Blu-ray Review: THE ADDAMS FAMILY 2

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Jan 17, 2022 Posted by Kyle Nolan in DVD/Blu-ray, Reviews | Comments

Everyone’s favorite creepy and kooky, mysterious and spooky, and all together ooky family is back for another wacky animated adventure in The Addams Family 2. Wednesday Addams (Grace Moretz) is participating in the Strange Foundation National Science Fair competition at school, virtually hosted by billionaire tech guru Cyrus Strange (Bill Hader). Her experiment involves taking the personality traits of her pet octopus Socrates and putting them in her dimwitted Uncle Fester (Nick Kroll) in order to improve his intelligence. While she should have easily won the competition, the school has decided to give participation trophies to all of the competitors instead of declaring a winner. And to make matters worse, the rest of the Addams clan shows up to the competition uninvited, turning the whole thing into a literal hot mess. Wednesday, upset about the whole situation, locks herself in her room for days. Even torturing her younger brother Pugsley (Javon ‘Wanna’ Walton) doesn’t bring Wednesday the joy it usually does. Gomez (Oscar Isaac) decides to pack up the camper and take the family on a road trip for some bonding, and to bring the family back together. However, just as they are about to leave, Gomez and Morticia (Charlize Theron) receive a visit from lawyer Mr. Mustela (Wallace Shawn), who claims that Wednesday might have been switched at birth and is looking for a DNA sample. At first the parents think this is an elaborate trick their daughter is playing to get out of the family trip, but soon realize Wednesday had nothing to do with the visit, and so they quickly gas up the camper and head out on their cross-country voyage, with the first stop being Salem, home of the witch trials.

As the Addams family visits locations like Niagara Falls, Sleepy Hollow, Miami Beach, The Alamo and The Grand Canyon, they are constantly being pursued by Mr. Mustela and his own Lurch-like heavy, Pongo. Gomez worries about losing his daughter, and is eager to bond with her on the trip. However, Wednesday doesn’t feel like she fits in with the rest of the family, and the idea that she may not be an Addams is a possibly welcome and hopeful one. Meanwhile, when Pugsley is not being tortured by his sister with a voodoo doll, he’s unsuccessfully trying to pick up girls using tips from his Uncle’s book, “The Fester Method: How To Woo and Other Tips on Love”. Fester, on the other hand, is dealing with some side effects from Wednesday’s science experiment—he seems to be slowly transforming into an octopus, but since this is the Addams family, no one seems to notice. Grandma (Bette Midler) is watching the Addams home while the family is away, and has decided to secretly throw a party to make some money, but she’s having some issues getting a musical act and connecting with the younger party-goers—her idea of “The Talking Heads” is a decapitated barbershop quartet!

The Addams Family 2 is a fun follow-up to the previous film, which reinvented these classic characters, bringing them into the modern world while also maintaining the characters’ familiar catchphrases and characteristics from the comics and live-action TV series. Pain, darkness and despair are the joys of life for this odd family—Gomez’s idea of a scary campfire story revolves around a puppy with a bow. And there’s always someone getting blown up, or thrown over Niagara Falls in a classic, cartoon violence kind of way. While the first film mostly revolved around the Addams family home and the surrounding town, this follow-up takes the family out into the larger world, interacting with new “normal” people. The film is jam packed with so many puns, sight gags, one-liners and pop culture references that it easily lends itself to multiple viewings. Wednesday has this deadpan way of talking, and delivers some of the film’s funniest lines. “I accept your offer of a ride. But if you don’t mind, I will respectfully decline the hug. I’ve been social distancing since birth.” or “I feel something, Lurch. As though anticipation and unease birthed some kind of winged larvae in my stomach. Butterflies? Hmm. Perhaps my digestive acids will kill them.” However, the scene that really had me laughing out loud is when the family tries to hide out at The Alamo and Gomez puts on this awful Texas drawl while claiming to be an oil tycoon, and Fester neighs like a horse as he’s being ridden by Pugsley—it’s so over-the-top ridiculous and hilarious. While this family is certainly odd and kooky, there is also a lot of love between them—even if they only really use that work when Gomez hears Morticia speak French. It is this mix of heart and humor that make the film so entertaining and endearing.

Universal’s Blu-ray release looks and sounds amazing. The picture is nearly flawless, with bright colors, beautiful scenery, and incredibly detailed characters and textures throughout—from the glow of the sunset over the Grand Canyon to the fire in the camper fireplace, and the incredible detail in the textures of concrete posts at the gas station to the carpet lining the camper, and the lines on Gomez’s suit. I can’t imagine it looking any better (the 4K digital copy was not yet available for redemption at the time of this review). The audio track is also extremely well done, providing clear dialogue and an incredibly immersive experience, such as the rush of the water at Niagara Falls, or the sound of a car crashing through a billboard. The film also has a fun, infectious pop soundtrack.

The Blu-ray release comes packed in standard HD keepcase with an embossed slipcover, and contains an insert with a code to redeem for a 4K iTunes digital copy of the film (it is not Movies Anywhere compatible) as well as a code for the Universal All-Access Rewards program. Both the Blu-ray and DVD discs contain the same assortment of bonus material, which consists of just over 15 minutes of featurettes.

What’s Included:

Film: (1:32:45)

1080p / Widescreen 1.85:1
Audio: English 7.1 DTS-HD Master Audio, Spanish 7.1 DTS-HD, French 5.1 DTS Digital Surround, English DVS (Descriptive Video Service)
Subtitles: English SDH, Spanish, French

DVD:

480i / Anamorphic Widescreen 1.85:1
Audio: English 5.1 Dolby Digital, Spanish 5.1 Dolby Digital, French 5.1 Dolby Digital, English DVS (Descriptive Video Service)
Subtitles: English SDH, Spanish, French

Digital (code may not be valid after 1/18/2027):

4K digital copy redeemable via iTunes (Not Movies Anywhere compatible)
Even though the film didn’t get a 4K Ultra HD physical media release, you can still check out the movie in all its 4K Dolby Vision glory via the Apple TV app.
Universal All-Access Rewards Code (Offer may not be valid after 12/31/2025)
Code can be redeemed for points towards a free digital movie or other items in the Universal All-Access Rewards program. The selection of 5-6 free digital titles usually changes around the first of every month.

Extras:
The same bonus material appears on both the Blu-ray and DVD discs. Play All, or select from:

We’re Altogether Addams (8:51)
The cast and filmmakers discuss the characters and the actors behind the voices, often making comparisons to the cast of the 90s films. Includes footage of the cast in the recording booth, and interviews with producer Danielle Sterling, director/producer Conrad Vernon (“Lurch”), and stars Oscar Isaac (“Gomez Addams”), Charlize Theron (“Morticia Addams”), Chloë Grace Moretz (“Wednesday Addams”), Nick Kroll (“Uncle Fester”), Javon ‘Wanna’ Walton (“Pugsley Addams”) & Bill Hader (“Cyrus Strange”).
Courage to be Kooky (2:41)
The cast and crew talk about how the Addams family embraces their kookiness. Includes interviews with director/producer Conrad Vernon, and stars Oscar Isaac, Chloë Grace Moretz, Nick Kroll, Bill Hader & Charlize Theron.
The Addams Family Road Trip Checklist (4:04)
Learn what to pack in order to travel like the Addams family, from the essentials, to creative snacks, travel games, and more.

Final Thoughts:

My Rating

Film:

Video:

Audio:

Extras:

Recommended

The Addams Family 2 is a highly-entertaining follow-up to the first film, taking the wacky adventures of this kooky family on the road for a wild family road trip. I have really enjoyed this reinvention of these classic characters, and this sequel has all of the heart and humor of the original. With lots of layers to the jokes and humor, the film lends itself easily to repeat viewings. Universal’s Blu-ray looks and sounds fantastic, and includes a small but entertaining selection of bonus material. The release also includes a 4K Apple TV-only digital copy of the film. This is an easy recommendation for a fun film the whole family can watch together, especially for any fan of the franchise.