Paramount Presents is a new label to recognize and celebrate films from the studio’s vast and storied library. The Paramount Presents banner will be used for a new line of collectible Blu-ray Discs incorporating a curated selection of enduringly popular movies, as well as films that had a cultural impact upon their release. The label will also be used to bring classic films to select theaters for limited theatrical runs so audiences can experience them again on the big screen.
“Paramount’s library represents over a century of filmmaking and includes some of the greatest films in cinematic history,” said Bob Buchi, president, worldwide home media distribution, Paramount Pictures. “We look forward to opening the vault and sharing some of our most treasured films with fans under the new ‘Paramount Presents’ banner, both in theaters and in our new Blu-ray collection, which has been crafted to offer something special to casual fans, dedicated film enthusiasts, and collectors.” This new collection will return each title to the spotlight with remastered releases that include brand new bonus content.
Ghost
Plot: Sam Wheat is a banker, Molly Jensen is an artist, and the two are madly in love. However, when Sam is murdered by friend and corrupt business partner Carl Bruner over a shady business deal, he is left to roam the earth as a powerless spirit. When he learns of Carl’s betrayal, Sam must seek the help of psychic Oda Mae Brown to set things right and protect Molly from Carl and his goons.
Director: Jerry Zucker
Runtime: 127 min
Rotten Tomatoes Consensus: Ghost offers viewers a poignant romance while blending elements of comedy, horror, and mystery, all adding up to one of the more enduringly watchable hits of its era.
Airplane!
Plot: Voted “one of the 10 funniest movies ever made” this spoof comedy takes shots at the slew of disaster movies that were released in the 70s. When the passengers and crew of a jet are incapacitated due to food poisoning, a rogue pilot with a drinking problem must cooperate with his ex-girlfriend turned stewardess to bring the plane to a safe landing. This film continues to be referenced and quoted to this day!
Director: David Zucker, Jim Abrahams & Jerry Zucker
Runtime: 88 min
Rotten Tomatoes Consensus: Though unabashedly juvenile and silly, Airplane! is nevertheless an uproarious spoof comedy full of quotable lines and slapstick gags that endure to this day.
Review:
Something exciting about Paramount setting up this collection is the intended purpose; focusing on people like me and you; film enthusiasts and collectors. I’ve seen some people in the forums complain about “having to buy these again,” but we all know buying anything is an option — if you want re-releases with the best possible image, you’ll always have to reach into your pocket. What else is new?
The best news is that all of these releases look the best that they ever have! I know that’s the big question and the elephant in the room, so once again yes, all three of these releases are significant to modest jumps over their previous releases. If you love them, you will have to have them.
- Ghost looks the best it’s ever been with a new improvement to not only the color, but black levels and sharpness which, in turn, gives the film a new organic look. Something that was more noticeable to me was the skin tones and clothing textures — the new color palette brings all the detail to the forefront that’s never been seen in a previous release. The remaster of this film truly creates a new depth which really aids to its filmatic look. Finally, as seen in previous remasters in this lineup, bonus features include a new Filmmaker Focus with the director.
- Airplane! isn’t as massive of a jump when it comes to this remaster, but you will see the difference in sharpness due to the new layer of grain. Naturally, added sharpness will increase the detail and definition to various parts of the cockpit. Beyond that, black levels are better (as seen with flight crew jackets), but it’s nothing to marvel at. This film has never had a super clean image to begin with which is why you will also see softness more than you like to. Finally, this release includes a new Filmmaker Focus with both directors, a new Q&A with the directors from January 2020 and an isolated music score.
The only “off” thing about this lineup is that they’re being released on Blu-ray and not 4K. My only guess?Personally, I think it’s the best option to help keep the cost down and nothing else. Some are already predicting that next year (2021) these will be released again in 4K… but I doubt it. That would be a strange strategy… who would buy them again? I certainly wouldn’t.
In conclusion —
Taking everything I’ve said into account, both of these films get my recommendation to add to your collection! You can grab a copy at your local retailer today! Nobody knows how many movies Paramount is setting up to release. Is it 10? 25? 50? I think it all depends on the sales and word of mouth… if these releases gain popularity, then more will be added. I’m sure there’s a standard dozen to start things off, so we will have to wait a few months and see what happens.
Are you a fan of these movies? Will you be picking it up to own? Let me know what you think in the comments below.
Cheers & stay safe,
Matt.
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