Ghostbusters II Blu-ray Review

"Ghostbusters II," Mastered in 4K by Sony, shines on Blu-ray with a meticulously detailed 1080p presentation. The transfer produces a film-quality image that tightly balances clean, well-defined visuals with a natural grain structure, elevating scene clarity to new heights. Whether capturing the intricate textures of cityscapes, the distinct lines on Ghostbuster uniforms, or the fine details of facial features and slimy ectoplasm, this Blu-ray presentation is impressive. The colors are vibrant, with shades flourishing in brightness and richness. Black levels are solid, though occasionally pale in certain scenes. Despite slight softness during the courtroom sequence in chapter five, the overall visual fidelity is remarkable, continuing Sony's streak of high-caliber Mastered in 4K transfers.

Helmed by Michael Chapman’s clean and sleek photography, distinct from László Kovács’s grainier approach in the original, "Ghostbusters II" offers enhanced depth and dimensionality. The 1080p/AVC MPEG-4 encode remains faithful to Chapman's vision, showcasing razor-sharp details in weathered urban landscapes and characters' clothing. Natural flesh tones appear highly detailed, revealing pores, wrinkles, and negligible blemishes with stark clarity. Presented in a slightly cropped 2.40:1 aspect ratio from its original 2.35:1 OAR, the source material is immaculate, featuring a light grain that adds to the filmic appeal. The bright contrast enhances far-distance visibility, filling the screen with vibrant primary colors and energetic secondary hues that complement the film's playful tone. Black levels are luxurious with deep shadows that preserve fine detail, highlighting the transfer's cinematic quality.

The audio presentation of "Ghostbusters II" on Blu-ray is an impressive feat, realizing a balanced DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 lossless soundtrack. Opening music and the score, whether subtle or aggressive, are well-distributed across the front soundstage and exhibit a seamless, nuanced surround element. Light supportive effects, such as office ambiance and various street noises, add to the auditory narrative without overwhelming the listener. When chaos erupts, such as the courtroom ghost escape or the climactic showdown, the audio track shines with energized effects and profoundly deep bass, enhancing the film's dramatic moments. Dialogue throughout remains clear and precise, anchored firmly in the center channel.

Despite significant upgrades for modern home systems, the lossless mix remains faithful to its original stereo design, primarily concentrating paranormal effects within the front soundstage. The wide and rich imaging combined with detailed mid-range and accurate acoustics underscore the soundtrack's clarity and warmth. Randy Edelman's score smartly reuses many iconic sounds from Elmer Bernstein's original compositions, broadening the soundfield with excellent orchestration. The low-end frequencies deliver impressively weighty and robust rumbles considering the film's vintage, adding depth to the action sequences. Crystal-clear vocals in the center channel provide pristine dialogue delivery, complementing the video with a high-resolution audio experience.

The Blu-ray edition of "Ghostbusters II" boasts a compelling array of extra features that provide ample insight into the film's production, legacy, and continued cultural relevance. Key among these is a new retrospective featurette hosted by entertainment journalist Geoff Boucher, featuring interviews with Director Ivan Reitman and Co-Writer/Actor Dan Aykroyd. This segment delves into the complexities and creative processes behind crafting the sequel, offering valuable commentary on character development, iconic set pieces, and fan-related memorabilia. Additionally, a selection of deleted scenes offers further exploration into unique narrative elements that didn't make the final cut. This package is rounded out by Bobby Brown's music video for "On Our Own" and several original trailers, serving both as nostalgic highlights and historical benchmarks.

Extras included in this disc:

• Time Is But a Window: Ghostbusters II and Beyond: Discussion with key creators about the sequel's development.
• Scene Cemetery: A collection of seven deleted scenes.
• Music Video: Bobby Brown performs "On Our Own".
• Original Trailers: Teaser and two official trailers.

"Ghostbusters II" revisits the spectral shenanigans of New York City, reprising the beloved original cast and their camaraderie. Five years removed from their initial slime-covered victory, the Ghostbusters face a lull, resorting to birthday parties and odd jobs to make ends meet. Murray's Peter Venkman delves into dubious TV psychics, while Aykroyd's Ray and Hudson's Winston entertain children, who prefer action figures like He-Man. The film takes a significant turn when Weaver's Dana Barrett encounters supernatural disturbances again, this time tied to an ominous painting in her gallery. The inclusion of MacNicol's eccentric Dr. Janosz Poha provides a delightfully creepy subplot, though the central villain, Vigo the Carpathian, lacks the intimidating presence of the original's Gozer.

While “Ghostbusters II” doesn't match the innovation or comedic brilliance of its predecessor, it thrives on the impeccable chemistry of its cast. Even as the plot plods along with less engaging story arcs and fewer ghostly encounters, Murray, Ramis, Aykroyd, and Hudson elevate the material with their charismatic performances and well-timed humor. The ensemble navigates through recycled narrative beats with a spirited energy that transforms otherwise monotonous scenes into amusing escapades. The introduction of Moranis’ Louis Tully as an interim Ghostbuster adds a layer of slapstick humor, though his character primarily serves as comic relief rather than an integral team member.

The movie falters with its pacing and underwhelming climactic showdown involving a reanimated Statue of Liberty controlled by an NES Advantage controller—a clear attempt at recapturing that Stay Puft Marshmallow Man grandeur which ultimately falls flat. Effects remain impressive for their era, but the lack of major action sequences until the forced finale is a noticeable letdown. Despite these shortcomings, "Ghostbusters II" provides a fun viewing experience primarily due to the beloved cast’s enduring charm and the still-impressive special effects that maintain the film’s quirky appeal.

The "Ghostbusters II" Blu-ray celebrates the 25-year legacy of the beloved sci-fi comedy, offering a mix of nostalgia and entertainment. While it doesn't quite capture the brilliance of the original, it still manages to elicit laughs, largely thanks to its stellar cast. Murray, Aykroyd, Ramis, and Hudson bring charm and energy to their roles, managing to elevate the film above its somewhat flat storyline and uninspired villain. Supporting cast members Annie Potts and Rick Moranis shine, particularly Moranis, who delivers a standout performance in the film's climax.

Technically, Sony's Blu-ray release does not disappoint. The video presentation is crisp and detailed, benefiting from being mastered in 4K. The audio quality is equally impressive, delivering a robust and immersive experience. Supplementary features are sparse but include a new exclusive featurette, offering a fresh perspective for fans. While the additional content is minimal, it adds some value to the package, making it appealing for collectors and longtime followers of the franchise.

In conclusion, "Ghostbusters II" may not be as iconic as its predecessor, but it remains an entertaining piece of cinema, buoyed by its talented cast and excellent technical presentation. The Blu-ray release is recommended for its outstanding video and audio quality, despite the limited supplemental materials. Even with its flaws, the film manages to leave audiences with a sense of nostalgia and amusement.