Vacation (2015) [4K UHD Review]

Vacation, the 2015 reboot/sequel of the classic National Lampoon’s series, brings back the chaotic, unforgettable Griswold family road trip with a modern twist. Directed by John Francis Daley and Jonathan Goldstein, the film follows Rusty Griswold (played by Ed Helms), now an adult with a family of his own, as he attempts to recreate the infamous road trip to Walley World with his wife and children. The Warner Bros. 4K UHD release of Vacation breathes new life into this raunchy comedy, offering fans the best way to revisit the hilarity, misadventures, and outrageous situations that made the original series a cult favorite.

The 4K release highlights the film’s vibrant visuals, absurd set pieces, and comedic performances, bringing out the best of the Griswolds’ misfortunes. Alongside upgraded picture and sound quality, the package includes several entertaining extras that take a look behind the scenes at how the chaos came together.

It’s come to this…A Vacation revamp

Vacation follows Rusty Griswold, the grown-up son of Clark Griswold from the original films. Rusty is determined to bring his own family closer by recreating the road trip he took as a child to Walley World, the “happiest place on Earth.” Of course, nothing goes as planned, and the trip quickly devolves into one disaster after another. Rusty’s wife, Debbie (played by Christina Applegate), and their two sons—James (Skyler Gisondo) and Kevin (Steele Stebbins)—join in for the journey, which involves questionable motels, sketchy attractions, and an assortment of unpredictable mishaps.

The setting takes the family through an exaggerated version of the American road trip—sprawling highways, roadside attractions, and quirky landmarks. The trip, in true Griswold fashion, is plagued by terrible luck, unexpected guests, and outright absurdity. The Tartan Prancer—the family’s rental vehicle dubbed the “Albanian Honda”—becomes its own character, complete with impractical features and a comedic malfunctioning GPS system that only adds to the chaos.

Meet the Obama era Griswolds

Rusty Griswold — Ed Helms

Ed Helms brings his trademark earnestness to Rusty Griswold, capturing the character’s desire to create a perfect family experience despite the chaos around him. Rusty is naive, optimistic, and entirely unaware of how things will spiral out of control. Helms embodies Rusty’s determination, humorously trying to keep his family on board with his grand plan even when it becomes clear that the trip is going horribly wrong. Rusty’s optimism mirrors his father, Clark Griswold, while giving it a fresh, modern twist.

Helms’ portrayal of Rusty provides the perfect mix of well-meaning enthusiasm and unintentional incompetence. Whether he’s trying to show his family a good time or attempting to save face in front of strangers, Helms delivers a comedic performance that is both relatable and laugh-out-loud funny.

Debbie Griswold — Christina Applegate

Christina Applegate plays Debbie Griswold, Rusty’s long-suffering wife, who is skeptical from the start about Rusty’s idea of a family road trip. Applegate brings sharp wit and comedic timing to Debbie, particularly in scenes where her character revisits her wild past, much to Rusty’s surprise. Debbie balances her love for her family with her exasperation at Rusty’s boundless optimism, creating a grounded, relatable foil to the increasingly ridiculous situations they find themselves in.

Applegate’s performance shines in scenes like the infamous “Debbie Does Anything” college revisit, showcasing her comedic talents while adding depth to her character as someone who feels disconnected from the excitement of her youth.

James and Kevin Griswold — Skyler Gisondo and Steele Stebbins

Skyler Gisondo and Steele Stebbins play Rusty’s sons, James and Kevin, who bring their own unique sibling rivalry to the story. James is the older, sensitive brother, constantly bullied by his much younger but more aggressive sibling, Kevin. Gisondo’s awkward attempts to fit in, coupled with Stebbins’ outrageous one-liners and cruel pranks, create a dynamic that is both hilarious and oddly heartwarming. Their back-and-forth adds an additional layer of humor to the Griswolds’ misadventures, encapsulating the dysfunctionality of family road trips.

What about those cameos?

The film is bolstered by memorable guest appearances, most notably Chris Hemsworth as Stone Crandall, Rusty’s brother-in-law. Hemsworth plays up his hunky persona with over-the-top charm, delivering some of the film’s funniest moments, particularly in his interactions with Rusty and Debbie. Chevy Chase and Beverly D’Angelo also make cameo appearances as Clark and Ellen Griswold, passing the torch to the next generation of Griswolds while offering a nostalgic nod to the original films.

Sam Weir directs now!

John Francis Daley and Jonathan Goldstein bring an updated, raunchier take on the Griswold legacy, staying true to the spirit of the original Vacation films while modernizing the humor for a new generation. The direction embraces physical comedy and gross-out humor, but it also carries an underlying sweetness that reminds audiences of the importance of family, even when everything goes wrong.

The cinematography, led by Barry Peterson, captures the expansive landscapes of the road trip alongside the tight, often claustrophobic shots within the Griswolds’ ill-fated Tartan Prancer. The wide shots of America’s scenic routes contrast sharply with the chaos happening inside the car, emphasizing the humor found in the Griswolds’ inability to have a picture-perfect trip. The direction keeps the story moving at a brisk pace, never dwelling too long on any one disaster before moving on to the next outrageous scenario.

The Vacation 4K UHD Release: Technical Aspects and Features

The Warner Bros. 4K UHD release of Vacation brings the Griswold family’s latest adventure to life with vibrant visuals and enhanced audio, providing fans with the definitive way to enjoy this wild comedy.

Video Quality

The 4K transfer enhances the film’s visuals, bringing out the bright, vivid colors of the Griswold family road trip. The HDR (High Dynamic Range) adds depth to the picture, highlighting everything from the bright, sun-soaked landscapes to the grime and chaos of the road trip mishaps. The upgraded clarity makes every detail pop, whether it’s the absurd buttons and dials of the Tartan Prancer or the exaggerated expressions of the cast as they navigate one disaster after another.

The 4K resolution also benefits the film’s numerous set pieces, such as the chaotic rafting scene and the stops at various tourist traps. These scenes feel more immersive, with the extra detail and richer colors adding to the absurdity of the family’s journey.

Audio Quality

The DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 sound mix ensures that every joke, scream, and classic rock needle drop comes through loud and clear. The film’s soundtrack, which features a mix of nostalgic hits and energetic tunes, is balanced well against the dialogue and sound effects, making for a lively audio experience. Whether it’s the comedic timing of a punchline or the sound of the Griswolds’ car falling apart, the enhanced audio adds to the overall enjoyment of the film.

Special Features

The 4K UHD release includes a number of special features that provide a closer look at the making of the film and the fun the cast had on set:

• Return to Walley World: This featurette gives fans an inside look at how the filmmakers updated the concept of Vacation for modern audiences while keeping the spirit of the original series intact.
• Gag Reel: The gag reel is full of laughs, showcasing Ed Helms, Christina Applegate, and the rest of the cast breaking character and having fun during some of the film’s more ridiculous moments. It’s clear that the cast enjoyed making the film, and the gag reel captures that energy.
• Deleted Scenes: Several deleted scenes add extra layers to the Griswold family’s misadventures, featuring more awkward encounters, additional mishaps, and some extended sequences that were cut for pacing.

Themes and Emotional Depth

While Vacation is undeniably a raunchy comedy filled with crude humor and over-the-top gags, it also touches on themes of family, connection, and resilience. Rusty Griswold is determined to create lasting memories with his family, despite the fact that everything that can go wrong does go wrong. His desire to recreate the joy he once felt on his childhood road trip speaks to the universal longing to hold onto the best parts of our past, even when the reality doesn’t quite measure up.

Debbie’s character adds an emotional layer to the story as well—she wants more out of life than just being a mom and wife, and the trip, while disastrous, gives her moments to reconnect with her wild side and bond with her family. The film’s humor is often exaggerated and crass, but beneath it all is a story about a family trying to find happiness together, even in the face of constant mishaps.

The sibling rivalry between James and Kevin is another highlight, capturing the chaotic yet loving relationship that many siblings share. Their interactions are filled with both mean-spirited pranks and moments of genuine affection, reminding audiences that family, while far from perfect, is ultimately about sticking together.

The Legacy of Vacation

Vacation (2015) pays homage to the original National Lampoon’s Vacation films while bringing a modern twist to the Griswold saga. It captures the essence of what made the original so beloved—an optimistic but ultimately clueless dad, a well-meaning family, and a series of increasingly ridiculous situations. Ed Helms does a commendable job stepping into the shoes of Chevy Chase’s iconic character, updating Rusty for a new generation while still retaining that classic Griswold spirit.

The film’s willingness to embrace raunchier humor and its more modern sensibilities ensure that it stands apart from the originals while still feeling like part of the same universe. It acknowledges its roots through cameos and references while confidently charting its own path. The 4K UHD release makes it clear that this reboot is meant to be enjoyed for years to come, with quality that stands up to repeated viewings.

Final Thoughts on the 4K UHD Release

The Warner Bros. 4K UHD release of Vacation is the ultimate way to experience this modern take on the Griswold family’s misadventures. The enhanced video and audio quality bring out the best in the film’s colorful, chaotic road trip, ensuring that every laugh, cringe, and absurd mishap is captured in the highest quality. The special features add value by offering insight into the production process and showcasing the fun the cast and crew had in making the film.

For fans of the original Vacation series and those who enjoy irreverent, high-energy comedies, this 4K UHD release is a fantastic addition to any collection. It maintains the spirit of the Griswolds while updating their adventures for a new era, reminding us that no matter how disastrous things get, the journey is often more memorable than the destination. Whether you’re watching for the first time or revisiting for another laugh-filled ride, Vacation in 4K UHD delivers all the fun, chaos, and nostalgia that fans expect from the Griswold name.

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