Ghostly Apparitions 4 is the latest installment in AtmosFX’s flagship ghost projection series. This volume leans deeper into macabre folklore and gothic horror, offering four uniquely terrifying ghosts: the Plague Doctor, Grave Robber, Banshee, and Bog Zombie. As with all AtmosFX digital downloads, the clips do not include an alpha channel, meaning they rely on black backgrounds rather than true transparency. This works well for projection-based illusions like Hollusions and window displays, but for those combining with other FX or scenes in post-production, rotoscoping or masking will be needed to blend content.
The visuals are live-acted with high-definition effects layered in, preserving the spectral realism the series is known for. With over 20 video files provided in multiple formats (horizontal/vertical, background/no background), this collection is versatile and optimized for nearly every projection setup.
- The Plague Doctor – A Spirit of Shadows and Fire
The Plague Doctor from Ghostly Apparitions 4 is a chilling embodiment of historical fear and supernatural mystery, blending eerie elegance with visual spectacle. Played by a real actor in full costume — complete with the iconic beaked mask — he glides through misty environments, cloaked in swirling blue energy and, at times, crowned with fiery, glowing eyes. Of all four characters in the collection, the Plague Doctor is perhaps the most cinematic and thematically rich, offering both haunting atmosphere and surprise scares in equal measure.
His first scene, The Roamer, sets the tone perfectly. It opens with a bell chime, followed by his slow procession through a glowing mist. At times, the bell is swapped for a cane, and the fiery glow behind his mask adds a sinister contrast to the surrounding blue aura. The effect is mesmerizing — a ghostly figure drifting through time and fog. His presence evokes both reverence and dread, making him a striking centerpiece for gothic displays or haunted medical-themed settings.
Two startle scares follow, each offering their own flavor of supernatural suspense. In one, the Doctor spins slowly in midair before lightning strikes and he lunges forward — more of a startling moment than a terrifying one, suitable even for younger viewers. In the second, he materializes from a swirling magical vortex, raises his cane toward the viewer, and then vanishes by transforming into a raven. This same sequence summons a giant glowing skull — a reskinned blue variant of the Phantasms head — that ties directly into the Plague Doctor’s mystical energy. Both scenes are versatile for windows, archways, or scrim illusions.
The final and most narrative-driven scene, The Three Doctors, is a two-minute tale of transformation. Three masked figures search the misty darkness with lanterns, seemingly alive and unaware of their fate. But as the mist consumes them, they freeze in place, and their eyes glow with an eerie neon green light — suggesting they’ve become possessed or cursed. They vanish into the fog, leaving only questions behind. This sequence adds lore to the Plague Doctor’s mythos and would be ideal for long-form projection loops or layered story scenes. Whether you’re crafting an eerie graveyard, haunted sanatorium, or occult laboratory, the Plague Doctor offers elegance, terror, and unforgettable visual appeal.
- The Banshee – A Haunting Presence Shrouded in White
The Banshee in Ghostly Apparitions 4 brings an ethereal and unsettling energy to the screen, portrayed by a live-action actor enhanced with digital effects. Draped in flowing white robes and marked by glowing eyes, this spirit is less a jump-scare monster and more a chilling omen of death — a figure who wanders, warns, and finally wails. Her presence feels ancient and sorrowful, evoking folklore rather than horror tropes, making her an ideal character for misty graveyards, windswept fields, or ambient ghost displays.
Her scenes range from subtle to startling. In the “Roamer” sequence, she drifts slowly through the darkness, pointing at unseen victims and locking eyes with the viewer. The digital overlays — including glowing eyes and shifting facial features — give her an otherworldly look while preserving the realism of the live-action performance. Two dedicated startle scares take things further: in one, she appears suspended midair, seemingly lifeless until she shrieks at the screen; in the other, her face contorts into a twisted, digitally-enhanced snarl before she lunges forward.
A standout moment is Storm of the Moors, where the Banshee stands amidst a storm, her face illuminated by lightning flashes. With each strike, her appearance transforms into a spectral monster, revealing her true form in haunting flashes. Another scene, The White, brings her in closer — pale-faced and luminous, beckoning viewers silently with glowing eyes that fade in and out, before digitally morphing into a scream that’s meant to be terrifying… but unfortunately falls short.
And that’s the one real drawback of this otherwise gorgeously shot collection: the Banshee’s scream — a defining trait in Irish folklore — lacks the gut-wrenching, blood-curdling quality fans might expect. It's a noticeable miss in an otherwise visually stunning set. Still, her final scene offers a dramatic payoff: stalking the Ghastly Grave Robber, she finally unleashes her eerie wail, causing his death from sheer terror. For those seeking a spectral figure with a ghostly, mournful tone (and who can forgive the audio misfire), the Banshee remains a visually compelling and versatile addition to any high-concept haunt.
- The Bog Zombie – Fog, Fear, and Swamp-Soaked Dread
The Bog Zombie from Ghostly Apparitions 4 is a slow-moving nightmare from the mire — a decaying creature that rises from the swamp with glowing red eyes, tattered clothes, and a stare that pierces through the fog. This character, like the Banshee, is portrayed by a real actor enhanced with digital effects, adding weight and believability to every staggered step. Designed for realism over gore, the Bog Zombie brings eerie ambiance to the undead without pushing the boundaries into over-the-top horror, making him surprisingly versatile for a wide range of haunts.
His opening scene, Zombie Approach, is a study in suspense. Set during a thunderstorm, the zombie is revealed only during lightning flashes — each strike bringing him closer to the viewer until he’s standing directly in front of them. It’s an atmospheric buildup that rewards projection on long hallways, walkways, or backdrops where distance and timing can create a sense of mounting dread. Another scene deepens the mystery, with the zombie appearing in thick rolling fog, only to vanish and reappear with two duplicates — now advancing slowly as a trio of bog walkers closing in.
For those seeking jump scares, the Bog Zombie delivers two options. In one, he emerges silently from the mist, locking eyes with the viewer before vanishing again — only to reappear in a sudden leap forward. The second scare is subtler, with the zombie rising unexpectedly from the ground. It’s tame by zombie standards, without excessive gore or violence, making it appropriate for haunts that want creep factor without bloodshed. These scenes pair perfectly with laser swamp setups, water features, or dockside builds — environments where the fog and murky visuals feel right at home.
The final scene, shared with the Ghastly Grave Robber, is arguably the most cinematic: the Bog Zombie and his companions silently stalk the unsuspecting thief before dragging him down into the swamp. It’s a strong narrative moment that ties the Bog Zombie into a larger world of creeping dread and makes him more than just a background scare. Whether you're building a haunted bog, a cursed marsh, or a ghostly dockside display, the Bog Zombie is a must-have for any haunt that wants to rise from the muck and truly immerse its viewers in shadowy, fog-drenched fear.
- The Ghastly Grave Robber – Greed Beyond the Grave
The Bog Zombie from Ghostly Apparitions 4 is a slow-moving nightmare from the mire — a decaying creature that rises from the swamp with glowing red eyes, tattered clothes, and a stare that pierces through the fog. This character, like the Banshee, is portrayed by a real actor enhanced with digital effects, adding weight and believability to every staggered step. Designed for realism over gore, the Bog Zombie brings eerie ambiance to the undead without pushing the boundaries into over-the-top horror, making him surprisingly versatile for a wide range of haunts.
His opening scene, Zombie Approach, is a study in suspense. Set during a thunderstorm, the zombie is revealed only during lightning flashes — each strike bringing him closer to the viewer until he’s standing directly in front of them. It’s an atmospheric buildup that rewards projection on long hallways, walkways, or backdrops where distance and timing can create a sense of mounting dread. Another scene deepens the mystery, with the zombie appearing in thick rolling fog, only to vanish and reappear with two duplicates — now advancing slowly as a trio of bog walkers closing in.
For those seeking jump scares, the Bog Zombie delivers two options. In one, he emerges silently from the mist, locking eyes with the viewer before vanishing again — only to reappear in a sudden leap forward. The second scare is subtler, with the zombie rising unexpectedly from the ground. It’s tame by zombie standards, without excessive gore or violence, making it appropriate for haunts that want creep factor without bloodshed. These scenes pair perfectly with laser swamp setups, water features, or dockside builds — environments where the fog and murky visuals feel right at home.
The final scene, shared with the Ghastly Grave Robber, is arguably the most cinematic: the Bog Zombie and his companions silently stalk the unsuspecting thief before dragging him down into the swamp. It’s a strong narrative moment that ties the Bog Zombie into a larger world of creeping dread and makes him more than just a background scare. Whether you're building a haunted bog, a cursed marsh, or a ghostly dockside display, the Bog Zombie is a must-have for any haunt that wants to rise from the muck and truly immerse its viewers in shadowy, fog-drenched fear.
Ghostly Apparitions 4 is one of AtmosFX’s most atmospheric and narratively rich collections to date, introducing four distinct ghostly characters brought to life through live-action performances enhanced with digital effects. The set features the ethereal Banshee, the fog-drenched Bog Zombie, the mystical and imposing Plague Doctor, and the morbidly comedic Ghastly Grave Robber — each with their own unique visual style, tone, and story arc.
This collection leans into realism, with every character portrayed by a costumed actor rather than animated models, giving the ghosts a grounded, physical presence that works exceptionally well for projection-based displays. Whether it’s the Banshee gliding through lightning storms, the Bog Zombie creeping out of the mist, or the Grave Robber descending into the very grave he disturbed, each ghost has a strong identity and a clear theme, making them easy to build full scenes or zones around.
Ghostly Apparitions 4 also excels at blending cinematic storytelling with scare tactics. Most characters have “roamer” scenes for ambient haunts, longer narrative clips for immersive storytelling, and startle scares for those key moments of fright. From the Plague Doctor’s glowing mystical energy and possession sequence, to the Grave Robber’s full character arc from greedy old man to cursed phantom, this set offers some of AtmosFX’s most cohesive and character-driven content yet.
While not every moment hits perfectly — particularly the underwhelming Banshee scream — the overall polish, variety, and creativity of the set is undeniable. The scenes lend themselves to richly themed environments like graveyards, moors, swamps, haunted hospitals, and historical haunts. For decorators seeking to add realism, lore, and mood to their Halloween displays, Ghostly Apparitions 4 is a powerful and highly adaptable tool in the projection decorator’s arsenal.
🗣️ User Reviews Summary – Ghostly Apparitions 4
Ghostly Apparitions 4 has earned praise from decorators looking for a more immersive, story-driven projection experience. Based on user feedback, online discussions, and community reactions, here’s what home haunters are saying:
🏆 Standout Mention
“The elements that the previous poster didn’t like made this work for me. We have tons of very young trick-or-treaters, and these animations (especially the Banshee and Plague Doctor) provide the spookiness we’re after without being gratuitous.”
This review highlights one of Ghostly Apparitions 4’s biggest strengths: broad audience accessibility. It may not be the scariest set in the series, but for homes aiming for atmosphere over horror, it hits just the right tone.
What Users Love:
“It looks like a scene from a movie.” – One of the most common compliments revolves around the cinematic realism of the characters. The use of live actors instead of animations gives each ghost a grounded, believable presence. People are especially impressed with how well the Plague Doctor and Grave Robber tell mini-stories — with several users calling them “little Halloween short films.” Many have commented that the Grave Robber’s arc from greedy man to cursed soul gives this set a theatrical flair rarely seen in projection decorations.
Realistic Visuals with a Darker Tone: Unlike previous volumes that leaned spooky or whimsical, GA4 has a heavier, more haunting vibe — and users appreciate that. The Bog Zombie is often cited as a favorite for fog-heavy, swamp setups and laser swamps, with his glowing red eyes cutting through the mist. The Banshee, while visually stunning, drew mixed reviews for her scream (more on that below), but many still called her “elegant and eerie” with effects that “made her look like a real ghost was walking across the lawn.”
Great for Themed Displays: Users love how Ghostly Apparitions 4 lends itself to themed zones — graveyards, plague hospitals, swamps, and haunted moors. The Plague Doctor, in particular, is a favorite for historical haunts and adds a “professional-level” aesthetic with his glowing eyes and mystic energy. Several decorators even mentioned pairing him with lantern props, fog machines, or occult-themed backdrops to create a full immersive scene.
Story + Scare Options: Like GA3, users love that you can blend ambient “roamer” clips, longer story scenes, and startle scares to build a custom show. Some fans noted that the startle scares were more creative than jumpy — especially the Plague Doctor’s raven transformation and the Grave Robber’s shovel swing. “You can tell they thought these characters through,” one user wrote. “It’s not just random ghosts — they each have a past and a fate.”
A Few Concerns:
Banshee Scream Disappointment: While the Banshee’s look and movement earned praise, her scream — a defining trait in folklore — was commonly cited as a letdown. Many users expected a blood-curdling shriek, but got a more subdued audio clip. One reviewer said, “She looked amazing, but I had to add my own scream sound effect to make it hit.”
Requires More Thematic Setup: Because the scenes are more cinematic and grounded in realism, some users felt GA4 needed a bit more environment prep (like fog, props, or sound layering) to fully shine. For decorators who prefer quick plug-and-play scares, this set might require more creative staging.
Standout Mentions:
- The Three Plague Doctors scene is often singled out as the most “chilling and beautiful” clip in the set — many wish it was longer.
- Multiple users shared success projecting the Grave Robber on tombstone props or mausoleum walls, saying it felt like a “complete mini-haunt.”
- The Bog Zombie is now a go-to favorite for laser swamp setups: “Put him in with green lasers and fog, and it’s like he’s coming out of the Earth.”
- Users with AtmosFX’s Phantasms noted how well GA4 complements it — especially when reused ghost elements show up in Ghostly Graveyards.
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👻 Ghostly Apparitions 4 – User Review Summary
Ghostly Apparitions 4 is one of AtmosFX’s most divisive entries in the beloved ghost projection series, with some decorators praising its live-action return and family-friendly tone, while others found it lacking the scare factor and realism of earlier volumes. The characters—Beguiling Banshee, Plague Doctor, Bog Zombie, and Grave Robber—are at the center of this split, drawing both admiration and criticism depending on the tone decorators aim for in their displays.
Fans of this volume appreciate its versatility, projection quality, and milder creep factor, which makes it especially suitable for setups with younger audiences or mixed-age trick-or-treater crowds. The Banshee and Plague Doctor were the most well-received, often noted as “spooky but not over-the-top,” while some praised the return to live-action performers over CGI-heavy effects. The collection is described as a good transitional tool—something to show earlier in the evening before scarier sequences take over.
On the flip side, more scare-focused decorators expressed disappointment in what they saw as lackluster costumes, low-intensity performances, and characters that didn’t feel “ghostly” enough. The Bog Zombie and Grave Robber segments were frequent targets of critique, with some users calling the costuming “cheap” or the characters “unusable” for serious haunts. However, most reviewers still recognized AtmosFX’s technical quality and creative range, even if this collection didn’t meet their personal expectations.
4 out of 5