I previously reviewed Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire during its theatrical run. This review will focus on the UHD release, incorporating reflections after a second viewing.
My introduction to Ghostbusters wasn’t the 1984 film, but the 1986 animated series, The Real Ghostbusters. I recall a friend showing my brother and me the original movie, dismissing the cartoon. I was immediately captivated. Since then, numerous animated series, sequels, and a less-than-successful reboot have emerged. Jason Reitman, son of original director Ivan, wrote and directed Ghostbusters: Afterlife, which I greatly enjoyed, raising my expectations for subsequent installments under his direction.
It was surprising when he ceded directorial duties for Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire to writing partner Gil Kenan. While Kenan possesses directorial experience, a second viewing highlighted several questionable choices in both the script and overall direction.
During my initial viewing, I found the final battle disappointingly confined. Staging the climax in the fire station garage, with thirteen characters vying for meaningful action, felt contrived. Strategically dividing the teams – perhaps tasking the original Ghostbusters with city-wide ghost containment while the new team confronted the primary antagonist – could have been more effective. Despite a substantial budget, the film lacked a sense of widespread impact, with limited depiction of the city’s response to the encroaching ice age. The final battle, in my opinion, does not succeed upon re-evaluation, suggesting Kenan may have overextended himself. Furthermore, the roles of Lucky and Podcast appear underdeveloped and forced, while Janine Melnitz‘s sudden transformation from secretary to fully equipped Ghostbuster feels unearned. While fan service is appreciated, its overabundance detracts from the narrative’s cohesion.
It’s unfortunate, as the film features several compelling sequences, particularly the opening ghost chases through New York City. The increased involvement of the original Ghostbusters is also welcome, but ultimately their contributions are diminished by the underwhelming final confrontation.
The UHD release of Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire, however, is exceptional, boasting reference-quality audio and video. The Dolby Atmos soundtrack is particularly noteworthy, delivering one of the most immersive audio experiences I’ve encountered. The final battle gains considerable impact with sounds emanating from all directions. The villain’s pronouncements resonate with palpable force, and the sound design is consistently impressive. The classic theme song during the end credits evoked genuine satisfaction.
The image is presented in 2160p with both HDR-10 and Dolby Vision. The disc utilizes a 100 GB capacity to accommodate a high bitrate of 70-80 Mbps, resulting in remarkably stable imagery even during rapid panning. Black levels are excellent, and colors are rich and vibrant. The headquarters is replete with intricate details, inviting close inspection thanks to the exceptional sharpness. Night scenes are rendered exceptionally well, with light and dark contrasts exhibiting no discernible bleeding.
Adding further value, the UHD release includes extensive extras showcasing behind-the-scenes content. It’s particularly interesting to observe the practical effects employed during filming, including the use of a Slimer puppet reminiscent of the original films, rather than relying solely on digital creation.
In conclusion, while my disappointment with Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire increased upon a second viewing, the outstanding quality of the UHD release warrants a recommendation. The future of the Ghostbusters franchise remains uncertain, given the challenging cinema landscape. The home video sales performance will likely influence the prospects of a fifth installment.
SF Studios provided review copies for this evaluation. Provision of materials does not influence our editorial independence. Our reviews are conducted objectively, with our readers and consumers as our primary focus.
