Addams Family Values Blu-ray Review

Paramount's Blu-ray presentation of "Addams Family Values" delivers a mixed bag to fans awaiting a high-definition upgrade of the macabre classic. Encoded with MPEG-4 AVC on a BD-50 disc, the film is presented in a 1.78:1 aspect ratio, modestly expanding the frame beyond its original DVD presentation's 1.85:1. This choice aligns closely with production designer Ken Adam's vision, drawing heavily from Charles Addams's New Yorker cartoons for its aesthetic blueprint. Despite this careful attention to the film's visual roots—particularly its brown-dominated color scheme, deep blacks, and charcoal grays—the transfer is derived from a somewhat dated source. The print exhibits noticeable artifacts, including extant dirt and occasional telecine wobble, giving parts of the image a quality reminiscent of upconverted SD video rather than pristine HD. Furthermore, while the transfer admirably avoids the noise reduction issues that marred Paramount's release of the first Addams Family film on Blu-ray, and grain enthusiasts will find something to appreciate here, the contrast levels overall are less than ideal.

The video bitrate, averaging at 33997 kbps, suggests a robust effort at quality, but the execution doesn't fully capitalize on this potential. The most visually compelling sequences are those set in the vibrant natural surroundings of California's Sequoia National Forest—yet, even these scenes are tinged with grey and teal, muting their potential impact. This is consistent with the film's darkly humorous tone and its emphasis on more somber color palettes, yet it may disappoint viewers expecting a more dynamic range of colors.

Paramount offers sixteen scene selections for convenient navigation, accommodating viewers who wish to jump to specific moments or sequences. While this Blu-ray release of "Addams Family Values" faithfully conveys the film's original aesthetic intentions and offers some improvements over previous DVD editions, the presence of print-related flaws and inconsistent contrast levels underscore a missed opportunity to fully showcase the movie’s unique visual style in the high-definition era. The dedication to preserving grain and avoiding unnecessary digital manipulation will please purists, yet the overall video presentation leaves room for improvement, particularly for a film of such distinctive visual design.

Paramount's release of "Addams Family Values" on Blu Ray boasts an English DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 surround sound track, which is a significant upgrade from the theatrical release's spectral recording of the Dolby Digital Stereo. This remaster, clocking in at a robust 3773 kbps and 24 bits, showcases an aggressive scope and range that rivals, if not surpasses, the remix of the first installment. Notably, the mix offers crystal-clear dialogues, ensuring that every witty quip and darkly comedic line is delivered with pristine clarity. The film's numerous sight gags benefit from a notable separation across the surround channels, contributing to an immersive viewing experience. A perfect example is the tango scene, which stands out as a sonic highlight, presenting a richer, more enveloping soundscape.

Moreover, Marc Shaiman's return as composer enriches the film with a whimsically eerie score that leverages the iconic TV theme more prominently than its predecessor. This creative decision amplifies the nostalgic charm of the film, despite some elements, like the song accompanying the end credits, showing their age. Additionally, Paramount has included a variety of subtitle options, including English SDH, catering to a broad audience with diverse language needs. These careful considerations ensure that "Addams Family Values" not only remains a beloved sequel but also receives an audio presentation that enhances its enjoyment for new and returning fans alike, preserving its quirky charm and dark humor through superior sound quality.

The extra presentation of the "Addams Family Values" Blu-ray leaves much to be desired due to its lack of additional content. Potential purchasers should temper their expectations, as the package does not augment the viewing experience beyond the core film itself. While this absence might disappoint fans hoping for behind-the-scenes insights, commentaries, or deleted scenes, the primary attraction remains the movie's pristine audio and video quality. This stripped-back approach suggests a missed opportunity to delve deeper into the beloved sequel's creation and legacy.

Extras included in this disc:

• None: This release does not include any extras.

In a strategic move to synergize with MGM/UA's animated extravaganza, Paramount heralds the much-anticipated Blu-ray debut of "The Addams Family Values," a sequel that not only captivates but elevates the darkly comedic saga of America's beloved eccentric clan. Directed by Barry Sonnenfeld, this 1993 sequel, paired in a new twin pack with Sonnenfeld’s initial foray into the Addams' universe, is a testament to the cult following and commercial triumph of its predecessors. The original Addams Family, adapted from a two-season TV series, defied expectations with a staggering box office haul, setting the stage for this sequel that reunites the indelible characters, with Carol Kane stepping in as Granny, and introduces the newborn Pubert to the macabrely whimsical fold.

"Addams Family Values" cleverly interweaves the familial dynamics and dark humor that define the Addams family, thrusting them into novel predicaments with the addition of Pubert. Screenwriter Paul Rudnick and editors Jim Miller and Arthur Schmidt adeptly juggle multiple subplots without losing the film's coherent flow or gothic charm. Sonnenfeld's direction shines, especially in satirical renditions of puritanical values at Camp Chippewa. Christina Ricci’s portrayal of Wednesday turns the film into an unforgettable gothic comedy, demonstrating her ability to captivate and entertain audiences with her deadpan delivery and impeccable timing.

The film navigates through its darker themes and comedic elements with a well-balanced touch, culminating in a grand clash that pits the unflappable Addamses against the scheming Debbie Jelinsky. Notably, Sonnenfeld revealed that while older audiences might squirm at the perilous antics directed towards baby Pubert, younger viewers found delight in its bold humor, underscoring the wide appeal and ageless charm of "The Addams Family Values." This Blu-ray release not only enhances the viewing experience with its visual and auditory enhancements but also celebrates the enduring legacy and quirky allure of the Addams family.

The Blu-ray release of Addams Family Values brings a cherished classic back into our homes, albeit with room for improvement in its visual presentation. While it's a significant step up to have this sequel in high-definition format, enthusiasts will note that the existing film print hasn't received the meticulous restoration it deserved. A new 4K scan would have immensely benefitted the overall visual fidelity, offering sharper and more vibrant imagery. Despite these shortcomings, the overall transfer remains mostly watchable, providing an acceptable viewing experience for fans old and new.

Auditory-wise, the Blu-ray shines with its DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 soundtrack, aligning with the quality of the uncompressed English remix done for its predecessor by Warner and Paramount. This audio enhancement delivers an immersive sound that does justice to the movie's iconic score and dialogue, ensuring that every cackle and quip is heard in crystal clear quality. However, one glaring omission from this release is the lack of bonus materials—a missed opportunity to add value and deepen the viewer's engagement with the Addams Family lore through behind-the-scenes content, interviews, or commentary tracks.

In conclusion, while the Addams Family Values Blu-ray could have been a stellar home video release with a higher-quality print and supplemental materials, it nevertheless stands as a must-have for series enthusiasts. Its robust audio quality partially compensates for the visual shortcomings, ensuring that the wonderfully macabre world of the Addams family continues to entertain. It's a warm recommendation for fans to include in their collection, despite its flaws, ensuring that the undying charm of this beloved family endures in our hearts and on our shelves.