Nationa Lampoon's Vacation 4K Ultra HD

In "Nationa Lampoon's Vacation," everything is planned, packed––and about to go hilariously wrong. The Grisworlds are going on vacation. In the driver's seat is Clark Griswold (Chevy Chase), an Everyman eager to share the open road and the wonders of family togetherness. Myriad mishaps, crude kin (Randy Quaid), encounters with a temptress (Christie Brinkley), financial woes, Aunt Edna (Imogene Coca) on the roof, one security guard (John Candy) and 2,460 miles later, it's a wonder the Griswolds are together. There's never been a family vacation like it. Except maybe yours. (Gary Reber)

Special features include commentary with Chevy Chase, Randy Quaid, Matty Simmons, Harold Ramis, Anthony Michael Hall and Dana Barron and a Movies Anywhere digital copy.

The 1.85:1:1 2160p HEVC/H.265 Ultra HD Dolby Vision/HDR10 picture, reviewed on a VIZIO Quantum X P85QX-JI UHD/HDR display, was photographed on 35 mm color film stock in Academy Standard Flat using the Panavision Panaflex camera system and sourced from a 2K master Digital Intermediate format. The picture exhibits a strong and vivid color palette with nicely saturated hues such as Clark's blue suit snd the family's green wagon. Colors are rich and warm with natural flesh tones that appear tanned. Colors pop throughout. HDR contrast is well balanced with natural black levels, revealing shadows and bright white levels. Resolution is good with realistic fine detail exhibited throughout. Facial featres are well defined with revealing pores, lines, beard stub and hair. The film lacks the nuances pf newer movies, but the presentation yields a satisfying texture for a vivid presentation of a classic 1980s comedy. (Gary Reber)

The DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 monaural soundtrack is undistinguished though fidelity is quite good for an 80's film. Dialogue is intelligible throughout with generally good spatial integration. The music sounds generally well recorded, though in mono. Atmospherics and sound effects are realistic. Overall, the sound is compressed with limited range but with generally good fidelity. (Gary Reber)