Animation Blu-ray Review

4K Review: ‘Dr. Seuss’ The Grinch’ Will Make Your Heart Grow Three Sizes

February 4, 2019Ben MK



FEATURE: 
Better known as Dr. Seuss, Theodor Geisel's books represents some of children's literature's most iconic works. But with an animated classic and a live-action adaptation ingrained in the public consciousness, does the world really need another version of How the Grinch Stole Christmas?

The answer, perhaps surprisingly, is yes, as Benedict Cumberbatch's take on everyone's favorite green curmudgeon — sorry, Oscar the Grouch — gives Jim Carrey a run for his money. Forced to make the trek down from his home atop Mount Crumpit when his food supply runs low, the Grinch's main strategy when it comes to dealing with the citizens of Who-ville is initially avoidance. But when he learns that the mayor of Who-ville (Angela Lansbury) plans on making Christmas three times as big this year, the Grinch decides that's something he can't stand for, and sets out to steal the town's holiday cheer instead.

The result is something the whole family can enjoy, from wee little ones to teenage girls and boys. Directed by Yarrow Cheney and Scott Mosier, and also starring Rashida Jones, Cameron Seely and Pharrell Williams, The Grinch is a fun-filled way to introduce a new generation to the magic of Dr. Seuss.

AUDIO & VISUALS: 
With its vibrant and colorful animation, The Grinch is the perfect candidate to receive the 4K treatment, and this title does not disappoint in the slightest. The Christmas-themed color palette is bright, attractive and vibrant, and not a pixel is out of place. Better yet, it's all wrapped up in a pleasing Dolby Atmos sound mix, which nicely channels the aural nuances in everything from the bellowing of the Grinch's horn to the melodies of caroling Whos.

EXTRAS: 
Universal's two-disc 4K Blu-ray release includes a Blu-ray and a Google Play digital copy, as well as the following extras:

  • From Green to Screen (6:19) - A look at what makes the Grinch relatable, what Benedict Cumberbatch brings to the role, and the message behind the movie.
  • Illuminating the Grinch (4:55) - The filmmakers discuss translating Theodor Geisel's visual style to the screen.
  • Who's Who in Who-Ville - An interactive series of character profiles, animation tests, walk cycles, progression reels and photo galleries for the Grinch, Cindy-Lou Who, Max & Fred, Mayor McGerkle & Bricklebaum, and Cindy-Lou's Crew.
  • My Earliest Grinch Memories (3:10) - The cast and crew share their fondest memories of How the Grinch Stole Christmas.
  • Grinchy Gadgets (3:21) - A look at some of the Grinch's most memorable gadgets, from the hair groomer and the dog drone, to the Grinch's sleigh.
  • "You're a Mean One, Mr. Grinch" Lyric Video (1:55)
  • "I am the Grinch" Lyric Video (2:48)
  • Songs from His Little Heart (3:25) - A behind-the-scenes look at composer Danny Elfman's score for the film.
  • Any Who Can Draw (7:09) - Head of Story Mark O'Hare shows viewers how to draw the Grinch, Max and Fred.
  • X-Mas Around the World (2:20) - A look at some unusual holiday traditions from Norway, Sweden, Germany, Venezuela, Austria, Australia and Japan.
  • Cindy-Lou's Yule Log (8:02) - A movie-themed fireplace video.
  • Production Babies (1:16) - Head of Story Mark O'Hare returns to introduce viewers to the babies born to the film's crew during production.
  • Mini Movies (18:06) - Three mini movies ("Yellow is the New Black," "The Dog Days of Winter" and "Santa's Little Helpers"), plus a "The Making of the Mini-Movies" featurette.

The Grinch is available from Universal Pictures Home Entertainment as of February 5th, 2019. The 4K Blu-ray features English Dolby Atmos, Spanish Dolby Digital 5.1, and French Dolby Digital Plus 7.1 audio tracks. The film is presented with English SDH, Spanish and French subtitles. The total runtime is 1 hr. 26 min.






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