DVD Corner

Addams Family Values 4K UHD Review

The cast keeps “Addams Family Values” afloat.

Based on the characters by cartoonist Charles Addams, 1993’s “Addams Family Values” is a sequel to 1991’s “The Addams Family.” The Paul Rudnick scripted story begins with Morticia giving birth to a baby (Pubert) much to the chagrin of Wednesday and Pugsley. The family brings in a new nanny (Debbie) to take care of Pubert. Little do they know that she is actually a serial killer that wants to marry Fester for his money (and eventually kill him). Debbie manages to woo Fester, run his life and keep him away from the Addams family. Moreover, she also gets Wednesday and Pugsley out of the way by having them sent to a summer camp which they view as torture essentially. Will the family fall apart? Is Fester doomed? Will Debbie’s plan succeed? All is revealed in the end.
  

1991’s “The Addams Family” was a surprise hit so it was only natural that a sequel was made. While not on par with the first film, director Barry Sonnenfeld’s “Addams Family Values” still has its moments. Christina Ricci as Wednesday carries the movie through and through. Her shenanigans, one-liners, and interactions with the chipper counselors and campers is the best part of the entire movie. Even her romance with the bookworm Joel (played by a young David Krumholtz) is charming. The chemistry between Gomez (Raul Julia in his final theatrical role) and Morticia (Anjelica Huston) also shines here even if they don’t have as much to do in this sequel.

Where the sequel falls short is with the thin plot. The Fester and Debbie storyline takes front and center and eats up valuable screentime for the Addams characters. This is not a knock on Christopher Lloyd and Joan Cusack who are clearly having a blast here, it’s just a shame that we didn’t get more from Morticia, Gomez, Lurch and Grandmama. The film also suffers from some truly strange editing, overly cartoony humor (the anvil and Pubert’s antics at the end come to mind), and some lazy plotting (ala how Wednesday and Pugsley end up at camp).

Video/Audio:

Presentation: 1.85:1 2160p. How does it look? Much like the ‘Addams’ 4K, this is a proper upgrade that features richer colors and image quality.

Audio Track: 5.1 DTS-HD MA. How does it sound? The music, dialogue, and sound effects are fantastic on this 5.1 track.

Extras:
* Digital copy
* Commentary by director Barry Sonnenfeld and writer Paul Rudnick.
* “Crafting Family Values”- A 10 ½ minute featurette in which Barry Sonnenfeld and the cast discuss the story of the sequel.

October 29, 2024 - Posted by nicklyons1 | 4K UHD Review | Addams Family Values 4K UHD Review, Christina Ricci, Christopher Lloyd, The Addams Family, Uncle Fester, Wednesday