Ghost Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray presentation of "Ghost" showcases the film in a 1080p high-definition video that, while demonstrating certain highs, does not escape its age-induced shortcomings. With the AVC codec pushing an average bitrate of 33Mbps, the visual upgrade from DVD is evident but not without its faults. Close-up details and textures occasionally shine through, offering a vivid if inconsistent viewing experience. The film's adherence to a somewhat muted color palette, featuring natural tones and deep blacks, provides a faithful yet unspectacular reproduction of its original cinematic feel. Scenes imbued with finer grains suggest a respectful transfer without undue digital noise reduction, maintaining the film's cinematic texture despite occasional visible layers of grain that disrupt background clarity.

Despite these strengths, the film's presentation on Blu-ray is markedly hampered by softness in mid and long-range shots and a general lack of three-dimensional depth. This inconsistency in visual quality results in a presentation that feels somewhat flat and fails to consistently impress, especially when compared to more exemplary catalog titles available in the format. Additionally, the limitations of early '90s special effects become glaringly apparent in high-definition, with ghostly apparitions and certain CGI elements appearing markedly dated and somewhat out of place against the otherwise naturalistic backdrop of the film. Issues such as minor jittering during camera pans further betray the film's age, though these distractions are relatively minor.

Paramount’s effort in remastering "Ghost" for Blu-ray, particularly given the film's recent DVD re-issue, demonstrates a commitment to preserving its visual integrity without necessarily elevating it to the highest ranks of high-definition restorations. While the print remains in good condition, sporadic blemishes and bouts of heavy grain detract from the overall clarity. The portrayal of colors and contrasts, though true to the film’s original aesthetic with a warm glow in certain scenes, often errs on the side of being underwhelming. Consequently, while "Ghost" on Blu-ray undoubtedly represents the best version of the film since its theatrical release, it falls short of transcending its temporal limitations, offering an experience that is improved yet imperfect.

The Blu-ray audio presentation of "Ghost" primarily features a Dolby TrueHD 5.1 soundtrack that brings this classic film into the realm of high-definition sound, albeit with some limitations given its age and original sound design. The dialogue, as the centerpiece of this audio experience, is rendered with clarity and sufficient prominence, ensuring that the emotional nuances and subtleties of the performances are well communicated. However, the track doesn't largely exploit the full potential of the 5.1 setup, as much of the audio is front-heavy, with limited but notable use of the rear channels in certain scenes like the iconic subway sequence, adding a sense of spatial dimension and low frequency detail.

The soundtrack's transition to lossless audio has improved aspects such as the musical score and effects; "Unchained Melody" by the Righteous Brothers, for instance, has never sounded better, providing moments of auditory delight despite the overall dated feel of some sound elements. Sound effects and music tracks get occasional dispersion in the rear channels, though these instances can sometimes come across as forced or weakly delivered. This suggests a respectful but restrained remastering approach that prioritizes clarity and fidelity to the original mix over a more aggressive reinterpretation of the soundfield.

While the film's limited sound design hardly stretches the capabilities of the Dolby TrueHD 5.1 format, there are moments where the audio provides a modest degree of immersion. The subdued use of the subwoofer complements the material without overwhelming it, indicating a balanced but conservative enhancement of the film's soundtrack. Overall, this Blu-ray delivers an audio experience that, while showing its age in places, offers fans a clear and respectful upgrade of a beloved classic.

The Blu-ray extras for "Ghost" offer an amalgamated insight into the making of this classic love story turned supernatural drama, albeit with a mix of quality and depth across features. Highlights include a commentary track with director Jerry Zucker and writer Bruce Joel Rubin that, despite some lulls, provides unique behind-the-scenes anecdotes and challenges faced during production. "Ghost Stories: The Making of a Classic" and "Alchemy of a Love Scene" offer intriguing, albeit brief, windows into the film's creation and its most iconic moments respectively. Meanwhile, "Inside the Paranormal" gives a less critically acclaimed look into psychic phenomena spinning off the film's themes. The set feels somewhat limited by the absence of fresh input from main stars Demi Moore and Whoopi Goldberg and an aura of missed opportunities to delve deeper into the film's legacy, specifically in extras like "Cinema's Great Romances." However, the inclusion of a high-definition theatrical trailer and a photo gallery adds value for fans and collectors alike, making this package a mixed but worthwhile companion to the timeless film itself.

Extras included in this disc:

• Commentary by Director Jerry Zucker and Writer Bruce Joel Rubin: A walkthrough of the making with insights and anecdotes.
• Ghost Stories: The Making of a Classic: A featurette detailing the journey to bring "Ghost" to the big screen.
• Inside the Paranormal: An exploration of real-life psychic phenomena related to the film's thematic elements.
• Alchemy of a Love Scene: A deep dive into the creation of one of cinema's most iconic love scenes.
• Cinema's Great Romances: A discussion on where "Ghost" stands among the greatest romance films according to AFI.
• Photo Gallery: A collection of publicity and behind-the-scenes photos.
• Theatrical Trailer (HD): The original trailer in high definition.

"Ghost," a seminal piece from the early '90s, masterfully blends the genres of romance, thriller, and comedy, showcasing a narrative that not only innovates but also resists fading into the backgrounds of cinematic history. At its core, it tells the poignant tale of Sam (Patrick Swayze), whose life is abruptly ended by a seemingly random act of violence, catapulting him into a ghostly existence. Determined to protect his beloved Molly (Demi Moore) and solve the mystery of his murder, Sam finds an unlikely ally in a psychic (Whoopi Goldberg), whose initial skepticism gives way to an integral role in the unraveling narrative.

Director Jerry Zucker, known for his work on "Airplane!", manifests his versatility by weaving a story that effortlessly transitions between heart-pounding suspense, profound grief, and moments of genuine humor, proving that "Ghost" is more than its iconic pottery scene. The dynamic performances by Swayze and Goldberg, with the latter earning an Oscar® for her role, infuse the film with emotional depth and comedic relief, respectively. The chemistry amongst the cast members elevates the narrative, transcending typical romance tropes to offer a multifaceted exploration of love and loss.

While some may argue that "Ghost" indulges in genre clichés, its lasting appeal and critical acclaim suggest a resonance that goes beyond surface-level entertainment. The film skillfully tackles themes of love transcending physical boundaries, the pursuit of justice beyond death, and the possibility of communication between realms. It challenges viewers to consider deeper spiritual questions while remaining accessible through its compelling storyline and character dynamics. In retrospect, "Ghost" emerges not merely as a product of its time but as a cinematic piece that continues to captivate and engage audiences with its unique blend of elements from various genres.

The Blu-ray presentation of "Ghost" has seemingly confounded expectations, marrying a solid technical offering with a narrative that transcends the conventional boundaries of its genre. While it is often praised for its romantic elements, which form the core of its heartfelt narrative, such categorization belies the film's broader appeal. This release, painstakingly rendered on an array of high-end equipment including the JVC DLA-RS20 projector, Oppo 970HD, and Panasonic DMP-BD55K players among others, underscores the film's universal themes, thereby broadening its appeal beyond mere romance enthusiasts to a more inclusive audience. The equipment list showcases a commitment to presenting the film with the clarity and fidelity it deserves, making this release a testament to Paramount's effort in preserving the film's legacy.

Technically, the Blu-ray disc thrives, leveraging state-of-the-art audio-visual equipment to deliver a viewing experience that, while might not astound, certainly satisfies. The utilization of Marantz DV7001 and Denon AVR 5308CI for audio processing, paired with exceptional video processors and playback devices, ensures that both the diegetic elements of the film and its iconic score are given due reverence. The comprehensive extras package further amplifies the value of this edition, catering to a broad spectrum of fans looking for depth beyond the film's surface narrative.

In conclusion, while "Ghost" may polarize opinions between those seeking a deep spiritual journey and others inclined towards its Hollywood storytelling craftsmanship, this Blu-ray release encapsulates the film's enduring charm. It's not about revolutionizing home cinema for this classic but rather about respecting its legacy through a commendable technical presentation and thoughtful extras. Whether revisiting or discovering anew, fans and skeptics alike will find something of value in this special edition, making it a worthy addition to any collection.