Ghostbusters II (1989)

Happy New Year!
It's great they re-released this on DVD by itself with BETTER cover art than the 1999 release. The old(er) release just looks stupid, cover-wise. This one's only flaws are that it has green on the cover where it should have purple, and the word "GHOSTBUSTERS" just has a regular "O" in it. Whatever happened to the proud and distingished "no ghost sign" that always accompanied the word "GHOSTBUSTERS"? The box set is no different, just so you know...but at least the no ghost sign is FEATURED on the cover, although it'd be MUCH better if they'd just release these with the original VHS cover-art(s).

But the main reason why I'd rather buy this by itself is I don't want two copies of the same movie. And the 1999 release of GHOSTBUSTERS was almost perfect, except for the lame cover art. I mean, the GHOSTBUSTERS box set (2005) didn't have as good a menu (as one other reviewer pointed out) AND it's missing the theatrical trailers for both films. With the 1999 release of GHOSTBUSTERS, you get BOTH theatrical trailers, plus the trailer for GROUNDHOG DAY & STRIPES.

As for the film, it's definitely not perfect, and definitely not for "everyone" (although technically no film is...). I'd recommend this if you were a child in the 80's and don't have disdain for its "excess" and bright colors and synth-laden music. I like the cinematography in this film, and the music; the music, I think, pretty much defines this movie, more so than did the first one's music for it (even though Elmer Bernstein's score gets much more praise). See if you can listen to the music in this film, just concentrate on it, and tell me you wouldn't feel the same about this film if it weren't for the music. The cinematography is full of vivid depictions of New York during its rainy daytimes, big-city night times, and everything in between.

Storywise, there are similarities to the 1st one, as everyone will tell you, but I don't think it's "exactly" like the 1st one. The story is totally different, but it does have similarities as far as the way the story is told. I don't get people that are so jaded they can't just sit back and watch a movie. I know there are some bad movies out there, some that did much better at the box office than this (like THE RING, and THE GRUDGE), but this is not a BAD film. It just isn't as much of a surprise as the first one, but sequels aren't meant to be original and refreshing and full of awe...they're supposed to be "more of the same" so to speak; as in, you know what you're getting going in, except...you don't...well, anyway...I guess that's it for my review. Peace~Jonathan

I honestly prefer 2 to the original
I'm going to go against the crowd here and say that Ghostbusters 2 is a superior film to the original, and here's why:
While it is true that the original GB was an original surprise hit, beating out Indiana Jones, Gremlins, and other big movies in the summer of 84, Bill Murray was coming off of Stripes and was playing the same smarmy guy he always played in the early 80s. In GB 2, Murray is way more likable and he allows his great costars to have more fun moments, like the discovery of the river of slime, Rick Moranis gets to be the Ghostbusters' lawyer and "suits up" as an honorary Ghostbuster this time. Anne Potts, Harold Ramis, Dan Akroyd, and Ernie Hudson ALL have better material and seem more interesting this time around.
I like the way both Ghostbuster films make use of New York locations. Ghosts and undead beings walking around New York is a fascinating sight that never gets old because the special effects are really top notch.
This movie is just less cynical than the original. In fact I love that the overriding message of the film is that people sort of created the river of slime by being so cynical and that New Yorkers could pull together and change that outlook. That interesting theme gives this movie a heart that the original lacked I think.
But all of that aside, I just think it is a funnier movie. In the courtroom when the Ghostbusters put on their proton packs and sing "Doe," Ray," "Egon," and the look Harold Ramis flashes Murry is priceless.
Anyway this is probably the best movie ever inspired by Saturday Night Live cast-members, at least in my book. So give it another try.

Good
This movie is not as good as the orignal but still isnt too bad. The thing I dont get is you can get both Ghostbusters 1 and 2 on dvd for $13. Why would you want to buy this seperate for the same price. I will admit the first Ghostbusters on the first dvd release had an amazing main menu.