This documentary is one of those rare films that manages to pair rigorous historical research with art. The rise and fall of several ghost towns of the American West is carefully detailed and fantastic archival photos included to complement the stories. But beyond that, the contemporary black & white footage of what remains of these towns is stunning and certainly makes the case for there simply being something special about old-fashioned analog film. Perhaps especially when it's being used to capture places that were last fully alive over a hundred years ago. The combination of these elements throughout the film is masterful.
If you enjoy the history of the Old West, are a connoisseur of ghost towns, and/or appreciate evocative abandonment photography, you cannot go wrong with Ghosts of the West. I've watched it twice already and will certainly view it again soon. That's my highest recommendation!