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National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation 4K UHD Review

“National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation” is a Christmas movie classic.

In 1989’s “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation,” the Griswold family (Clark and Ellen and their children Rusty and Audrey) is in for one wild Christmas season. Clark is determined to create a perfect Christmas with a grand tree, spectacular lights, and family members staying over, but nothing goes right. Clark may or may not get his Christmas bonus, his relatives bicker, he gets an unannounced visit from Ellen’s troublesome cousin Eddie and his family and that’s just the tip of the iceberg. 

Director Jeremiah S. Chechik’s “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation” is easily the best sequel to the classic “National Lampoon’s Vacation.” Not only is it a genuinely funny comedy in its own right thanks to the sharp script by John Hughes, but it has fast become a Christmas classic alongside “It’s A Wonderful Life,” “A Christmas Story,” and “Home Alone.” What makes it stand the test of time is that the movie feels more like a standard family Christmas. It’s not sappy, it’s not preachy, and it’s not sickeningly heartwarming. It’s a movie that shows how hectic and chaotic the holidays can be with dysfunctional families that can drive you nuts, overwhelming Christmas preparations, and life not going the way you hope. It feels more honest despite the often comical set pieces surrounding it ala the kidnapped boss, the sled scene and the opening road rage sequence.

This movie boasts arguably the best ensemble cast for a Vacation movie too with Chevy Chase, Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Beverly D’Angelo, Randy Quaid, Doris Roberts, William Hickey, Brian Doyle-Murray, and a young Johnny Galecki and Juliette Lewis. Plus, who can forget the hilarious Snots the dog? Chase is in top form here as a father and a husband who becomes rather unhinged in his quest to create the perfect Christmas. Say what you will about Randy Quaid as a person, but his portrayal of Cousin Eddie is note perfect. He really does steal the movie.

Video/Audio:

Presentation: 1.85:1 2160p. How does it look? Expect a nice new transfer with rich colors (the exterior scenes look particularly noteworthy). 

Audio Track: 5.1 DTS-HD MA. How does it sound? A stellar track through and through. Note: Be prepared to have the opening theme song stuck in your head all over again.

Extras:
* Digital copy
* Blu-ray copy
* Commentary by Jeremiah Chechik, Randy Quaid, Beverly D’Angelo, Johnny Galecki, Miriam Flynn and Matty Simmons.
* Theatrical trailer (on the Blu-ray only).

November 11, 2022 - Posted by nicklyons1 | 4K UHD Review | Chevy Chase, Christmas Movie, Christmas Vacation, Comedy Movie, Johnny Galecki, National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation 4K UHD Review, Randy Quaid