Catalyzes the NAD-dependent oxidation of all-trans-retinol and its derivatives such as all-trans-4-hydroxyretinol and may participate in retinoid metabolism. In vitro can also catalyzes the NADH-dependent reduction of all-trans-retinal and its derivatives such as all-trans-4-oxoretinal. Catalyzes in the oxidative direction with higher efficiency. Has the same affinity for all-trans-4-hydroxyretinol and all-trans-4-oxoretinal. all-trans-retinol + NAD(+) = all-trans-retinal + H(+) + NADH all-trans-4-hydroxyretinol + NAD(+) = all-trans-4-hydroxyretinal + H(+) + NADH all-trans-4-oxoretinol + NAD(+) = all-trans-4-oxoretinal + H(+) + NADH Binds 2 Zn(2+) ions per subunit. Homodimer or heterodimer of closely related subunits. Expressed in liver. Belongs to the zinc-containing alcohol dehydrogenase family.