Casting is key to any film, play or television program—for that, there is no argument. When it was decided to bring the classic black and white TV sitcom, The Addams Family, to the big screen … the million dollar question was, “who will play Gomez and Morticia Addams?” That was triumphantly answered with Oscar winners Raul Julia and Anjelica Huston.
The year was 1991 and even beyond the brilliance of casting those two titanic talents, director Barry Sonnenfeld (Men in Black, Get Shorty) scored once again when he found a young talent that went by the name of Christina Ricci (who dazzled brilliantly as Wednesday, the haunting couple’s daughter). The cast was filled out by comedic legend Christopher Lloyd (Taxi, Back to the Future), who also was a casting coup as he could not have been a better choice to play Uncle Fester.
The film took the premise of the television show—a hauntingly off-center family moves into an old, dilapidated house with a dream that is shared by hundreds of millions of Americans … home ownership. One family’s dream is another’s nightmare—and that is comedy gold. Of course, as the Addams move in, all the neighbors are less than thrilled. The Addams Family was such a treat, it became a huge hit and thus it got a sequel, Addams Family Values. Both films are now available in a snazzy single Blu-Ray release that should have all of you out there more than ready for the arrival of the animated The Addams Family later this month.
Combining the two films is a stroke of genius. Addams Family Values is actually making its Blu-Ray debut with this stunning set.
The sequel arrived two years later, 1993, and took the premise of the first film (that was based on the legendary 60s television series) and pushed the envelope. What if this perfectly “kooky” and “spooky” family was to welcome a new addition, aka a baby! If that doesn’t set up filmmakers for one funny flick, I don’t know what does!
What is great about this set is if you already have The Addams Family on Blu-Ray, you don’t have to commit to buying an entire set. Both Addams Family films are available on Blu-Ray separately. Another thought … the 2-movie Blu-Ray (and DVD) collections would make a perfect gift for that “ooky” friend or family member on your gift list.
Sadly, The Addams Family arrives with only two trailers as the extras and no behind-the-scenes featurettes or even an audio commentary track by Sonnefeld. Addams Family Values also lands on Blu-Ray with only the two trailers. Yet, that’s OK. These are both films that stand on their own and are worthy of adding to your Blu-Ray collection. There are plenty of sources for insight into the making of this film and how it even came to be, yet simply enjoying the film for what it is is exactly enough.
The Addams Family film grade: A-
Addams Family Values film grade: B+
Bonus Features Grade: N/A