In 1990, director Jerry Zucker was only known for directing screwball comedies with his brother such as Airplane! and Top Secret! When screenwriter Bruce Joel Rubin learned that Zucker was looking to make his solo-directing debut with his latest dramatic passion project, he was understandably concerned. Thankfully for him, and audiences around the world, their collaboration was immensely fruitful and Zucker was able to showcase a new side to his creativity. Ghost hit theaters in July of 1990 and became the highest grossing movie of the year grossing over $500 million. The film was not only embraced by the culture, but it was also nominated for five Academy Awards including Best Picture and a win for Whoopi Goldberg for Best Supporting Actress. Thirty years later, the film remains as touching and emotionally resonant as ever.
Sam (Patrick Swayze) is a charming banker who has recently moved into a new apartment with his delightful girlfriend, Molly (Demi Moore). Sam and Molly are helplessly in love, even though Sam is not always capable of saying the words out loud. At the office, Sam has been investigating unusual activity in some bank accounts. His best friend and coworker, Carl (Tony Goldwyn), has offered to help him tackle this, but Sam is intent on tracking things down on his own. One night, Sam and Molly are returning from a play when they are attacked by a mugger who shoots and kills Sam. Rather than go into the light like he is supposed to, Sam heeds Molly’s plea to stay with her by becoming a ghost among the living. Sam is unsure what to do with himself, but he knows he needs to stay close to Molly. He helplessly watches over her as she grieves him and attempts to put her life back together with some help from Carl. While Molly is out of the apartment one day, Sam sees the mugger break in and rifle through her belongings. Molly narrowly escapes a confrontation with him thanks to some intervention from Sam. He is just barely able to interact with the living world, but he knows he must find a way to protect Molly from danger.
Enter into the picture psychic Oda Mae Brown (Whoopi Goldberg), a con artist who is as surprised as anyone when she starts hearing Sam. Oda Mae wants nothing to do with spirits, but Sam does not rest until she agrees to warn Molly of the impending danger. The interplay between Goldberg and Swayze is priceless. The movie is largely serious and heartfelt, but Oda Mae injects some necessary levity to the story as she interacts with spirits no one else can hear. Goldberg plays just on the right side of being too over the top to keep her character believable and enjoyable. The remaining plot is largely straightforward, even for those who have never seen the film, but it is told in a really entertaining manner. The film does not rely solely on providing unpredictable twists, but rather heartfelt moments. When you get to the point of the iconic slow dancing scene set to The Righteous Brothers’ “Unchained Melody,” you will find yourself a puddle of emotion.
The success and enduring popularity of Ghost is a confluence of many different factors firing on all cylinders. At the core of the movie, we have the loving chemistry between Patrick Swayze and Demi Moore. When Molly loses Sam in the alley, your heart breaks right alongside her. Swayze is no stranger to making audiences swoon in movies like Dirty Dancing, but he channels something more vulnerable in Sam. Moore is an actress that rarely gets the recognition she deserves, but the emotion she is holding back just behind her eyes when Oda Mae is trying to convince her she is talking to Sam is overwhelming. Zucker does a masterful job transitioning from straight-up comedy to heartfelt drama, while tapping into his humorous background when necessary. The film moves along at a very good pace while maximizing any opportunities for humor and emotion. Some of the effects may be cheesy, but you cannot deny that the end result is incredibly moving. Despite not being necessarily high minded, Ghost is one of the more enduringly watchable dramas of the 90s.
Video Quality
Ghost has been granted a director-supervised 4K restoration via the Paramount Presents line for this stunning new Blu-Ray disc. The film grain present is beautifully natural and consistent while allowing fine details to shine through. Subtle details stand out with greater clarity than ever before, especially in clothing or elements of the production design. Facial features are likewise detailed with fine lines and pores detectable alongside natural skin tones. Colors are vibrant without being unnatural for the environment. The transfer affords several opportunities for them to pop off the screen with items such as clothing. Black levels are deep and inky without any noticeable blocking or compression artifacts. This is by far the best the film has looked on home entertainment.
Audio Quality
This Blu-Ray disc comes with a Dolby TrueHD 5.1 lossless track that serves the film well. Dialogue comes through crisp and clear without being stepped on by the score or sound effects. The moving sounds of The Righteous Brothers’ “Unchained Melody” both in orchestral and song form brings an intense warmth to the track that transports you emotionally to a special place. The track makes good use of the surround speakers in more hyperactive sequences, such as those on the train. Environmental effects are accurately placed within the mix. The track is not an action-packed extravaganza, but it brings the movie to life exactly how it needs to for the audience.
Special Features
- Audio Commentary: Director Jerry Zucker and writer Bruce Joel Rubin provide an entertaining and informative track in which they discuss their own thoughts on the supernatural, the development of their professional relationship, technical and creative choices and much more. The pair does not leave room for much dead air, so there is a lot to digest in this track.
- Filmmaker Focus – Director Jerry Zucker on Ghost: This newly-create six-minute interview with director Jerry Zucker discusses finding the right tone for the film, his history with the script, special effects, the performances from the main trio of actors and the film’s enduring legacy. This is an enjoyable addition to the package.
- Ghost Stories – The Making Of A Classic: A thirteen minute featurette with Jerry Zucker, Bruce Rubin, Patrick Swayze, Demi Moore and Whoopi Goldberg recorded in 2006. There are interesting stories including the hilarious reaction from screenwriter Bruce Rubin upon learning Jerry Zucker was going to direct his movie, how the script developed into something more substantial for Sam, how Demi was perfect for the role and more. These insights are the most substantial on the disc outside of the commentary.
- Alchemy of A Love Scene: A six-minute featurette with the cast and crew about what pottery meant for the character of Molly and how classic love scene was developed. It is really interesting to hear how there was originally a longer love-scene planned, but the chemistry was so off the charts that the creative team felt like it was unnecessary.
- Theatrical Trailer: The theatrical trailer is presented here, which beautifully and succinctly encapsulates the film.
Final Thoughts
Thirty years after its release, you likely have already formed your opinion on Ghost. If not, I can honestly say it is an utterly engrossing and moving story featuring fine performances that still hit home to this day. The new Paramount Presents edition of the film offers an incredible A/V presentation and an assortment of interesting special features This film is just pure comfort food that, if you respond to it, you will want to revisit again and again. Highly Recommended
Paramount Presents Ghost will be available to purchase on Blu-Ray on July 21, 2020.
Note: Images presented in this review are not reflective of the image quality of the Blu-Ray.
Disclaimer: Paramount Pictures Home Entertainment has supplied a copy of this disc free of charge for review purposes. All opinions in this review are the honest reactions of the author.
Dillon is most comfortable sitting around in a theatre all day watching both big budget and independent movies.
