Why you should upgrade to Vacation on 4K Ultra HD today!

Why you should upgrade to Vacation on 4K Ultra HD today!

The 1980s was home to some of the best comedy films of all time. After the launch of Saturday night Live in 1977, many great stars were able to showcase their comedic chops and launch their careers. Actors such as; Bill Murray, Dan Ackroyd, Eddie Murphy, Robert Downey Jr., and of course Chevy Chase. Chase’s run-on Saturday Night Live only lasted two seasons, but he made a monumental impact. He was launched into stardom with hits like ‘Fletch’, ‘Caddyshack’, ‘Foul Play’ and of course the Harold Ramis directed, John Hughes written. 1983 classic, National Lampoon’s ‘Vacation’.

Vacation needs no introduction; the film is a bonafide classic and for good reason. The tale of the Griswold’s ill-conceived family vacation/cross-country to Wally World is iconic and downright hilarious. The film’s ability to dance between sincere, family morals and themes to over-the-top, slapstick comedy is pure genius, and the teaming of Harold Ramis, John Hughes and Chevy Chase is genius, no other team would have been able to deliver the laughs like these three did, they’re all on top of their games here! To celebrate the film's re-release on 4K Ultra HD (4K UHD), I will be breaking down why you need to upgrade your copy today. So, let’s go!

“This is no longer a vacation. It’s a quest. It’s a quest for fun” – The ill-fated Griswold holiday –

We have seen a number of cross-country comedies, two of the best have been John Hughes movies, ‘Planes, Trains and Automobiles’ and of course ‘Vacation’. Very few films have ever lived up to the humorous heights of 1983s vacation. The real artistry to keep the film together is the story. Our characters are trying to get from point A to point B, and crazy antics ensue. The premise is simple, but such a great framework to hang jokes off of. Our characters find themselves in every conceivable situation. Broken down in the desert, cashless at a hotel, in an uncomfortable situation with strangers in a hotel pool, you name it, it happens in the film. I love how relevant so many of these jokes still are. We have all been on a holiday that hasn’t gone to plan, so the relatability of the story and the situation makes it all so funny. It’s a classic and for good reason!

“Holiday Roooaaaddd” – the cast and talent involved –

Vacation is a classic example of lightning in a bottle. We have a bunch of creative people all at the height of their powers. Chevy Chase as Clark Griswold in Vacation is an all time, brilliant performance. He is so loveable, as he is just trying to do right by his family, but ultimately continues to fail at every turn. His relatability as this character is what makes him so real and so memorable. In addition to Chase, we have director Harold Ramis in career best form, writing and directing Caddyshack in 1980 and of course writing Ghostbusters with Dan Akroyd in 1984. Ramis brings his clever sensibilities as a director, with humour appealing to a broader demographic, whilst never sacrificing its clever dialogue and human elements that blend together to create something so memorable. This is in part due to John Hughes' terrific script and screenplay as well. Hughes was the king of writing characters, and well-rounded dialogue, that always appealed to multiple demographics. There’s something for everybody here!

“I was speeding. I was driving like a maniac.” – The art of the franchise –

‘Vacation’ became one of the most iconic comedy franchises of all time. The original 1983, has seen 3 classic sequels and a pretty good reboot from 2015. Each of the sequels see the Griswold’s on further wacky adventures. They head to Europe, host the family for Christmas and head to Vegas in the fourth instalment. This wasn’t like a modern franchise. There were no planned sequels in advance, instead, Warner Bros. allowed the first film to release, monitor its performance at the box office and then evaluate whether there was room for a sequel and a creative outlet to tell that story. The performance of each sequel was solid, proving the films had staying power, it was a no brainer in 2015, when it was announced that a soft reboot of the franchise would happen. A film that sees Clark's son Rusty (played by Ed Helms) take his family on the same ill-fated vacation to Wally World! The film was met with a mixed critical reception, however performed well at the international box office, showing the ‘Vacation’ brand still had gas left in the tank. Each of the sequels have their moments, with ‘Christmas Vacation’ being one of, if not, the best comedy sequel of all time, rivalling the original. Who knows, we may see a release of this beauty on 4K UHD later this year or next…

‘Vacation’ is one of the best comedies of all time. It’s hilarious, well-paced and ultimately, just an all-round classic film. We have a performance from Chevy Chase that sees him performing at the top of his game and creative forces behind the camera who are all, also at the top of their game. It’s the perfect example of lightning in a bottle. If you haven’t seen the film then there is no better time, then now to pick it up on 4K UHD! Head over to Sanity and secure your copy below.

Buy National Lampoon's Vacation Movie on 4K UHD here

Christopher Pattison wrote this blog post for Sanity. See more from Chris here