Casper (1995)

Description

Casper (1995) – 4K Ultra HD Disc Review

Universal Pictures | 100 min | PG | 4K Release: 2024
Genres: Family • Fantasy • Comedy • ’90s CGI Landmark

Video Quality — 4.5 / 5

Universal’s 4K master is taken from a new scan and graded in HDR10 / Dolby Vision. This is the best Casper has ever looked:

• 90s CGI holds up shockingly well under HDR — ghosts are brighter, with more body and translucency
• Practical sets (Whipstaff Manor) show wood grain, dust textures, and set detail never visible before
• Shadow detail improves significantly in candle-lit interiors and night shots
• Colors are warmer and more film-accurate vs the old Blu-ray, which looked flat and gray

Occasional softness is inherent to the original composite VFX, not the encode. The disc is cleanly authored.

Audio Quality — 4 / 5

The 4K disc includes a DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 mix:

• Dialogue is centered and clean
• James Horner’s score spreads wide with good dynamic headroom
• Ghost effects sweep surrounds with playful movement
• Low-end used tastefully — not boomy

No Atmos upgrade, but the 5.1 track feels theatrical and polished.

Special Features — 3 / 5

Features are legacy but still relevant for this title:

• Director & VFX featurettes
• Behind-the-scenes pieces from original promo archive
• Cast interviews
• Trailer + TV spots
• Digital code on most pressings

No new 2024-produced feature-length doc.

⚖️ Overall — 4.5 / 5 ⭐

A genuinely excellent 4K rescue of a 90s effects milestone. The HDR treatment alone makes this a mandatory upgrade over the Blu-ray, and the audio is still strong. Casper finally looks as magical and polished as memory suggests — essential for family and 90s collectors.