The Mask (Limited Edition) 4K Ultra HD Review

Estimated reading time: 9 minutes

A Ssssmokin’ Mixture of CGI Magic and Slapstick Humor

Launched in the summer of 1994, The Mask emerged as a film sensation. Based on the Dark Horse Comics series, Chuck Russell directed this superhero slapstick comedy became a defining joke of the decade. It was the ideal vehicle for Jim Carrey’s anarchic skills and revealed Cameron Diaz, a stunning new star, to the world. More than simply a box office success, The Mask was a visual effects pioneer. It flawlessly combined live-action with cartoonish CGI in a way that was revolutionary for its day.

Milquetoast to Mayhem

The movie traces Edge City’s pathologically shy and totally unlucky bank clerk Stanley Ipkiss (Jim Carrey). Constant walking over by everyone from his landlady to seedy mechanics, Stanley’s life is a picture of subdued desperation. When he finds a enigmatic wooden mask, which transforms him into a hyper-confident, green-faced, zoot-suited trickster known only as The Mask when donned, his world changes.

With slapstick elasticity and captivating charm, this new personality is a real cartoon character brought to life who may warp reality itself. Stanley uses this power to punish his bullies and to wow the glitzy nightclub performer Tina Carlyle (Cameron Diaz). But his antics quickly draw the attention of Dorian, a remorseless gangster, as well as of the cops, in the persona of Lieutenant Mitch Kellaway (Peter Riegert). Tyrell (Peter Greene) aspires to use the mask’s power for his own illicit goals. As the storyline develops into a furious struggle for control of the mask, the mild Stanley is compelled at last to confront the enemy without its enchanted help.

Jim Carrey: A Performance That Creates Stars

First of all, The Mask is a show for Jim Carrey’s unmatched physical comedy. His performance is a masterpiece in expressiveness and energy. Though he is endearingly uncomfortable as the doomed Stanley Ipkiss, his metamorphosis into The Mask is where he really stands out. Carrey’s sketch comedy background is on full show; he twists his body, raises his eyes, and speaks quick, manic quips. perfectly captures the spirit of a living cartoon. At the start of his film career, the movie was released; it’s easy to see why he grew to be a star—the part was perfectly suited to his individual gifts.

A Star is Born: Cameron Diaz’s Debut

The Mask also marked the stunning acting debut of Cameron Diaz, who was a model with no prior professional acting experience. Cast after Anna Nicole Smith dropped out, Diaz proved to be a revelation. As Tina Carlyle, she is not merely a love interest but a charismatic and kind-hearted figure who sees the good in Stanley. Her captivating screen presence and chemistry with Carrey were immediate and undeniable, launching one of the most successful film careers of the era.

Groundbreaking CGI and Visual Effects

A significant part of the film’s lasting appeal is its pioneering use of computer-generated imagery (CGI). The visual effects teams at Industrial Light & Magic (ILM) and Dream Quest Images worked to translate Jim Carrey’s exaggerated performances into a cartoon reality. The film’s CGI was revolutionary, allowing The Mask to stretch his face like rubber, deploy giant prop hammers from his pockets, and spin around like a tornado. These effects were not just technical achievements; they were integral to the film’s comedy and style. Director Chuck Russell wisely built the effects around Carrey’s organic performance, ensuring the wacky visuals always served the character and the humor.

Legacy and Cultural Impact

The Mask was a monumental commercial success, grossing over $350 million worldwide against an $18 million budget. It was critically acclaimed, earning an Academy Award nomination for Best Visual Effects and solidifying Jim Carrey as a box office draw. The film’s influence extended beyond the cinema; its prominent use of swing music, including the iconic “Cuban Pete” sequence, played a key role in fueling the swing revival of the 1990s. It spawned an animated series and, much later, a poorly received sequel, but the original remains a beloved classic.

The Verdict: Still Ssssmokin’!

Over 25 years later, The Mask retains its infectious energy and comedic punch. While other effects-driven films have aged, the combination of Chuck Russell’s confident direction, a clever script, and Carrey’s once-in-a-generation performance keeps it fresh and wildly entertaining. It’s a perfect time capsule of 90s cinema that also transcends its era.

The Video

The Mask was scanned in 4K 16-bit resolution from the original 35mm camera negative and restored in 4K by Arrow Video and color graded at Duplitech. The new master was viewed and approved by director Chuck Russell. The film is provided in its original aspect ratio of 1.85:1 in an HEVC 2160p (4K UHD) Dolby Vision encodement. The cartoonish color palette looks marvelous, with excellent vibrancy, but it is not oversaturated. There is some present grain that looks natural, but some film softness and the rudimentary early 90s CGI work also bring the level of quality down a bit, even as groundbreaking as it was for the time.

The Audio

Arrow provide a new Dolby Atmos mix produced by Deluxe for The Mask that is exclusive to this 4K Ultra HD release. Additionally, DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 and LPCM 2.0 stereo mixes are included. I used the Atmos mix as my reference and sampled the other two mixes. The Atmos mix has strong and spacious placement of sounds with decent height awareness, but nothing too aggressive. The Atmos mix just sort of gives the 5.1 mix a bit more expansiveness and air. I did notice a bit of dynamics issues with dialogue where some louder passages have some clipping. The low end is very subtle. In truth, the 5.1 mix doesn’t have a resounding low-end either, but I was hoping since the Atmos was a remix they would spruce it up a bit. Arrow seems to play it safe here and keep the sound very close to the original mixes.

The Supplements

Arrow spares nothing with the included contents and bonus features for this release. About the only thing that could make this a more complete set would be brand new interviews and/or audio commentaries featuring Jim Carrey and Cameron Diaz, which obviously would be hard gets.

Limited Edition Contents:

• Reversible sleeve featuring two original artwork options
• Illustrated collector’s booklet featuring new writing on the film by Alexandra Heller-Nicholas and original production notes
• Double-sided fold-out poster featuring two original artwork options
• Six postcard-sized reproduction art cards

Bonus Features:

• Archive audio commentary with Director Chuck Russell
• Archive audio filmmakers’ commentary with Chuck Russell, New Line co-chairman Bob Shaye, screenwriter Mike Werb, executive producer Mike Richardson, producer Bob Engelman, ILM VFX supervisor Scott Squires, animation supervisor Tom Bertino and cinematographer John R.
• The Man Behind the Mask (1080p; 00:20:27) — A newly filmed interview with director Chuck Russell, recorded exclusively for Arrow Video in 2025.
• From Strip to Screen (1080p; 00:18:33) — A newly filmed interview with creator/executive producer Mike Richardson and screenwriters Mike Werb and Mark Verheiden, recorded exclusively for Arrow Video in 2025.
• Green Faces Blue Screens (1080p; 00:14:16) — A newly filmed interview with visual effects supervisor Scott Squires, recorded exclusively for Arrow Video in 2025.
• Sssssssplicin’! (1080p; 00:06:51) — A newly filmed interview with editor Arthur Coburn, recorded exclusively for Arrow Video in 2025.
• Ask Peggy (1080p; 00:12:37) — A newly filmed interview with actor Amy Yasbeck. Recorded exclusively for Arrow Video in 2025.
• Toeing the Conga Line: Making The Mask Move — A newly filmed interview with choreographer Jerry Evans featuring never-before-seen rehearsal footage, recorded exclusively for Arrow Video in 2025.
• Terriermania (1080p; 00:10:18) — A new video essay by critic Elizabeth Purchell on The Mask and America’s obsession with the Jack Russell Terrier.
• Archival featurettes Return to Edge City, Introducing Cameron Diaz, Cartoon Logic, What Makes Fido Run, The Making Of, on-set interview bites with the cast and director
• Deleted scenes with optional commentary by director Chuck Russell:
  • Viking Scene (10800p/60; 00:01:50)
  • The Death of Peggy (1080p/60; 00:02:05)
• B-Roll (1080p/60; 00:05:24)
• Theatrical Trailer (1080p/60; 00:01:59)
• Image Galleries (4K UHD):
  • On-Set Production Photos
  • Stills Gallery

The Final Assessment

The Mask is a high-energy, visually inventive, and endlessly quotable comedy that reminds us of the pure, unadulterated joy of letting our inner cartoon run wild. Arrow’s 4K restoration brings the film to new life. A must for fans of Jim Carrey in the prime of his career.

The Mask (Limited Edition) is out on 4K Ultra HD November 11, 2025 from Arrow Video

Details

• Rating Certificate: PG-13 (for some stylized violence)
• Studios & Distributors: New Line Productions | Dark Horse Entertainment | Arrow Video
• Director: Chuck Russell
• Written By: Michael Fallon | Mark Verheiden | Mike Werb
• Aspect Ratio: 1.85:1
• Video Format: HEVC 2160p (4K UHD)
• HDR Format: Dolby Vision (HDR10 Compatible)
• Primary Audio: English Dolby Atmos (Dolby TrueHD 7.1 Compatible)
• Secondary Audio: English DTS-HD MA 5.1 | English LPCM 2.0 Stereo
• Subtitles: English SDH
• Street Date 11 November 2025