Ghostbusters 4K + 3D Blu-ray Movie

Rating summary

Movie		2.0
Video		4.0
Audio		5.0
Extras		3.5
Overall		4.0

Ghostbusters 4K + 3D Blu-ray Movie Review

Three formats, two different cuts, and various audio and subtitle options scattered around the year's most controversial film.

Reviewed by Martin Liebman October 10, 2016

There's a popular YouTube channel called "Honest Trailers" that cuts its own movie trailers, provides its own voiceovers, and, rather than make a movie seem all flashy and cool and put it in the minds of audiences that it's something that they just have to see, tells the real story (as they see it) and provides a more realistic evaluation of the movie in question. It's pretty funny stuff, because most trailers aren't "honest." They sell a bill of goods that, more often than not, it seems, show all the best clips or that carefully edit a condensed version of a movie for maximum "wow" factor. Trailers are one of the most critical marketing tools for studios and probably the most enjoyed by movie fans, because if nothing else and even through the spin they offer a real glimpse, or "preview," of an unreleased movie. So it was with great anticipation that Sony released the trailer for the Ghostbusters reboot. And... Flop. Crash. Thud.

The trailer wasn't a hit, to say the least. It was met with disdain, igniting the Internet into a frenzy the likes of which it hadn't really seen before in response to a simple movie trailer. For its factually incorrect information ("four scientists..."), cringe-worthy gags, and eye-rolling dialogue, its reception was harsh at best and cruel at worst. Arguments exploded all over the Internet, with some claiming sexism as the root of the negative reaction and others citing the general poor performance of the movie depicted therein. The trailer became the most disliked in YouTube history. A prominent conservative voice was banned from Twitter after a feud with Ghostbusters Star Leslie Jones caused her to quit the service. Forums exploded. Emotions ran hot. If nothing else, the trailer got the word out in a way few ever have. All publicity is good publicity. Then the movie hit theaters. In a reversal of the (anecdotal) norm, critical reception was, generally, fair, while audience reaction was, generally, a bit more negative. Opinions remained divided, perhaps not running quite so hot as before, but the base critiques of the film, and its detractors, remained. Turns out, though, that Ghostbusters' trailer was pretty honest on its own. The movie doesn't work as a standalone entertainer or as a reboot of the 30-year-old franchise. It's by-and-large a disappointment, finding a few moments of charm, dramatic intrigue, and enjoyable special effects-laden action scattered amongst a script and execution that tries too hard and flops when it should fly, scuffles when it should star, drags when it should dazzle, suffocates when it should satisfy.

Erin Gilbert (Kristen Wiig) is hoping to nab a coveted tenure position at Columbia. She specializes in Theoretical Particle Physics but has been known to dabble around the fringes of accepted science in the past, all of which is in a book about ghosts that she once wrote and now hopes to keep under wraps from academia. Unfortunately, the book has suddenly become widely available and eventually leads to her dismissal. With nowhere to go, she turns to an old friend, a scientist named Abby Yates (Melissa McCarthy) who, it turns out, was the one to put the book back in circulation to begin with. Abby and Erin share a long history of paranormal studies, and when Abby receives a call to investigate a sighting at a prominent New York mansion, she, Erin, and Abby's colleague Jillian Holtzmann (Kate McKinnon) confirm the sighting and engage the ghost. Soon, they find themselves in the middle of some serious paranormal activity. Using Jillian's gizmos and gadgets and finding help from an MTA employee named Patty Tolan (Leslie Jones), who has first-hand contact with a ghost, and an awkward receptionist named Kevin (Chris Hemsworth), the Ghostbusters set out to save New York from its most sinister and dangerous enemies yet.

Ghostbusters looks pretty good on the surface. The cast is decidedly affable and seems to really want to spark the movie to greatness. The problem is that they're saddled with a drag of a script that's got to be the epitome of the contemporary try-hard. It lacks not just the organic flow, situational laughs, and well constructed characterization of the original film but also tries the near-impossible of recreating iconic moments and lines from the original while still making the movie as uniquely individualized as possible. That's a really tough line to toe, one that few movies have really succeeded in walking. Star Trek is one that did it exceedingly well. Ghostbusters, on the other hand, is largely tone deaf, struggling not so much to put together a good core but rather all of the complimentary pieces around it. That core is fine -- the cast its enthusiastic, the visual effects are by-and-lage excellent, and the action is sufficiently entertaining -- but everything else crashes and burns. The performances suffer because the material with which the actors have to work isn't up to par. They commendably try their best, but they're left to flounder and force their lines because the movie is contextually lacking and substantively empty. Yes, it's Ghostbusters, and it doesn't need to be Shakespeare, but Writers Paul Feig (who also directed) and Katie Dippold spend too much effort on cramming in empty humor and less time really exploring the characters or the world around them in any meaningful, narrative-complimenting way. It never finds an identity or purpose, or at least a positive identity or purpose, instead bouncing from one flop of a gag to the next to the point that, by the time the movie gains some momentum in its third act, has been too much of a drag to really care about some of the great ideas it explores and the awesome visual effects that support them in the climax.

Ghostbusters 4K + 3D Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

Note: The included screenshots are sourced from a 1080p Blu-ray disc. Watch for 4K screenshots at a later date. No 3D screenshots are available

3D Disc:
Score: 4.0/5.0

Ghostbusters was made for 3D. Literally, the movie features a number of instances where visual cues extended beyond the framing and poke out above the "black bars" for added effect. These are carried over to the flat 2D images on the 1080p and 2160p discs, but they make their mark in 3D. Effectively, they allow for a greater sense of "pop," which is part optical illusion as it stretches out onto otherwise blank space and part 3D magic. Ghosts sometimes seem to flutter above the screen. Beams fling out. Particles jump and hover beyond the frame's general confines. A familiar face crashes out of the screen in a key moment at the 1:27:47 mark, which is the single best 3D visual in the movie and one of the most fun and effective yet on the 3D format. The movie definitely works well in 3D, and beyond the jump out of the screen is a healthy, tangible sense of depth back in. Something as mundane as peering down into a sink is very effective, but more so are lengthy locations like city streets and a subway station that, with its somewhat cramped setting that's much longer than it is wide, offers an effective look in 3D, particularly as the platform gives way to the tracks and the very real sense of drop-off space. The movie's basic elements don't hold up quite as well in 3D, though. Colors are dimmer and the frame overall darker. Blacks lose some detail, particularly on clothes. Textures are noticeably softer. Aliasing is increased, and a few jagged edges work their way into frame. Still, it's an effective trade. The 3D effects are really spectacular, and the rest of the movie looks good enough in a complimentary role. Of all three options -- 1080p, 4K, and 3D -- this is the way to watch the movie. It's too bad the extended cut isn't available.

UHD Disc:
Score: 4.5/5.0

The 2160p/HDR-enhanced presentation of Ghostbusters offers a marginal, but noticeable, upgrade over the movie's 1080p Blu-ray transfer. The movie was reportedly shot at 2.8K and finished at 2K, making this, presumably, an upscale from that source. The image retains all of the same basic characteristics from the 1080p version, including a fairly hot, heavily saturated color palette. The HDR coloring brings a bit more stability to the presentation, firmer shades and more appreciable nuance, whether in subtle variations of color or big splashes, such as yellow taxis or ghostly green and blue shades. It's an impressive palette within the movie's stylistic choices, very bright and extremely bold. The HDR brings out the best of the most colorful apparitions, cityscape details, and clothes. The final showdown, which takes place at night and contrasts extremely vibrant neons against a largely black background, is most impressive. Detail tightens up too, not by a significant margin, but crisper clothing lines, facial features, varied textural features on building façades, and Ghostbuster equipment are nicely conveyed. The digital readout on Abby's helmet is much more clear and easier to read. Black levels could stand to tighten up a tad, appearing a touch washed out in lower light interiors, such as the mansion at the beginning, but holding rather firm at night. On the whole, this is a very impressive 4K presentation from Sony, even if it's upscaled from a lower-res source.

Ghostbusters 4K + 3D Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

3D Disc:
Score: 4.5/5.0

The bad news is that Sony has once again decided to favor the "premium" status of its UHD disc at the expense of the 3D Blu-ray audience by refusing to bring over the enhanced Atmos soundtrack from the UHD disc (despite other studios dropping the Atmos track on every release). It would be nice if Sony could go even that half-extra mile and bump up to 7.1, but alas. The good news is that the included DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 lossless soundtrack is still fantastic. Ghostbusters is a movie that depends upon sound design from top to bottom, from small creaks and moans to the most explosive, bass-happy, full-spread sonic mayhem. The track never really disappoints. Even limited to the standard 5.1 channel layout, there are no discernible gaps in coverage. Music is wide and rich, effortlessly saturating the stage with score and energetic popular music alike. There are plenty of fantastic zip and zap effects that expertly ride through the stage like a roller coaster as the team tests out some of its big guns in a back alley. Information flies through the stage with precision effect and dynamic clarity. Bass is thunderous, particularly during the big extended battle at the end. The low end is not only deep and strong, but very complimentary. There's a momentum to it, like the proverbial snowball that grows as it rolls downhill. The track never seems to tire or relent, always pushing as hard as it can while still maintaining an excellence of clarity and balance. Each key effect plays with its own unique signature, and no matter how frenzied the track may become, all the different pieces never become jumbled together or, worse, drowned out by the most impressive bass lines. Lighter atmospherics richly define low key scenes and fill in basic background ambience with ease. Dialogue is accurate, well prioritized and naturally positioned in the front-center. Even without the extra layers of a 7.1 or Atmos/X track, this is a very, very good listen that serves the movie well.

UHD Disc:
Score: 5.0/5.0

Ghostbusters receives the Atmos treatment for its UHD release, and it's a winner. Though not a huge step up from the 1080p and 3D release's fantastic DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 lossless soundtrack, it offers notable improvements and an even fuller, richer, more detailed and lifelike presentation. Clarity seems boosted to the point that very subtle atmospherics that weren't as prominent on the other track are more so here, not over amplified but certainly much more refined and complimentary to the experience. Background equipment humming in Abby's lab is a great example. Musical delivery is fantastic, with pinpoint clarity throughout the range and a seamlessly wide and totally immersive placement around the stage. The listener practically feels directly in the middle of the orchestra, recording studio, or concert venue. With regard to the latter, the Hard Rock concert that plays a prominent role in the film springs to life with insanely aggressive musical elements which eventually give way to one of the most dynamic sonic moments in the movie. The ghostly apparition sweeps and swoops through the stage with ridiculously impressive precision in its broadest movements and the most subtle support elements alike. Bass is amazingly potent and deep and the proton pack gunfire is ridiculously fun in delivery, zapping with a tangible weight and seeming to come from all over the stage. The climactic battle segments are a lot of fun, too, yielding, again, momentous bass and information that blends seamlessly and emanates from and travels through every inch of the stage, including above. The overhead channels engage frequently and while every element is not enhanced by them, the combination of necessary discrete effects and more broadly complimenting sound detail from atop is most welcome. Rounded out by faultlessly reproduced dialogue, this is a fantastic Atmos track and a reference presentation for the format's capabilities.

Because this release wants to be as complicated as possible, there are audio and subtitle options all over the map depending on which disc is inserted. Rather than try and wade through notes and various fields in the listing above, it's simplest to list everything available on each disc below:

1080p Disc

• Audio:
• English: DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1
• Spanish: Dolby Digital 5.1
• Subtitles:
• English
• English SDH
• Spanish

3D Disc

• Audio:
• English: DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1
• English Audio Descriptive Service: Dolby Digital 5.1
• French: Dolby Digital 5.1
• Spanish (Latin Am): Dolby Digital 5.1
• Spanish (Mexican): Dolby Digital 5.1
• Thai: Dolby Digital 5.1
• Subtitles:
• English
• English SDH
• Cantonese
• Chinese Simplified
• Chinese Traditional
• French
• Indonesian/Bahasa Indonesia
• Korean
• Spanish
• Thai
• Vietnamese

UHD Disc

• Audio:
• English: Dolby Atmos (Dolby TrueHD 7.1 Compatible)
• English Audio Descriptive: Dolby Digital 5.1
• Spanish: Dolby Digital 5.1
• Subtitles:
• English
• English SDH
• Spanish

Ghostbusters 4K + 3D Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

Ghostbusters contains all of the core supplemental content on the included 1080p disc. The 3D disc contains no additional bonus features. The UHD disc contains a "Cast & Crew" tab that features still photos of key cast and crew and the following "Moments," essentially a collection of grouped highlight moments from the film (2160p/HDR/Atmos): Light 'Em Up (4:50), Kevin (9:37), Ghosts (11:02), and The World (6:22). Note that while two cuts of the film are included on the 1080p Blu-ray release, the 3D release contains only the theatrical cut (1:56:34) while the UHD disc contains only the extended cut (2:13:44). Below is a review of all the supplements included on the 2D disc. A digital copy voucher is included with purchase. Note that the digital copy voucher makes mention of "over an hour of additional extended and alternate scenes" but did not appear to be available at time of publication. This review will be updated when and if they appear online. One new digital-only supplement was available. Rowan's Manifesto (0:47) is a video message explaining Rowan's decision to unleash the ghosts on the Earth.

• Audio Commentary: Writer/Director Paul Feig and Writer Katie Dippold deliver an affable and informative track. It's very broad in coverage, delving into both basic detail and more intimate, hands-on insights. Locations, casting, and performances are covered, but it's in the more anecdotal discussions where the track really shines. The track is available on both cuts.
• Audio Commentary: This is a "Department Heads" track. Participants include Editor Brent White, Producer Jessie Henderson, Production Designer Jeff Sage, Visual Effects Supervisor Pete Travers, and Special Effects Supervisor Mark Hawker. As with the first track, this is fun and breezy while still presenting plenty of in-depth detail into what the speakers do and how they worked on the movie. It's more technical in nature than the other track, making this a second quality companion piece to the movie. This track is also available on both cuts.
• Gag Reels (1080p): Because one gag reel is apparently not enough, the disc features Gag Reel Round 1 (7:30) and Gag Reel Round 2 (7:59).
• Deleted Scenes (1080p, 9:22 total runtime): Scenes include Past Lives, The Big Test, The Breakup, and Where Are You?.
• Extended & Alternate Scenes (1080p, 21:14 total runtime): Erin Walks to Class, Phil & Phyllis, The Duke, The Dean, Bennie & Erin, Protect the Barrier, The Beasts of Mayhem, Casper, Visine, Where's the Walkie, and Rebecca Gorin.
• Jokes A Plenty (1080p, 34:30): This is essentially the usual Sony Line-O-Rama collection, renamed, offering a bunch of alternate line takes from the shoot. Included are Free for All, Holtzman Gone Wild, The Patty Show, Kevin Unleashed, The Dean Goes Down, and The Bird.
• Meet the Team (1080p, 8:04): Paul Feig and cast discuss the four main Ghostbuster characters in more depth and the qualities the actors brought to the roles.
• The Ghosts of Ghostbusters (1080p, 13:57): An interesting discussion of the various "tiers" of ghosts that appear in the movie, with in-depth insight into camera tests, costumes, makeup, practical and digital effects, and more.
• Visual Effects: 30 Years Later (1080p, 15:16): A detailed discussion of the film's cutting edge digital effects, with some interesting detail on how practical support pieces helped to enhance the digital end product.
• Slime Time (1080p, 5:15): As the title suggests, this piece is all about the iconic Ghostbusters slime that oozes through the movie.
• Chris Hemsworth is "Kevin" (1080p, 7:42): A closer look at the actor's role in the film, including his comedic chops and improvs.
• Photo Gallery (1080p): A hodgepodge of concept art images.

Ghostbusters 4K + 3D Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

Ghostbusters flashes potential. The cast is by-and-large enjoyable but suffers under the burden of empty writing and a lack of identity for the film. The action isn't bad, neither are the visual effects, and both come together in a splendidly realized climax. When the movie is on, it makes for an enjoyable modern spin on the franchise. The problem is that it there's about 80 minutes worth of unfunny dialogue and crudely paced construction to wade through to get there. Sony's 1080p/3D/UHD combo pack is the only way to own the 3D disc, which is best way to watch the movie, despite some drawbacks to the basic presentation. The UHD disc is the best way to hear the movie, the only version of the three to feature an Atmos soundtrack. The 1080p disc houses all the extras. Multiple audio and subtitle options are spread across all three discs. Two cuts of the film are included but aren't available on every format. Some digital-only supplements are available. Yeah, this release is trying its best to over complicate matters, but it's essentially a one-stop full collection, just not really "complete" on any one disc. Lots of choices, but severely restricted combinations.