Elf [Blu-ray]

Product Information

For a synopsis of the main feature, please see Sir Terrance's review of the 2008 Blu-ray linked above. I'm actually a late-comer to recycled and listed below mostly in name only, although both vintage audio commentaries are helpfully repeated on the 4K disc. almost expected for this kind of film -- but unfortunately keeps Elf from flirting more closely with perfection. Had WB included a Focus Points (SD) -- is an interactive feature provides access to brief featurette clips and behind-the-scenes info any time an icon appears on screen to the HDR grade seen on National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation, is that certain skin tones again learn towards

that linked review, but for some reason it still got a rather strong rating for picture quality). Sadly, that new 4K transfer is the only thing to get The details in all the Christmas decorations, toys, costume trims, and Manhattan storefronts are crystal clear and razor-sharp close-ups showcase pores, hair follicles, crow's feet, tiny facial blemishes, Asner's scraggly beard, and Deschanel's creamy skin. Shadow delineation is excellent, especially in the climactic nocturnal scene in Central Park, instances of crush are minimal, and the special visual effects and animation are seamlessly woven into the film's fabric. detail also enjoy a nice bump, allowing us to enjoy its stray darker moments as well as a wide range of appealing gradients. One exception, similarBuddy (Will Ferrell) is different from all of Santa's other elves. For one thing, he's a "cotton-headed ninny muggins" when it comes to making toys. For another, he's 6'3". And the real clincher: He's human! So one special December, Buddy sets off on a holiday adventure to New York CIty in search of his real dad. How buddy finds his father (James Caan) and the meaning of Christmas is a joyous, jaunty, sweet-as-a-candy-cane gift for everyone. Warner’s new Ultra HD release is a two-disc set that includes the film remastered in 4K on UHD as well as the previous 1080p HD on Blu-ray (the exact same disc released in 2008). Both discs including the following special features, carried over from previous releases: reddish-orange shadows and, in extremely dark moments, this shift takes over almost completely and stands out a touch too strongly against the I have to admit that “Elf” impressed me a bit. I wasn’t too sure what to think when it was released last year, though it became a financial success of the season. Elf contains enough laughs to warrant repeat viewings and it’s suitable for children and adults. The casting is right on the money and even the implied messages are wholesome without being overly corny. For those looking for a new holiday movie and are tired of seeing It’s a Wonderful Life, A Christmas Story and Miracle on 34th Street year after year, Elf might be a fresh holiday movie that’s sure to delight. Video: How does it look?

Unlike Vince Vaughn, Will Farrell has this silly comedy thing pretty down. He has not been one hundred percent successful in pulling it off, in the case of Bewitched and Semi-Pro, he had nothing to work with in terms of script, nor narrative. In Elf, he innocently captures every nuance of a naïve, genuinely honest, certainly not bashful, underexposed, immature man, clearly out of his element no matter where it is. His performance was so good, I really believed him. Unlike Vaughn, he doesn't appear stupid, silly, or plain trifling just for the effect. While there are plenty of silly moments, they are means to an end in enhancing the characters obvious nature, and the awkwardness of his interaction with his environment. The entire cast, which centers on James Caan, Mary Steenburgen, and Daniel Tay along with Farrell, contrastingly shows a level of dysfunction, alienation, and neglect that is juxtaposed to Farrell's jovial, enthusiastic, innocence, and strong desire to connect with his father. In essence, he just wants to be accepted and loved. All of this is clearly fleshed out with Farrell playing Buddy in Elf. He shows a dynamic complexity which really looks like simple silliness, and he does it without really trying.night-and-day visual improvements for a major studio home video release in recent memory. It's tempting to award Elf the full five stars for appropriately candy-colored elements, such as set design and costumes where bright primaries dominate. Dynamic contrast range and shadow The new HDR10 grade, by and large, offers its own usual brand of improvement but also leads to this transfer's only slight speed bump. First, the Deleted/Alternate Scenes (SD, 12 minutes) -- Eight cuts and extensions don’t amount to much material, but it’s an amusing collection that will give fans a few additional laughs.