Vacation Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray presentation of "Vacation" delivers impressive high-definition detail and exceptional image quality. Utilizing the Arri Alexa Plus for digital capture, the 1080p, AVC-encoded transfer is pristinely sourced through a direct digital path, boasting notable clarity and defining sharpness. Colors are beautifully rendered with tonal warmth and vibrant textures, while fleshtones exhibit complexional variety that enhances the gradations among the cast. Black levels are remarkably deep and inky, with excellent dynamic range and discernible highlights, and the contrast is well-balanced, enriching both light and dark elements on screen.

The 2.40:1 aspect ratio widens slightly from its original theatrical release, ensuring a more immersive viewing experience. This Blu-ray excels in delivering a visually stimulating presentation with solid, consistent skin tones and a lot of 'pop' to the imagery. The generous encoding bitrate of 29.39 Mbps ensures that there are no visible artifacts or interference, maintaining the integrity of the digital capture. Depth of field is notably strong, giving characters a three-dimensional presence that practically leaps from the screen, particularly in scenes set at the Grand Canyon and a college sorority.

Technical aspects such as AVC MPEG-4 encoding and 1080p resolution are executed flawlessly. Clarity and detail are superb, capturing both natural and artificial environments authentically. The transfer is free from banding, macroblocking, and pixelation issues, with only minor aliasing noted during camera pans. Overall, the video quality of this Blu-ray release of "Vacation" stands out as top-notch, providing a detailed, colorful, and deeply engaging visual experience with no noticeable imperfections.

The audio presentation on the Blu-ray of "Vacation" is delivered with a solid DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track. Dialogue is a focal point, consistently crisp, and seamlessly integrated with ambient noises and the eclectic musical soundtrack comprising pop singles like Lindsay Buckingham’s “Holiday Road” and Seal's “Kiss from a Rose.” While the dialogue clarity is commendable, the mix does offer sparse immersive moments, primarily during the comedic sound effects and the few action sequences featuring elements like roaring truck engines and turbulent rivers. The instrumental score by Mark Mothersbaugh complements the narrative effectively, ensuring a balanced audio experience.

The surround sound presentation predominantly highlights the front channels, with rear speakers kicking in notably during the musical sequences and sporadic background noise, adding a subtle layer of depth. Low Frequency Effects (LFE) are present but not pronounced, except for specific scenes where they pack an unexpected punch, contributing dynamic energy to select sequences like car crashes and chase scenes. While the surround activity may not be continuously engaging, it peaks during high-energy moments, providing a brief yet intense auditory impact.

In addition to the primary DTS-HD 5.1 track, the Blu-ray also offers English Descriptive Audio 5.1 and Dolby Digital 5.1 in French, Spanish (Latin), and Portuguese. Subtitles are available in English SDH, French, Spanish (Latin), and Portuguese, ensuring accessibility for a wider audience. Overall, while the audio track of "Vacation" does not revolutionize sound mixing for comedies, it provides a professionally crafted and enjoyable auditory experience that effectively supports the film’s narrative and comedic tone.

The extras on the Blu-ray release of "Vacation" provide a solid look behind the scenes with a blend of humorous and informative content. The Return to Wally World feature offers insights from cast and crew about continuing the Griswold legacy, including discussions on script development and tributes to the original films. The Griswold Odyssey delves deeper into the making of the film with comprehensive coverage of the production, showcasing everything from vehicle design to on-set antics. The Gag Reel delivers brief but amusing outtakes, while Deleted Scenes provide additional context and humor with footage that didn't make the final cut. Lastly, the Georgia featurette appreciates the versatility of Atlanta as a filming location.

Extras included in this disc:

• Return to Wally World: Insights from cast and crew on continuing the franchise.
• The Griswold Odyssey: In-depth look at making the film, including production details.
• Gag Reel: Short but amusing collection of outtakes.
• Deleted Scenes: Additional humorous scenes not included in the final cut.
• Georgia: Tribute to Georgia's unique geography used in filming.

The 2015 reboot of "Vacation," directed by Jonathan Goldstein and John Francis Daley, endeavors to bring the Griswold family back on a hilarious, ill-fated road trip to Walley World. Ed Helms stars as Rusty Griswold, now a grown-up pilot for an economy airline, and Christina Applegate plays his wife, Debbie. While the premise of retracing the steps of the original 1983 film is promising, the execution fails to fully capture the charm of its predecessor. Despite some genuinely funny sequences, including physical comedy from Applegate and an amusing vehicle gag involving an absurdly over-designed Albanian minivan, much of the film feels overly derivative and forced. The sexual humor is more overt compared to the original, often overshadowing the film’s attempts at heartwarming family moments.

One of the most glaring issues is the portrayal of Rusty Griswold by Ed Helms. Lacking the hell-bent determination and sweet, bumbling charm that Chevy Chase's Clark Griswold brought to the original, Helms appears to coast through the film as a typical Ed Helms character rather than as a believable evolution of Rusty. The supporting characters, like Rusty’s brother-in-law Stone Crandall (Chris Hemsworth), provide some comic relief but are ultimately forgettable. Even cameo appearances by Chevy Chase and Beverly D'Angelo as Clark and Ellen Griswold do little to salvage the movie. These brief nostalgic moments hint at what the film could have achieved had it leaned more into the original’s balance of sweet and slapstick comedy.

Overall, "Vacation" offers a mix of laughs and gross-out humor but fails to stand on its own apart from its franchise lineage. The Griswolds' journey is filled with crude humor and episodic gags that sometimes hit but mostly miss, resulting in a film that feels more like a collection of mediocre sketches than a cohesive comedy. Fans of modern raunchy comedies might still find parts of it enjoyable, but those expecting a worthy successor to the classic National Lampoon's Vacation will likely be disappointed.

The latest installment of "Vacation," while not achieving the critical acclaim of its predecessors, does offer a rich Blu-ray presentation for fans of raunchy, family-style comedies. The film diverges from the original quartet by amplifying its bawdy humor and profane content, which may alienate some long-time fans of the franchise. However, if you enjoyed comedic titles such as "We’re The Millers" or "Horrible Bosses," then you might find "Vacation" entertaining despite its recycled plot points and predictability.

Technically, the Blu-ray disc delivers admirable audio and video quality, ensuring that every laugh, however crude, is captured with pristine clarity. Though the narrative may leave something to be desired, the consistent performance in high-definition and surround sound makes this version worth considering for home viewing. The film maintains its charm and humor through subsequent viewings, making it suitable for those with an affinity for raucous, slapstick comedies.

In conclusion, "Vacation" on Blu-ray holds no significant surprises but succeeds through its adherence to a tried-and-true comedic formula. While it may not resonate with everyone, it offers more than a few good laughs for fans of over-the-top humor. For those unsure about committing to a purchase, renting could be a prudent first step. Loyal fans already know what to expect and should find satisfaction in adding this release to their collection.