Regardless, this has to be one of the most under-appreciated holiday movies ever. Hardly a moment goes by when you're not laughing. How this one never got more recognition is baffling, but those that have found it certainly have to cherish it. (**** out of *****)

This is the second appearance for this holiday film on DVD. Thankfully, the pan & scan transfer of the original disc has been replaced with this new 1.85:1 widescreen one. It's a huge improvement, even if the movie shows its age. The print has some minor damage, though nothing too distracting. Grain is a problem in a few scenes but it relatively under control. Compression can only be detected during the opening animation. This isn't one of those transfers that will really show you the details, but it presents the movie in a fairly clean manner and that can be appreciated. (****)

Beyond the soundtrack (which does a nice job of filling the sound field), there's not much in the way audio here to be impressed by. This is a standard Dolby Surround mix that's really nothing special. The classic sledding sequence is the only one that really does anything with the LFE channel. Dialogue is clear with no distortion. This isn't a movie that needs a major audio reworking and it doesn't get one. No big deal. (***)

An audio commentary is included here, though Chevy Chase is oddly absent. Beverly D'Angelo, Randy Quaid, Miriam Flynn, Johnny Galecki, Matty Simmons, and Chechick all get in on this one. They spend a lot of time laughing, but you can't really blame them. They do manage to point out mistakes in the film and Chechick talks plenty about his first time experience. The only other extra is the trailer. On a rather strange note, the back of this Warner snapper case shows a picture of a deleted scene. Why isn't it on the disc? (***)

Now, normally I close out my reviews with a few odd facts about the film. Or, maybe I'll complain about the sequel (which in this case offers up plenty of opportunity for complaints). But, there is one line in "Christmas Vacation" that for whatever reason has become a holiday tradition in my house and it just feels right to end with it. Uncle Eddie provides us with this unforgettable quote as he empties his RV's toilet into the sewer wearing a bathrobe, boxers, and black socks:

"Merry Christmas! Shitter was full!"