In the standard 1080p stream, the vibrant neon lights of the Vegas suite bleed into each other. The intricate pattern of the carpet is a moire mess. Characters’ faces in the background are unrecognizable.

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. It was a TV so sharp, so "4K Extra Quality," that Phil claimed he could see the individual molecules of hairspray on Claire’s head.

Let’s be pragmatic. If you watch Modern Family on an iPad while commuting, 4K extra quality is overkill. But if you are a , a home theater enthusiast, or someone who runs the series on a continuous loop as background comfort, the upgrade is transformative.

As 4K TVs become the standard, 1080p can sometimes look "soft" on massive 85-inch screens. A proper 4K remaster ensures the show remains as sharp as Phil Dunphy’s (self-proclaimed) wit. How to Get the Best Picture Right Now

Watching Modern Family in 4K extra quality changes the comedic timing. In standard definition, a reaction shot from Sofia Vergara (Gloria) relied heavily on dialogue delivery. In 4K, the micro-expressions are visible. You can see the faint crinkle of Ed O'Neill’s (Jay) eyes when he is suppressing a laugh. You can see the intricate patterns on Eric Stonestreet’s (Cam) loud shirts, which adds another layer to the character’s flamboyant personality.