Features
Table of Contents
- Titre : Le Grinch
- Titre original : Dr. Seuss’ How The Grinch Stole Christmas
- Director(s) : Ron Howard
- With : Jim Carrey, Taylor Momsen, Jeffrey Tambor…
- Editor : Universal Pictures France
- Blu-Ray release date : December 3, 2025
- Original theatrical release date : December 6, 2000
- Duration : 104 minutes
- Acheter : Click here
- Note : 7/10 par 1 critique
Image : 4,5/5
Le Grinch was shot on 35mm film (Panavision Panaflex Lightweight II and Panavision Panaflex Platinum) and returns in 4K for the holiday season, on the occasion of its 25th anniversary. The feature film had already benefited from a 4K Blu-ray release in 2018: the only notable difference here, at least for the image, is the addition of Dolby Vision. The disc respects the original 1.85:1 ratio. This edition is based on a 4K master, with HEVC / H.265 compression, image encoded in BT.2020, WCG and a Dolby Vision / HDR10 presentation.
The silver grain is present, very fine, homogeneous and natural, without a gel effect, and does not intensify in low light scenes. In terms of definition, it’s generally very good. Obviously, some original problems during filming (blurry) make certain shots a little less clear, but overall remains of a high level. The most impressive thing remains the level of detail offered by Jim Carrey’s prosthetics: we can distinguish each hair, each texture, which commands respect. The same goes for the prosthetics worn by the Chous. The textures of the costumes and sets – Chouville like the Grinch’s cave – benefit from a superb rendering.
The special effects, whether matt painting or digital, still hold up quite well for a 25-year-old film, even if some logically bear the marks of time. The depth of field is very good, especially on real settings. A few digital shots – two or three – appear, however, a little flat.
The calibration highlights very saturated colors, with a predominance of green, red and gold: green for the Grinch, red and gold for the Chous. The hues are duller in the character’s cave, but explode in Chouville with magnificent vividness and precision. The contrasts are solid and well controlled. Low-light scenes remain perfectly readable, without blocked blacks. Skin tones are respected, as are whites – especially snow.
No compression issues to report. Compared to the HD version, this 4K disc is clearly superior. And even if the only difference with the 2018 disc is the addition of Dolby Vision, we still recommend this 25th anniversary edition, which allows you to enjoy the film in the best conditions.
Son : 3,5/5
Universal Pictures France (Jurassic World : Renaissance, M3gan 2.0) offers a VO track in Dolby Atmos (core Dolby TrueHD 7.1). No need to expect a thunderous effects festival, but the track still offers solid immersion. It turns out to be sufficiently powerful, precise, with good amplitude and some nice dynamics when necessary. It is above all the atmospheric effects – discussions in Chouville, wind, rustling – which provide the real added value. They flow through all channels, including Atmos, to effectively envelop the viewer.
The track allows you to feel both the festive atmosphere of the city and the solitude of the Grinch. A few moments particularly stand out, like the echoes when the Grinch speaks to himself or those amplified by the mayor in front of the crowd. The explosion in the middle of the film also offers a nice demonstration of dynamics. The music is well integrated. The discreet LFE channel intervenes at the right times. And finally, the dialogues are always clear. A festive and immersive track.
On the VF side, no change: it is still the track DTS 5.1 from previous editions. It remains limited by its compression but conforms to our memories.
Bonus : 2,5/5
New bonus:
- 25 years later: the Grinch’s gift (35′)
Old bonuses:
- Live from the shoot (7′)
- Deleted scenes (9′)
- Bloopers (3′)
- the school of the Who (6′)
- Makeup design and production (7′)
- Very “Seussian” decors (5′)
- Special effects (11′)
- Clip de Faith Hill « Where are You Christmas? » (4′)
- Audio commentary by director Ron Howard
The main addition of this edition is therefore the module 25 years later: the Grinch’s gift. There we find a large part of the team, gathered to discuss the genesis of the film, the choice of Jim Carrey, Rick Baker’s makeup, the difficulties encountered by the actor with the prosthesis, the casting of Taylor Momsen and Kelley, the dog playing Max, the design of the Chous, their language, the sets, the success of the film and its legacy. A beautiful tribute, rich in anecdotes. Only regret: the absence of Jim Carrey.
Test conditions
- TV 4K UHD Sony Bravia KD49XF7077SAEP
- Samsung 4K UHD Blu-ray Player UBD-M8500
- Amplifier Yamaha 4K UHD YHT-1840
Synopsis
The Grinch is a green-furred bogeyman who wears a smile from ear to ear. An exiled misanthrope, he has lived for 53 years in a cave on Mount Crumpit with his dog Max. He lives on lettuce juice, beaver oil and sour milk, and has a heart three times too small to love anyone. Taken in by two charming old ladies, the Grinch would have liked to have a normal childhood and schooling, to have friends and to flirt with the kind Martha who watches over him with a tender eye. But the little Whos behave so cruelly with him that they force him into exile.
This is how the Grinch becomes a grumpy hermit and an evil prankster who hates Christmas and everything that goes with it. Especially Christmas for the people of Whoville, down in the valley. Their preparations for the holidays and their melodious singing always irked him to the highest degree. He is allergic to all the joy that emanates from this small town. But a little girl, Cindy Lou, would like to know more about the man who is presented everywhere as a monster. To do this, she courageously climbs Mount Crumpit and goes to knock on the Grinch’s door.
The movie
Discover 6 Things to know about the film thanks to the Allociné YouTube channel:
