There are countless films that have been given the hi-def 4K upgrade, but few are as impeccably matched on a myriad of fronts than Tim Burton’s masterpiece, Beetlejuice. There is something about the color palette, the cinematography, and of course, the title character and the world he inhabits, that just pop off the screen in 4K.
Back in 1988, there was this filmmaker named “Tim Burton” who had made only one full-length film, Pee-wee’s Big Adventure. It was hard to discern from that 1985 flick what Burton’s cinematic aesthetic would be, given that Pee-wee’s movie was based on his wildly successful television series. As such, some could argue that production design was already set in motion for that endeavor.
What better announcement of Burton’s moviemaking style than a movie about ghosts and “the dead” and what happens to us between when we perish and when our soul finds its forever home? Beetlejuice was simultaneously irreverent, retro in its presentation, and did something unheard of—it found a way to capture Michael Keaton’s lightning in a bottle.
Beetlejuice starred Alec Baldwin and Geena Davis as a couple who had died and were stuck “haunting” their dream home, which was taken from them, along with their lives, too soon. The film featured a New York City family of three (Catherine O’Hara was the mom, Winona Ryder starred as the daughter, and Jeffrey Jones nailed it as the dad) whose dream of getting out of the city was made possible by this wickedly unique home. It allowed them to remain true to their Manhattan milieu, specifically with their use of interior designer extraordinaire, Otho (Glenn Shadix).
Baldwin and Davis want this family out of their home, so they hear about a ghost with the most—who specializes in hauntings that send the living running. Enter Keaton’s iconic character. With the uttering of his name three times, he appears, and a haunting commences. But these hardened New Yorkers are tough sells and somehow the ghost/spook element adds “charm” to their newly purchased and renovated abode.
Burton hit a home run with the film, bringing to life a sensational script by Michael McDowell and Warren Skaaren. There are countless moments throughout that have become iconic—from the use of Harry Belafonte’s Day-o at a dinner party to the classic so-called “waiting room” for the dead that appeared to have emerged right out of Burton’s imagination. There’s also the rich connection between Davis and Baldwin’s characters and Ryder’s Lydia that is surprisingly touching, given all the madness going on around them.
Then, there’s Keaton. The actor has a long line of seismic turns in a myriad of movie formats. From being Batman for Burton (his “I am Batman” has become legendary and a calling card of all Dark Knights) to Mr. Mom, Night Shift all the way through The Other Guys. What he achieved with Beetlejuice is downright iconic. Witnessing him doing his thing in 4K is not only a huge LOL moment within the film but pops off the screen in the 4K upgrade both visually and sonically.
Would you believe that Beetlejuice is an Oscar-winning film? You bet! It scored the Best Makeup statuette for Ve Neill and also is proudly featured on AFI’s Top 100 Funniest American Movies. So, if you’re wondering if this title belongs in your home video collection, why are you even thinking about it? If you already have it, you need the upgrade because this film begs for it. If you don’t already own Burton’s second big flick, then what are you waiting for… run out and secure yourself the 4K Beetlejuice.
The 4K Ultra HD disc finds a Dolby Atmos sound that was given the remix treatment with the home video landscape, specifically in mind. Here’s hoping you have the Dolby Atmos-enabled AV receiver and speakers or soundbar because that right there is your cinematic sonic match made in heaven.
Now, when it comes to the visual of the 4K upgrade, the use of HDR10 color enhancement is utterly priceless. As the film progresses, after getting lost in the story, the power of the eye candy will permeate. With each successive scene, if you’re one who is moved by (and most importantly, notices) the technical presentation of home video… the colors explode in such a way that don’t be surprised if, on a few occasions, the jaw drops!
There aren’t any new bonus features, but the ones included are from the 20th-anniversary Blu-Ray release and do something incredible—add to the appreciation of this bodacious Burton classic. Look for the Beetlejuice cartoon episodes (36 of them!) that are a terrific slice of nostalgia pie. Danny Elfman fans are aplenty and you’re going to love the ability to watch the film in the “Music-Only Audio Track” format. After making his big-screen debut as the theme composer for Burton’s Pee-wee movie, another match made in heaven arrived with Elfman and Beetlejuice.
Heck, the whole thing is a match made in heaven.
Film Grade: A
Bonus Features: A