Blu-ray

Ghostbusters celebrates its 30th anniversary this year, but thanks to its brilliant ensemble cast, witty script and imaginative special effects, the iconic comedy-horror about a trio of friends who set up a ghost extermination business in New York still feels just as fresh as it did back in 1984.

Sadly, the same cannot be said for the sequel, which offers flat plotting, a bland villain and a surprising lack of actual ghost-busting. The leads are all on fine form, however, wringing as many laughs as possible out of the rather thin material.

Picture: This is actually the third time that Ghostbusters has been released on Blu-ray, and this latest version is based on the superb 'Mastered in 4K' platter released last year; it shares that disc's improved clarity and more authentic colour grading. A heavy layer of grain is persistent throughout, but is pleasingly refined, resulting in an authentically film-like viewing experience.

Ghostbusters 2, which makes its Blu-ray debut in this double-pack, looks every bit as good. Once again 'Mastered in 4K', the disc's AVC 2.40:1 1080p imagery is packed with intricate textures and vibrant colours (particularly when it comes to the flood of pink slime). Film grain is present again, and it's considerably finer here due to the different film stock used to lens the sequel.
Picture rating: 4.5/5

Audio: Both movies carry DTS-HD MA 5.1 remixes of the original soundtracks. In truth, neither offers much to get excited about when it comes to rear speaker deployment, but they do exhibit excellent separation across the front L/C/R soundstage, adding plenty of dynamic flair to the audio. The mixes also pack a surprising bass heft, with huge throbs of LFE erupting from the subwoofer channel every time a proton pack is turned on and charged up.
Audio rating: 4/5

Extras: While the previous 'Mastered in 4K' Blu-ray release of Ghostbusters was a barebones affair, the version included here is packed with extras (including everything from the very first Blu-ray release, bar a videogame promo). Highlights are an audio commentary, picture-in-picture viewing mode, 30th anniversary poster gallery, the music video for Ray Parker Jr's original song and the first part of a new interview with actor/writer Dan Aykroyd and director Ivan Reitman (24 minutes).

Ghostbusters 2's extras are less impressive. The main draw is the second part of the chat with Aykroyd and Reitman (16 minutes). There are also seven deleted scenes, trailers and a music video.
Extras rating: 4.5/5

We say: New extras and the hi-def debut of the sequel make this double-pack a must for fans

Ghostbusters 1 & 2, Sony Pictures, All-region BD, £20 Approx
HCC VERDICT: 4.5/5