Customer Reviews

Michael Jackson's Ghosts

5 star:		(64)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(3)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(7)

 

 

Just to make sure you understand what you are purchasing: "Ghosts" was never released on DVD. What you are purchasing is NOT a DVD. This is from 1997 and it is a Video CD (VCD.) That is not the same thing as a DVD. It is an audio CD that also plays video, which was somewhat ahead of its time back then. It was originally made to play the video on a computer or a VCD player, not a DVD player. The technology caught on more in Asia but not in the US. So when Ghosts was released, it was only made on VHS videotape in the US. The quality of a VCD is more comparable to a VHS. It is not "digital" or "hi-def" like a modern DVD, which is the main difference between a VCD and a DVD.

As it turns out, most DVD players will be able to read it anyway, but not all. You have to have a DVD player that is able to also read VCD's. Most can. But if you are one of the few for whom it doesn't, that doesn't mean the product is defective or a bootleg. You are trying to play it on equipment for which it was not originally designed.

But again, it will play on most DVD players, especially newer ones.

If not, it will play on your computer for sure! (But you have to manually open Windows Media Player and click "play" - it will not start automatically like a DVD.)

We have sold tons of these at we-got-the-beats to so many happy customers - it makes a GREAT Halloween party highlight.

However you get to play it, you've got to appreciate the brilliant artistry of Michael Jackson. Enjoy!

The first time I saw this film was on MTV one October night in 2001. It was called, "Michael Jackson's Halloween Special", but I knew right away that it was "Ghosts". I had toured Stan Winston studios a few years earlier and saw the make-up designs, of the Mayor character and the super ghoul. This was the truly last time we saw one Michael's epic videos. The dancing is brilliant, the music is superb, and the plot by Stephen King fits Michael's persona like a one handed glove. It also features an up and coming rapper. He was credited under the name Dante, but he's now known as Mos Def. It's a shame this video was never released to a wider audience via DVD.

Although it was supposed to be video, it was a DVD copy of the vcd version and quality is not as sharp....BUT this is something every MJ fan should have, and any borderline fan too. Actor, singer, dancer, writer, producer...what a tremendous loss to humanity. This man did it all and did it well. What a shame this didn't get publicized during all the tributes of late of this magnificent artist. It is a masterpiece and shows Michael's diverse talents that most have never seen before. He performs 3 songs through the film like you've never heard them before. If you want to feel good, watch this. It also has the making of the film which is a treat. What a gem both Michael and this work of art are. What a remarkable human being. God Speed to ISS....SueK

This is what Michael wanted to do, tell stories, make short films that's an escape for the audience, from their everyday life, even if just for a little while. And he did.
This was more indepth that just a music video. With a story line already in progress this movie pulls you into the plot more, makes you want to sit and watch whats comming next, MJ keeps you interested with this scary/ but not too scary film called GHOSTS. Michael's Acting is A plus, how did he get so good. GHOSTS tells the story of magician like character living suposedly on his own that likes to play tricks and amuse the kids, but a mob of towns people find it strange, and want him out. This was very entertaing, with music to thinken the plot, and his inovative dance moves were like noting we've seen before. As always MJ reinvents new moves with evey new show. The plot makes you think, with an underlying theme of how he see's the public viewing him, I felt that I understood him alot more than in the past. And he does hurt when people say things that aren't true. the matireal of the songs are so true to life it's "scary for ya baby" I love that it also comes with the making of the movie, thats like an added bonus to an already cool film. This has it all, skillful dancing, top vocals, new film technology and special effects.

Excellent Film, I just wish he did more films.
Starring Michael Jackson and Mos Deff.
I liked the music from this film so much, that I also bought the CD with the top 3 songs from the movie in it, Ghosts, 2Bad, and Is it scary. Listen to the words,it's profound.

**Update: I'm not sure if everyone is aware that not only did Michael play the part of the mysterious Maestro, but he also played the role of the town mayor, too! Yes, the cruel, cynical rotund guy who lead the townsfolk to his house and tried to frighten him into leaving! I'm hoping that this vcd is re-mastered sometime this year. Now that Sony has managed to strike a mega-million dollar deal to publish and record previously written, but yet-to-be released songs, etc., I'm hoping that there will be re-makes of both Ghosts and Moonwalker.

I just watched Ghosts on my computer last night. Another exciting example of Michael's unmatched brilliance. As a devoted, long-time fan, I was so hoping for the day when Michael would focus his creative genius and extraordinary talents on film production and acting. It's what he was hoping to do after the London concerts last year.

Damn the media and the "sucking" gold-diggers for what they did to him! A lesser man's spirit would have been crushed under the weight of all the rumors, cruel accusations, judgements and jealousy. Still, they managed to rob him of many glorious, productive years. I studied him closely in Ghosts. He was mesmerizing--such a natural actor! Combine that with a riveting storyline--perfectly created for his character--ghoulish but fun-to-listen to music, and you have a masterpiece of a short film! He made skeletons "sexy"! He was scary, funny, and wonderfully sensual as always. He exuded grace and mystery. Thinking of him as this character caused me to imagine him in a sexy, seductive vampire role. What hot, desirable woman wouldn't love to have him devour her for her blood? He'd take Moonlight to the next level, ladies! Gorgeous voice and dancing that evokes a wide range of emotions--lots of deep breaths and lusty thoughts! God he was so hot!

What a loss. What a heartbreaking and profound loss to all who loved him. In addition to loving and being adored by the lights of his life--his children, it's comforting to know that he also realized one of his fondest dreams: to make his creations and his memory immortal. They will live forever! Hopefully, Ghosts and Moonwalker will both be remastered into Blue Rays or DVDs and released later this year, perhaps to celebrate his birthday!

We all hope that over the course of time we'll be treated to unpublished and yet-to-be-cut songs, writings and poetry. Maybe even another unforgettable short flick! He was full of surprises.

Michael = Magic!

Michael.....we miss you so. We hold loving thoughts for your children and family. We know you are okay and at peace now.

P.S. I saw This Is It five times at the theatre. I just got my DVD yesterday but won't watch it until I get my new big screen HD-TV hooked up. I wanna be blown away and escape into his world, again, no matter how brief!

I was not sure what I would find with this DVD, I had never heard of it before... but I was looking for someting fun for Halloween... how exciting to find this DVD... It is well produced, and the DVD is of excellent quality... Michael Jackson plays a few characters in Ghost and we were amazed to find out after the program finished...so much so that we watched it again just so we could try and catch each of his disguises

How prescient the title of this 40-ish minute film. Made in 1997, it reveals some of the pain Michael Jackson must have experienced. This gives a bite to the astounding creativity. In addition, and not too long ago, we lost the film's director, the gifted makeup and effects artist, Stan Winston.

Soaring over the loss and the revelation of Mr. Jackson's inner turmoil as accusations of terrible crimes swirled around him, we have in "Ghosts" a high level of filmic and choreographic achievement. The makeup work, as one would expect coming out of Stan Winston Studios, will floor you. Don't miss the closing credits. The visual effects rise, at times, to the level of mind-blowing, and in keeping with the challenging emotional tone of the film, alternate between dark humor and a savage, and understandable anger that MJ was loath to express directly in public.

"The Maestro" and his powers reveal once again the childlike innocence and untrammeled creativity that Mr. Jackson brought to every film project. We see clearly the outraged innocent, the martyr, and the narcissist/fantasist. Here is a genius-child with the intellect, the tools and talent an industry could provide, living out a fantasy that is so personal as to be, at times, terribly touching. It's necessary to put that to one side and accept this little-known legacy of two great artists, whose work will be sorely missed and will influence other artists for some time to come.

I thought "Ghosts" was fantastic; this was MJ at his best. The sound & picture quality was excellent and the VCD played brilliantly on both my computer & DVD player, so I could easily watch it on a big screen TV. The songs, dancing & special effects were brilliant. I recommend this version of "Ghosts" to any Michael Jackson fans; I'm sure you'll love it, as I know I certainly did.
In summary I found "Ghosts" to be thoroughly enjoyable with a laugh here and there as well. MJ acted out about 5 different characters during the film, (Maestro, Skeleton Maestro, Ghoul Maestro, Mayor, Ghoul Mayor), and during the credits at the end of the film you get to see him going through the make-up process for each character which was a real eye-opener as to all the behind the scenes work involved in this short film.
For anyone concerned about young children viewing MJ's "Ghosts" there is mild horror involved in the form of Ghouls with Dracula type teeth in some scenes, which may scare some young children.
And for anyone who interested to know I bought my copy as new from the seller titled - wegotthebeatsdotbiz. I found this seller to be good on price, quality, & service. HAPPY VIEWING!
R.I.P. Michael Jackson (King of Pop).

Definitely worth the purchase. However, The copy I purchased was of poor, poor quality.
Once a distributor is found for this short film, it's gonna be awesome.

It is a long video. The dancing and special effects are excellent. Michael in top form. Even if all you can get is a crappy copy, like I did. It's worth it.

The only reason I gave this product a 3 out of 5 is because compared to "Thriller" this elaborate short film did not surpass it. It had potential. It had Michael Jackson. It had great special effects. It had great costumes. Yet the script lacked substance and the dance sequence did not flow with the dialogue. Actually, everything seemed cut and paste, with no real connection. The extra ghost dancers, they just seemed cluttered. When I was watching the film, I kept on thinking, "I wish there was less special effects." Sometimes seeing the "real" thing is more classic and beautiful. Michael Jackson is a great dancer, and seeing "This is It" is much nicer than seeing "Ghost" simply because there was no special effects added to great live dancing. Yet, I do recommend for MJ fans to see it. I also think it would be great for Halloween parties, etc. Its still a fun film, just not a "masterpiece".