Jim Carrey's holiday classic shines in Universal's 25th Anniversary 4K release.
Theodore Seuss Geisel was born in Massachusetts in 1904 and earned his Bachelor of Arts Degree from Dartmouth College. He began his career as an illustrator and cartoonist for numerous publications, including Vanity Fair and Life magazines. His first children's book under the pen name Dr. Seuss was published in 1931, and he eventually amassed a bibliography of over 60 titles.
One of his more famous stories, How the Grinch Stole Christmas, was published in 1957 and adapted into an animated television special in 1966. Then, 25 years ago, a live-action version starring Jim Carrey (Ace Ventura: Pet Detective) premiered in theaters and grossed more than $340 million worldwide. To celebrate its silver anniversary, Universal Studios has released the film on 4K UHD.
For anyone unfamiliar with the tale, the reclusive green Grinch (Carrey) decides to ruin Christmas for the cheery citizens of Whoville. Reluctantly joined by his hapless dog, Max, he sneaks into town to swipe every holiday trinket-only to have his icy heart tested by the endearing Cindy Lou Who (Taylor Momsen, Gossip Girl).
What makes this adaptation shine is Carrey's fearless physical comedy. Even though the actor struggled with the claustrophobic makeup and prosthetics, his exaggerated body language turns the Grinch into living cartoon chaos. Momsen proves to be a standout too, stealing nearly every scene she shares with Carrey. The rest of the cast performs solidly, with special mention to Christine Baranski (Mamma Mia!) for her show-stopping costumes.
The 4K transfer, scanned from the original 35 mm negative, showcases crisp detail and an eye-popping color palette that bursts against the film's darker production design. Every strand of Grinch fur looks rich and textured, while the costumes-especially Baranski's-benefit from the HDR grading and heightened contrast.
The DTS:X audio mix is somewhat inconsistent. While surround effects travel fluidly through the soundstage, musical sequences occasionally lack the depth and warmth one might expect. Dialogue remains clean but sits a little low in the overall mix.
The new featurette "25 Years Later: The Gift of THE GRINCH" reunites director Ron Howard (Apollo 13), producer Brian Grazer (A Beautiful Mind), Oscar-winning makeup artist Rick Baker (Men in Black), and actor Taylor Momsen as they reflect on the film's creation and enduring legacy. The Blu-ray disc carries forward all legacy extras-deleted scenes, outtakes, set-design features, Faith Hill's "Where Are You Christmas?" music video, and a Ron Howard commentary track.
As the holidays roll around again, How the Grinch Stole Christmas remains a family favorite that grows in charm each year. With its new 4K visual polish, festive color, and improved audio, this 25th-anniversary edition delivers a perfect reason to revisit Whoville-and to let your heart grow three sizes larger.
Grade: B-
