Ghostbusters Blu-ray Review

The video presentation of the Ghostbusters Blu-ray utilizes the same excellent 1080p/AVC MPEG-4 encode from the "Mastered in 4K" release, ensuring that fans enjoy a consistently superior viewing experience. Presented in a 2.40:1 aspect ratio, the movie exhibits a layer of grain that enhances its cinematic authenticity, particularly noticeable in low-lit and nighttime scenes. This format serves to improve the overall clarity, resolution, and image sharpness compared to prior home video versions. The balancing of contrast and brightness delivers crisp whites and rich blacks, although minor instances of crush are observable but not detrimental.

Facial complexions lean towards a somewhat waxy appearance; however, flesh tones are generally warm with impressive texture in close-ups. The color palette benefits from a pleasing upgrade, with primary colors well-saturated and secondary hues accurate, contributing to an overall vivid presentation. Architectural details are prominently displayed, revealing the film's intricacies and weatherization of structures, enhancing the visual treat for viewers. Despite some inherent softness in certain sequences, attributed more to the original photography and age of the film rather than the transfer quality, the depth of field enriches the film’s '80s atmosphere. All elements combined, this Blu-ray stands as a noteworthy high-definition rendition of a cherished classic.

The "Ghostbusters" Blu-ray audio presentation delivers a nuanced and enriched auditory experience through its DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 lossless soundtrack, supplanting the earlier Dolby TrueHD 5.1 formats. While not dramatically distinct, this track offers a more substantial low-end presence right from the opening scene, beautifully encapsulated by Ray Parker Jr.’s iconic theme music. The upgraded sound continues to impress with well-balanced sound staging, robust surround structure, and clear dialogue reproduction. Notable revisions in this release include the addition of new language tracks such as Japanese DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 and Thai Dolby Digital 5.1, while maintaining the previous one's quality.

The DTS-HD MA codec ensures the 80s stereo mix is pristinely preserved, distributing sound evenly across the front channels and creating an engulfing and naturally spacious soundscape. The inclusion of dynamic special effects and ambient sounds keeps the listener engaged throughout, despite limited surround activity. The track shines particularly in the third act where directional pans and rear speaker activity come alive as ghosts break free from the containment grid, culminating in an exhilarating battle with Gozer that envelops the room with notable low-frequency effects. These details contribute to a rich, pleasurable auditory experience that remains faithful to the film's spirited energy, making it a worthwhile upgrade for aficionados and newcomers alike.

The Blu-ray release of "Ghostbusters" is a treasure trove for fans, packed with a variety of extras that delve into nearly every facet of the film’s production and legacy. The collection includes newly added features and retains all key supplements from previous editions. Highlights include an in-depth retrospective and multiple featurettes that provide a comprehensive look at the technical details, special effects, cast contributions, and more. Notably, director Ivan Reitman and co-writer/actor Dan Aykroyd discuss the film's impact in a substantial new interview. Additionally, the disc accommodates a broad set of vintage materials which fans will find nostalgic.

Extras included in this disc:

• Gallery 1988 Ghostbusters 30th Anniversary Print Collection: A collection of images from pop-culture art creators.
• Who You Gonna Call: A Ghostbusters Retrospective: Geoff Boucher interviews Ivan Reitman and Dan Aykroyd, touching on various aspects of the film.
• Alternate TV Version Takes: Clips from the television version.
• Music Video: Ghostbusters by Ray Parker, Jr.
• Ghostbusters Theatrical Trailer
• Audio Commentary: Ivan Reitman, Harold Ramis, Joe Medjuck.
• SFX Team Featurette: Panel discussion with the original F/X team.
• Cast and Crew Featurette: Interviews with Ivan Reitman, Dan Aykroyd, and Harold Ramis.
• On the Scene with the Ghostbusters: Vintage featurette from the '80s.
• Multi-Angle Explorations: Rough video and animation work on three scenes.
• Storyboard Comparisons: Hand-drawn storyboards compared to the final cut.
• Scene Cemetery: Collection of 10 deleted scenes.

Sony Pictures Home Entertainment presents “Ghostbusters” on Blu-ray, delivering an immersive experience with upgraded visuals and audio that breathe new life into this iconic film. Ivan Reitman’s classic combines elements of comedy, fantasy, horror, and sci-fi with a skilled touch evident from the opening sequence. The film sets a vibrant pace with Elmer Bernstein's eerie score flawlessly transitioning into the iconic theme song, establishing a nostalgic connection and setting the tone for the fun spookiness that follows. The plot revolves around three parapsychologists, Peter Venkman (Bill Murray), Ray Stantz (Dan Aykroyd), and Egon Spengler (Harold Ramis), who turn freelance ghost hunters when their academic careers are cut short. Supported perfectly by a sardonic receptionist and a low-key yet compelling Winston (Ernie Hudson), the group eventually encounters a demonic threat that embodies the heart of the film’s dynamic mix of humor and suspense.

The writing duo of Aykroyd and Ramis crafts a script filled with intelligent, quippy dialogue that optimizes each actor's unique comedic strengths. Bill Murray’s portrayal of Venkman shines through with his unparalleled comic timing and sardonic wit, establishing his character as a linchpin for the film's humor. Harold Ramis's reimagined role as Egon is now practically inseparable from his persona, while Ernie Hudson’s understated performance grounds the team’s chemistry. Using physical props and animatronic effects, the film's special effects hold a nostalgic charm that CGI-dominated modern films often lack. This Blu-ray edition magnifies these practical effects, making their dated artificiality part of its enduring appeal.

“Ghostbusters” rests in the echelon of timeless cinematic comedies, owing significantly to its believable character camaraderie, innovative use of practical effects, and memorable one-liners that continue to resonate. Notable scenes, such as Slimer’s mischievous antics or the colossal Stay Puft Marshmallow Man rampage through New York, remain etched in popular culture. The Blu-ray release enhances this charm with improved audio-visual fidelity, making it a must-own for both long-time fans and new viewers eager to experience this gem in its revitalized form.

The new Blu-ray release of "Ghostbusters" is a remarkable upgrade that will appeal to both long-time fans and new audiences alike. Featuring a refreshed, high-definition picture quality that enhances the film's classic visuals, this edition accentuates the movie's distinguished special effects and comic sequences. The richer color palette and sharper details reflect the meticulous efforts put into the 4K mastering process, ensuring a more immersive viewing experience. The crispness in the image quality enlivens every scene, emphasizing the visual gags and escalating the overall enjoyment.

Accompanying the superior visual fidelity is a new DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 lossless soundtrack, which elevates the film's auditory experience significantly. The updated sound mix envelops viewers, delivering clear dialogue, explosive sound effects, and Elmer Bernstein's iconic score with heightened precision and depth. These technical enhancements result in a well-rounded sensory upgrade that breathes new life into this beloved classic.

In conclusion, this new release of "Ghostbusters" packs several new extras and a high-fidelity DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 soundtrack. For fans who haven't yet purchased either the original, feature-rich release or the Mastered in 4K standalone, featureless release, this will make a quality addition to the Blu-ray library. For those who already own both, however, the cost of a few new extras and a new soundtrack must be weighted accordingly. For newcomers, this release comes highly recommended.