‘Dr. Seuss’ The Grinch’ 4K UHD review

The ultimate Christmas curmudgeon returned to theaters during last year’s holiday season, and he now debuts in the ultra-high definition format in Dr. Seuss’ The Grinch (Universal Studios Home Entertainment, rated PG, 86 minutes, 2.39:1 aspect ratio, $39.98).

Theodor Seuss Geisel’s classic tale finds a green-haired prickly creature, with a heart two sizes too small, dressing up as Santa and, with help from his trusted pooch Max, attempts to steal Christmas from the insipidly happy citizens of Whoville, especially impacting a little girl named Cindy Lou Who.

I’ll readily admit to being completely biased and a huge fan of the original 1966 cartoon narrated by horror icon, the late Boris Karloff, to the point that I see absolutely zero reason for this movie to exist.

The live-action, Jim Carrey-fueled movie from 2000 was abysmal, and this effort from the folks who brought the Minions to life only fares slightly better, due to some colorful computer animation.

My issues start with Benedict Cumberbatch voicing a somewhat apologetic, sympathetic, emotionally wounded and even bumbling Grinch. Are you kidding me?

Mr., Cumberbatch delivers the Grinch with a slightly nasally American accent. His iteration sounds too sanitized and never matches the complex and ominous vocalizations of Karloff.

The barely grumpy guy is also way too nice, even kindly treating Max (the plot also has Max as a too-willing accomplice) and befriending a fat reindeer named Fred (totally out of character) who helps with sleigh duty.

Pharrel Williams is the narrator and underwhelms in the role, delivering a distinct lack of thespian bellowing as he sounds more like he is reciting part of high school production.

Also, the theme song, sung by Tyler, the Creator, lacks any sinister charm. It’s just way too normal to make any impact.

Ignoring my grumbling, audiences appreciated the remake to the tune of roughly $500 million worldwide, but I implore parents to get the latest Blu-ray release of the original cartoon, “Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas: The Ultimate Edition” (Warner Bros. Home Entertainment, $19.98), and enhance your child’s education in classic animated holiday stories.

4K in action: Despite some impressive saturated colors and crisp detail, the high dynamic range tweaks are so sharp that they sometimes wash out the follicle features on the Grinch’s face.

Still, fantastic details that will be noticed include: snowballs that look like Styrofoam orbs; a red-and-white scarf with snow granules stuck to it; detailed ugly Christmas sweaters looking freshly crocheted; a Whoville citizen wearing a Santa beard made of finely meshed cotton balls; and the glint of icicles ever creeping from the Grinch’s frozen furry face.

Better yet, Whoville lit up with Christmas lights at dusk and one heck of a massive illuminated Christmas tree will bring a tear to the eyes with its realistic vibrancy.

And, the film boasts some of the best-looking wrapping paper — all nearly blinding with pinks, purples, blues and greens — that I have even seen on a screen.

Best extras: The Grinch overloads with bonus gifts for the whole family, conveniently located on the 4K UHD disc.

Youngsters can learn how to draw the Grinch, Max and Fred; hang around Cindy Lou Who’s fireplace; or sing along to the two songs, “You’re a Mean One, Mr. Grinch” and “I am the Grinch.”

Budding animators will find a digital popup book offering character profiles, animation tests, progression reels (from sketches to animatics and final animation) and photo galleries for the Grinch, Cindy Lou Who, Max and Fred, the Whoville mayor, citizen Bricklebaum and Cindy Lou Who’s core friends.

Older fans get six featurettes (totaling 20 minutes) covering the production, babies born during the production and the Grinch’s famed tools — extras all loaded with cast and crew interviews as well as their memories of the title character.

Also, before the start of the main feature, home theater audiences can watch three animated shorts that feature Max getting a sick Grinch a cup of hot tea and the Minions not only escaping from prison but training to become Santa’s elves.