Ghostbusters II 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray Review

"Ghostbusters II" debuts on 4K UHD Blu-ray, and the upgrade from its Mastered in 4K 1080p presentation is evident, showcasing an exceptional improvement in clarity, color fidelity, and detail which brings out the realism and textures of the Ghostbusters' universe in a previously unseen manner. The film, sourced from the original 35mm camera negatives and presented in HDR10, maintains a beautiful, filmic quality with a light, evenly dispersed grain that complements the cinematic feel. This transfer retains a remarkable level of detail, from the intricacies of the Ghostbusters' uniforms to the urban environment of New York City. Colors pop with healthy aggression thanks to HDR-enhanced palettes, maintaining natural balance whether focusing on earthy tones or the vibrant pink slime. Black levels deepen without losing detail, though flesh tones may show slight variance under different lighting conditions.

Sony's commitment to their 4K catalog is demonstrated through a presentation that significantly enhances the sequel's visual appeal compared to its predecessor and previous Blu-ray editions. Highlights and color grading benefit from the HDR, adding depth and vibrancy to supernatural glows and the sun's reflection on urban landscapes. The video showcases improved contrast, adding to the film’s refreshed feel. While certain sequences reflect the source material's age and stylistic choices, resulting in occasional softer moments, the overall clarity, from facial textures to cityscapes, is markedly enhanced.

Direct comparisons highlight the superiority of this UHD release over earlier versions. The finer details in city textures and character appearances are strikingly apparent, from visible pores and blemishes on actor's faces to the refined hues of the Ghostbusters logo. Despite a few softer shots, likely due to the original film stock's condition, this release promises the most authentic viewing experience of "Ghostbusters II," remaining faithful to its theatrical presentation while exploiting the advantages of current home video technology. This UHD release not only respects but revitalizes the film's visual aspects for both long-time fans and new audiences alike.

The audio presentation of "Ghostbusters II" on its 4K UHD Blu Ray edition, featuring a Dolby Atmos soundtrack (with a Dolby TrueHD 7.1 lossless core), signifies a noticeable upgrade over the 1080p Blu-ray's DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 setup. This enhanced audio track shines exceptionally through an 11.1 configuration, adding four height channels to the conventional 5.1/7.1 arrangement, thus creating an immersive soundscape without overly aggressive use of overhead channels. Noteworthy is the courtroom battle sequence where the meticulous use of the soundstage extends the chaos with proton pack blasts and ghostly encounters beyond the mere terrestrial, enveloping the viewer in a seamlessly integrated auditory experience. Moreover, the entire soundscape benefits from this upgrade, with every speaker participating to enhance action sequences, musical fidelity, and ambient sounds, thereby offering a rich and detailed environment that perfectly complements every scene.

The Atmos mix does not only excel in clarity and spatial distribution but also surprises with its potent low-frequency effects, adding depth and realism to moments like the Scoleri Brothers' breakout and the rumblings of the slime rivers. The pinpoint accuracy of sound panning enriches dynamic sequences—such as the passing subway train—while subtler auditory details add layers of atmospheric immersion. Randy Edelman's score enjoys newfound clarity and warmth, further enveloped by the system’s height channels, allowing for a more expansive audio experience without overshadowing dialogue which remains crisp and well-prioritized throughout.

Despite the film's age, this mix represents a substantial improvement in auditory design, balancing front-heavy elements with strategic used surround effects to breathe life into this 27-year-old movie. The Atmos track creates a wide and spacious soundstage that enhances the paranormal activity and character interactions within the narrative. One impressive showcase of this sound design is when phantom trains and Vigo's threatening voice fill the room, employing side, rear, and ceiling speakers for an immersive experience that convincingly transcends its era, making "Ghostbusters II" not just a visual, but an auditory delight for fans and newcomers alike.

The 4K UHD Blu-ray release of "Ghostbusters II" is a mixed bag when it comes to extras, offering a decent but underwhelming selection compared to its standalone 1080p Blu-ray counterpart. The unique extras on the UHD disc include a series of 2160p Moments with Atmos sound like Ghostbusting, Memorable Moments, Vigo the Carpathian, and The Slime, which are essentially montages of film segments providing an enhanced viewing experience. However, the more substantive extras are housed on the additional Blu-ray disc, which includes valuable content such as a commentary track, albeit a lackluster one by Ivan Reitman, Dan Aykroyd, and producer Joe Medjuck. The highlight is a complete episode of Oprah featuring the movie’s cast, alongside a comprehensive discussion on the sequel process with Aykroyd and Reitman, deleted scenes, a music video, and trailers. This setup slightly disappoints by necessitating disc swapping to access all content.

Extras included in this disc:

• Moments: Montages of film segments in 2160p with Atmos sound.
• Cast & Crew: A gallery of still images.
• Time Is But a Window: Ghostbusters II and Beyond: A retrospective discussion.
• Scene Cemetery: Collection of seven deleted scenes.
• On Our Own Music Video by Bobby Brown: Music video accompaniment to the film.
• Original Trailers: Promotional trailers for the movie.

The 4K UHD Blu-ray presentation of "Ghostbusters II" offers a significant upgrade over its only prior Blu-ray release, which was a Mastered in 4K edition with DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1. This latest iteration not only includes the original disc but enriches the viewer's experience with a 4K presentation accompanied by upgraded Atmos sound, enhancing both the visual and auditory aspects of the film. This release marks a notable improvement, ensuring that fans and newcomers alike can enjoy the sequel with unparalleled clarity and sonic depth. The integration of the 4K UHD with Atmos sound elevates the already excellent A/V quality of the film, promising an immersive viewing experience.

Set against the backdrop of a New York City still reeling from rising crime rates, "Ghostbusters II" captures the essence of its time whilst revisiting familiar faces in new predicaments. The portrayal of the protagonists, now facing the consequences of a five-year hiatus, is both clever and engaging, seamlessly blending humor with a critique of the era's societal woes. The movie’s premise, centered around neon pink paranormal ooze that symbolizes the decade's negativity, is executed with a blend of comedy and dark undertones that resonate well with its audience. The innovative use of special effects, particularly in scenes like the courtroom battle, adds to the film’s visual appeal, making this sequel a memorable follow-up despite treading similar narrative ground as its predecessor.

The introduction of new characters and minor upgrades to iconic elements like Ecto-1, coupled with high-stakes supernatural mischief, brings a fresh dynamic to the sequel. Despite criticisms of it being somewhat formulaic and lacking in originality, "Ghostbusters II" remains engaging thanks to its sharp wit, commendable performances, and impressive special effects. The balance between retaining the spirit of the first film and introducing new content keeps the sequel relevant and entertaining. Overall, this 4K UHD presentation not only enhances the movie's technical aspects but also reaffirms "Ghostbusters II" as an enjoyably quirky chapter in the franchise, delivering nostalgia and innovation in equal measure.

The 4K UHD Blu-ray release of "Ghostbusters II" elevates the home viewing experience by offering a modest yet noticeable improvement over its already impressive 1080p Blu-ray counterpart. While the transition from standard definition DVD to 1080p HD was significantly more transformative, the 4K presentation shines through its enhanced depiction of fine details, richer color palette (despite debates over artistic intent), and a more pronounced, cinematic quality that film enthusiasts will particularly appreciate. Although the jump in visual fidelity might not justify an upgrade for every viewer, those invested in the UHD format will find the enhancements worthwhile. Additionally, the Dolby Atmos audio track contributes a robust, immersive sonic experience that complements the visual upgrade, although the special features package remains unchanged, leaving a bit more to be desired in terms of new content.

Set against the familiar backdrop of New York City, "Ghostbusters II" continues to entertain nearly three decades after its original release. While it may not capture all the comedic brilliance of its predecessor, it still manages to deliver laughs and impress with its special effects. This sequel's UHD offering presents a strong 4K video enhancement that, although not revolutionary compared to the Blu-ray release, includes several notable improvements that enthusiasts and early adopters of the format will find appealing. The significant audio upgrade and retained collection of extras, while not groundbreaking, round out a package that merits consideration for fans looking to experience the film in the best possible home theater presentation.

In conclusion, "Ghostbusters II" on 4K UHD Blu-ray is a recommended upgrade for aficionados of the franchise and UHD collectors alike, thanks to its improved picture and sound quality. While the additional features fall short of groundbreaking, the main attraction—its upgraded audiovisual presentation—makes it a worthy addition to a high-definition library. This release doesn’t redefine home cinema experiences but rather enhances an already beloved classic in subtle yet appreciable ways.