6
(supernatural elements and some talk about Jesus)
6
(sexuality, strong language, crude jokes, gruesome creatures)
7
(worth seeing multiple times)
"Ghostbusters" is one of my favorite movies of the 80’s. In fact, I listed it in my top 10 favorites of all time until the likes of "Lord of the Rings" and "Chronicles of Narnia" caused me to rearrange my entire list. I still love to watch it regularly, though.
One reason I like it so much is that it’s the near-perfect blend of supernatural horror and comedy. You might not think the two fit together, and perhaps normally they don’t, but these guys found a way to make it work. I don’t mean to say I consider "Ghostbusters" scary, but there are definitely great moments of ugly monsters jumping out and creepiness beyond what many so-called “scary” movies can produce.
The Ghostbusters franchise is big enough that you probably have a general idea of who and what they are even if you’ve never seen the movie, though you may not know how what you’ve seen fits into a full-length movie since it’s a bit more grown-up than the cartoons and toys.
3 scientists are investigating paranormal phenomena. They lose their research funding at the university and decide to create a business based around supernatural elimination. They have managed to invent equipment capable of trapping and indefinitely caging members of the ethereal plane.
Ray is the heart of the team. He’s lovable and often naive. Egon is the brains. He’s intellectual to a fault, but, with a little help from Ray, is able to solve any scientific problem the team encounters. Peter is the mouth. He deals more with people than equipment, and though self-centered, he does look out for the team. Winston joins later. He’s the anchor; he’s probably the most down-to-earth of the four which comes in handy for practical matters.
And so the story goes… Struggling with their new business the team slowly builds a clientele. Dana is the only one that really interests Peter, though. She‘s been seeing some mighty strange things in her apartment a lot more sinister than a green blob sucking down hot dogs. Though Peter already has every intention of helping her (so that she’ll go out with him) it becomes vital to the fate of humanity that the supernatural forces invading her space be stopped. Just as the team seems to be getting a handle on the situation, the government steps in and screws everything up. How do you convince a bunch of bureaucrats that ghosts are about to destroy the city?
The reason why this movie was such a huge hit is more than I can say. I mean, come on, a bunch of guys trapping ghosts just doesn’t seem like a concept such a huge audience would latch on to. I guess it just has the perfect blend of all the elements. It has the fun visual effects of weird looking ghosts, extremely odd guns, and other unusual props. It has a high energy level with the guys sliding down poles like firemen, running from ghosts, and dashing to the aid of the haunted. It’s full of laughs from low brow comedy like Peter getting slimed to the subtle humor of Dana avoiding Peter’s advances. There’s a catchy pop theme song, other well-placed pop songs, and an excellent score that doesn’t get enough recognition. All of that makes the movie fun and worthy of multiple viewings, but is only part of what makes it great.
There’s a decent story behind all the fun and excitement which I’ve already touched on. What really does the trick is the characters being believable. Egon, for example, is not Albert Einstein and Rambo combined. He doesn’t pick up this proton pack he invented and start tearing through ghosts like he’s some highly trained special forces superman. There’s no star here that saves the day once everyone else has failed. Like any real team these guys have to rely on each other to survive. Where one is weak another is stronger. I think more people can relate to that than some of the other hero movies out there even if the ethereal enemies are hard to swallow.
This is classic comedy with plenty of fun and excitement. Though the effects are not nearly as great as what we can do now much of it still holds up being far less dated than you might expect. It grabs the imagination and tickles the funny bone with interesting characters, great actors, and a sense of ethereal adventure.
Morality
There is a bit of strong / crude language, some sexual innuendo (though no actual sex or nudity), and some frightening moments like demon hands grabbing people and a decomposing cab driver. There is very little violence. Even the ghosts are not destroyed but rather captured.
Spirituality
The spiritual element should be obvious: the guys are taking down ghosts and other ethereal entities. Gozer is god-like and doesn't have much use for any being that is not a "god."
There are several references to biblical Christianity. Towards the end the Ghostbusters describe the coming cataclysm as one of biblical proportions "real wrath of God type stuff."
My favorite conversation comes out of Winston. He talks about believing in God and comments about how he loves Jesus' style. I mentioned appreciating this when meeting Ernie Hudson and got a big smile from him over it.
This is certainly not a Christian movie, nor is it necessarily apropriate for very young audiences, but it does allow room for believing in a God above all other gods in its universe and allows one of its most important characters to express an appreciation for Jesus. It wouldn't be too far a stretch to suggest that Winston is a Christian man.
Final Thoughts
This remains one of my favorite comedies of all time. The ghostly elements, excitement, and humor make for an experience that few can match. Even other Ghostbusters projects have fallen short of the mark set by this classic. It is required viewing for all!
Buying Guide
The original "Ghostbusters" has had a resurgence in the DVD market after years of only a single DVD option (though it was a good one).
You can get that original Collector's Series DVD by itself or in a 2 pack with the sequel. There is a newer remastered DVD out as well which has a 2 pack available plus a “gift set” edition.
Blu-ray offers several options including the original Blu with at least 1 steelbook variation, 2 different 4K transfers, and a 2 pack with the sequel that also comes in a limited edition set.
Here are a few more researched details on the editions I don't have. If you just want to know the contents of the DVD and Blu-ray skip on down to the next section.
I've been trying to find someone stating definitively what the extras are on the newer DVD (the green slime cover), but nobody seems interested in publishing that info. That makes me want to publish my guides all the more so that I can offer up that kind of info on all the releases I can. Anyway, there is some vague indication that you may get some extras, but it sounds like they aren't as numerous as the original DVD or the Blu. The presentation gets high marks. It's been remastered so it should look better than the original DVD though it won't match the Blu's HD.
The box set with the sequel offers the standard re-release of both movies. Listings may say that you'll be getting full screen (this appears to have been corrected since the initial release), but reviews assure us that it offers widescreen for both films. The real draw for this set is a book that includes various sketches, bios, and such. The “gift set” edition of the box set offers a Stay Puft Marshmallow Man collectible, some trading cards, and 1 or 2 other goodies.
At first glance the 4K Blus may appear to be virtually the same product thanks to listings that don't provide enough detail. In fact, they are significantly different in a couple of key ways. The first one of these was marketed purely as a 4K release. These are somewhat like the old Superbit DVD's – they are intended to provide the best picture available even above what the standard Blu-ray can offer. Expect 5.1 Dolby HD audio. Reviews do not give this perfect marks despite the 4K encoding, but they do rate it very high. While it may be slightly improved over the standard Blu, my opinion is that you really have to be a stickler for perfect quality to feel the need for an upgrade this marginal. The audio track is the same as the standard Blu which you can read about in detail below. There are no extras at all.
The big one is sometimes referred to as a “30th Anniversary Edition” although the cover art has no such designation (it typically has the busted ghost holding up 1 finger). It is essentially a combination of the original Blu and the first 4K release. It includes the 4K encoding, a new audio track, and the extras from the original Blu. The 4K encoding is the same as the previous 4K release. The audio is 5.1 DTS (HD, of course) rather than the Dolby previously offered. Reviews suggest that there isn't much difference between them though the new version is very slightly improved. Extras are mostly the same as the earlier Blu but do offer a few new goodies including some clips from the TV version, a new retrospective, an image gallery, a music video, and a trailer. The video game feature has been removed.
The 2 pack offers both movie repackaged in a book. Is this perhaps the same book that comes with the DVD box set? I can 't tell, but it does offer up some notes and sketches. It appears to contain the 30th Anniversary editions of both films and all the extras offered with them.
The limited edition version of that set also offers a Slimer figurine.
Final Recommendation:
While it has been something of a challenge deciphering precisely what you get in each release compared to the others I can make a couple of recommendations. The re-release box set sound like a great option for DVD (and the limited edition version of it even better if the price is decent) with a much improved edition of the sequel (more details in that guide) and the book it offers. I wish I could tell you exactly which extras you might miss out on from the original DVD, but the other elements sound like they would make up for any lack. The original DVD is still packed with goodness even if it offers less than the others.
Going with Blu will get you improved quality and more extras though you'll miss out on something no matter which version you choose. The newest 4K Blu has the most to offer while the original 4K lacks on extras. If I ever upgrade my Blu to the 4K version it will be because I got the 2 pack with the sequel and the book.
The original Blu is a 2 disc offering with the movie on disc 1 and the original DVD extras presented on a DVD disc.
Video
2.40 widescreen at 1080p:
The image looks a lot more vibrant than the DVD with a noticeable improvement in details. This is particularly exciting when it comes to some of the ghostly scenes which are more fun to watch than ever. It looks pretty grainy which is really noticeable in some scenes but not so bad in others.
Audio
5.1 Dolby HD:
The audio is stronger than it was on DVD, but it still lacks somewhat when it comes to surround sound immersion. The level and range are improved making some of the sound effects stand out more.
Packaging
The case is standard plastic.
The interface offers some creative unique graphics with a partial recreation of the original animated interface for the archival DVD.
Extras
The vast majority of the extras are the same as the original DVD with a few differences (most notably a few new features and a few minor omissions) that I'll note as I go through them. Just about everything that was on the original DVD except the new additions and the image galleries are available on both the Blu disc and the archival DVD.
-Commentary: Director, producer, Harold Ramis: It's entertaining and informative covering the early days of the production, original ideas, getting the cast members on board, and thoughts on the paranormal. This is the same commentary that was available on the DVD except that there are no visuals.
-Slimer Mode: This is a PiP track with comments from numerous people and short BTS clips. It also includes some pop-up trivia called ghost files. Topics include the origins of the idea and how it morphed into what we see now, what the slime is made from, character backgrounds, finding the firehouse, the maid's real reaction, all about Slimer, finding Gozer and considering Pee Wee Herman for it, the complexities of the rooftop set, shooting the marshmallow man, and the success of the movie. This is new for the Blu.
-Ecto 1 Resurrecting the Classic Car (15:37) Finding the car and seeing what it used to look like, initial concepts for the car and how they became the final product, deciding to revive it for promo purposes, how it looked after sitting for many years, and Akroyd taking it for a spin. This is new for the Blu.
-Making Of Ghostbusters The Video Game (11:18) What makes the concept great, getting the cast back together, what makes this the third movie, and details of the equipment. This is new for the Blu and doesn't appear to be carried over to the newer 4K Blu.
-Ghostbusters Garage (5:27) An automated slideshow (with music) of images showing the restoration of Ecto 1. It's not full screen but offers good quality images with fun garage graphics. It includes some short video clips of the work being done. This is new for the Blu.
-Ghostbusters The Video Game Preview (1:43) Showing off the fun of the game. This is new for the Blu.
-Scene Cemetery: These are the deleted scenes, with a play all option.
-Stake (0:58) More dialogue dealing with the guys getting kicked out of the university.
-Dana (0:42) Dana thinks Venkman doesn't really believe her.
-Honeymooners (1:12) Ghosts mess with a newlywed couple – what do they see??
-Winston (0:49) Winston waits on Janine to answer calls.
-Bums (0:43) Bums have a discussion as Luis runs at them.
-Busy (1:24) The boys get ready to kick some ghost.
-Promotion (0:32) Winston spoils his chance at a promotion.
-EPA (0:18) Peck tries to have the guys arrested again.
-Puft Hat (0:27) The hat falls.
-No Louis (0:35) Dana and Louis talk after the big event.
-1984 Featurette (9:45) It includes a brief intro about the lower quality video. It's mostly a long promo about why should you watch this movie. We get a little about the history and accomplishments of the cast and crew as well as a brief look at the sets, minis, and creature effects.
-Cast & Crew Featurette (10:53) Looking back on the making of the movie, the inspiration of ideas, are ghosts real, and paranormal theories in scientific terms.
-SFX Team Featurette (15:22) Meet the team. Hear about what they've worked on and how they got involved, the approach to the project, having to simplify the ideas, working on expanding the building, Slimer's inspiration and peanut stand in, finding props the right scale for the marshmallow man, trouble with stunt men on fire, and funny pyrotechnics stories.
-Multi-Angle Featurettes: This offers different shots manually controlled by the angle options on DVD players. The unfinished plates are on one angle and effects added on the other. The entire video will repeat with the other angle active.
-Spook Central Exploding (2:49) The ghosts escaping from the containment unit.
-She's A Dog (2:00) Transforming into dogs.
-Crossing The Streams (1:23) The final attack.
-Storyboard Comparisons: The storyboards play split-screen with the movie.
-Slimer (2:13) Venkman gets slimed.
-Dogs Drag Dana (2:09) On the phone with Mom and hands from the chair.
-Atop Spook Central (2:04) Are you a god?
-Previews: 8 in a menu including a general Blu-ray ad - mostly older movies.
-Production Photos (low quality and relatively small images, but some interesting shots):
-Ghoulish Librarian: Puppet and makeup images
-Lovely Floating Ghost: suspending the actor
-Production Team: a few shots of the guys at work
-Slimer: lots of shots of the miniatures and costume
-Spook Central: designing and building the spook portion of the apartment
-Stay Puft Man: designs, components, and costume
-Terror Dogs: the armature and puppets
-Conceptual Drawings (small, sometimes very much so, and low quality images):
-Colorful Early NYC Concepts: cityscapes and firehouse including some ghostly effects not used
-Colorful Ecto-Mobile Interior: a few images of the dash and controls
-Early Stay Puft Man Concepts: a few variations
-Light Stream Chalk Drawings: several shots of various stream designs
-Pencil And Chalk Creature Concepts: numerous creature concepts, some with multiple views and notes to read, none of these were actually used
-Pencil and Librarian Ghoul Concepts: a few designs for her face
-Pencil Terror Dog Concepts: a few shots of the dog heads
-SFX Conceptual Paintings: a few shots of Spook Central and the city
-Early Logo Concepts: various ghost designs and styles
-Storyboards Ghostly Gallery (scene text is printed out under the images making it easy to read, some scenes are pretty much the same as the movie, others are very different):
-Bums In The Park: The bums encounter Louis and the terror dog
-Dogs Drag Dana: the scene of Dana's abduction
-Slimer Pigs Out: Slimer and the hot dog cart.
-Haunted Stacks: The initial library scene.
-Boys In Library: The initial encounter with the library ghost.
-Louis Meets Dog: Louis runs from the terror dog.
-Mink Coat: A fashion show scene for the haunted coat.
-Louis Meets Muggers: Scene of possessed Louis and some muggers.
-Proton Charging: A scene explaining the use and functions of a proton pack with an early design of them.
-Atop Spook Central: Arriving at the apartment and facing an early design for Gozer all the way to the end.
-Cheeky Ghost: A ghost molests girls in an office complex.
-Slimer: Hunting Slimer in the hotel including some additional shots.
Blu Functions:
-Cinechat: Use their chatroom to talk to people during the movie. There's a help feature that will tell you about the feature and how to use it.
-Blu Wizard: This is a dashboard control that allows the selection of many of the features with some even broken into individual chapters. Mark the ones you want to watch then launch the playlist or turn on the prompt so you can activate each one during the appropriate moment in the movie. It keeps track of favorites, and the ones you've watched already. It does not cover all features, though, only the 2 behind the scenes features, the special FX, the multi-angle bits, and the storyboards.
-Button Sound Toggle
-BD Live: Mine will not connect even though I have an operational internet connection and have no trouble with other Blus.
The original Collector's Series DVD is a single disc release.
Video
2.35 widescreen:
While this transfer has been outdone a few different times since, it is still an improvement over anything that came before it. It looks a little soft around the edges with some dull colors.
Audio
5.1 Dolby:
It's perfectly clean but not especially dynamic. The lows aren't especially strong and surround immersion isn't particularly good though not completely lacking either.
Packaging
The case is standard plastic.
An insert offers chapters and notes.
The interface is creative and fun. The top level is a CG model street view of Dana's apartment building with animation and sound effects. Menu selections are built into the scene (for example the trailers and previews are part of the movie theater) and light up when selected. Other screens are views of locations like the building's elevator with captivating graphics. Features and sub-menus are often accessed from multiple links so it may appear that there are more extras than you'll actually be getting (though it still has a lot to offer).
Extras
Most of these are available on the Blu (which you'll recognize if you've looked through that section already). I won't repeat all of the same details, but I will note some differences and give a complete list of everything available. Many of the features can be selected on multiple menus so it may at first look like there's more on the disc than there actually is (though there is a lot, anyway).
-Commentary: Director, producer, Harold Ramis: While this is the same commentary as the Blu, you get a function that the newer release doesn't offer even on the archival DVD: you can watch silhouettes of the speakers as if they are sitting in the front row of a theatre (think Mystery Science Theatre). They point and move which is more fun than the audio only commentary. However, if you don’t want the video portion, it is optional.
-Tricks & Trivia: This is replaced by Slimer Mode on the Blu. It's a sort of text commentary. It pops up like subtitles throughout the movie and is mostly production notes and quotes. It covers a little of the same info as the spoken commentary but is highly informative. You do have to read fast, though.
-Scene Cemetery:
-Stake (0:58)
-Dana (0:42)
-Honeymooners (1:12)
-Winston (0:49)
-Bums (0:43)
-Busy (1:24)
-Promotion (0:32)
-EPA (0:18)
-Puft Hat (0:27)
-No Louis (0:35)
-Original Featurette (9:26) It's called the "1984 Featurette" on the Blu.
-1999 Featurette (10:53) It on the Blu as the "Cast & Crew Featurette."
-SFX Team Featurette (15:21)
-SFX Before & After With Angles: It's called the "Multi-Angle Featurettes" on the Blu.
-Spook Central Exploding (2:49)
-She's A Dog (2:00)
-Crossing The Streams (1:23)
-Storyboard Comparisons:
-Slimer (2:13)
-Dogs Drag Dana (2:09)
-Atop Spook Central (2:04)
-Production Photos:
-Ghoulish Librarian: Puppet and makeup images
-Lovely Floating Ghost: suspending the actor
-Production Team: a few shots of the guys at work
-Slimer: lots of shots of the miniatures and costume
-Spook Central: designing and building the spook portion of the apartment
-Stay Puft Man: designs, components, and costume
-Terror Dogs: the armature and puppets
-Conceptual Drawings:
-Colorful Early NYC Concepts: cityscapes and firehouse including some ghostly effects not used
-Colorful Ecto-Mobile Interior: a few images of the dash and controls
-Early Stay Puft Man Concepts: a few variations
-Light Stream Chalk Drawings: several shots of various stream designs
-Pencil And Chalk Creature Concepts: numerous creature concepts, some with multiple views and notes to read, none of these were actually used
-Pencil and Librarian Ghoul Concepts: a few designs for her face
-Pencil Terror Dog Concepts: a few shots of the dog heads
-SFX Conceptual Paintings: a few shots of Spook Central and the city
-Early Logo Concepts: various ghost designs and styles
-Storyboards Ghostly Gallery:
-Bums In The Park: The bums encounter Louis and the terror dog
-Dogs Drag Dana: the scene of Dana's abduction
-Slimer Pigs Out: Slimer and the hot dog cart.
-Haunted Stacks: The initial library scene.
-Boys In Library: The initial encounter with the library ghost.
-Louis Meets Dog: Louis runs from the terror dog.
-Mink Coat: A fashion show scene for the haunted coat.
-Louis Meets Muggers: Scene of possessed Louis and some muggers.
-Proton Charging: A scene explaining the use and functions of a proton pack with an early design of them.
-Atop Spook Central: Arriving at the apartment and facing an early design for Gozer all the way to the end.
-Cheeky Ghost: A ghost molests girls in an office complex.
-Slimer: Hunting Slimer in the hotel including some additional shots.
-Trailer (2:12) This is the original and hasn't been touched up. It’s interesting to see it after all this time. It is not included on the Blu.
-Previews: 3 old Bill Murray movies including "Ghostbusters 2."