UHD Review - A Few Words About - A few words about...™ - Mean Girls (2004 & 2024) -- in 4k UHD | Home Theater Forum
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UHD Review A Few Words About A few words about...™ - Mean Girls (2004 & 2024) -- in 4k UHD

Robert Harris

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Robert Harris
I recall the 2004 version of this film being fun entertainment, and with no knowledge of the 2024, I initially went to the inter-web for some public opinion on the positives and negatives of the two films, how they're the same and different.

The first reference I found was from what appears to be an on-line study group called Q-Anon, which presumably discusses public questions anonymously, although though I'm not quite certain how that works.

What I learned is a theory in that while the films were distributed by Paramount, there are reportedly tendrils reaching out toward Universal via their relationship with NBC, which hosts a TV show entitled Saturday Night Live, with which some of the participants of both films have been known to interrelate.

I'm not certain how this pertains to Paramount, which is tied in with CBS.

The differences seem to be few, except that the 2004 is based upon a book, while the 2024 is based upon the same book as well as a musical.

While the 2004 is populated by a bunch of twenty-somethings, which also seems true of the 2024. Which also means that most of the "teen" cast of the 2024 would not have been permitted to see the 2004 when it was released.

Tina Fey, who appeared on Saturday Night Live, appears in both as the same character, adding to the suspicion that there's something untoward occurring. Lindsay Lohan also appears in both, but as different characters, which must have been confusing.

Then there's the case of Tim Meadows, who appears in both, also as the same character and still with that stubborn wrist problem, which may be some sort of a running joke. I'm betting that some other SNL folks are also hidden away in here.

So...

What have we?

Two films with virtually the same storyline and characters, produced two decades apart, and both in color, although was shot on film and the other digital.

The decision here seems to be that if one likes the film, and there's a lot to like, which one do you add to your collection, or both?

My vote would be both, if for no other reason than the 2004 lives within an extremely rare package. It's pink. Which I'm quite certain is a first. We've blue, black, clear, but pink?

This is a big deal for packaging collectors and investors. The 2004 is also set up within a slipcover, and because of the reverse design, is includes yet another bit of packaging giving us all the pertinent information.

The 2024 has been released in a black (standard issue) 4k holder, and while it has only a slipcover, said slip should be highly desirable as it's glossy, reflective and has the title logo printed in more of a satin finish. The package works. It also comes with a free sticker discussing bonus features.

Question is - how do they look and sound?

In a word, Terrific.

The 2004 is virtually grainless. Whether it's the natural grain or has in some way been affected, I'm not certain, but it looks fine.

The 2024 was shot digitally, and also looks terrific.

Two great looking, modern productions, both with great tracks. The 2004 is Dolby TrueHD, while the 2024 is Dolby Atmos.

For at least Amanda Seyfried, the film herald a first appearance.

In the end, the 2024 will be found to be more socially updated, and may offend fewer viewers.

2004

Image – 10 (Dolby Vision)

Audio – 10 (Dolby TrueHD 5.1)

Pass / Fail – Pass

Plays nicely with projectors - Yes

Makes use of and works well in 4k - 8

Upgrade from Blu-ray - Yes

Worth your attention - 8

Slipcover rating - 6

Highly Recommended

2024

Image – 10 (Dolby Vision)

Audio – 10 (Dolby Atmos)

Pass / Fail – Pass

Plays nicely with projectors - Yes

Makes use of and works well in 4k - 8

Worth your attention - 8

Slipcover rating - 4

Highly Recommended

RAH


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