The release of Ghostbusters: Afterlife certainly did the job it was created to do, pleasing fans of the original movies around the world, bringing back to screens the original cast members everyone waited 30 years to see together again, and reinvigorated interest in the Ghostbusters franchise. Therefore, it is not surprising that a new box set of the entire Ghostbusters movie series – yes, including a digital copy of the-movie-that-shall-not-be-named 2016 reboot – is heading our way. However, while Sony has been well known for scrimping on some of their previous releases, they are doing it right this time with a host of spooky never before seen footage that makes this set live up to the name of the Ghostbusters Ultimate Collection.
For die-hard Ghostbusters fans, there has always been a sense that Sony has been holding back when it has come to their anniversary releases of Ghostbusters and Ghostbusters II, with many rumored outtakes, alternate scenes and more never making it to any home release to date. It looks now like that is about to change with the arrival of the Ghostbusters Ultimate Collection, which will feature physical copies of Ghostbusters, Ghostbusters II and Ghostbusters: Afterlife, as well as a seemingly last-minute addition of Ghostbusters: Answer The Call as a digital-only copy. Housed in a spectacular looking “ghost-trap” box, the set is a glorious 8-disc collection that also comes with a 220 page reprint of the 1985 “Making Ghostbusters” book, which is a must have for fans like myself, who love nothing better than pawing through the behind the scenes details of the films we love.
What is unique about this set is the additional material that comes along with the movies. Of course, there are Blu-ray and 4K Ultra HD versions of the three main movies with the obligatory commentary tracks from Ivan Reitman, stars Dan Aykroyd (Ghostbusters II) and Harold Ramis (Ghostbusters), and the reasonable but not mind-blowing features from the Ghostbusters: Afterlife standalone release.
This set really goes to town on the two additional bonus discs of content. First up is the Ghostbusters bonus disc, dedicated to additional content from the original 1984 movie, which has never been included in previous releases. There is a rare “preview cut” of the movie, a never-seen early cut which contains many additional and alternative scenes, incomplete effects shots and more, all with an optional commentary from Associate Producer Joe Medjuck and Editor Sheldon Kahn. Other new content includes a new 90 minute documentary about the making of the film, scene commentaries by Ivan and Jason Reitman, over an hour of raw dailies based around seven scenes, lost auditions by other actresses who wanted the role of Dana Barrett, including Kelly LeBrock and Denise Crosby, and a full TV broadcast version of the movie with all the “TV safe” takes in place. In addition to all of these new perks, there are all the previously released special features such as deleted scenes, featurettes and more.
The second disc is primarily for Ghostbusters II, but it does also contain trailers and a set sneak peek for Ghostbusters: Afterlife too. As well as the seven previously released deleted scenes from Ghostbusters II, this set adds a further nineteen deleted scenes from the film that have never been seen before, and also once again includes a two scene commentary with Ivan and Jason Reitman, a soundtrack promo and the full alternate TV safe version of the movie, as well as all the previously released featurettes and documentary pieces.
The Ghostbusters Ultimate Collection will be released on February 1st, 2022, and is sure to be a massive hit with Ghostbusters fans who can’t get enough bustin’ action. Check out the official specification below.
Feature presented in 4K resolution with Dolby Vision Dolby Atmos + 5.1 + Theatrical Stereo
Feature presented in 4K resolution with Dolby Vision Dolby Atmos
Feature presented in high definition Includes all special features from the standalone Blu-ray
With optional commentary by Associate Producer Joe Medjuck and Editor Sheldon Kahn
Special thanks to Brandon Kleyla
