Ghostbusters 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray Review

The 4K UHD Blu-ray presentation of "Ghostbusters" delivers a visually striking upgrade from its Blu-ray counterpart, showcasing an exceptional level of detail and a vivid color palette enhanced by HDR, despite its base in a 2K Digital Intermediate. Filmed using the Arri Alexa XT camera at a resolution of 2.8K, the film was ultimately finished with a 2K DI before being upscaled to 3840 x 2160 for this release. This upscale does not deter from the visual spectacle; on the contrary, it manages to outshine the included Full HD Blu-ray by presenting finite edges, intricate textures ranging from skin to lab equipment, and an impressive depiction of New York’s cityscapes. The HDR enhancement significantly improves dynamic range, offering deeper blacks and brilliantly lifelike whites that contribute to a more saturated image, albeit with a slight shift toward pinker flesh tones which nevertheless enhances the film's climactic sequences with its richer, more vibrant colors.

Despite a few instances where slight aliasing and softer black levels in certain scenes indicate the limitations of upscaling from a 2K DI, the overall clarity and detail level remain commendable. The HDR application brings out the nuanced differences in lighting and texture, providing a three-dimensional quality to the visuals that is especially pronounced during the movie's night scenes and paranormal sequences. The wide color gamut emphasizes the spectral hues, making ghosts appear more vibrant and ethereal. Additionally, special effects transcending the conventional frame, alongside a dynamic aspect ratio that occasionally switches to enhance visual spectacle, underscore the release's innovative use of technology to improve viewer immersion.

Moreover, this UHD version includes an English Dolby Atmos track, which complements the visual improvements with superior audio quality. While some may find the absence of a standardized calibration for HDR content a drawback, this release demonstrates an effective application of available technology to produce a significant visual improvement over standard definition. The ghosts and other paranormal entities benefit from a more intense and varied color display, enhancing their presence on screen. Despite minor drawbacks related to its upscaling process, this presentation offers fans an enriched viewing experience that capitalizes on advanced display capabilities to deliver deeper blacks, more radiant colors, and a greater level of detail.

Sony's "Ghostbusters" on 4K UHD Blu-ray receives a Dolby Atmos audio treatment that sets a new standard for home theater audio experiences, offering improvements even over its already fantastic 5.1 DTS-HD Master Audio lossless soundtrack found on the 1080p and 3D Blu-ray releases. Reviewers have praised the Atmos mix for its dynamic and immersive sound design, employing a blend of directional effects that not only increase the sense of immersion during ghostly encounters but also enhance quieter, more ambient scenes through detailed background noises and atmospheric effects—ranging from street sounds to the distinct hums of scientific equipment within the Ghostbusters' lab. The clarity and prioritization of dialogue ensure that every quip and technological explanation cuts through the most cacophonous battles without losing fidelity or presence.

Listeners across configurations from standard 5.1 setups to expansive 7.2.4-channel Dolby Atmos systems report a rich and enveloping experience, with special commendation for the soundtrack's use of overhead channels to add depth to ambient sounds and discrete effects, creating a fuller, more textured audio environment. Musical scores spread beautifully across the soundstage, with heightened warmth and fidelity that draws viewers into the heart of the action. The bass is both thunderous and nuanced, lending weight to the action without overwhelming the intricate balance of sound effects—from the zip and zap of proton blasters in combat to the subtle creaks and groans of encroaching spirits.

The UHD release, exclusive to an over-the-top, reference-quality Dolby Atmos track, showcases aggressive utilization of the LFE channel and remarkably precise audio placement that brings to life every spectral encounter in stunning detail. The track's dynamic range effectively encapsulates the film's blend of comedy, action, and supernatural elements, ensuring that every slime, ghostly wail, and proton blast not only heightens the visual spectacle but also solidifies "Ghostbusters'" standing as a premier audiovisual experience in home entertainment—despite some moments leaving audiophiles craving more from its Atmos implementation.

The "Ghostbusters: Answer the Call" 4K UHD Blu-ray release offers a comprehensive and engaging array of extras across its three discs, catering to both casual fans and cinephiles with a mix of technical discussions, behind-the-scenes footage, and lighthearted gag reels. Notably, the extended cut of the film is exclusive to the UHD disc, enriching the viewing experience with additional footage not seen in theaters. Both audio commentary tracks stand out; one features director Paul Feig and co-writer Katie Dippold sharing anecdotal insights, while the other involves key department heads delving into the more technical aspects of the film's production, from visual effects to production design. Additional highlights include a detailed exploration of the film's visual effects, revealing how technological advancements have transformed since the original 1984 movie, and a focused look at the various ghosts, showcasing the blend of practical effects and CGI. The gag reels and Jokes A Plenty segments offer a glimpse into the improvisational process on set, emphasizing the cast's chemistry. Collectively, these extras not only add depth to the "Ghostbusters" reboot but also celebrate its connection to the franchise's legacy.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentaries: Informative dual tracks with insights from director Paul Feig, writer Katie Dippold, and key production team members.
• Gag Reels: Two compilations providing a fun look at the cast's on-set antics and bloopers.
• Deleted Scenes: A collection of scenes not included in the final cut of the film.
• Extended & Alternate Scenes: Additional footage offering more context and humor.
• Jokes A Plenty: Alternate takes showcasing the actors' improvisational skills.
• Meet the Team: In-depth discussions about the main characters and casting choices.
• The Ghosts of Ghostbusters: Exploration of ghost design and effects work.
• Visual Effects: 30 Years Later: A look at the progression of visual effects in the "Ghostbusters" franchise.
• Slime Time: A featurette dedicated to the iconic Ghostbusters slime.
• Chris Hemsworth is Kevin: A focus on Chris Hemsworth's role and performance.
• Photo Gallery: A collection of artwork and behind-the-scenes images.

The reboot of "Ghostbusters," directed by Paul Feig, presents a unique and divisive take on the beloved supernatural comedy franchise. With a new ensemble cast featuring Kristen Wiig, Melissa McCarthy, Kate McKinnon, and Leslie Jones, the film aimed to charm its audience with fresh faces and a modern twist. The movie's premise involves the team-up of these comediennes to save Manhattan from a spectral onslaught. However, the response to the film, and especially its 4K UHD Blu-Ray presentation, has been mixed, highlighting both technical achievements and narrative shortcomings.

Technically, the "Ghostbusters" reboot shines in its 4K UHD Blu-Ray incarnation with commendable visual and audio quality. The disc boasts three formats, two cuts of the film, and extensive subtitle options, promising an immersive viewing experience. However, despite the technical prowess, the film suffers from a script that lacks the organic humor and character depth of its predecessor. The movie's attempt at modernization is evident in its visual effects and action scenes, which are generally well-received. Yet, the core issue lies in its execution of comedy and narrative pacing, which seems to struggle between trying too hard to mimic iconic moments from the original film and establishing its own identity.

Controversy aside, the reboot was also an opportunity to address and satirize the backlash over its all-female lead cast through its humor. Although the performances of Wiig, McCarthy, McKinnon, and Jones show moments of brilliance, they are often undermined by a screenplay that forces humor rather than allowing it to flow naturally. This discord between the cast's capabilities and the material they're given highlights a larger issue within the film - its inability to balance homage with innovation. While "Ghostbusters" demonstrates moments of charm and ingenuity, particularly in McKinnon's standout performance and some clever scripting against its detractors, it ultimately fails to consistently capture the spirit and wit that defined the original, leaving audiences with a visually appealing but substantively lacking reimagining of a classic.

The "Ghostbusters" 4K UHD Blu-ray release provides a comprehensive package that caters to the various preferences of its audience, despite the divided opinions on the film's execution and creative direction. Sony's commitment to offering a versatile viewing experience is evident in the inclusion of Blu-ray, Blu-ray 3D, and 4K versions in a single SKU, accompanied by a Digital HD code. This approach not only enhances accessibility but also presents a better value proposition for enthusiasts, making it a convenient one-stop purchase. The 4K presentation itself, while not the pinnacle of UHD quality when compared to other titles on the market, still marks a noticeable improvement over its Full HD counterpart, particularly in terms of clarity, detail, brightness, and color saturation. This is complemented by a top-tier Dolby Atmos audio track that excels in creating an immersive sonic environment through active use of the platform, including well-executed atmospheric sounds and discrete effects.

The film's 4K UHD release strives to compensate for any narrative shortcomings with its technical merits and the breadth of viewing options it offers. Although the movie suffers from pacing issues and a script that underutilizes its talented cast, the visual effects and action sequences shine, especially when experienced through the enhanced video and audio capabilities of this release. Sony's packaging includes multiple audio and subtitle options across all discs and incorporates both cuts of the film, albeit with some limitations on format availability. The extras, primarily hosted on the 1080p disc, round out an already robust package by shedding light on the filmmaking process and demonstrating the dedication behind the scenes.

In conclusion, while "Ghostbusters" may evoke mixed feelings regarding its reinterpretation of a classic, Sony's 4K UHD Blu-ray release undeniably serves as a testament to their effort in delivering a comprehensive and high-quality home viewing experience. The set admirably balances the need for variety in formats and viewing preferences with the demand for technological excellence in video and audio presentation. It stands as a solid recommendation for early adopters, fans of the franchise, and 4K enthusiasts alike, offering something of value for a wide range of viewers despite any reservations about the film itself.