We’re nearing the beginning of October so as is the mandate to keep reality from collapsing, we have another Tim Burton classic re-released and updated. Burton’s horror comedy classic “Beetlejuice” gets another big re-release for physical media collectors, allowing fans to re-visit the demented and dark supernatural comedy in a 4K UHD upgrade. Of course Burton’s film is being released in various other editions online, including Steelbook.
After married couple Barbara (Geena Davis) and Adam Maitland (Alec Baldwin) die in a car accident, they’re stuck haunting their old country residence, unable to leave the house. After the unbearable Deetzes (Catherine O’Hara, Jeffrey Jones) and Goth teen daughter Lydia (Winona Ryder) buy the home, the Maitlands attempt to scare them away unsuccessfully. They attract the attention though of Beetlejuice (Michael Keaton), a vile and mischievous spirit whose “help” quickly becomes dangerous for the Maitlands and innocent Lydia’s family.
Despite its age, “Beetlejuice” is still a very good horror comedy that practices in some of the most bizarre set pieces and sequences Burton’s probably ever filmed. From the musical number where Beetlejuice possesses a whole party of guests, to the whole giant worm monster, you’ll have a hard time being bored during this classic. Burton’s film is one of the many from his oeuvre that feels absolutely timeless, and that’s helped by the way Burton consistently drifts in and out of the harrowing supernatural and zany reality. “Beetlejuice” isn’t my favorite from Burton’s legacy, but it’s easy to sit through, a lot of fun, and garners a slew of excellent performances, including Michael Keaton, who is incomparable as the titular spirit.
The 4K UHD disc comes with a 1.85:1 aspect ratio, and English Dolby Atmos (English 7.1 Dolby TrueHD compatible), French (Canada) 5.1 Dolby Digital, German 5.1 Dolby Digital, Italian 5.1 Dolby Digital, Spanish (Castilian) 5.1 Dolby Digital, Chinese 5.1 Dolby Digital, and Czech.
The new release comes with the standard Blu-Ray from the previous release and a Digital Code for consumers. The new release doesn’t pack in any new or dynamic features as it includes a Music-Only Track, and the original theatrical trailer in an SD presentation. Finally, there are three episodes from the classic 1989 “Beetlejuice” animated series, all of which are presented in SD.