GHOST-
Unfortunately, it's few and far between that films are both "intelligent"
and successful.  "GHOST" is one of those rare, welcome exceptions!
PARAMOUNT has released what may be the only film dealing with the supernatural that succeeds in being funny, poignant and thought-provoking.
Patrick Swayze and Demi Moore star as a happy "yuppie" couple whose relationship is brought to a sudden and near-permanent halt when he's killed in an apparent mugging.  While his untimely death should cause an end to their relationship, his inability to "cross-over" leaves him as a ghost trying to communicate with his love and warn her that his death was no accident, and that she, herself, is in danger.  Luckilly, for Swayze's character and the audience, he finds help in reaching his wife via a con-artists spiritualist, Whoopi Goldberg, in her well-deserved Oscar winning performance!  The manner in which Director Jerry Zuker and writer Bruce Joel Rubin present Swayze's otherworldly habitation, is brilliant!  In the terrific scene wherein Swayze is murdered, but also realizes he's "still" existing on another level, the viewer is also caught just as off guard as he is!  After being assaulted, Swayze pursues the attacker, with the viewer along for the ride.  We feel the same shock as he does, when we view his surprise at him standing over his own body!  From here on, the film
moves in its own original and creative patterns.  Sure, there are some
formulaic plot devices here and there: The villain is a little too
over-the-top nasty at times.  Some of the scenes detailing the low-life
killer's existence feel a little too generic. But, the overall acting,
pacing, and story make this a crowd-pleaser, and an easy suggestion for repeat viewings. 

PARAMOUNT has presented the film in its correct 1.85:1 aspect ratio with 16:9 enhancement.  The image is excellent!  It's one of the slickest looking transfers of recent memory.  Color values are extremely strong, and there's no hint of oversaturation or pixelation.  Fleshtones appear natural throughout.  There's great clarity in every scene.  In fact, the fine detail actually reveals the "dated" effects.  While they're actually not bad, they do appear often "cartoonish" by today's effects standards. The contrast is excellent, with deep blacks and grays.

PARAMOUNT has offered a remastered dolby digital 5.1 mix, and while it's not overly-aggressive, there are a fair share of surround moments, adding significantly to the film's building tension.  There is a great deal of directional effects in the front soundstage.  Dialogue is always intelligible and free of distortion.

PARAMOUNT has offered a commentary track with director Zucker and writer Rubin.  It's an unusual commentary track in that both of these talents are so different in their mannerisms and focus.  Rubin concentrates more on the philosophical elements of filmmaking, Zucker on the technical areas.  Zucker is more light-hearted, Rubin more heavy and spiritual.  There's a great deal of information offered about the film's production, plenty of details for fans, and a lot of general information that any aspiring writer/filmmaker will certainly appreciate.

A newly produced documentary, "REMEMBERING THE MAGIC" has been included for this release.  It offers interviews with Rubin and Zucker, as well as new and old footage of the cast discussing the film. The original and "excellent" theatrical trailer is included.