The Mask 4K UHD Review
“The Mask” is still one of Jim Carrey’s best starring vehicles.
Based on the comic book series of the same name by John Arcudi, Mike Richardson and Doug Mahnke, 1994’s “The Mask” revolves around nice guy/everyman/bank teller/cartoon lover/bachelor/dog owner Stanley Ipkiss who has bad luck to put it mildly. His life changes, however, when he encounters a mysterious relic mask which transforms its wearer into a green faced alternate version of themselves in which they can live out their desires/fantasies. In the case of Stanley, he becomes a smooth, funny, confident, fast, unhinged, and indestructible anti-hero. As The Mask, he woos a sultry singer (Tina) who happens to be the girlfriend of a gangster (Dorian). When Dorian gets wind of The Mask, he wants it for himself which could prove dangerous for anyone who gets in his way. Elsewhere in the story is a subplot involving Lt. Kellaway who wants to capture The Mask.
“The Mask” will forever have a special place in my heart. In my youth in the 90s, the Chuck Russell directed film captured my imagination. The film was energetic, endlessly quotable, sexy, funny, a visual marvel (for the time), and had a cool swing revival vibe. More than that, the character of The Mask was a profoundly unique anti-hero. It was fascinating to see the Mask’s owner’s inner desires come to life in good, bad, or downright weird ways.
Others may disagree, but “The Mask” film was preferable to the Dark Horse Comics which were much darker and more violent. Sure, this film is cartoony and more accessible, but it’s also more character oriented than the source material.
Speaking of the characters, the cast is what really makes this movie come alive. Jim Carrey was born to play the titular role. Few actors can transform into a living cartoon like he can. His switch from average joe to a wild man is something to behold. The film is also quite notable for Cameron Diaz’s debut performance. From the first time she appears on screen, it was quite clear a star was born. She lights up the screen and has a magnetic screen presence. The late Richard Jeni (as Stanley’s friend Charlie) is delightful, Peter Greene is a noteworthy villain, and Peter Riegert is top notch as the frequently annoyed cop. Of course, the big scene stealer here is Max as Milo who gives one of the all-time great dog performances. We even get Milo as The Max for a few memorable scenes.
Video//Audio:
Presentation: 1.85:1 2160p In HDR10. How does it look? Having seen this film countless times in the past, I can say this is an impressive upgrade. The print (which is scanned from the original 35mm camera negative) does have a few flaws/dirt specs, but features vibrant colors and sharper image quality.
Audio Track: Dolby Atmos. How does it sound? This is a first-rate Atmos track. Everything from the soundtrack to the action sounds dynamic. Note: A 5.1 DTS-HD MA and 2.0 LPCM track are also included here.
Extras:
* Commentary by director Chuck Russell and another commentary by Russell, producer Bob Saye, writer Mike Werb, producers Mike Richardson and Bob Engelman, ILM VFX supervisor Scott Squires, animation supervisor Tom Bertino and DP John Leonetti.
* 2 deleted scenes
* Theatrical trailer
* On-set production photos and stills galleries
* 5 minutes of B-Roll footage.
* 6 brand new interviews with Chuck Russell, Mike Richardson plus Mike Web and Mark Verheiden, visual effects supervisor Scott Squires, editor Arthur Coburn, actress Amy Yasbeck, and choreographer Jerry Evans.
* “Terriermania”- Video essay by film critic Elizabeth Purchell about Jack Russell Terriers.
* 6 archival featurettes including The Making Of, Interview Bites, Introducing Cameron Diaz, Return To Edge City, Cartoon Logic and What Makes Fido Run.
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