Ghost Town Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray release of "Ghost Town" by DreamWorks, presented in a stunning 1080p and framed at 1.78:1, offers a notably high-quality video experience that's tailored for its genre. This romantic comedy benefits immensely from a presentation that emphasizes its lively and warm color scheme, featuring minimal grain that complements its cheerful narrative effectively. Despite its tendency towards an overly bright and somewhat artificial image at times, the film manages to maintain an appealing film-like aesthetic. The detail level is commendable, with urban landscapes and park settings displaying impressive textures and nuances that enhance the realism of the visuals. While the transfer exhibits softness in some background elements, the foreground remains crisp and vibrant, contributing to an overall satisfying high-definition experience.

However, it's not without its flaws; white levels occasionally appear excessively bright, which can be slightly jarring against the otherwise balanced and autumnal color palette favored throughout much of the film. The movie distinguishes itself from the typical comedy with its atmospheric nuances, benefiting from director David Koepp's experience in creating mood in thrillers. Such care in curation extends to the black levels, which are deep and enriching, and the flesh tones, which are natural and consistent, further bringing the characters and settings to life. Textures are particularly striking, lending an almost tactile quality to the visuals.

In terms of technical execution, "Ghost Town's" Blu-ray avoids common pitfalls such as halos and digital noise, ensuring an uninterrupted viewing pleasure. Paramount’s dedication to this underappreciated gem is evident in the meticulous attention to video quality. While not perfect due to its handling of white levels and the occasional overbrightness, the transfer nonetheless stands as a testament to the film’s vibrant essence captured in high definition.

DreamWorks's Blu-ray audio presentation of "Ghost Town" leverages a Dolby TrueHD 5.1 lossless soundtrack, aligning well with the expectations for the Romantic Comedy genre. It showcases a compelling front presence, balanced adequately with rear channel engagement, particularly shining with the film's score which enjoys a broad dispersion, occasionally seeking refuge in the background for added depth. This execution crafts a modestly enveloping ambiance, especially notable in exterior New York sequences, despite its largely front-focused mix which emphasizes dialogue. Directional effects, though sparse, enhance the auditory experience, making it competently sufficient for the film's auditory demands.

The dialogue delivery in "Ghost Town" remains paramount, presented with clarity and precision at the forefront. Complementing the verbal exchanges are well-crafted ambient sounds, enriching scenes bustling with people or the eerie yet comedic pursuit by a host of ghosts. The surround sound channels embrace the film’s elegant score, lending an atmospheric quality that, while not plunging the viewer into a deeply immersive soundscape (don't expect to feel the chill of an invisible ghost breathing down your neck), distinctly sets it above the norm for the genre.

Moreover, the inclusion of Spanish and French Dolby Digital 5.1 audio tracks, alongside a versatile array of subtitles in English (and SDH), Spanish, French, and Portuguese, ensures a broad accessibility. This thoughtful addition underscores the Blu-ray’s appeal to a diverse audience base, reinforcing its solidity as an audio-visual release. Consequently, though "Ghost Town's" audio presentation might not be groundbreaking, it stands as a solidly executed component of its Blu-ray release, adeptly serving the storytelling and comedic elements of the film.

The Blu-ray edition of "Ghost Town" impresses with a suite of extras that not only complements the film but enhances the viewing experience significantly. The standout feature is undoubtedly the commentary track with director David Koepp and actor Ricky Gervais, blending professional insights with Gervais's signature humor, providing an engaging and hilarious backdrop to the film. The "Making 'Ghost Town'" documentary, despite its conventional format, entertains with its behind-the-scenes peek and candid interviews. "Ghostly Effects" offers a succinct yet fascinating glimpse into the minimalist approach to the film's visual effects, highlighting the director's philosophy that less is often more in comedy. Lastly, "Some People Can Do It" presents a generous dose of outtakes that, while amusing, might overstay its welcome for some. All features are presented in high definition, which is a commendable decision by DreamWorks/Paramount, setting a standard we can only hope others will follow.

Extras included in this disc:

• Commentary with David Koepp and Ricky Gervais: A humorous and informative track with the film's director and star.
• Making 'Ghost Town': A behind-the-scenes documentary featuring interviews and on-set footage.
• Ghostly Effects: A brief overview of the visual effects used for the ghost characters.
• Some People Can Do It: Outtakes and bloopers featuring Ricky Gervais.

"Ghost Town" transcends the ordinary confines of its genre, presenting a narrative that adeptly balances humor with a tangible touch of drama, expanding its reach beyond the expected romantic comedy audience. Ricky Gervais, known for his poignant humor, delivers an exceptionally multi-layered performance as Dr. Bertram Pincus, a New York City dentist whose life takes an unexpected turn when he acquires the ability to communicate with ghosts following a routine medical procedure. This peculiar skill thrusts him into the unfinished business of the deceased, particularly that of Greg Kinnear's character, Frank, thus weaving a tale brimming with both comedic and heartfelt moments. The film's unique charm lies in its ability to oscillate between laugh-out-loud humor and genuine emotional depth, avoiding the pitfalls of predictability that often plague the genre.

Directed by David Koepp, "Ghost Town" shines as a testament to his versatility, diverging from his more familiar adventurous and thrilling undertakings to explore the nuances of romantic comedy with a supernatural twist. The screenplay, co-written with John Kamps, excels in its witty dialogues and robust character development, making the implausible premise not only believable but also deeply engaging. The supporting cast, including Téa Leoni and Billy Campbell, complements Gervais' brilliant lead performance, anchoring the film's more fantastical elements in relatable human emotions and relationships.

Despite facing challenges in marketing and critical reception, the film distinguishes itself through its clever script, stellar performances, and Koepp's adept direction. "Ghost Town" does not merely aim for ephemeral laughs; it aspires to resonates on a profound level, addressing themes of isolation, redemption, and love amidst the backdrop of bustling New York City. It is this ambitious blend of comedy, romance, and drama that marks "Ghost Town" as an exceptional piece in the cinematic world, meriting a wider appreciation than it initially received.

"Ghost Town" impresses as a standout romantic comedy that appeals to a broad audience, thanks in large part to Ricky Gervais's comedic genius and the unexpectedly profound narrative that accompanies the romance. This film shatters the mold of typical entries in the genre, avoiding clichés and superficiality, to deliver an engaging mix of humor, love, and genuine emotion. Its brisk pacing and tight focus contribute significantly to its success, making it one of the more memorable romantic comedies in recent years. The Blu-ray release from DreamWorks lives up to expectations, offering excellent picture quality with vivid colors and crisp details. The audio, while primarily centered at the front, is clear and well-balanced, ensuring that every line and laugh is enjoyed to its fullest.

In terms of extras, "Ghost Town" on Blu-ray doesn’t disappoint, providing a collection of special features that, while not extensive, are of high quality and all in HD. These include behind-the-scenes looks and commentaries that add value to the overall package, making it a worthy addition to any collection. The presentation from Paramount and DreamWorks showcases their commitment to quality, with both the audio and visual components receiving above-average marks for a release of this type.

Conclusively, "Ghost Town" on Blu-ray earns a strong recommendation for anyone in search of a romantic comedy that's both intelligently written and heartwarming. Its high-quality technical specifications, combined with a thoughtful selection of special features, make it a compelling purchase or rental. The film proves to be an outstanding choice not only for its target audience but also for those typically skeptical of the genre, offering a fresh and satisfying cinema experience that few other movies can match.