Blu-ray Movie Reviews

Four Christmases (Blu-ray)

Kris Deering  |  Nov 30, 2009

No one enjoys the holidays more than Brad and Kate. Every December 25th, this happily unmarried, upscale San Francisco couple embark on a holiday tradition they have shared every year since they met - ditching their crazy families for a relaxing, fun-filled vacation in some sunny exotic locale. There, sipping margaritas by the pool, they toast the season, knowing they have once again avoided the chaos and emotional fallout of their four respective households: divorced parents, squabbling siblings, out-of-control kids and all the simmering resentments and awkward moments that are the hallmarks of every family Christmas. But not this year. Shorts and sunglasses packed, Brad and Kate are trapped at the San Francisco airport by a fogbank that cancels every outbound flight. Worse yet, they are caught on camera by a local news crew, revealing their whereabouts to the whole city...and to their families. With no escape and no excuses, they are now expected home by Brad's father. And Kate's mother. And Brad's mother. And Kate's father. "Four Christmases" in one day.

This looked like a lot of fun from the previews but didn’t quite deliver what I was hoping. Sure there are plenty of laughs, but the film tries a bit too hard and the love aspect is a bit forced. Although Vaughn and Witherspoon deliver some solid laughs, there’re not as many as I hoped for.

Considering the age I was surprised by how soft it looks. Newer films typically are sharper with more color saturation, but things are too soft and drab. Contrast levels are good and fine object detail in close-ups are acceptable, but I was expecting more. The soundtrack is solid though with plenty of ambiance and rock solid imaging in the soundstage, but given the genre, don’t expect to be blown away.

This two disc set includes a digital copy of the film for portable devices along with some funny gags, a production feature, and a look behind the scenes from HBO. BD-Live features also include interviews with the cast.

I was hoping this would be a holiday homerun but instead got a base hit. The film was fun, but just not fun enough to be a mainstay in the collection. Give it a rent.

Release Date:November 24, 2009
Studio: Warner

Movie: 6/10
Picture: 7/10
Sound: 7/10

Review System

Source
Oppo BDP-83 Blu-ray player

Display
Planar PD-8150 1080p DLP Projector
120" ST 130 Screen w/ Carada Masquerade Masking System

Electronics
Onkyo Pro PR-SC885 pre/pro
Outlaw Model 7900 Fully Balanced Amp
Exact Power EP-15A Voltage Regulator
Exact Power SP15x4 Balanced Power Transformer

Speakers
Paradigm Reference Signature S8 Mains
Paradigm Reference Signature C5 Center
Paradigm Reference Signature ADP Surrounds
Paradigm Reference Signature S6 Rears
Dual SVS PB12/2 Plus Subs
Dual SVS 25/31 Subs

Cables
Cables by Accell, Nordost, Blue Jeans and Better Cables

X