Ghostbusters Special Edition (Merged)? (1 Viewer)

[Geoff_D]

Just got this set. The new transfer for GB1 is an improvement, but it's still not what would be my ideal presentation for the movie because it's veered from one extreme to the other.

The digitalized softness of the previous transfer has been replaced by a morass of grain with not a tremendous gain in terms of fine detail. If anything, close-ups are more detailed on the new transfer but the old release seems better on longer shots! The higher brightness doesn't become an issue until the Gozer sequences which have become very bright and blow out a ton of set detail, as seen on some other grabs linked to in this thread. Pity.

But I've gotta say that the optical shots have held up very well considering the ramped up grain and brightness levels. Someone complained about the garbage matte around the terror dog when it runs from Louis' apartment, but it's there on the old transfer. Anthony complains above about the optical shot of the terror dog statue - but it's just as translucent on the older transfer IMO.

With a little noise reduction applied, the new transfer for GB1 is still very enjoyable, but I'm not sure it was worth getting this set for. However, the real gem is the new transfer for GB2. It's not too soft, but not too sharp either, being nicely detailed with a moderate amount of grain and full colours. And no severe edge halos on either transfer! Good job.

One more thing: check the onlooker at the left of the frame on the first film at around the 1hr 8 minute mark. Apologies if this is common knowledge, but you'll spot someone who looks a heck of a lot like porn legend Ron Jeremy...

 

[RogerH]

I'll probably pick this up sometime next week.

 

[Felix Martinez]

I am not pleased with the image quality of the new release.

I was shocked to discover that the '99 release has much more horizontal detail (the exterior columns and scaffolding at the library in the beginning of the film is an example).

And the grain/noise in the new release is troublesome. I'm not sure what happened - and I am a big fan of NR-free visuals (grain is good!) - but the brightness boost appears to have revealed some nasty stuff AND there is less detail, compared to the old release. This one is a head-scratcher. I will try to post some screen caps when I get a chance.

Cheers,

 

[Jeff Jacobson]

There is yet another Ghostbusters/Garfield connection. For the Gameboy, there is a Real Ghostbusters game and a Garfield game that are almost identical. The only difference is that in one, you control Garfield, and in the other you control a Ghostbuster.

 

[RogerH]

I finally gotten around to getting this today. I just checked out the quality and on my display both look very good (with the sequel looking better of course). Since I didn't have the previous editions getting this for 15 bucks (canadian) was a real good deal.

 

[mikey ra]

Question:

Did anyone else notice on the GB2 DVD that during the scene with Murray on the talkshow (I forgot the name), when he is interviewing the lady regarding her "abduction" to the Holiday Inn, there were (for lack of a better description) several black lines or scratches or splotches on the print? Just curious if anyone else saw them.

 

[EdHoch]

I did not notice that when watching GB2 recently, but I may have missed it because I was waiting for Bill Murray to look directly into the camera as the lady was telling her story...it was a classic Murray "Can you believe the s#!t I have to deal with?" look...probably the funniest bit in GB2 for me...

 

[RogerH]

I haven't watched GB2 yet but will tonight, if I remember to I'll have a look out for it.

 

[Mark Lucas]

 

[RogerH]

I just watched GB 2 and didn't notice anything during that scene.

After watching the 2 animated episodes I wish they would release season sets for that series but thats a topic for another board.

 

[Mark Lucas]

There's some print defects in that scene, more noticable in the older transfer. Like ghostly(!) white blotches that come and go. It is film afterall.

 

[Scott Temple]

I finally purchased this yesterday at Wal*Mart SuperCenter. They had it on sale for $7.13. For those interested, you might want to check your local Wal*Mart.

 

[seanOhara]

Be careful though -- they just released the two films individually with covers nearly identical to each other and to the original 2-disc cover. Which is great for those of us who preferred the old edition of Ghostbusters and only want the sequel.

 

[Xenia Stathakopoulou]

Even if someone already owns the old version of busters 1 , the 2 pack is still the way to go.The price is pretty much a steal , you can get it for 15 bucks or less, plus you get cool packaging, and a nifty little booklet, and those cool looking thinpacks that companys use for tv shows!I really cant see why someone would deprive themselves of all this, just to save 4 or 5 extra bucks by just buying part 2, but thats only my opinion.Owned the 2 pack since last summer.

 

[Stephanie B]

i heard they reanimated slimer to make him look real is that true

 

[Xenia Stathakopoulou]

Hmm, havent watched it in months but i think he looked the same.