Mean Girls (4K UHD Blu-ray) review

[David Vaughn]

Studio: Paramount 
Release Date: April 23, 2024
Rating: PG-13
Film: 3.5/5

Plot
Raised in the African bush country by her zoologist parents, Cady thinks she knows all about the "survival of the fittest." But the law of the jungle takes on a whole new meaning when the home-schooled 15-year-old enters public high school for the first time. Trying to find her place among jocks, mathletes and other subcultures, Cady crosses the meanest species of all - the Queen Bee, aka the cool and calculating Regina, leader of the school's most fashionable clique, The Plastics. When Cady falls for Regina's ex-boyfriend, though, the Queen Bee is stung - and she schemes to ruin Cady's social future. Cady's own claws soon come out as she leaps into a hilarious "Girl World" war that has the whole school running for cover.

My Thoughts
Before Tina Fey was a big star, she wrote this little screenplay about what it was like to be in high school and how things actually work. The film stars Lindsey Lohan before she had her epic personal Hollywood meltdown as she learns to survive the high school experiences with the various cliques. There are times when the film seems like various bits from Saturday Night Live thrown together, the overall experience is pleasant due to Lohan’s performance, which was one of her best.

Like the previous Blu-ray release, the disc comes packaged in a pick case which is very Barbi-like, but I’m not a fan of the slipcover, which references the “Burn Book.” Unfortunately, the movie name is only on the spine, so looking at the cover may confuse people wondering which movie it really is—my wife was a victim of this!

I’m not sure whether the film received a new 4K transfer or if its an upconvert over the previously released Blu-ray, but it looks pretty damn good for a 20-year-old comedy. Much of the print damage that was apparent on the Blu-ray is absent and the color palette looks a tad warmer—maybe due to the HDR grading? The audio track brings nothing new to the table and is a front-heavy mix that features clear dialog and when the music kicks in, the soundstage opens up and makes good use of the surround speakers.

Video 4/5
Audio 3.5/5 (Dolby TrueHD 5.1)


Special Features:

• Commentary Track
• NEW! Mean Girls: Class of ‘04
• Only the Strong Survive
• The Politics of Girl World
• Plastic Fashion
• Word Vomit
• So Fetch: - Deleted Scenes
• Interstitials
• Trailer
• UHD + Digital Copy

Conclusion
It’s hard to believe its been 20 years since this film burst on the scenes, but time certainly does fly as one gets older. The film still holds up well today and of course, there’s a modern remake of the film that I haven’t been able to get up the nerve to watch. Regardless, Paramount has done a great job with the 4K treatment and I’m sure that fans of the film will appreciate the effort.


Reference Review System:
 JVC DLA-RS3100 4K Ultra High-Definition Front Projector
 (Calibrated with Portrait Displays CalMAN color calibration software & C6-HDR Meter from Portrait Displays)
 Stewart Filmscreen - Firehawk 110” 2.35:1 Screen
 Trinnov Altitude 16 Audio/Video Processor
 ATI AT527NC Powering Bed Channels
 ATI AT524NC Powering Atmos Speakers
 Kaleidescape Strato + Server
 Panasonic DP-UB820 Ultra HD Blu-ray Player
 System Controller: URC MX-990
 M&K S-150 THX Ultra (R-C-L Speakers)
 M&K SS-150 x4 (Surround Speakers)
 Atlantic Technology IC6-OBA x 4 Overhead Speakers
 Dual Rythmik FV15HP2
 Mini DSP HD controlling all subwoofers
 Audioquest and Monoprice - Audio/Video/Speaker Cabling
 PureAV PF60 Power Conditioner

[AVSCraig]

I've never seen this, but due to liking several of the actresses in it, it's on my buy list! Thanks for the review.