Ghost World Blu-ray Review

Terry Zwigoff's "Ghost World," presented in its original aspect ratio of 1.85:1 and encoded with MPEG-4 AVC for a 1080p transfer on Blu-ray, has been meticulously restored for its Criterion release. This exceptional video presentation stems from a new 4K remaster created on a Northlight 2 film scanner from the original 35mm interpositive. The remastering process involved an extensive cleanup to remove thousands of instances of debris, scratches, splices, and warps, utilising MTI Film's DRS for manual corrections and Digital Vision's Phoenix for addressing jitter, flicker, and minor dirt issues. Moreover, the 5.1 surround soundtrack underwent a revitalization from the 35mm magnetic tracks, carefully purged of clicks, thumps, hiss, hum, and crackle with Pro Tools HD and iZotope RX, ensuring an auditory experience that complements the visual restoration.

Under the supervision of transfer specialists Lee Kline and Terry Zwigoff, alongside colorist Sheri Eisenberg at Deluxe in Los Angeles, "Ghost World" shines in high definition, demanding attention with its vibrant depth, fluid motion, and a richly balanced color palette. Impressively refined details are showcased in well-lit interior scenes and extended to striking panoramic shots of Los Angeles, all while conserving the film's original cinematic texture without succumbing to excessive degraining or artificial sharpening. The upgrade to 4K resolution for viewing underscores the Blu-ray's capacity to deliver near-perfection in visual quality, enhancing the 1080p content to an exceptional standard that hardly betrays its age or source limitations.

It's worth noting that this is a Region-A locked Blu-ray release, necessitating a compatible player to access its content. However, for aficionados of quality film restoration and those seeking to experience "Ghost World" in its most pristine form yet, this release represents a pinnacle of digital restoration efforts. The meticulous attention to both visual and auditory details ensures that the film's aesthetic and narrative elements are conveyed with unprecedented clarity and fidelity.

The audio quality on the "Ghost World" Blu-ray is delivered through an English: DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track, which maintains a superior level of acoustic fidelity across its 48kHz, 24-bit spectrum. This sole audio option is complemented by the inclusion of optional English SDH subtitles for the main feature, ensuring accessibility without detracting from the immersive auditory experience. The track's engineering excellence is showcased in its handling of the film's eclectic soundtrack and pivotal musical moments, maintaining impeccable depth, clarity, and fidelity throughout.

The auditory nuances of "Ghost World" are particularly noteworthy, as the film employs music and sound to accentuate emotional beats and thematic elements. The DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track excels in rendering these components with precision, allowing for a meaningful auditory journey that mirrors the visual narrative. The dialogue is presented with exceptional clarity — it is crisp, clean, and easily intelligible, ensuring that viewers remain engaged and fully immersed in the storytelling without any auditory distractions.

In evaluating the audio presentation of the "Ghost World" Blu-ray, it’s evident that the technology used not only supports but enhances the film’s diverse sonic landscape. From bustling city ambiances to intimate conversational nuances and a vibrant soundtrack, every aspect is given breadth and depth that can only be described as cinematically enriching. The balance between dialogue, music, and ambient sounds is meticulously maintained, making this audio track a testament to the capabilities of contemporary sound engineering in preserving and elevating cinematic art.

The Criterion Collection's Blu-Ray extras for "Ghost World" skillfully complement the main feature, offering a deep dive into its creation, themes, and legacy that fans and cinephiles will find invaluable. The collection's centerpiece, "Art as Dialogue," features insightful conversations with key cast members, exploring both the film's production and its broader cultural impact. Viewers are also treated to a rich selection of deleted scenes, enhancing appreciation for the film's final cut. Notably, the inclusion of the "Jaan Pehechaah Ho" performance offers a delightful nod to the film's memorable opening, bolstered by an optional commentary for further context. The comprehensive audio commentary led by Terry Zwigoff, Daniel Clowes, and Lianne Halfon delves into intricate production details and creative choices, framed by their personal reflections on the project. A beautifully designed booklet and a mini comic book serve as tangible extensions of the film's universe, offering fans a deeper connection to its material. Criterion has curated a thoughtfully comprehensive package that mirrors the nuanced layers of "Ghost World" itself.

Extras included in this disc:

• Trailer: Original trailer for Ghost World.
• Art as Dialogue: New documentary with actors Thora Birch, Scarlett Johansson, and Illeana Douglass.
• Deleted Scenes: A collection of scenes not included in the final cut.
• Jaan Pehechaan Ho: Full performance clip from Gumnaam featured in the movie's opening.
• Commentary: Audio commentary featuring cowriter/director Terry Zwigoff, Daniel Clowes, and Lianne Halfon.
• Booklet: Illustrated leaflet with an essay by Howard Hampton.
• Mini Comic Book: Eightball/Ghost World segment.

Terry Zwigoff's "Ghost World," released in 2001 and now available on Blu-ray from Criterion, encapsulates a unique moment at the dawn of the internet age, reflecting on the nascent digital divide and its societal implications. Featuring standout performances from Thora Birch, Scarlett Johansson, and Steve Buscemi, the film navigates the complexities of transitioning adolescence amidst a changing American socio-cultural landscape. The Criterion release is enriched with a suite of supplemental materials including a new documentary, audio commentary, and an illustrated booklet, providing invaluable context and insights into the film's creation and its thematic layers.

Set against the backdrop of a world on the cusp of online revolution, "Ghost World" follows high school graduates Enid and Rebecca as they grapple with their future and identity. Their friendship undergoes a transformative test through their interaction with Seymour, an outsider with whom Enid finds an unexpected kinship. This relationship dynamic serves as a conduit for exploring themes of isolation, the search for authenticity, and resistance to societal norms, resonating with a pre-social media audience on the brink of experiencing profound changes in communication and privacy.

While "Ghost World" adeptly balances humor with poignant social commentary, certain narrative elements occasionally succumb to contrivance, detracting from its overall impact. Despite this, the film distinguishes itself through its critical examination of the pre-digital era's social outcasts and their struggles. The performances, especially Buscemi's nuanced portrayal of Seymour, anchor the film's emotional core amid its critique and comedic aspirations. As such, "Ghost World" stands as a reflective piece on transitional periods - both personal and societal, offering a unique snapshot of a time when the world was poised between two distinct modes of human connection.

The Blu-ray release of Terry Zwigoff's "Ghost World" has managed to crystallize the essence of early-2000s youth disaffection in its high-definition upgrade, earning it a special place as a cultural time capsule rather than just a straightforward comedy. The Criterion release, sourced from a new 4K remaster, presents "Ghost World" in unparalleled visual and auditory detail, making the neon-lit, dull urban landscapes and the eclectic soundtrack more vibrant and immersive. Despite its attempts at merging dark comedy with poignant drama, some viewers may find its reliance on 'gotcha' moments somewhat detracting from the film’s deeper narrative ambitions.

Supplemental features are a significant selling point for this release, offering insightful retrospectives from director Terry Zwigoff and various cast members. These extras not only provide a richer context for the film's production and thematic intentions but also cater to the film's dedicated fan base by offering deeper dives into the movie's unique world. The technical enhancement brought by the 4K remastering does justice to the film's distinctive visual style, enhancing its appeal for both new viewers and longtime fans looking for an upgraded viewing experience.

In conclusion, Criterion’s Blu-ray release of "Ghost World" is recommended for enthusiasts who cherish the film’s place in early-21st-century American cinema or for anyone seeking a visually enhanced version of this quirky yet deeply resonant film. The 4K remaster elevates the material in every frame, while the comprehensive supplementary content enriches the overall appreciation of this finely crafted portrait of adolescence and social commentary. This release not only revitalizes "Ghost World" for existing fans but also introduces its enduring relevance to a new generation of viewers.