Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire 4K Blu-Ray DVD Home Video Review

Today, June 25, 2024, is a special occasion. Yes, it is Mckenna Grace's 18th birthday, and my 18-plus-a-few-decades birthday, but it is also the day that Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire is released on physical disc media in the United States in the following formats: Standard 4K+Blu-ray Combo Pack, Steelbook 4K+Blu-ray Combo Pack, Blu-ray+DVD Combo Pack, and Individual DVD. There are a few Steelbooks (one store-exclusive) and a Gift Set release, as well as multi-film sets (but no "entire franchise" set), all of which I will detail in this fairly straightforward rundown of comprehensive details on what to find in each release. Thankfully, there are no store-exclusive or digital-exclusive special features, so all currently-released extras for the film can be found on the Blu-ray disc no matter where you buy it. Although this review only covers United States releases, it will, likely, also be applicable to Canada. I'm not sure about Mexico or areas outside of North America. I suspect that the discs are, for the most part, the same worldwide, but I can't say for sure, so I'll just err on the safe side and cover what I know has been released here in the U.S.


The movie is rated PG-13 for supernatural action/violence, language and suggestive references. If you haven't seen the movie yet, the first seven minutes have been uploaded to the official Ghostbusters YouTube channel, so take a little time and watch it.


I've already written a lengthy, bullet-point, spoiler-filled review, so there's not much I really need to say about the movie. It's a bit of an over-long cartoonish mess with too many characters and not enough depth that comes off as bad fan fiction. It's not the embarrassment that Feig's Folly is, but it's a far swing in the other direction from where this franchise started. Enjoy Frozen Empire for its fun moments and ignore the story and groan-inducing dialog.  The parts are better than the whole.



BUY IT: 4K Ultra HD+Blu-ray Combo Pack

This two-disc combo pack is not for the average consumer, as you will need a specific type of player and a specific type of television in order to watch it. For the 4K ULTRA HD disc, you will need a 4K UHD TV with HDR, Ultra HD Blu-ray player, and a high-speed HDMI 2.0A cable.

The first print run includes a slipcover/slipsleeve. Inside the case, you get two discs, each adorned with different artwork. The 4K ULTRA HD disc features artwork of the Sewer Dragon. The BLU-RAY DISC features artwork of a mischievous Mini-Puft licking an icicle. A digital copy voucher is included that redeems on Movies Anywhere in 4K UHD. This voucher is the only insert included.

DISC 1 - 4K ULTRA HD
• Video: 3840x2160p Ultra High Definition, in a 2.40:1 aspect ratio, with a 1:55:05 runtime over 16 chapters.
• Languages: English Dolby Atmos (Dolby TrueHD 7.1 Compatible), English Audio Descriptive Service, French 5.1 DTS-HD Master Audio, French Audio Descriptive Service, Spanish 5.1 DTS-HD Master Audio, Thai DTS-HD Master Audio.
• Subtitles: English, English SDH, Chinese Simplified, Chinese Traditional, French, Korean, Spanish, Thai.
• Special Features: Audio Commentary with director/co-writer Gil Kenan; "Previews" for The Garfield Movie (2:31), Spider-Man: Across The Spider-Verse (2:38), Gran Turismo (2:33), and Madame Web (2:34).

DISC 2 - BLU-RAY
Same disc as the Blu-ray release listed below, so jump to that section for the specifications.

Yeah, only the commentary was ported over to the 4K disc, leaving the Blu-ray disc to carry the load. Sadly, this is rather standard for 4K+Blu-ray combo packs. So, after you watch the movie in ultra high definition, you'll have to get up and switch discs if you want to watch the special features.



BUY IT: Blu-ray+DVD Combo Pack

This two-disc combo pack is the one that most people will buy. The discs included here will play on any standard Blu-ray player and HDTV.

The first print run includes a slipcover/slipsleeve. Inside the case, you get two discs, each adorned with different artwork. The BLU-RAY DISC features artwork of a mischievous Mini-Puft licking an icicle. The DVD DISC features no artwork at all; just plain text on the silver disc. A digital copy voucher is included that redeems on Movies Anywhere in HD. This voucher is the only insert included.

DISC 1 - BLU-RAY
• Video: 1920x1080p High Definition, in a 2.40:1 aspect ratio, with a 1:55:06 runtime over 16 chapters.
• Languages: English 5.1 DTS-HD Master Audio, English Audio Descriptive Service, French 5.1 DTS-HD Master Audio, French Audio Descriptive Service, Spanish 5.1 DTS-HD Master Audio, Thai DTS-HD Master Audio.
• Subtitles: English, English SDH, Chinese Simplified, Chinese Traditional, French, Korean, Spanish, Thai.

Here is a list of all of the Special Features that can be found on the Blu-ray disc.

• Audio Commentary - with director/co-writer Gil Kenan.
• Return to the Firehouse: Making Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire (21:40) - This lengthy (compared to everything else) featurette provides insight into the design of the firehouse set, as well as the genesis of the movie and its themes of "family" and "home". Some time is spent introducing the new cast, before ending on the return of the original cast.
• Busted: Capturing the Ghosts of Frozen Empire (11:28) - A quick look at the ghosts and entities that appear in the movie: Sewer Dragon, Phosphor (actually Bonesy), Pukey, Possessor, Melody, the Mini-Pufts, Garraka, the Library Ghost, and Slimer.
• Easter Eggs Unleashed (6:34) - A very introductory examination of the many Easter eggs and references hidden, or obvious, in the movie. It is hardly complete, and viewers are encouraged to look for more.
• Manifesting Garraka (3:55) - What it was like to bring Garraka to life through practical and visual effects.
• New York, New Gear (7:05) - A rundown of the new and upgraded equipment, such as the Drone Trap, the upgraded Proton Pack, the Compact Thrower, the Ecto-1, and the Ecto-C motorcycle.
• Welcome to the Paranormal Discovery Center (6:33) - A behind-the-scenes tour of the Paranormal Research Center set, as well as costume designer Alexis Forte talking about the Engineer Corps' jumpsuits and the beloved red parka. This featurette is called "Paranormal Discovery Center", and not "Paranormal Research Center", because, as personally confirmed by Eric Reich of Ghost Corps, the location was called "Paranormal Discovery Center" when the movie was filmed and the EPK interviews were conducted. Notice that in the movie, when Winston says "Research", you don't see him saying the word. The same is true for when Gil says the word in the interview used in this featurette, indicating that both were dubbed in later during an ADR session. Furthermore, when Celeste O'Connor and the set decorator are both heard saying "Paranormal Center" in this featurette, it's clear that they originally said "Paranormal Discovery Center" and their dialog was edited down, as both times this phrase is heard, you don't see them saying it - which is how the edit was covered up.
• Knowing the Score (6:33) - Covering the movie score, composer Dario Marianelli and music consultant Peter Bernstein talk about the work of Peter's father, Elmer Bernstein, on the original 1984 film and building upon it to create a new score for this film. Some footage of the recording sessions of the orchestra and the choir is shown.
• Deleted Scenes (8:44) - Includes these six scenes:
  1. "Headlines" (1:19) - Trevor finding the vintage Time magazine in the attic. A snippet of this was used in the Domestic Trailer from 1/29/2024.
  2. "I Am a Doctor" (1:11) - Gary and Peter in the basement surrounded by heaters. Gary shows Peter that the ice regenerates when broken off. Gary asks Peter what he would have done "back in the day". He says that while Ray and Egon would have done research, and Winston would have made sure they were armed and dangerous, he would have "showered, and shaved, and hit the clubs." Peter then gets a communication on his beeper. A snippet of this was used in the "Courage" and "Team Up" spots, and a common photo from the scene was used in marketing.
  3. "Ghost Chopper" (2:51) - A whole scene in the firehouse around the kitchen/living quarters area featuring Gary, Callie, Trevor, Janine, Ray, Nadeem, and Hubert. They talk about Garraka's history, Nadeem's family's part in it, and how the Ghostbusters unwittingly helped build Garraka's prophetic army. When Callie asks what the plan is, Janine states that there is none. Lines from this scene were used in various trailers, such as Gary's "Like, literally scared to death?", Ray's "We might be looking at an army of ghosts.", and Callie's "So, what is the plan?" The exchange about the "Ghost Chopper" was used in the "Upgraded Gear" social media ad from 2/29/2024. As seen in the International Trailer from 1/29/2024, after Gary's "scared to death" line, Trevor's response was, "That's messed up." In this scene, it is, "That's freaky." So, even a deleted scene has an alternate line.
  4. "News Report" (1:03) - Everyone gathered around Janine's desk watching a news broadcast featuring reporter Shelby Blutarsky (Animal House reference) - played by Claire Titelman, who was credited in the movie as playing a "News Correspondent" even though her scene was deleted - detailing weird incidents around the city. After Lucky informs everyone that ghosts escaped from the Paranormal Research Center, Trevor asks if they have any weapons. Lars responds, "We got shitloads of weapons". Then Lars takes out the new equipment from the Ecto-Z van.
  5. "Rooftop Consolation" (1:49) - Trevor and Lucky keeping watch on the firehouse roof. Trevor has doubts about his role on the team. Lucky reassures him by saying that he is a good driver.
  6. "Slime Bath" (1:00) - Lars being slimed by Pukey. A bit of this extended scene was used in the: "Ice" spot.
• Previews - The Garfield Movie (2:31), Spider-Man: Across The Spider-Verse (2:38), Gran Turismo (2:33), and Madame Web (2:34).

Sony uploaded a sizzle reel promoting these special features.


DISC 2 - DVD
Same disc as the DVD release listed below, so jump to that section for the specifications.

While Sony has provided more special features than with Afterlife, just like the movie, one can't help but get the feeling that there's a lot missing. For starters, why is there no Extended Cut? Feig's Folly got one, which no one asked for, yet both Frozen Empire and Afterlife do not? That makes no F'N sense! Given that the Theatrical Cut feels edited down, this is a movie that NEEDS an Extended Cut. Where are all of the deleted scenes, some of which we saw in the trailers? (Yes, we got more deleted scenes than on the Afterlife disc, but there is still SO much more missing.) For that matter, where are the trailers and TV spots? Where are all of the online promotional videos? Where is the Light 'Em Up: Ghostbusters Past, Present & Future featurette? Where's the EPK-style B-Roll and Soundbytes? Where are the Adam Savage videos?

Unlike the original two films, Sony can't claim that they don't know where any of this material is. Frozen Empire, like Afterlife, is the most documented of ALL of the Ghostbusters films. Sony knows where to find every single frame of film, every drawing, every photograph...every everything! I have no doubt that all of this stuff is purposely being withheld for a future release somewhere down the line. I would have expected it in a "40th Anniversary" franchise box set this year, but it doesn't look like we're getting one of those.



BUY IT: Individual DVD

This single-disc release uses the same front and back cover art as the other two standard releases. The DVD DISC features no artwork at all; just plain text on the silver disc. A digital copy voucher is included that redeems on Movies Anywhere in either HD or SD. (I don't have this voucher to test.) This voucher is the only insert included.

• Video: 720x480p Standard Definition (Anamorphic Widescreen), in a 2.40:1 aspect ratio, with a 1:54:59 runtime over 16 chapters.
• Languages: English 5.1 Dolby Digital, English Audio Descriptive Service, French 5.1 Dolby Digital, French Audio Descriptive Service, Spanish 5.1 Dolby Digital, Thai 5.1 Dolby Digital.
• Subtitles: English, English SDH, Chinese Simplified, Chinese Traditional, French, Korean, Spanish, Thai.
• Special Features: "Return to the Firehouse: Making Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire" (21:39) and "Busted: Capturing the Ghosts of Frozen Empire" (11:28). Also "Previews" (10:18) for The Garfield Movie, Spider-Man: Across The Spider-Verse, Gran Turismo, and Madame Web. They are followed by a Hollywood Unfiltered Anti-Smoking PSA (0:34).

I'm really not sure why this release exists. Mainstream consumers don't buy physical discs anymore, preferring to watch everything streaming. Those of us who still buy physical media aren't interested in the outdated DVD format for high-definition material that is better suited for Blu-ray or 4K. Sure, I'll buy used DVDs for $1 or $2 at thrift stores and the such, but I would never pay $20 or more for a newly-produced DVD of material that was created in high-definition or greater. The 4K + Blu-ray Combo Pack should have been the only release. There is no need for the others.



BUY IT: 4K+Blu-ray (Parkas & Gear), Blu-ray+DVD (Pop Art Style) (Walmart).

The 4K+Blu-ray Combo Pack is also available in a Steelbook featuring artwork by Cryssy Cheung showing the Spengler family and Gary wearing the red parkas and jumpsuits confronting Garraka in front of the firehouse. The back cover shows the Ecto-1 in the ice-covered city. The interior features the exact same artwork, only without the Ghostbusters and Garraka.


The Blu-ray+DVD Combo Pack is also available in a WALMART-EXCLUSIVE Steelbook featuring Pop Art-style artwork by Bella Grace showing a collage of elements from the movie, with the Ecto-1 front and center. The back cover features a close-up of the firehouse. On the interior left is Garraka with glowing eyes, while a lone drone trap graces the right side under the discs.


This case pairs well with the Project Pop Art-style Steelbooks released in 2016 for the three Ghostbusters films that existed at the time. It's a shame that a Pop Art-style Steelbook was never created for Afterlife.



BUY IT: 4K+Blu-Ray with Skateboard (Walmart).

There is only one gift set available for Frozen Empire by itself, and that is the WALMART-EXCLUSIVE 4K+Blu-ray Combo Pack paired with a skateboard featuring the Steelbook Pop Art-style artwork by Bella Grace. Why a skateboard? Hell if I know! A snowboard would have made more sense.



BUY IT: 4K+Blu-ray with Ice Mold, Blu-ray, and DVD.

These releases contain the Afterlife discs from 2022 with all of the special features listed here, and the Frozen Empire discs from 2024 with all of the special features listed above. The 4K+Blu-ray release contains four discs (two 4K and two Blu-ray) and an ice mold. The other releases contain two discs each.



If you're still with me this far, I'm not sure what else I have to say. If the time you just spent reading everything above didn't give you enough information to make an informed decision on this, I don't know what will. Honestly, although Sony did better than with Afterlife, I'm still disappointed because there is clearly SO much more material that should have been here. Maybe we'll get it all in 2029 for the 45th anniversary of the franchise, or in 2034 for the 50th anniversary... but will physical media still be a thing in 10 years???

If you want to buy the physical disc, and you didn't notice the links I gave throughout the review, here they are again: Standard 4K+Blu-ray, Steelbook 4K+Blu-ray (Parkas & Gear), Blu-ray+DVD, and DVD.

There are also sets containing Afterlife and Frozen Empire: 4K+Blu-ray with Ice Mold, Blu-ray, and DVD.

Walmart has a few exclusives: Steelbook Blu-ray+DVD (Pop Art Style), and 4K+Blu-Ray with Skateboard.

I would like to send a HUGE THANK YOU to all of the Spook Central VIPs for providing the funds that allowed me to buy both of the Steelbooks so that I could properly review all three discs for all of you. Only the standard Blu-Ray+DVD Combo Pack was provided by Sony for review on this site.