Ghostbusters (1984) ***** [GB UHD Double Feature Pt. 1]

I hadn't watched Ghostbusters (1984) in just under five years, since the last bundled Blu-ray set of the first and second films (mastered in 4K) was released. Now that I have an OLED 4K TV, I had an excuse to buy the films yet again (I've owned the first one on VHS, two different DVD releases, two Blu-ray releases, and now on UHD). Ghostbusters just celebrated its 35th anniversary and in this viewer's eyes, it holds up (it's #3 on my Top 100 Films).

The jokes are still great, the one-liners still quotable, Elmer Bernstein's score is still eclectic and memorable, and the film is incredibly entertaining. Bill Murray's Venkman may seem a little extra slimy in 2019, but in a way that's more charming than predatory. I also found myself noticing funny little ticks and facial expressions that Murray makes throughout in scenes where he's in the background that I never had. Those that complain that the f/x are dated don't have the same appreciation for models, mattes, and sets that I do (I'll take all of those—and opticals—over CGI any day).

Never let down any time I revisit it, Ghostbusters perfectly blends comedy and the supernatural, and remains a classic, not just of my childhood, but my lifetime.