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The Addams Family (1991) 4K UHD Review

1991’s “The Addams Family” entertains despite a dull plot.

Based on the cartoons by Charles Addams, 1991’s live-action “The Addams Family” story finds Gomez’s lawyer Tully trying to get money from Gomez to pay off a criminal named Abigail. In desperation, he suggests Abigail’s son Gordon to pose as Gomez’s brother Fester who has been missing for 25 years. Gordon could then infiltrate the Addams estate and steal their fortune. As Gordon poses as Fester he begins to bond with the family and later discovers a shocking secret about himself. 

Directed by Barry Sonnenfeld (best known for “Men In Black” and “Get Shorty”), “The Addams Family” is a quirky dark comedy that appeals to both adults and kids alike. Although the grand sets, lavish costumes, fun special f/x (namely Thing), memorable score by Marc Shaiman and ooky and spooky production design add a lot to the movie’s atmosphere and visual style, it’s the cast that makes this one a winner. You can’t ask for a better cast than Christina Ricci (Wednesday), Anjelica Huston (Morticia), Raul Julia (Gomez), Christopher Lloyd (“Gordon”), Jimmy Workman (Pugsley) and Carel Struycken (Lurch). They all bring these oddball characters to life all while putting their own spin on them.

Where “The Addams Family” falters a bit is with the script by Caroline Thompson and Larry Wilson. I don’t mind the Gordon plotline as it has character but the elements about money and the Addams estate feel forced and lazy. For an IP with such a weird, macabre universe, there’s so many better stories that one could tell within it. Still, at least the comedy generally helps mask the lackluster story (particularly anything with Gomez and Morticia, Wednesday and Pugsley and Thing)

Note: Viewers have the option of playing the theatrical cut or the 2 minute longer unrated cut AKA More Mamushka!

Video/Audio:

Presentation: 1.85:1 2160p. How does it look? Viewers can expect a quality upgrade. It’s fun to see even more details in the Addams estate.

Audio Track: 5.1 DTS-HD MA. How does it sound? From the music to the voice of Cousin Itt, this 5.1 track delivers.

Extras:
* Intro to More Mamushka! by director Barry Sonnenfeld.
* Digital copy
* A 7 ½ minute archival featurette.
* A new “Filmmaker Focus” segment featuring an interview with Barry Sonnenfeld.

November 20, 2021 - Posted by nicklyons1 | 4K UHD Review | Anjelica Huston, Christina Ricci, The Addams Family, The Addams Family (1991) 4K Review, The Addams Family 4K Review, Wednesday