GHOSTBUSTERS and GHOSTBUSTERS 2 [1984 / 1989 / 2014] [Blu-ray + Digital HD ULTRAVIOLET] [UK Release] There’s Something Strange in Your Neighbourhood! So Who You Gonna Call!
The classic supernatural comedies that defined a generation and they were of course ‘GHOSTBUSTERS and GHOSTBUSTERS 2,’ now together in this special collector's edition Blu-ray set. Celebrate 30 years of the Ghostbusters franchise with remastered high-definition picture and sound for both movies, plus all-new and never-before-seen special features. Plus, explore the history of the films with this deluxe collector’s edition, loaded with production notes, character sketches, insider info and more. Bring home these “spooktacularly” successful films that captured the imagination of audiences around the world — and redefined the action-comedy genre in the process. Who you gonna call?
FILM FACT No.1: ‘GHOSTBUSTERS’ Awards and Nominations: 1985 Academy Awards®: Nomination: Best Effects and Visual Effects for Chuck Gaspar, John Bruno, Mark Vargo and Richard Edlund. Nomination: Best Music for an Original Song for Ray Parker Jr. for the song "Ghostbusters." 1985 Golden Globes: Nomination: Best Motion Picture in a Comedy or Musical. Nomination: Best Performance by an Actor in a Motion Picture in a Comedy or Musical for Bill Murray. Nomination: Best Original Song in a Motion Picture for Ray Parker Jr. for the song "Ghostbusters." 1985 BAFTA Film Awards: Win: Best Original Song for Ray Parker Jr. for the song "Ghostbusters." Nomination: Best Special Visual Effects for Richard Edlund. 1985 Academy of Science Fiction, Fantasy & Horror Films, USA: Win: Best Fantasy Film. 1985 Hugo Awards: Nomination: Best Dramatic Presentation for Dan Aykroyd (written), Harold Ramis (written) and Ivan Reitman (director). 1985 Young Artist Awards: Win: Best Family Motion Picture in a Musical or Comedy.
FILM FACT No.2: The first ‘GHOSTBUSTERS’ concept was inspired by Dan Aykroyd's fascination with the paranormal and his father wrote the book “A History of Ghosts.” Dan Aykroyd conceived Ghostbusters as a vehicle for himself and his friend and fellow Saturday Night Live alumnus John Belushi. Aykroyd also saw Ghostbusters as an opportunity to modernize the ghost films ‘The Ghost Breakers’ [1940] and ‘Ghost Chasers’ [1951]. Around 1982, director Ivan Reitman, along with Joe Medjuck and Michael C. Gross, had been working with Douglas Adams on an option for a film adaptation of ‘The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy.’ To provide storyboards and concept art, associate producer Michael C. Gross hired illustrators including Thom Enriquez, Bernie Wrightson, and Tanino Liberatore. John DeCuir, known for his elaborate sets, was hired as production designer and art director. Ghost puppets were built by Boss Films, which also handled compositing of special effects shots. Filming began in New York City in October 1983. Among the locations that granted permission to film was Columbia University, which allowed its Havemeyer Hall to stand in for the fictional Weaver Hall, on the condition that the university not be identified by name. The Irving Trust Bank on Fifth Avenue served as the bank where Dan Aykroyd's character takes out a third mortgage to provide the ‘GHOSTBUSTERS’ start-up money. The building at 55 Central Park West served as Dana Barrett and Louis Tully's apartment building. Other New York City locations used for exteriors included the New York Public Library and Firehouse, Hook & Ladder Company 8 in Tribeca neighbourhood, which was used as the “Ghostbusters” headquarters. Locals complained about the imposition on their neighbourhoods.
FILM FACT No.4: ‘GHOSTBUSTERS 2’ Awards and Nominations: 1990 BMI Film & TV Awards: Win: BMI Film Music Award for Randy Edelman. Win: Most Performed Song from a Film for Daryl Simmons, Kenneth “Babyface” Edmonds and Daryl Simmons for the song "On Our Own." 1990 Young Artist Awards: Nomination: Best Family Motion Picture in a Comedy.
FILM FACT No.5: With the film ‘GHOSTBUSTERS 2,’ some notable cast members appear in the film that includes one of Bill Murray's siblings, Brian Doyle-Murray, who played the psychiatric doctor, Dan Aykroyd's niece, Karen Humber, who played one of the school children, and Ben Stein, who played a public works official for the mayor. Jason Reitman, son of director Ivan Reitman, plays the boy who insults the Ghostbusters at a birthday party. Cheech Marin is the dock supervisor who witnesses the arrival of the Titanic, and Philip Baker Hall is the city police chief. Bobby Brown is the doorman to Gracie Mansion when the Ghostbusters go to see the Mayor of New York City (also performing on the soundtrack). The physical role of Vigo was played by Wilhelm von Homburg, and his dialog was dubbed by Max von Sydow. After the success of the first film and the animated series “The Real Ghostbusters,” where Columbia Pictures pressed the producers to make a sequel. Dan Aykroyd, Harold Ramis and Ivan Reitman were uncomfortable with this, as the original film was intended to be conclusive and they wished to work on other projects. Eventually, they agreed and created a script.
GHOSTBUSTERS Cast: Bill Murray, Dan Aykroyd, Sigourney Weaver, Harold Ramis, Rick Moranis, Annie Potts, William Atherton, Ernie Hudson, David Margulies, Steven Tash, Jennifer Runyon, Slavitza Jovan, Michael Ensign, Alice Drummond, Jordan Charney, Timothy Carhart, John Rothman, Tom McDermott, Roger Grimsby, Larry King, Joe Franklin, Casey Kasem (voice), John Ring, Norman Matlock, Joe Cirillo, Joe Schmieg, Reggie Vel Johnson, Rhoda Gemignani, Murray Rubin, Larry Dilg, Danny Stone, Patty Freedman, Jean Kasem, Lenny Del Genio, Frances E. Nealy, Sam Moses, Christopher Wynkoop, Winston May, Tommy Hollis, Eda Reiss Merin, Rick Mancini, Kathryn Janssen, Stanley Grover, Carol Ann Henry, James Hardie, Frantz Turner, Nancy Kelly, Paul Trafas, Cheryl Birchenfield, Ruth Oliver, Kymberly Herrin, Murray Bandel (uncredited), Larry Bilzarian (uncredited), Billy Bryan (Stay Puft Marshmallow Man) (uncredited), Matteo Cafiso (uncredited), Larry Chain (uncredited), Frankie Como (uncredited), Peter Costanza (uncredited), James 'Hotfeet' Davis (uncredited), John De Bello (uncredited), Paddi Edwards (Gozer voice) (uncredited), Eldo Ray Estes (uncredited), Brute Force (uncredited), Debbie Gibson (uncredited), Willow Hale (uncredited), Jon Hayden (uncredited), Ron Jeremy (uncredited), Joseph Marzano (uncredited), Joe Medjuck (uncredited), Frank Patton III Harrison Ray (Terror Dog) (uncredited), Ivan Reitman (Zuul /Slimer voice) (uncredited), Frank Rivers (uncredited), Mario Todisco (uncredited), Bill Walton (uncredited), Manny Weltman (uncredited) and Mark Bryan Wilson (Slimer) (uncredited)
GHOSTBUSTERS Director: Ivan Reitman
GHOSTBUSTERS Producers: Bernie Brillstein, Ivan Reitman, Joe Medjuck and Michael C. Gross
GHOSTBUSTERS Screenplay: Dan Aykroyd, Harold Ramis and Rick Moranis (uncredited)
GHOSTBUSTERS Composer: Elmer Bernstein
GHOSTBUSTERS Make-up and Hair Department: Etsuko Egawa [Special Make-up Effects Artist], Leonard Engelman [Make-up Artist], Michael R. Jones [Special Make-up Effects Artist] (uncredited). Michael R. Thomas [Make-up Artist: New York], Barry Rosenberg [Hair stylist] (uncredited), Dione Taylor [Hair stylist] and Peggy Semtob [Hair stylist] (uncredited)
GHOSTBUSTERS Costume Design: Suzy Benzinger (uncredited) and Theoni V. Aldredge (costumes)
GHOSTBUSTERS Cinematography: László Kovács, A.S.C. (Director of Photography)
GHOSTBUSTERS Visual Effects: Richard Edlund, A.S.C.
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GHOSTBUSTERS 2 Cast: Bill Murray, Dan Aykroyd, Sigourney Weaver, Harold Ramis, Rick Moranis, Ernie Hudson, Annie Potts, Peter MacNicol, Harris Yulin, David Margulies, Kurt Fuller, Janet Margolin, Wilhelm von Homburg, William T. Deutschendorf, Henry J. Deutschendorf II, Michael P. Moran, Olivia Ward, Mordecai Lawner, Susan Boehm, Mary Ellen Trainor, Christopher Villaseñor, Jason Reitman, Aaron Lustig, Page Leong, Mark Schneider, Valery Pappas, Catherine Reitman, Dave Florek, Richard Foronjy, George P. Wilbur, Sharon Kramer, Walter Flanagan, Bobby Brown, Christopher Neame, Judy Ovitz, Tom Dugan, Angelo Di Mascio, Robert Alan Beuth, Ralph Monaco, Ron Cummins, Cheech Marin, Yvette Cruise, John Hammil, Ray Glanzmann, Alex Zimmerman, Brian Doyle-Murray, Louise Troy, Douglas Seale, Ben Stein, Erik Holland, Philip Baker Hall, Steve Baker (uncredited), Cibby Danyla (uncredited), Kevin Dunn (uncredited), Jim Fye (Scoleri Brother / Ghost Jogger) (uncredited), George Gerard (uncredited), Donna Guidry (uncredited), Tim Lawrence (Scoleri Brother) (uncredited), Peter Papageorgiou (uncredited), Kariim Ratcliff (uncredited), Ivan Reitman (Man Walking Outside Firehouse/Slimer voice) (uncredited), Ira S. Rosenstein (uncredited), Max von Sydow (Vigo voice) (uncredited), Chloe Webb (uncredited), (uncredited), Harold Weed (Vigo the Carpathian from Stantz) (uncredited) and Justin Michael Woods (Baby in street) (uncredited)
GHOSTBUSTERS 2 Director: Ivan Reitman
GHOSTBUSTERS 2 Producers: Bernie Brillstein, Gordon A. Webb, Ivan Reitman, Joe Medjuck, Michael C. Gross and Sheldon Kahn
GHOSTBUSTERS 2 Screenplay: Dan Aykroyd (characters/written) and Harold Ramis (characters/ written)
GHOSTBUSTERS 2 Composer: Randy Edelman
GHOSTBUSTERS 2 Make-up and Hair Department: Gandhi Bob Arrollo [Make-up Artist], John M. Elliott Jr. [Key Make-up Artist / Make-up Artist], Mark Alfrey [Special Make-up Effects Artist], Michael R. Thomas [Make-up Artist: New York], Stephen Abrums [Make-up Artist], Frank Bianco [Hair stylist], Marlene D. Williams [Hair stylist] and Peggy Semtob [Hair stylist]
GHOSTBUSTERS 2 Costume Design: Gloria Gresham
GHOSTBUSTERS 2 Cinematography: Michael Chapman, A.S.C. (Director of Photography)
GHOSTBUSTERS 2 Visual Effects Supervisor: Dennis Muren, A.S.C.
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GHOSTBUSTERS and GHOSTBUSTERS 2 Blu-ray Information
Image Resolution: 1080p (Metrocolor / Color by DeLuxe)
Aspect Ratio: 2.40:1 (Panavision)
Audio: English: 5.1 DTS-HD Master Audio
French: 5.1 DTS-HD Master Audio
French: 2.0 Dolby Digital Stereo Audio
German: 5.1 DTS-HD Master Audio
German: 2.0 Dolby Digital Stereo Audio
English: 2.0 Dolby Digital Stereo Audio
Italian: 2.0 Dolby Digital Stereo Audio
Japanese: 2.0 Dolby Digital Stereo Audio
Portuguese: 2.0 Dolby Digital Stereo Audio
Russian: 5.1 Dolby Digital Audio
Spanish: 2.0 Dolby Digital Stereo Audio
Castilian: 2.0 Dolby Digital Stereo Audio
Thai: 5.1 Dolby Digital Audio
Subtitles: English, English SDH, Arabic, Bulgarian, Chinese, Croatian, Czech, Danish, Dutch, Finnish, French, German, Greek, Hindi, Hungarian, Icelandic, Italian, Japanese, European Portuguese, Brazilian Portuguese, Russian, Spanish, Castilian, Swedish, Thai, Turkish and Japanese
Running Time: GHOSTBUSTERS 105 minutes and GHOSTBUSTERS 2 108 minutes
Region: All Regions
Number of discs: 2
Studio: Columbia Pictures / SONY Pictures Home Entertainment
Andrew’s Blu-ray Review: The GHOSTBUSTERS film franchise was seen as an American fantasy comedy films produced and directed by Ivan Reitman and written by Dan Aykroyd and Harold Ramis. Dan Aykroyd conceived ‘GHOSTBUSTERS’ as a project for himself and fellow “Saturday Night Live” alumnus John Belushi.
With the 1984 movie ‘GHOSTBUSTERS’ we find Three misfit parapsychology research professors that specialize in ghosts, Dr. Egon Spengler [Harold Ramis], Dr. Raymond Stantz [Dan Aykroyd] and Dr. Peter Venkman [Bill Murray], and find themselves looking for work after Columbia University terminates their grant. Before they are kicked out of Columbia, they investigate a haunting at the New York City Public Library and after seeing some symmetrical book stacking they encounter a ghost librarian of the “Grey Lady” that runs the three of them out of the Library.
Without a way to share their findings, Dr. Peter Venkman, Dr. Raymond Stantz, and Dr. Egon Spengler take matters into their own hands. They start a business named the “Ghostbusters” a “Professional Paranormal Investigation and Elimination Service” out of an old firehouse, using a 1959 Cadillac Series 62 Mobile Emergency Hospital vehicle dubbed the “ECTO-1” to get about the city and also hiring Janine Melnitz [Annie Potts] to handle the phones and clerical work. Dana Barrett [Sigourney Weaver] of 550 Central Park West, comes to the Ghostbusters and asks for their help after she experiences some horror in the kitchen of her own home.
The three Ghostbusters do a few tests to determine that she isn't crazy as she recounts a paranormal experience in her kitchen with the name “Zuul.” Dr. Peter Venkman seizes the opportunity to get romantically closer to Dana Barrett and goes with her to the apartment. Using the “Ghost Sniffer” he checks out the place, finds nothing in the main room, and bedroom. Dana Barrett then directs him toward the kitchen where he finds eggs that cooked themselves on the counter but gets no readings on the “Ghost Sniffer” despite using it correctly.
One night, Dana Barrett enters her apartment and is talking on the phone to her mother. After Dana Barrett hangs up, she gets grabbed by claws that burst out of her chair. Dana Barrett is taken into the kitchen where she becomes possessed by “Zuul.” Meanwhile, Louis Tully [Rick Moranis], another resident of the apartments, is hosting a party for the fourth anniversary of him becoming an accountant when a dog, that is also described as a bear and a cougar – but in reality it is a “Terror Dog” attacks, and chases him out of the building and to a restaurant where it possesses him.
Dr. Peter Venkman makes a visit to Dana Barrett 's apartment, where Dr. Peter Venkman quickly realises that she has been possessed by “Zuul,” the “Gatekeeper of Gozer.” Changed radically by her possession, Dana Barrett aggressively tries to seduce him but ends up growling fiercely and levitating above her bed in frustration after he repeatedly rejects her advances.
Louis Tully is similarly possessed by Vinz Clortho, Gozer's Keymaster, stumbles around Central Park. Louis Tully harasses locals until finding a carriage horse and confusing it with “The Gatekeeper.” When the coachman questions him, Louis Tully responds by angrily flaring his eyes red and growling at the man. Later, the cops bring Louis Tully into the Firehouse and ask Dr. Egon Spengler if he would take him, as he is exhibiting strange behaviour. Dr. Egon Spengler recognizes that Louis Tully is possessed. Dr. Peter Venkman later calls Dr. Egon Spengler to tell him about Dana Barrett being possessed by “Zuul,” aka “The Gatekeeper.”
Assisted by the police and Army, the Ghostbusters make their way to the top of 550 Central Park West. They are too late to prevent the possessed Dana Barrett and Louis Tully from completing the ritual for the coming of Gozer. When the Ghostbusters reach the hidden part of the building, the possessed Dana Barrett and Louis Tully open a dimensional gate at the top of the building and are transformed into the “Terror Dog” forms of their possessors. They then take their positions beside Gozer's Temple as the Ghostbusters stare in shock. When Gozer [Slavitza Jovan] emerges in a female humanoid form, the team tries to shoot her with their packs, but fails to harm her. Gozer disappears and tells them to select the next form it will take, and though the team tries to empty their minds, Dr. Raymond Stantz is unable to. Dr. Raymond Stantz thinks about the most innocent thing he could imagine: the Stay Puft Marshmallow Man. The team finds that a giant version of the marshmallow mascot has begun to lay waste to the city as it makes its way to the apartments and starts climbing the building.
Dr. Egon Spengler realises that the only way to end the destruction is to reverse the particle flow through the gate by crossing the streams, resulting in “total protonic reversal” which would destroy Gozer and the interdimensional gate. The plan is risky at best, but there is definitely a very slim chance of their survival. As the giant creature reaches the top of the building, the team executes Egon's plan, causing the gate to seal itself, creating an explosion and burning the Stay Puft Marshmallow Man away into large amounts of liquid marshmallow fluff. The Ghostbusters find that they have all survived and that Dana Barrett and Louis Tully have returned to their normal, unpossessed, now back to their human forms. The Ghostbusters team are welcomed on the street as heroes and cheered on by the vast population of New York City as they leave the building and drive away. Director Ivan Reitman's movie succeeds in combining comedy, action, and some scary stuff, but in the best possible taste, because the film's special effects are very impressive and very professionally done by a very special effects team.
Post Script: The concept was inspired by Dan Aykroyd's own fascination with the paranormal, and it was conceived by Dan Aykroyd as a vehicle for himself and for his friend and fellow Saturday Night Live alumnus John Belushi. The original story as written by Dan Aykroyd “Ghost Smashers” was very different than what would be eventually filmed. In that version, a group of Ghostbusters would travel through time, space and other dimensions taking on huge ghosts.
GHOSTBUSTERS MUSIC TRACK LIST
GHOSTBUSTERS (Written by Ray Parker Jr.) [Performed by Ray Parker Jr.]
SAVIN’ THE DAY (Written by Bobby Alessi and Dave Immer) [Performed by Alessi aka Billy Alessi and Bobby Alessi]
HOT NIGHT (Written by Diane Warren and The Doctor) [Performed by Laura Branigan]
DISCO INFERNO (Written by Leroy Green and Ron Kersey) [Performed by The Trammps]
CLEANIN’ UP THE TOWN (Written by Kevin O'Neal and Brian O'Neal) [Performed by The Bus Boys]
IN THE NAME OF LOVE (Written by Tom Bailey) [Performed by Thompson Twins]
I CAN WAIT FOREVER (Written by Graham Russell, David Foster and Jay Graydon) [Performed by Air Supply]
MAGIC (Written by Mick Smiley) [Performed by Mick Smiley]
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‘GHOSTBUSTERS 2’ [1989] is once again directed by Ivan Reitman's for this sequel to the phenomenally successful original 1984 ‘GHOSTBUSTERS’ film which is now much looser and more self-assured than the original film. The sequel picks up five years after the events of the first ‘GHOSTBUSTERS’ film. It follows the hilarious group of parapsychologists that includes Dr. Peter Venkman [Bill Murray], Dr. Raymond Stantz [Dan Aykroyd], Dr. Egon Spengler [Harold Ramis], and Winston Zeddemore [Ernie Hudson]. Here they stage a comeback after being forced to close down because of a lawsuit from the City of New York brought about by their epic battle with Gozer. The lawsuit also incurred a restraining order preventing the team from conducting any further investigations of the supernatural.
When we meet up with our heroes, we discover that Dr. Raymond Stantz and Winston Zeddemore [Ernie Hudson] have become entertainers at children’s parties, Dr. Egon Spengler has stayed in the science field and is working in a lab, and Dr. Peter Venkman is hosting a public-access show about psychics. We also learn that the Ghostbusters first client and is Dr. Peter Venkman’s ex-girlfriend Dana Barrett [Sigourney Weaver], who now works at an art museum restoring paintings and has a baby boy named Baby Oscar [William T. Deutschendorf / Henry J. Deutschendorf II].
The Ghostbusters investigation leads them to conclude that whatever was controlling Baby Oscar’s pram think it is being operated from beneath the streets of Manhattan. So, they decide the best plan of action is to illegally excavate the street. After being lowered underground on a wire, Dr. Raymond Stantz discovers a massive river of pink slime running through an abandoned subway line, and is attacked by the slime while obtaining a sample for analysis, Dr. Raymond Stantz accidentally knocks out the city’s electrical grid, which leads to the Ghostbusters team being arrested.
On New Year’s Eve the Ghostbusters team take their suspicions about the slime to the mayor, which is dismissed. Meanwhile, a ghost resembling Dr. Janosz Poha [Peter MacNicol] kidnaps Baby Oscar, forcing Dana Barrett to head to the museum alone to rescue him. But once Dana Barrett enters, the exterior is covered in a wall of impenetrable pink slime.
The Ghostbusters team immediately head to the museum to save Dana Barrett and Baby Oscar. Their initial attempts to break through the slime wall fail since the negative energy holding it together is so intense. They decide they need to find a way to generate enough positive energy to break the wall, so they use positively charged slime and some good music to bring the Statue of Liberty to life, employing her torch to smash through the museum’s ceiling.
Once inside, the Ghostbusters do battle with Vigo, whose power is growing due to the negative vibes of New York City and the approaching New Year. Vigo manages to temporarily paralyze the team and makes an attempt to transfer into Baby Oscar’s body, but the positive energy generated by thousands of New Yorkers coming together to sing “Auld Lang Syne” outside and weakens Vigo’s evil power enough to allow the guys to break free from their paralysis state and send the evil Vigo spirit back into his painting. But have they succeeded in thwarting the dastardly evil power, well of course you will have to watch the film to find out what happens, so happy viewing folks!
Post Script: While ‘GHOSTBUSTERS 2’ gave some critics certainly gave negative comments on that it had some problems, but I feel the film holds up as a sterling example of its comedic potential, especially with Bill Murray, Dan Aykroyd, Sigourney Weaver, Harold Ramis, Rick Moranis and director Ivan Reitman. It’s certainly a worthy watch for any fan of this type of comedy and yet don’t expect to come away with the same sense of fulfilment especially from viewing the film ‘GHOSTBUSTERS 2’ the first time round. All in all, this film is nowhere as bad as the haters make it out to be, and nowhere near as good as those fans bespectacled in rose-coloured-nostalgia-goggles would have us believe. Like many comedy sequels before and after, ‘GHOSTBUSTERS 2’ is just fine and that is alright with me and all you negative people out there, come on and chill out fo;ks!
GHOSTBUSTERS 2 MUSIC TRACK LIST
GHOSTBUSTERS (Written by Ray Parker Jr.) [Performed by Ray Parker Jr.]
GHOSTBUSTERS (Written by Ray Parker Jr.) [Performed by Performed and Rap by Run-D.M.C.]
ON YOUR OWN (Written by L.A. Reid, Kenneth 'Babyface' Edmonds and Daryl Simmons) [Performed by Bobby Brown]
FLIP CITY (Written by Glenn Frey and Hawk Wolinski) [Performed by Glenn Frey]
HIGHER AND HIGHER (Written by Gary Jackson, Carl Smith and Raynard Miner) [Performed by Jackie Wilson]
HIGHER AND HIGHER (Written by Gary Jackson, Carl Smith and Raynard Miner) [Performed by Howard Huntsberry]
SPIRIT (Written by Doug E. Fresh and Bernard Wright) [Performed by Doug E. Fresh and The Get Fresh Crew]
FLESH ‘N BLOOD (Written by Danny Elfman) [Performed by Oingo Boingo]
WE’RE BACK (Written by Bobby Brown, Dennis Austin, Larry White and Kirk Crumpler) [Performed by Bobby Brown]
AULD LANG SYNE (uncredited) (Traditional) (Lyrics by Robert Burns) [Performed by New Yorkers]
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Blu-ray Image Quality – Columbia Pictures and Sony Pictures Home Entertainment presents us ‘GHOSTBUSTERS’ and ‘GHOSTBUSTERS 2’ films, that has been had a “Mastered in 4K” remastered 1080p image and of course both films have been enhanced with a 2.40:1 aspect ratio that really shows off these films so wonderful. You definitely get an improved clarity and more authentic colour grading. With both films you also get images that are really packed with intricate textures and vibrant colours, especially in ‘GHOSTBUSTERS 2’ when it comes to the scene with the flood of pink slime. With both films, the image has a big reduction in both noise and grain, to not spoil your viewing enjoyment. But on the other hand you sometimes do get throughout each film some fine film grain now and again, which I suppose did not help because of the film stock that was used at the time. But despite this, it is still a very pleasing refined imagery, resulting in an authentically film-like viewing experience. Overall, for both films the transfer is pretty good for each film that was released in 1984 and 1989.
Blu-ray Audio Quality – Columbia Pictures and Sony Pictures Home Entertainment brings us ‘GHOSTBUSTERS’ and ‘GHOSTBUSTERS 2’ films with a 5.1 DTS-HD Master Audio experience, which of course is the remixes of the original soundtrack. But unfortunately they have not upgraded the surround experience, as most of the sound comes from the three front speakers, but it does add to giving us plenty of dynamic audio ambiences. As the films progress you do also get to experience a nice hefty throbbing bass in certain scenes, especially from your subwoofer speaker. But when it comes to the some of the sound effects, such as the proton effects, it is very effective, but with the rest of the soundtrack with both films, it is very smooth. The films signature music feature in the surround channels with a fine clarity. But despite the age of the films, I think Sony Pictures Home Entertainment have given us something worth listening to with both films and has given us something special to cherish with both these films. The superb soundtrack throughout both films should please fans a great deal.
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‘GHOSTBUSTERS’ Blu-ray Special Features and Extras:
Special Feature: Audio Commentary with Ivan Reitman, Harold Ramis and Joe Medjuck [Audio only] [1999] [1080p] [2.40:1] [101:08] With this featurette, first to introduce themselves is Ivan Reitman [Director/Producer], Harold Ramis [Writer/Actor] and Joe Medjuk [Associate Produce and of course they are here to talk about the original film ‘GHOSTBUSTERS’ and it is hilarious, informative and very entertaining. They also make certain comments about the Columbia Pictures torch bearing lady. Now the talk a lot about the improvisation that went into a lot of the lines that run throughout the film, and talk in-depth about all aspects about the film and also some very interesting historical information, that helped to make the film such a massive International Box Office success and also talk in-depth about the special effects, which some of which were physically done, not optically. The most wonderful thing is a great group commentary and this is certainly one that the three work off of each other really well during the audio commentary, providing a few really funny moments. There are some very funny moments, especially from Harold Ramis, who talks about one scene where he is cut out of the picture on the video pan/scan edition. This audio commentary for a film like this is interesting because it's one of the films of the 80's that really was not only a fairly major production, but also used special effects very strongly, before the days where special effects became easier to produce. There are so many details of interest in the production of this film, such as how they produce the proton beam effects that the commentators never simply talk about what's on screen-they fill the audio track with a non-stop, hilarious and entertaining couple of hours of talk about a great film. But as we come the last 10 minutes of the film, the three of them want to talk about the massive Marshmallow man and informs us when it melts, that large garbage and laundry bags were filled with shaving cream that was dropped on people from high up, and comment in-depth on the actor William Alherton who plays the dick idiot Walter Peck, but they also comment that someone had a bad reaction to the shaving cream. They also talk about the actress Sigourney Weaver inside one of the Terror Dogs and they were concerned about her welfare and wanted to get her out very quickly, and feel like it was a re-birth experience for the actress. They say that the actor Dan Akroyd loved the shaving cream more than anyone else and kept asking for more. As we get to view the end credits, they say they really enjoyed filming in New York City and especially all the extras had a really enjoyable time. They also day that Sigourney Weaver and Bill Murray got on really well together. They also say they love the way the movie ends and what all the actors have gone through when we see them exit the building. They also say that sadly Elmer Bernstein is sort of uncredited for the music for the ‘GHOSTBUSTERS’ theme music, and is tended to be overlooked for the score, which they thought was really wonderful. They also comment on the Ray Parker Jr. song that was such a massive big hit and even the biggest hit that year for the film in 1984. They also give nice comments on the end credit names. Ivan Reitman now says that the film ‘GHOSTBUSTERS’ was the greatest experience of his life and thanks the other two audio commentators and at that point this audio commentary comes to an end. Please note: This audio commentary featurette is from the 1999 DVD release.
Special Feature: Slimer Mode – Picture in Picture and Trivia Track [2009] [1080p] [1.78:1] [000:00] With this featurette, while viewing the film ‘GHOSTBUSTERS’ you get to view at the bottom right hand corner a small television screen with contributors talking fascinating in-depth information about the 1984 film ‘GHOSTBUSTERS’ and also sometimes you get at the bottom left hand corner in-depth information also relating to the 1984 film with the following headings: LIBRARY GHOST; NOT-SO-NORMAL NYC; DR. RAY STANTZ; FIRE HOUSE HQ; ECTO-GOGGLES; SLIMER GHOST; PROTON PACK; GHOST TRAP; DR. PETER VENKMAN; GOZER; THE OLD CANDY STORE HAUNTING; CONTAINMENT GRID; TERROR DOGS’ ZUUL; ECTOPLASM; PKE METER; VINZ CLOTHO; ECTO-1; THE NEW AMSTERDAME THEATRE; DR. EGO SPENGLER; TOBIN’S SPIRIT GUIDE; NEUTRONA WAND; STAY-PUFT; LINCOLN TUNNEL MYSTERY and ST. MARK’S CHIRCH PHANTOM. Contributors include: Joe Medjuk [Associate Producer], Sigourney Weaver [Dana Barrett], William Atherton [Walter Peck], Paul M. Sammon [Film Historian], Terry Windell [Animation Supervisor of Creative Design Consultant], Richard Edlund [Visual Effects Supervisor], John Bruno [Visual Effects Art Director], Michael C. Gross [Associate Producer] and Ernie Hudson [Winston Zeddemore],
Special Feature: 30th Anniversary Print Collection Poster Art Gallery: With this featurette, we get to view the 1984 Launch Slide Show for the ‘GHOSTBUSTERS’ 30th Anniversary Print Collection of 31 film posters and other amazing images.
Special Feature: Who You Gonna Call?: A ‘GHOSTBUSTERS’ Retrospective [2014] [1080p] [1.78:1 / 2.40:1] [24:01] With this featurette, we get to view a 30th Anniversary piece in which we have a retrospective discussion with Director Ivan Reitman and Dan Aykroyd who talk to journalist Geoff Boucher about making the movie ‘GHOSTBUSTERS’ and we meet Ivan Reitman and Dan Aykroyd and talk about at the time they had a feeling they have a big hit on their hands. Ivan Reitman and Dan Aykroyd also talk and discuss the role New York City plays in the film, the picture's massive success, the iconic images that arose from the film, also Harold Ramis' contributions, details of the technical details of the shoot, the film's special effects, the cast's contributions to the film's success, music, fan reaction, and much much more. Throughout this featurette, we get to view a few clips from the 1984 movie ‘GHOSTBUSTERS,’ as well as some images from the 1984 film. Contributors include: Geoff Boucher [Host/Entertainment Journalist], Ivan Reitman [Director/Producer] and Dan Aykroyd [Writer/Dr. Raymond Stantz].
Special Feature: ECTO-1: Resurrecting the Ghostbusters Classic Car [2008] [1080p] [1.78:1 / 2.40:1] [15:37] With this featurette, we get to view a group of people putting together the Classic ECTO-1 Ghostbuster car back together again at the Cinema Vehicles Services which is situated at 12580 Saticoy St, North Hollywood, CA 91605, United States. The actual car is a 1959 Cadillac Series 62 Mobile Emergency Hospital vehicle which of course originally appeared in the 1984 movie ‘GHOSTBUSTERS,’ and we also get to view behind-the-scene images related to the film ‘GHOSTBUSTERS.’ This featurette is something really special, really amazing and is a must view for all you massive fans of the 1984 movie ‘GHOSTBUSTERS,’ especially when you see actor Dan Aykroyd take the newly refurbished vehicle for a test drive and seeing how excited he was to drive it. Contributors include: Dan Aykroyd [Writer/Dr. Raymond Stantz], Keith Hargrove [Director/SONY Pictures Consumer Products], Harold Ramis [Dr. Egon Spengler/Writer], Ray Claridge [Owner/Cinema Vehicles Services], Sam Salerno [General Manager/Cinema Vehicles Services] and Mark Mazure [Mechanic/Cinema Vehicles Services].
Special Feature: Ghostbusters Garage: ECTO-1 Gallery [2008] [1080p] [1.78:1] [5:27] With this featurette, we get to view the 1959 Cadillac Series 62 Mobile Emergency Hospital vehicle before it was massively refurbished and situated in the Cinema Vehicles Services, 12580 Saticoy St, North Hollywood, CA 91605, United States and we get to view an in-depth close-up look at every part of the vehicle that was in for some very serious need to be upgraded 100%. But then we start to view images of the workers at the Cinema Vehicles Services starting to refurbish the vehicle in great detail. But of course near the end of this featurette, we finally get to see the totally magical transformation of the finished 1959 Cadillac Series 62 Mobile Emergency Hospital vehicle in such a brilliant professional upgrade.
Special Feature: On The Scene With The Ghostbusters [1984] [480i] [1.37:1] [9:45] With this featurette, we are informed that this archival video footage is of a lower resolution. It has been included on this Blu-ray disc so that you may have the opportunity so that you may have the opportunity to enjoy the previously released DVD content. But basically, what you get to view is a rare documentary on the behind-the-scene of the shooting on the streets of New York City of the 1984 iconic blockbuster movie ‘GHOSTBUSTERS.’ Contributors include: Sigourney Weaver [Dana Barrett], Bill Murray [Dr. Peter Venkman], Rick Moranis [Louis Tully], Dan Aykroyd [Writer/Dr. Raymond Stantz], Ivan Reitman [Director/Producer], John DeCuir [Production Designer] and Richard Edlund [Special Visual Effects].
Special Feature: Cast and Crew [1984] [1080i] [1.37:1] [10:53] With this featurette, we get to meet certain people who were involved in the 1984 feature film ‘GHOSTBUSTERS.’ At the same time, we again get to view lots of clips from the film ‘GHOSTBUSTERS.’ Please note: We are informed that actor Dan Aykroyd was interviews at the House of Blues, Los Angeles, California. Contributors include: Ivan Reitman [Director/Producer], Dan Aykroyd [Writer/Actor] and Harold Ramis [Writer/Actor].
Special Feature: Out of Chaos Came SFX [2008] [1080i] [1.37:1] [15:22] With this featurette, we get to meet the brilliant SFX Team who helped to produce the mind blowing special effects for the 1984 movie ‘GHOSTBUSTERS,’ as well as the actors who appeared in the film. Once again, we get to view a few clips from 1984 movie ‘GHOSTBUSTERS.’ Contributors include: Bill Murray [Dr. Peter Venkman], Dan Aykroyd [Writer/Actor], Richard Edlund, A.S.C. [Visual Effects Supervisor], John Bruno [Visual Effects Art Director], Terry Windell [Animation Supervisor], Annick Therrien [Technical Animator], Conrad Buff [Visual Effects Editor], John DeCuir [Production Designer], Matthew Yuricich [Chief Matte Artist], Michelle Moen [Matte Artist], Mark Stetson [Model Shop Supervisor], Neil Krepela [Matte Department Supervisor], Thaine Morris [Mechanical Effects Supervisor] and Virgil Mirano [Visual Effects Still Photographer].
Special Feature: Scene Cemetery [1984] [480i] [1.37:1] [7:52] With this featurette, we get to see certain scenes that did not make it into the 1984 feature film ‘GHOSTBUSTERS’ and they are as follows: Stake; Dana; Honeymooners; Winston; Bums; Busy; Promotion; E.P.A; Puft Hat and “No Louis!”
Special Feature: Alternate TV Version Takes [1984] [480i] [1.37:1] [1:31] With this featurette, we get to view a few clips from the film ‘GHOSTBUSTERS’ that featured several alternate takes for broadcast television. During the scene in mayor's office, Dr. Peter Venkman's “dickless” line was changed to “Wally Wick.” As the Ghostbusters emerge from the Sedgewick ballroom after catching the green ghost (Slimer) Dr. Peter Venkman's “We came, we saw, we kicked its ass!” line was changed to “What a knockabout of pure fun that was!” Dr. Peter Venkman's claim in the mayor's office that Walter Peck “has no dick” was changed to call him “some kind of rodent, I don't know which,” and Winston Zeddmore's claim to have seen “stuff” rather than “shit” that'll turn you white, and Dr. Egon Spengler's later outburst of “shit” at the Keymaster's disappearance was changed to a much milder “oh, no!”
Special Feature: Multi-Angle Exploration [1984] [480i] [1.37:1] [4:19] With this featurette, we are informed that this section allows you to switch your point of view and briefly compare the rough cut of the 1984 film ‘GHOSTBUSTERS’ – before the final effects were added – to the final polished film. They also inform you that you have to use the ANGLE button on your remote control to toggle between views. The scenes we get to view are as follows: Spook Central Exploding; She’s a Dog and Crossing the Streams.
Special Feature: Storyboard Comparisons [2008] [480i] [1.37:1] [6:25] With this featurette, you get to view a rough storyboard drawing at the top of the screen and below it you get to actually see the scene from the 1984 ‘GHOSTBUSTERS’ film and the titles of the storyboard/scene we view are the following: Slimer; Dogs Drag Dana and Atop Spook Central.
Special Feature: “Ghostbusters” Music Video featuring Ray Parker, Jr. [1984] [480i] [1.37:1] [4:19] With this featurette, we get to view the massive big hit featurinf the singer Ray Parker, Jr. in collaboration with the massive blockbuster 1984 film ‘GHOSTBUSTERS.’ Plus, we get to view a few scenes from the 1984 movie.
Special Feature: Theatrical Trailer [1984] [1080p] [2.40:1] [2:15] With this featurette, we get to view the Original Theatrical Trailer for the film ‘GHOSTBUSTERS.’
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GHOSTBUSTERS 2 Blu-ray Special Features and Extras:
Special Feature: Time Is But A Window: Ghostbusters 2 and Beyond [1989] [1080p] [1.78:1] [16:16] With this featurette, we get to view Entertainment Journalist Geoff Boucher hosts Director Ivan Reitman and Co-Writer/Actor Dan Aykroyd to discuss the process of building a sequel on top of the original and the challenges and advantages inherent to the endeavour. Also discussed are cast and the characters they play (including Ernie Hudson's “audience perspective” character), set pieces, the "river of slime" and the role of slime in the series, comics and additional tales from the universe, toys and memorabilia, the franchise's future, and more.
Special Feature: Scene Cemetery [1989] [1080i] [2.40:1] [7:27] With this featurette, we get to view a collection of deleted scenes that did not make it in the 1989 film ‘GHOSTBUSTERS 2’ and they are as follows: Dana's Curse; El Gato, the Cat; Sewer Invitation; Louis' Secret; Peter's Concern; Jack Buys It and Driving Miss Liberty.
Special Feature: “On Our Own” Music Video featuring Bobby Brown [1989] [1080i] [1.37:1] [4:36] With this featurette, we get to view the Bobby Brown Music Video that was connected with the release of the 1989 movie ‘GHOSTBUSTERS 2.’
Special Feature: Original Trailers: with this featurette, we get to view the following: Teaser Trailer [1989] [1080p] [1:78:1] [1:06]; Trailer 1 [1989] [1080p] [1:78:1] [2:26] and Trailer 2 [1989] [1080p] [2.40:1] [2:32].
PLUS: You get A PERSONAL NOTE FROM IVAN REITMAN which is a printed sheet of a personal note on all factors relating to the ‘GHOSTBUSTERS’ and ‘GHOSTBUSTERS 2’ films and some insight in bringing the two films to the viewing public, and thanks us the public for purchasing the two films.
BONUS: Also included is a brilliant 24 page colourful booklet entitled GHOSTBUSTERS 1 & 2. It contains THE STORY OF GHOSTBUSTERS. THE STORY OF GHOSTBUSTERS 2. We also have the Original 1984 Bio’s on BILL MURRAY, DAN AYKROYD, HAROLD RAMIS, ERNIE HUDSON, RICK MORANIS, SIGOURNEY WEAVER and IVAN REITMAN. We also get to view lots of wonderful colour photos from the films ‘GHOSTBUSTERS’ and ‘GHOSTBUSTERS 2,’ Original Production Artwork, lots of Publicity Promotion images and Original Production Art from Columbia Pictures Archives.
Finally, with the films ‘GHOSTBUSTERS’ and ‘GHOSTBUSTERS 2’ the reason I feel the comedy is so spot on between each of the actors performance and that even though the two film contains lots of spooky supernatural elements, each actor plays it completely straight as they would be in any other comedy film. Both films are well-written and have good subtle humour in each of the films and none of the actors fall into any of that embarrassing bad slapstick pratfalls or cheap running gags. It’s just four guys who have a job to do and have loads of fun doing it and that’s all that is needed. What makes it even more fascinating is the fact that much of the comedy in ‘GHOSTBUSTERS’ and ‘GHOSTBUSTERS 2’ and I feel a lot of it was improvised on the spot, and really feel it shows in their performances in bot films. I also think about both ‘GHOSTBUSTERS’ and ‘GHOSTBUSTERS 2’ films and how many memorable lines running throughout each film, which there are far too many to mention to list. But despite this, and I feel and predict that you will have a great deal of fun viewing both films and you will also enjoy a joyous experience and especially loads of laughter, especially with the combined 204 minutes viewing of both films. But on top of all that, you get the added bonus with this special Box Set, that it comes loaded with lots of exclusive bonus materials, including revealing conversations with director Ivan Reitman and Dan Aykroyd, as well as never-before-seen deleted scenes from ‘GHOSTBUSTERS’ and ‘GHOSTBUSTERS 2’ and much more. The ‘GHOSTBUSTERS’ and ‘GHOSTBUSTERS 2’ anniversary edition features the original music video of the Oscar nominated song “Ghostbusters” by Ray Parker Jr., while‘GHOSTBUSTERS 2’ includes the original music video for “On Our Own” by Bobby Brown. In addition, ‘GHOSTBUSTERS’ and ‘GHOSTBUSTERS 2’ contains all previously released legacies content, audio commentary and an interactive Slimer Mode, offering fans a picture-in-picture graphical viewing experience. So all in all this is a totally brilliant and awesome packaged that will be enjoyed with the whole family and friends. Highly Recommended!
Andrew C. Miller – Your Ultimate No.1 Film Aficionado
Le Cinema Paradiso
United Kingdom
