Ghostbusters II 4K Blu-ray Movie

Rating summary

Movie		3.0
Video		4.5
Audio		4.5
Extras		2.0
Overall		4.0

Ghostbusters II 4K Blu-ray Movie Review

2nd release of "II" = 4K.

Note: The included screenshots are sourced from a 1080p Blu-ray disc. Watch for 4K screenshots at a later date.

Ghostbusters II doesn't have the extensive history on Blu-ray as does its predecessor. No, it's only been released once as a "Mastered in 4K" presentation with DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 lossless sound and a few extras. This UHD release packs in that disc alongside the 4K presentation that also boasts upgraded Atmos sound. Does it improve on an already excellent A/V release of the film? Read on...

Ghostbusters II 4K Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

Ghostbusters II never released on Blu-ray with a "basic" 1080p transfer, instead debuting with its "Mastered in 4K" 1080p presentation right out of the gate. This UHD is presumably from the same master, presented here in true 2160p rather than downgraded to 1080p. The results are expectedly excellent. The transfer is beautifully filmic. Light grain retention is clear in every shot, but it's evenly dispersed and attractively complimentary. The disc does a tremendous job of recreating a cinematic look, feel, and flavor to the movie, which at the end of the day is goal #1 for any release (or, at least, it should be). The basic qualities of the image impress. Clarity is excellent. Details are complex and razor sharp, with extremely fine Ghostbuster uniform textures that are so realistically detailed that one could literally pause the movie and find the tiniest flaws, stitches, and seams. Urban textures excel, as they did in the original film's UHD release. Concrete sidewalks, roadways, brick façades, and other exterior textures dazzle with realistically tactile texturing. Other interiors are terrific, too, whether the wood grain patterns in the courtroom or the nicely textured paint and canvas details in the art studio. Colors are excellent. The HDR-boosted palette is healthy and aggressive but never unrealistic. There's solid pop and natural balance to the colors, whether cruder earthy tones or bright pink slime. Black levels are appropriately deep and detailed. Flesh tones push a little pale in very bright interiors, such as Dana's apartment, but otherwise usually find a healthy balance.

Direct A-B comparisons with the "Mastered in 4K" 1080p release reveal a solid improvement. Clarity, color, and detail are all noticeably improved. The opening shot of the pink slime emerging from the street is a terrific example. On the 4K disc, the raw definition of the street is markedly improved. Finer textures in the material and the clarity with which the loose pebbles are seen is rather striking. The pink color is more refined, a little less punchy, actually, and the shot overall is seemingly a touch brighter. Another good example comes during a relatively static shot minutes into the movie -- about 3:45 -- when Stantz is speaking with a kid at a birthday party. The boost in uniform texture and facial definition is clear, and the red "Ghostbusters" logo patch on the sleeve is again less punchy and more a natural shade. It's not clear which is closer to the true filmmaker intent, but the eyeball test, at least, says the HDR looks much better, more natural, more refined. This is a fantastic UHD presentation from Sony.

Ghostbusters II 4K Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

Ghostbusters II makes its UHD debut with a Dolby Atmos soundtrack (Dolby TrueHD 7.1 lossless core) that replaces the 1080p Blu-ray's DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 presentation. The track is excellent as reviewed via an 11.1 setup, which adds four "height" channels to the more traditional 5.1/7.1 setup. Overhead channels are used largely in support roles with a few good wallops of activity that are more blended into the experience rather than presented with any kind of front-and-center aggression. The courtroom battle sequence is probably the best example. As things turn nasty and the ghostly brothers are released, chaos ensues. The specters swoop about and shots from the proton pack guns seem to stretch beyond floor level and extend higher into the soundstage. General mayhem is well delivered too, with every speaker getting in on the action for seamless and surrounding bursts of excitement. Once again, the back channels offer the greatest tangible boost, creating a more seamless and detailed sound environment that helps in every facet, including action, musical delivery, and ambient support. Musical clarity is excellent, with rich instrumentals and, when necessary, vocals. Ambient effects, particularly down at the city street level, are lively and lifelike. Dialogue delivery is clear and detailed with naturally firm center placement and flawless prioritization.

Ghostbusters II 4K Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

This UHD release of Ghostbusters II contains all of its supplements on the 1080p Blu-ray disc, which is identical to the standalone release. The UHD does contain a unique collection of "Moments" (2160p, Atmos sound), which are montages featuring several segments from the film. Included are Ghostbusting (8:06), Memorable Moments (6:24), Vigo the Carpathian (8:52), and The Slime (7:22). Also included is a "Cast & Crew" tab that contains several still images of the filmmakers and actors (repeating from the Ghostbusters UHD disc). A UV digital copy code is included with purchase. For convenience, below is a listing of the extras included (click the link above for more information):

• Time Is But a Window: Ghostbusters II and Beyond
• Scene Cemetery
• "On Our Own" Music Video by Bobby Brown
• Original Trailers

Ghostbusters II 4K Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

Ghostbusters II already looked fantastic on Blu-ray with its "Mastered in 4K" 1080p presentation. The UHD takes the home viewing experience a step further. While the leap from SD DVD to 1080p HD was more drastic, this presentation manages to capture a broader range of subtleties, better colors (though again artistic intent is a question up for debate), and a firmer, even more attractive filmic veneer. Whether the boost is enough to entice viewers is the real question. Those who "settle" for the regular 1080p Blu-ray aren't missing a ton, but UHD owners will certainly appreciate the upgrade. Add in an enjoyable Atmos track and the technical presentation is probably close to the best the movie will ever be for home viewing. It's a shame a couple of new extras weren't included, but the movie isn't exactly screaming for a more comprehensive package. Recommended.