul was written for the actor, reuniting him with his "Sideways" director. Sessa was found in school, moving from stage to screen for his debut. The conversation also covers the hiring of Randolph and Preston, whom Payne had never seen before, despite her success on television.

• Deleted Scenes (5:55, HD) collect "meager offerings" of snipped moments from "The Holdovers," as director Alexander Payne (via text) admits the script was "pretty tight." Included are brief geographical and character moments, and Payne provides explanations for their omissions.

• Alternate Ending (2:26, HD) explores the original conclusion for the film, which previously ended on a moment of reflection involving Mary.

• A Theatrical Trailer has not been included on this release.

The Holdovers 4K Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

"The Holdovers" is filled with misadventures and teachable moments as Paul and Angus become something of a team, and Mary helps the teen to understand what a family holiday really feels like. Payne keeps the film crisp, avoiding saccharine moments, earning his emotion, and he manages an exceptional cast, finding Randolph profound, Sessa vivid in his depiction of adolescent needs, and Giamatti exceptional as a gruff man recognizing his callousness. The trio makes "The Holdovers" soar, filling it with authentic readings of playfulness and pain, giving the helmer things to discover as he attempts to gift viewers a cinematic experience from the 1970s, adding another wonderful character study to a career that's filled with them.