Addams Family Values 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray Review
Score: 76
from 8 reviewers
Review Date:
Addams Family Values shines in 4K UHD with a stellar Dolby Vision upgrade, fine performances, and dynamic visuals, pairing greatly with the original.
Disc Release Date
True 4K
HDR10
Dolby Vision
DTS-HD MA
Video: 87
Addams Family Values' 4K UHD release is a significant upgrade from the previous Blu-ray, offering a newly restored 4K transfer from the original camera negative. It showcases superb detail, rich grain, and deep blacks enhanced by Dolby Vision, paired with balanced colors and lifelike skin tones, albeit with minor compression and occasional VFX imperfections.
Audio: 81
The 4K UHD Blu-ray of "Addams Family Values" retains the DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track from its 2019 release, delivering crystal-clear dialogue and a well-placed soundstage with immersive ambient effects. While some may desire a new Dolby Atmos mix, the existing audio is fittingly effective for the film's comedic essence.
Extra: 44
The Addams Family Values 4K UHD Blu-ray includes valuable additions: a revealing and humorous audio commentary by Barry Sonnenfeld and Paul Rudnick, though needing better editing, and a brief but insightful 'Crafting Family Values' featurette showcasing vintage interviews and production insights, enhancing the overall package.
Movie: 80
The 4K UHD release of 'Addams Family Values' elevates the film with a stunning restoration, retaining its comedic brilliance. Fans will appreciate Joan Cusack's polished addition to the cast and the sequel's ability to enhance the original's charm while delivering sharper dialogue and improved visuals with Dolby Vision. A must-have for collectors and fans alike.
Video: 87
The 4K UHD Blu-ray presentation of "Addams Family Values" offers a significant visual enhancement over previous editions, spearheading a transformation with its fresh 4K restoration from the original camera negative. The disc maintains a resolute filmic quality, offering superb definition and intricate detailing, particularly in facial features, hair, and clothing. Notably consistent throughout are finely controlled film grain and natural textures, contributing to an immersive viewing experience. The presentation's 1.85:1 aspect ratio, coupled with HEVC encoding, ensures stable and crisp visuals with restrained compression artifacts. While some special effects scenes exhibit minor softness due to their era-specific technological constraints, the overall result is a meticulously crafted upgrade.
The application of Dolby Vision HDR further elevates this release by enriching black levels and color expression, accentuating the film’s tonal depth without straying from its intended moody aesthetic. Shades of murky browns and vibrant camp scenes alike thrive under this grading, contributing to a visually cohesive environment. The presentation captures flesh tones with precision, preserving both the naturally pale and livelier hues with authenticity. It's an organic presentation underscored by a well-balanced color palette and robust contrast levels, although minor shadow crush is occasionally noted.
Despite occasional bitrate fluctuations, ranging from 50 to 85 Mbps, the dual-layered BD-66 does not suffer from encoding errors or digital artifacts, proving Paramount’s effort in restoration triumphant. The transfer’s clarity manages to shine even through complex interiors and richly textured costumes, while maintaining stability and depth across its darker visual canvas. This release emerges as an exceptional revitalization of "Addams Family Values," offering the best home video iteration yet, deftly capturing the film's unique visual flair.
Audio: 81
The 4K UHD Blu-ray audio presentation of "Addams Family Values" offers a commendable DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track ported from the previous 2019 Blu-ray release. While the absence of a new Dolby Atmos mix is noted, the existing track sufficiently meets the film's auditory demands. The dialogue is delivered with exceptional clarity and dimensionality, ensuring effective differentiation among the varied vocal timbres of the ensemble cast. This mix prioritizes the film’s comedic essence with its clean, focused audio reproduction, particularly noticeable in the dialogue and Marc Shaiman’s engaging score. Ambient effects are dispersed adeptly across front and rear channels heightening the soundstage depth, although room-shaking dynamics are generally reserved for more intricate soundscapes.
The audio's 5.1 DTS-HD Master Audio format handles the mix's elements—dialogue, effects, score—with clear separation and thoughtful placement. Vocal clarity remains sharp, while environmental sounds including musical scores are lush and enveloping, though the narrative doesn’t rely heavily on dynamic audio flourishes. The soundtrack effectively uses surround channels to enhance atmosphere rather than overwhelm, with strategic highlight moments such as a stereo-panning ball sequence and immersive ambient effects that subtly enclose the viewer. Bass responses surface aptly during key comedic beats and overall provide a satisfying low-end presence.
Despite its restraint, this soundtrack serves the film’s style well by focusing on narrative cues and comedic delivery over sheer bombast. Subtle directional panning and occasional subwoofer rumbles accommodate diverse acoustic scenarios, like a restaurant dance scene or the vibrancy of the Thanksgiving play, demonstrating its utility in augmenting character-driven comedy. The audio presentation indeed proves thorough, consistent in its support of dialogue, music, and sound design, ultimately facilitating a cohesive auditory experience well-aligned with the movie's humorous tone.
Extras: 44
Paramount has significantly enhanced the 4K UHD Blu-ray release of "Addams Family Values" with a pair of new extras, addressing previous omissions from the original Blu-ray version. This disc includes a fresh audio commentary by director Barry Sonnenfeld and writer Paul Rudnick. Their commentary, despite showing variability in engagement, offers substantial insights into the production process and the film's enduring appeal. Accompanying this is "Crafting Family Values," a 10-minute featurette that combines vintage behind-the-scenes footage, still images, and interviews with key cast members such as Anjelica Huston, Raul Julia, and Christopher Lloyd. While the featurette is brief and somewhat superficial, it still provides an enjoyable retrospective glimpse into the making of this cherished comedy. The package is rounded out with a digital code, although not without some technical quirks.
Extras included in this disc:
- Audio Commentary: Director Barry Sonnenfeld and screenwriter Paul Rudnick offer engaging but intermittently paced insights on the production.
- Crafting Family Values: A vintage collection of images and interviews, providing a retrospective look at the film.
Movie: 80
Addams Family Values, directed by Barry Sonnenfeld and now available on 4K UHD, is a sequel that successfully captures the essence of its predecessor while pulling ahead with sharper wit and polished storytelling. As Gomez (Raul Julia) and Morticia (Anjelica Huston) welcome their newborn, Pubert, into the Addams household, the family’s macabre charm is both expanded and refined. Uncle Fester (Christopher Lloyd) becomes infatuated with a new nanny, played by a fantastic Joan Cusack, whose role as Debbie lends itself to a seamless narrative woven with dark humor and zany antics. Meanwhile, Christina Ricci's Wednesday and Jimmy Workman’s Pugsley embark on their own subplot at an uncomfortably cheerful summer camp, adding layers of hilarity and depth to the film.
Technically, the 4K upgrade boasts significant improvements over its Blu-ray predecessor. Paramount's presentation features a 2160p/Dolby Vision video specification, showcasing a vibrant and artifact-free image sourced from a new 4K restoration. Fine details are remarkably clear, though some indoor shots show minor grain spikes—likely a stylistic choice rather than a flaw. The Dolby Vision enhances black levels without over-saturating colors, staying true to the film's grim aesthetic. Despite having the same DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 lossless track as the previous Blu-ray, this edition introduces new content such as a commentary track and a retrospective feature. This release effectively elevates Barry Sonnenfeld’s directorial energy and complements Marc Shaiman’s delightfully fitting musical score.
In essence, Addams Family Values not only stands proudly alongside its predecessor but in many ways surpasses it. The returning cast delivers performances steeped in comedic brilliance, while new characters integrate flawlessly into the dynamic world of the Addams family. This sequel blends clever dialogue and relentless humor with fresh narrative challenges, ensuring an enriching viewing experience that remains a quintessential example of '90s comedic mastery.
Total: 76
"Addams Family Values" receives a commendable upgrade in its 4K UHD Blu-ray release, offering fans a visually enhanced experience with a vibrant 2160p/Dolby Vision presentation. The film's cinematography, replete with its signature gothic charm and stylish aesthetics, truly shines in this format. The provided DTS-HD MA 5.1 audio, although unchanged, complements the stunning visuals adequately. While audio purists may lament the absence of an Atmos remix, the existing soundscape remains robust enough for an immersive experience. The package includes newly recorded audio commentary, adding a layer of depth for enthusiasts eager to glean insights about this enduring classic.
This sequel not only retains but elevates the eccentric allure of its predecessor. Its strength lies in punchy dialogues, a compelling summer camp subplot, and stellar performances, particularly from Anjelica Huston and Raul Julia. Its clever wit and undeniably entertaining plot ensure "Addams Family Values" is apt for both nostalgic revisits and fresh viewings. Paramount's dedication to quality is evident as this release stands shoulder to shoulder with its original "Addams Family" counterpart in terms of technical fidelity.
In conclusion, "Addams Family Values" on 4K UHD Blu-ray is a must-have for fans and collectors alike, perfectly timed for Halloween indulgence. Although it maintains some familiar beats from the original, it expands upon them creatively with a unique flair. Paramount has delivered a release that's both visually captivating and irresistibly entertaining, yet still leaves room for future enhancements like a SteelBook edition. As it stands, this release receives a strong recommendation for its entertaining narrative and high-quality presentation—ensuring it remains a timeless addition to any film aficionado's collection.
AV Nirvana review by Michael ScottRead review here
Video: 90
Luckily this new 4K UHD disc is light years better than the old Blu-ray, getting rid of all the nasty artifacts from the ancient master, and replacing with a lovingly restored image that really is jaw...
Audio: 80
Extras: 40
Movie: 80
However, the main story line with Joan Cusack (who plays a fantastic addition to the crew, as she does zany and crazy so VERY well) is much more polished and well done than the skullduggery with Uncle...
Total: 80
Outside of remixing the audio completely with Atmos, this is about as good as its gonna get, and it fits perfectly in line with 4K UHD of the original film in terms of quality....
Blu-ray.com review by Martin LiebmanRead review here
Video: 90
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...
Audio: 80
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....
Extras: 40
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....
Movie: 80
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....
Total: 70
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...
Blu-ray Authority review by Matt BrightonRead review here
Video: 90
Even in the darkest areas the detail level is high and shadows never become murky or obscuring at any time....
Audio: 80
but I was pleased to find some serious surround use present, including a rich and encompassing rendition of the musical score....
Extras: 40
Creating Family Values— The Paramount Archives digs up a collection of insightful behind-the-scenes images and interviews shot during the production of ADDAMS FAMILY VALUES—including director Barry Sonnenfeld,...
Movie: 0
Sonnenfeld takes the Addams out of their usual haunts, but they still retain their personas and other quirks which is good....
Total: 70
Oddly, I’d not seen this movie since we reviewed it on DVD a while back and came home to my wife watching it the other day....
The Digital Bits review by Tim SalmonsRead review here
Video: 95
A thin layer of natural grain appears throughout, usually faulting during transitions and special effects opticals, which are baked into the presentation....
Audio: 85
The audio commentary also comes with subtitle options in English, French, German, Italian, Japanese, and Spanish (Castellano)....
Extras: 55
Paramount has included a pair of new extras, the first being an audio commentary with director Barry Sonnenfeld and screenwriter Paul Rudnick (from the sound of it, it appears they were recorded via Skype...
Movie: 85
More importantly, some didn’t consider it a true Addams Family movie because Fester, for all intents and purposes, isn’t present as a character for the majority of the running time, which is fair to some...
Total: 80
One can argue that it’s yet another plot to destroy the Addams family in some way, but it feels more integrated and has a little more going for it, especially the summer camp subplot....
DoBlu review by Matt PaprockiRead review here
Video: 60
There is one key improvement over the Blu-ray and it’s color grading, What appeared flat and washed out makes better sense here, with better flesh tones and a mix of warmth and and cool tones....
Audio: 80
The best comes last, with a rolling steel ball through the Addams’ house that pans between speakers, with a nice low-end accompaniment....
Extras: 40
There’s also a featurette, Creating Family Values that runs for 10-minutes; it’s vintage EPK interviews intercut with footage and stills....
Movie: 80
While certainly aggressive in its posture, Addams Family Values’ methods make sure that even the attempted baby killers look less insane than the pampered rich....
Total: 65
A charming, morbid that repeats some beats from the first, Addams Family Values is a sequel that maintains consistent quality....
High-Def DigestRead review here
Video: 80
Now again, like the first film, some of the effects plates don’t quite spark to life, but that’s more to do with limitations with the technology at the time than a fault in the transfer....
Audio: 80
It’s a nice active surround mix that is far more focused on selling the comedy and gags than arbitrarily delivering a wall-to-wall experience....
Extras: 40
The pair deliver a ton of information about the making of the film, the cast, the incredible cameos, and the casting of various actors....
Movie: 80
The first movie proved Barry Sonnenfeld knew how to handle the material and with the help of writer Paul Rudnick, he could ratchet up the demented sense of humor for a sequel....
Total: 80
Sadly with the untimely passing of Raul Julia soon after its release, we’ll never know what could have happened with a third feature....
AVSForum review by Ralph PottsRead review here
Video: 94
Wide angle shots vary in terms of visual depth, but most reveal subtle degrees of refinement, and fidelity is never in question....
Audio: 86
The audio presentation got the job done and, while it may not be the type that constantly drives the system and fills the room it seemed to maximize the elements present in the recording quite well....
Extras: 60
NEW Audio Commentary with Director Barry Sonnenfeld and Writer Paul Rudnick NEW Crafting Family Values - The Paramount Archives digs up a collection of insightful behind-the-scenes images and interviews...
Movie: 80
, Gomez (Raul Julia) and Morticia (Anjelica Huston) welcome a new addition to the Addams household—Pubert, their soft, cuddly, and mustachioed baby boy....
Total: 80
Ralph Potts AVS Forum Blu-ray Reviews Reference Review System: JVC DLA-NZ7 4K Ultra High-Definition Laser Front Projector (Calibrated with Calman color calibration software and Portrait Displays C6 HDR2000...
Why So Blu?Read review here
Video: 100
Save for a few soft moments and a couple of Vaseline like smeary objects from some effects shots, depth of field is excellent....
Audio: 80
Surround Sound Presentation: Surround activity is limited to ambience most of the time, and that’s fine....
Extras: 40
A feature with images from the making of the film is presented here along with a Writer/Director commentary....
Movie: 80
They’re then cast in a play about the first Thanksgiving where the siblings and their new friend Joel (Wednesday’s crush) plot revenge for their mistreatment....
Total: 80
Performances are fantastic and campy all around and this is a great film to watch anytime, but especially during Spooky Season....
Director: Barry Sonnenfeld
Actors: Anjelica Huston, Raul Julia, Christopher Lloyd
PlotIn an affluent gothic household, the eccentric Addams family welcomes a new addition to their family—baby Pubert. Concerned with the baby's well-being amidst the siblings' dangerous play, the parents decide to hire a nanny. After several failed attempts, they hire Debbie Jellinsky, a seemingly perfect caretaker with a sunny disposition. What the family doesn't know is that Debbie has a hidden agenda.
Meanwhile, the Addams children, Wednesday and Pugsley, are sent to a summer camp after their attempts to harm their new sibling become too much for the nanny to handle. At camp, the siblings' morose and macabre demeanor immediately sets them apart from the other chipper campers. As they navigate the perky environment that starkly contrasts with their own dark tastes, Debbie sets her plan into motion in the Addams household.
Writers: Charles Addams, Paul Rudnick
Release Date: 19 Nov 1993
Runtime: 94 min
Rating: PG-13
Country: United States
Language: English