‘Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy, 20th Anniversary Edition’ 4K Ultra HD movie review

In the spirit of a media-oversaturated political season, director Adam McKay’s 2004 comedy returns just in time to remind us of the shallow idiocy of news broadcasters and pundits in Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy, 20th Anniversary Edition (Paramount Pictures Home Entertainment, not rated, 94 minutes, 1:85:1 aspect ratio, $25.99).

Talking place in the 1970s and in the male-centric newsroom of San Diego’s local station KVWN, the story focuses on top-rated anchor Ron Burgundy (Will Ferrell in a career-defining role) and his team of hangers-on — sportscaster Champ Kind (David Koechner), meteorologist Brick Tamland (Steve Carell) and field reporter Brian Fantana (Paul Rudd) — as they dominate the ratings.

Their world gets rocked when savvy, ambitious and young newswoman Veronica Corningstone (Christina Applegate) joins the team looking to catapult to fame as a news anchor by any means necessary.

Viewers can now laugh out loud at a classic battle of the sexes pitting the chauvinist Burgundy and his crew against Corningstone and the women of KVWN.

Mr. McKay’s mixing of a documentary and surreal narrative style allows the primary actors to shine through improvisation and extreme lunacy while dishing out their comedic acting chops.

In fact, watching the voluminous collection of deleted and extended scenes, over an hour’s worth with gag reel, as part of the extras package, it’s hard to believe the actors and crew were not laughing nonstop while trying to complete scenes.

Their efforts are supplemented by an ensemble cast that includes real news guy Bill Curtis as the narrator, Fred Willard as the station manager Ed Harken, Vince Vaughn as the night new anchor Wes Mantooth, Seth Rogan as cameraman Scotty, Jack Black as a motorcycle gang member and a cute dog named Baxter.

Relish a particular scene that finds the news team battling KVWN’s night team, Channel Two’s news team, the public news team and the Spanish-language news team for no apparent reason in a gang-style brawl set in an alley to truly appreciate the absurdity of this masterpiece.

4K in action: The wonders of ultra-high definition have given home theater viewers an entrance into the visual splendor of high-action, fantastical worlds created by Hollywood craftsmen.

That reported, should cinema connoisseurs now embrace the new “Anchorman,” now remastered into the best-looking and -sounding 2160p version ever presented to modern man?

It’s a period-entrenched, gut-busting comedy filled with 1970s set designs, brightly colored suits, cigarette butts and hairspray-smothered coifs that certainly are now revealed with clarity and rich hues that define the era.

Yes, it looks great in its screen-bulging splendor and certainly allows San Diego and its news teams to shine. However, the film would be as hilarious if I watched it on a preferred VHS tape with occasional Grind house scratches and flaws.

The only miscue is viewers just get the theatrical version in 4K and must go to the Blu-ray disc to find a more ribald, extended cut of the film.

Best extras: The two included Blu-ray discs in this three-disc set offer an abundance of digital goodies previously released on the 2010 “Rich Mahogany” high definition edition

The fun begins with an optional commentary track with the director and lead actor.

Mr. McKay and Mr. Ferrell talk nonsense early and often like they were captured yapping in a Ruby Tuesday restaurant, but they eventually focus on the film, mocking the commentary format before more non sequiturs ensue, with plenty of laughs for all lucky viewers.

Also stopping by to add some more nonsense and faux angst are Mr. Rudd, Mr. Koechner, Ms. Applegate, actors Andy Richter and Kyle Gass (minor stars of “Elf” wondering why they were not in the film) and legendary singer Lou Rawls.

The second Blu-ray disc offers another large dump of a few hours of extras ranging from screen tests; cast read-throughs; rehearsals; faux public service announcements; special segments (such as Mr. Curtis interviewing Mr. Burgundy); and Mr. Burgundy’s interviews at the 2004 MTV Music Awards including with Burt Reynolds,

And an interesting experiment is also offered only on the disc with the 92-minute pseudo-sequel “Wake Up Ron Burgundy: The Lost Movie,” which builds an unrealized storyline from the film compiled from alternate takes, deleted scenes and extra narration. The reimagined retread is only recommended for hardcore fans.