Vacation 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray Review

Warner Bros. Home Entertainment's release of "National Lampoon's Vacation" on 4K UHD Blu-ray showcases a remarkable enhancement in video quality, positioning it as the definitive version for fans. The new 4K restoration, presented in the original 1.85:1 aspect ratio for the first time, delivers a 2160p HDR transfer that is a significant upgrade from previous editions. The application of HDR not only provides a natural color palette, enhancing iconic elements like the Griswold family’s metallic pea station wagon and Christie Brinkley’s red Ferrari, but also improves the depth and dimension of the film’s visuals. Viewers can expect vivid, balanced colors with no signs of the over-saturation often found in more aggressive HDR applications.

The transfer retains the film's original 35mm grain structure, delivering sharpness and fine detail while maintaining an organic, filmic look. Closeups reveal impressive detail, from facial textures to individual hairs and beads of sweat, offering a pronounced improvement over previous formats. The HDR10 high dynamic range supports a wide array of colors, enhancing everything from sunlit desert landscapes to the deep blacks of nighttime cityscapes without issues such as crushing or clipping. Warner Bros.' HEVC-encoded 66GB dual-layer disc ensures smooth playback, free from compression artifacts like banding or posterization.

This edition’s refined clarity and texture fidelity extend to background details and wide-angle shots, enriching the visual experience with lifelike precision. Even though some minimal grain management is perceptible in select scenes, it is negligible and does not detract from the overall quality. With superior contrast and dynamic range, this 4K UHD release stands out as a high-quality, purist-friendly offering that significantly elevates "National Lampoon's Vacation," making it a must-have for collectors and enthusiasts alike.

The audio presentation of the 4K UHD Blu-ray edition of "Vacation" features a DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 track which delivers a clean stereo sound. While the film's original audio would not be described as a standout, this upgrade provides a richer sound experience than previous iterations. The overall sonic detail and dynamic range are decently enhanced, making music cues like Lindsey Buckingham's "Holiday Road" more immersive and prominent. Dialogue is handled with clarity, offering clean and crisp reproduction throughout, though some viewers might find it necessary to increase the volume for optimal listening.

The DTS-HD 2.0 mix effectively improves the original mono track, offering substantial detail and depth within its format limitations. Fans will notice that despite the film's age, the soundtrack sounds relatively fresh and pleasingly polished. The music and song cues are weightier, making the overall audio experience notably vibrant. However, it would have been preferable to include a new 5.1 surround sound option for added bass and a more encompassing auditory experience. Nevertheless, this stereo mix shows no significant room for improvement outside of those wishes for a more robust surround presentation.

Despite being constrained to a stereo format, the soundtrack is robust, delivering sounds that flow smoothly through the two channels. The lossless DTS-HD Master Audio provides fidelity with good dynamic range, and dialogue remains clear and easy to understand throughout. This track offers a substantial audio performance, given its stereo-only limitation, surprising with its hefty and polished era-specific sound that maintains consistent quality across all elements.

The 40th anniversary 4K UHD Blu-Ray release of National Lampoon’s Vacation offers limited extras, primarily featuring a recycled audio commentary with some of the original cast and crew. Directed by Harold Ramis, this track includes notable figures like Chevy Chase, Randy Quaid, Anthony Michael Hall, Dana Barron, and producer Matty Simmons, delivering solid but familiar insights into the film's production and alternate ending details. However, fans will be disappointed by the absence of enriching content from earlier editions, such as the 30th Anniversary documentary, "The Inside Story," and the original film trailer. While the audio commentary remains valuable, the lack of additional supplements represents a significant step down from prior Blu-ray releases.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary: In-depth insights from Harold Ramis and core cast members.
• Digital Code: Redeemable code for a digital copy of the film.

Harold Ramis' 1983 comedy classic "National Lampoon's Vacation" has solidified its place as a timeless cinephile favorite, resonating with audiences through generations. The film incorporates a cleverly absurd narrative that ridicules the perceived perfect family vacation, heightened by Chevy Chase's impeccable portrayal of Clark Griswold. Chase’s comic timing and nuanced expressions masterfully convey the plight of his determined, yet perpetually unlucky character. Co-star Beverly D'Angelo provides balance and authenticity, embodying the supportive yet beleaguered wife who weather's Clark's frantic schemes and family mishaps. The contributions of Randy Quaid as the hilariously offbeat Cousin Eddie and John Candy's memorable role as the bumbling security guard amplify the comedic undertones.

The film excels not only through its vibrant characters but also in its episodic structure. Each vignette – from stolen hubcaps in East St. Louis to the hilariously ill-fated detour involving Aunt Edna – serves as a standalone comedic moment while enhancing the overall storyline. These memorable incidents contribute to making the Griswold’s ride to Walley World a legendary cinematic journey. The screenplay, conceived from John Hughes’ short story “Vacation ’58,” channels relatable family woes into outrageous humor that withstands the test of time. Even when the film dips into crass humor or outdated racial stereotypes – notable in scenes set in a hyperbolized urban ghetto – its underlying charm remains near-unblemished.

Despite some issues that might cause contemporary discomfort, "National Lampoon's Vacation" thrives largely due to its affectionate parodying of American family life and vacations. The experienced direction by Harold Ramis capitalizes on physical comedy and visual gags without sacrificing emotional depth, ensuring it remains relevant. Technical prowess is evident throughout, particularly in iconic scenes like Clark’s flirtation with Christie Brinkley and the chaotic arrival at Walley World. The blend of absurdity and earnestness makes this film an indelible example of 80s comedy, transcending decades as an essential piece of cinematic humor.

National Lampoon's "Vacation" remains a timeless comedy classic that has endured the test of time, still delivering laughter four decades on. The 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray release by Warner Bros. elevates this beloved film to new visual heights with an outstanding 4K image enhanced by HDR, resulting in the best picture quality the film has seen. The DTS-HD 2.0 stereo track provides a clear, albeit limited, audio experience. Harold Ramis’ direction and John Hughes’ screenplay continue to shine with memorable performances and iconic scenes that are sure to resonate with both new viewers and long-time fans.

Despite the remarkable audiovisual improvements, this release falls short in the supplemental department. The package is rather barebones, including only a decades-old commentary track without any new featurettes or extras that would celebrate the film's enduring legacy. Additionally, there is no new or old 1080p copy included, which may necessitate pairing this disc with the 30th Anniversary Blu-ray to achieve a more comprehensive collection. The new artwork for this edition has also been criticized; opting for the SteelBook variant might provide a more appealing presentation.

Conclusion

"National Lampoon's Vacation" is one of those 80s classic comedies that is beloved by the generation that grew up during its popularity. Penned by John Hughes and directed by Harold Ramis it truly epitomizes all that we love about the comedic films from the period. It arrives on Ultra HD Blu-ray from Warner Bros. Home Entertainment featuring excellent 4K video quality, lossless stereo sound, a digital code, and, a barebones supplemental offering. If you’re a fan and want to own this classic in its finest form on home video, this is a must-have for your collection.