“Who ya gonna call?” Hey everyone, today we will be taking a look at the 1984 horror-comedy “GHOSTBUSTERS”!
Did you know that Co-Creator/Writer/Star DAN AYKROYD’S whole family has a history with the supernatural?
AYKROYD grew up surrounded by spiritualists. His great-grandfather, SAMUEL A. AYKROYD, was a noted nineteenth century psychic investigator who conducted séances at the AYKROYD family farmhouse in EASTERN ONTARIO with a medium named WALTER ASHURST. This predilection for the paranormal was passed down to Aykroyd’s grandfather, MAURICE, who was an engineer for THE BELL TELEPHONE COMPANY. MAURICE allegedly tried to use his know-how to create a high-vibration crystal radio that could contact the spirit world. DAN’S father, PETER, kept a sizeable library of books about spooky subjects (including his great grandfather’s séances), which kept ghosts and ghouls in the back of young AYKROYD’S mind. After he left “SATURDAY NIGHT LIVE” in 1979, he read an article about parapsychology in an AMERICAN SOCIETY OF PSYCHICAL RESEARCH publication, which inspired “GHOSTBUSTERS”.
[AYKROYD as “DR. RAY STANTZ”]
Did you know that the kids in the audience were more of an afterthought?
This film was originally intended for an adult audience. The cast and crew were surprised to find that children loved the film as a fun fantasy adventure of scientists battling supernatural threats with cool backpack weapons. It led to a cartoon spin-off, “THE REAL GHOSTBUSTERS”, and the sequel, “GHOSTBUSTERS II” played down the original film's adult elements, like smoking.
[See previous image for an example.]
Did you know that you could actually call the “GHOSTBUSTERS”?
Even those who haven't seen Ghostbusters know the answer to the question "Who ya gonna call?" It's become tied to the franchise the same as “JASON’S” “FRIDAY THE 13TH” [1980] mask or “DARTH VADER’S” breathing in “STA WARS” [1977]. However, few fans know that there was actually a number set up for people to call the Ghostbusters.
Of course, it wasn't actually BILL MURRAY, AYKROYD, HAROLD RAMIS, or ERNIE HUDSON. Instead, it was a pre-recorded message from just MURRAY and AYKROYD. Regardless, the number did well and generated interest while the film was in theaters - and if fans go on SOUTHLAND GHOSTBUSTERS FACEBOOK PAGE, they'll be able to hear it for themselves. Unfortunately the number has changed since the films’ theatrical release and is no longer active.
[The original commercial as seen in “GHOSTBUSTERS: AFTERLIFE” - 2021.]
Did you know that the series has a connection with a certain “Friendly Ghost”?
Back in 1995, DAN AYKROYD made a notable yet small cameo as mustache-sporting “DR. RAY STANZ” in the live-action “CASPER” movie. In that particular scene, Stantz is called on to help rid the haunted house of “CASPER’S” rowdy and troublesome uncles, but is unable to do so saying, “Who ya gonna call? Someone else.”
Although the cameo was meant to be nothing more than some light-heart fun and a nod to the “GHOSTBUSTERS” franchise, “RAY’S” cowardly portrayal and inability to defeat “CASPER’S” uncles deeply angered fans. They were also quick to point out that “RAY” breaks one of the most important rules of being a “GHOSTBUSTER”, “never go solo.”
[AYKROYD as “RAY” with “CASPER: THE MOVIE” - 1995 - stars ERIC IDLE and CATHY MORIARTY!]
speaking of “CASPER”, did you know that the Creators of “CASPER” were not fans of the “GHOSTBUSTERS’S NO GHOSTS LOGO”? Despite the final design avoiding an overt resemblance to “CASPER” and related characters, HARVEY FAMOUS CARTOONS sued COLUMBIA PICTURES over the use of the emblem, which bears some resemblance to “FATSO”, one of the characters in “CASPER’S GHOSTLY TRIO. The suit was for 50 million, plus the destruction of all Ghostbusters film prints, however it was dropped in 1986. The judge ruled that there were only so many ways to draw a ghost, and while similar to “FATSO”, the no-ghost logo wasn't infringing copyright.
[“CASPER’S” uncle “FATSO” as seen in the animated television series “THE SPOOKTACULAR NEW ADVENTURES OF CASPER” - 1996-1998.]
[The “NO GHOSTS” logo!]
Did you know that the theme song had it’s own legal troubles?
The breakout hit theme song to the movie that had everyone saying “I ain’t afraid of no ghosts” caused quite a stir between its performer and writer, RAY PARKER JR., and musician HUEY LEWIS. LEWIS sued PARKER claiming the track was too similar to his own song “I WANT A NEW DRUG”. The suit dragged on for over a decade before finally being settled, and although monetary figures were never released, PARKER ended up countersuing years later claiming LEWIS mentioned the suit in public and was bound not to do so by its terms.
[RAY PARKER JR.]
[HUEY LEWIS]
Did you know that the music video is filled with celebrity cameos?
The music video for the song "Ghostbusters" featured numerous celebrities who didn't appear in the film, including: CHEVY CHASE, IRENE CARA, JOHN CANDY, MELISSA GILBERT, OLLIIE E. BROWN, JEFFREY TAMBOR, GEORGE WENDT, AL FRANKEN, DANNY DEVITO, CARLY SIMON, PETER FALK, and TERI GARR. The “GHOSTBUSTERS” themselves (in costume) danced down Times Square right behind PARKER. CINDY HARRELL played the girl in the haunted house.
[PARKER and the cast dancing in the “GHOSTBUSTERS” music video.]
PARKER and his song, along with some other hits he performed, are the subject of a new documentary called “WHO YOU GONNA CALL?: A PORTRAIT OF RAY PARKER JR.” which is now on Digital!
[A poster for PARKER’S new documentary!]
Now let’s talk about some other parts of the franchise.
“GHOSTBUSTERS II” [1989]:
Did you know that “THE RUDE KID AT THE BIRTHDAY PARTY” is actually “GHOSTBUSTERS: AFTERLIFE” Director JASON REITMAN?
Early on in “GHOSTBUSTERS II”, before our heroes get fully back into business, “RAY” (AYKROYD) and “WINSTON” (HUDSON) are found appearing as entertainers at a kids’ birthday party. Here, an obnoxious youngster declares to their faces that they’re “full of c**p.” This child is JASON REITMAN, the son of “GHOSTBUSTERS 1 AND II” Director IVAN REITMAN.
In the years since this early appearance, JASON REITMAN has gone on to become an acclaimed director in his own right, as well as a two-time Oscar nominee for his work on “JUNO” [2007] and “UP IN THE AIR” [2009]. More recently, Jason has taken over from his father at the helm of the Ghostbusters franchise, serving as the co-writer and director of belated third installment “GHOSTBUSTERS: AFTERLIFE” [2021].
[JASON REITMAN as “THE RUDE KID” at the birthday party!]
[REITMAN all grown up with himself as a child in a deleted scene from the first “GHOSTBUSTERS” movie.]
Did you know that ERNIE HUDSON’S name gets called out in one scene by mistake?
When “RAY”, “EGON” and “WINSTON” go down into the sewer to examine the slime, and “WINSTON” is using a measuring device to see how deep it is, when he is being pulled towards the slime and “EGON” and “RAY” are trying to hold him back, you can hear one of the other 2 actors (RAMIS or AYKROYD) call “WINSTON” “ERNIE” by mistake.
[HUDSON, RAMIS and AYKROYD standing next to “THE RIVER OF SLIME”.]
Did you know that just like the first film, “GHOSTBUSTERS II” went through a major re-write?
We all know about the changes made to AYKROYD’S original version of the first movie. now here’s what almost happened in “GHOSTBUSTERS II”! In the first draft of the script, Aykroyd wanted to contrast to the first film's climax atop a skyscraper by making a subterranean threat. This draft followed Dana Barrett, who is kidnapped and taken to Scotland, where she discovers a fairy ring and an underground civilization. The Ghostbusters would have had to travel through an underground pneumatic tube over 2,000 miles long that would have taken three days to traverse. Aykroyd eventually decided that retaining the New York setting would allow for continuity and would better fit the story he wanted to tell while still allowing them to explore underground and that his first draft was "really too far out... too inaccessible".
[A version of the “GHOSTBUSTERS II” script.]
Did you know that there was an issue with the original home video formats?
The original VHS and laserdisc release of this movie was in letterbox, prompting calls to RCA/COLUMBIA to find out if there was a printing problem. To make matters worse, it was not letterboxed in the film's original aspect ratio of 2.35:1, but letterboxed AND panned-and-scanned into a 1.66:1 frame. Viewers who liked 'full frame' movies had to put up with black bars at the top and bottom of the screen, and those who want films in their original aspect ratio had to deal with a picture that was cropped on the sides and panned-and-scanned in some shots. The DVD release in 1999 was the first time the film was presented in its original 2.35:1 aspect ratio on home video.
[Here is a split-screen comparison example for you.]
Now let’s learn some fun facts about the animated T.V. shows “THE REAL GHOSTBUSTERS”, “SLIMER! AND THE REAL GHOSTBUSTERS” and “THE EXTREME GHOSTBUSTERS” [1986-1991]:
Did you know that the end credits scene took inspiration from the music video?
The footage during the end credits of the Ghostbusters dancing down the middle of the street, was based on the music video for Ray Parker Jr.'s song where he and the actors from the movie were pretty much doing the same thing.
[Here is a split-screen comparison of the two versions. I’m too lazy to look for a version of this image without the logo in the corner!]
Did you know that “SLIMER” actually got his name from the T.V. series?
The popularity of the "GREEN GHOST" character from the first Ghostbusters film (and the memorable scene in which he slimes BILL MURRAY) was such an iconic scene that the producers of the cartoon series decided to include him in the cast and gave him the name, “SLIMER”. In turn, the popularity of “SLIMER” was so big that he was included in the film sequel, as well as the 2016 reboot. He was also given the name “ONION HEAD” by the original film’s cast and crew and “THE GHOST OF JOHN BELUSHI” by AYKROYD! BELUSHI was originally considered for the role of “DR. PETER VENKMAN” [MURRAY’S character] before his tragic death in 1982. He wound up becoming the inspiration for “SLIMER” as a way for AYKROYD to keep to BELUSHI in the movie. AYKROYD and BELUSHI were best friends in real life, having worked on “SATURDAY NIGHT LIVE” [1975-present] and “THE BLUES BROTHERS” [1980]. He had also worked with both RAMIS and REITMAN on the movie “NATIONAL LAMPOON’S ANIMAL HOUSE” [1978 - “SLIMER” was based on his character “BLUTO”].
[JOHN BELUSHI as “BLUTO” in a scene from “NATIONAL LAMPOON’S ANIMAL HOUSE”.]
[“SLIMER” at a birthday party in the episode “THE REAL GHOSTBUSTERS: SLIMER COME HOME”
[The original “SLIMER” eating some hotdogs in the 1984 movie.]
Did you know some crew members turned down HUDSON’S chance to reprise his role?
It may sound like an urban legend, but it’s unfortunately true. HUDSON, who played everyman “GHOSTBUSTER WINSTON ZEDDEMORE” in both feature films, was willing to reprise his role for the animated series and was asked to audition for the show’s director as a formality. In 2012, HUDSON told THE A.V. CLUB that when he showed up for the reading, the director told him that the performance “was all wrong” because “that’s not how ERNIE HUDSON did it in the movie.” The man was apparently unaware he was speaking to HUDSON. The producers never called him back and the role ended up going to ARSENIO HALL.
[HUDSON in costume at a special fan event.]
[HALL]
Did you know that there is more than one “GHOSTBUSTERS” T.V. show? [and i’m not talking about the later seasons - “SLIMER AND THE REAL GHOSTBUSTERS” and “THE EXTREME GHOSTBUSTERS” - either.]
Do you know why they’re called the “THE “REAL” GHOSTBUSTERS”? It’s because they weren’t the first busters of ghosts! The animation studio FILMATION had a live-action kids TV show called “THE GHOST BUSTERS”[1975]. It featured two paranormal investigators who teamed up with a gorilla (go ahead and let that sink in). FILMATION even capitalized on the “GHOSTBUSTERS’” cinematic success with an animated sequel series to their own show. Thus, in 1986, fans saw the debut of “FILMATION’S GHOSTBUSTERS” [1986] just a few days before “THE REAL GHOSTBUSTERS” hit T.V. screens.
Naturally, viewers gravitated towards the “GHOSTBUSTERS” that they recognized from the big screen
[The other two “GHOSTBUSTERS” T.V. shows.]
“GHOSTBUSTERS: THE VIDEO GAME” [2009]:
Did you know that the “ROOKIE” [the playable character in the game] does have a real name?
In issue #4 of the “GHOSTBUSTERS” comic series, published by IDW, it is revealed that the Rookie's name is “BRYAN WELSH” in the realistic version and “CHAD FULLER” in the stylized versions. Also in the stylized versions, the Female Rookie's name is “MADDIE COLLINS”.
[One version of “ROOKIE”.]
[The “FEMALE” version of “ROOKIE”.]
Did you know that the game has a nod to a couple of fan films?
This only appears in some versions of the game. An in-game screen shot of Egon's lab had a child's drawing hanging up in the background. It is a crayon drawing of a Ghostbuster firing his proton pack. The words under it read, "To Uncle Egon, from Ed." This could be a reference to Ed Spengler from the fan films “FREDDY VS. GHOSTBUSTERS” (2004) and “RETURN OF THE GHOSTBUSTERS” (2007) and the fan webcomics “GHOSTBUSTERS: THE DENVER CHRONICLES” and “GHOSTBUSTED” [which is an incomplete - at the time that I am typing this anyway - “SONIC THE HEDGEHOG” crossover story}. The game is set to take place in 1991. At that time “ED” would have been just a child.
[There’s the note in question!]
[Fan film #1]
[Fan film #2]
Did you know that there is a reference to the 1984 NINTENDO ENTERTAINMENT SYSTEM “GHOSTBUSTERS” video game?
A monitor in Egon's lab displays the message, "Conglaturation!!! You have completed a great game. And prooved the justice of our culture. Now go and rest our heroes!" This is the endgame text from the original Ghostbusters video game for the NES, typos and all.
[There’s the message, look closely!]
[Now here’s the message as it appears in the U.S. NES version.]
The Japanese version has an even worse ending!
It starts out as a completely blank screen before this bit of random gibberish [it translates to riri] appears:
[The JAPANESE FAMICOM version.]
The Japanese game does have an ending included, but the programmers forgot to tell the CPU to switch to the right data bank before displaying it. Luckily it’s a simple bug to fix – use the Game Genie code PAZKKL or an IPS patch. But the bad grammar is still there. Except now they have also misspelled the word great!
[And the FAMICOM version’s ending in english.]
[And here are the NINTENDO ENTERTAINMENT SYSTEM -1985- and the FAMILY COMPUTER a.k.a. the FAMICOM! - 1983.]
Did you know that a new version of the game is also available on game consoles?
Just look for “GHOSTBUSTERS: THE VIDEO GAME: REMASTERED”.
There lots of other “GHOSTBUSTERS” video games out there, but this is the only one that is actually considered to be canon by both AYKROYD and the “GHOSTBUSTERS” fanbase! The upcoming video game “GHOSTBUSTERS: SPIRITS UNLEASHED” [2022] takes place after the latest movie “GHOSTBUSTERS: AFTERLIFE” [2021] which is also canon along with the first two movies.
[So far AYKROYD and HUDSON are the only actors who have been confirmed to be reprising their roles.]
And now “GHOSTBUSTERS 2016” a.k.a. “GHOSTBUSTERS: ANSWER THE CALL” [2016]:
……….
……….
……….
Well enough about that film. Now on to the newest entry in the series: “GHOSTBUSTERS: AFTERLIFE”
Did you know that FINN WOLFHARD was afraid that he wouldn’t get cast in the film because he dressed up as a “GHOSTBUSTER” in a halloween episode of his hit T.V. show “STRANGER THINGS” [2016-]?
[WOLFHARD as “MIKE WHEELER” as “DR. PETER VENKMAN” in “STRANGER THINGS”.]
For younger viewers less acquainted with the “GHOSTBUSTERS” movies, one of the key selling points of “GHOSTBUSTERS: AFTERLIFE” is the presence of teen actor FINN WOLFHARD, famed for his role on beloved NETFLIX series “STRANGER THINGS”. Set in the 80s and steeped in the popular culture of the time, one “STRANGER THINGS” episode sees WOLFHARD’S “MIKE WHEELER” and his friends get dressed up as the “GHOSTBUSTERS”.
Wolfhard (also known for his role as “YOUNG RITCHIE TOZIER” in the “IT” movies - 2017 and 2019) told THE HOLLYWOOD REPORTER, “I thought, ‘JASON REITMAN is probably not even going to look at my [audition] tape because I’ve already done it in STRANGER THINGS.’” Happily for the young actor, this turned out not to be the case, and he was cast in “AFTERLIFE” as “EGON SPENGLER’S” grandson ”TREVOR”.
On that note: WOLFHARD originally did not know he was auditioning for this movie. The audition sides were purposefully kept generic and vague as the movie was developed in secret.
Did you know that a lot of hard work went into making HAROLD RAMIS’S “DR. EGON SPENGLER” appear in the film?
RAMIS’S likeness was recreated with digital makeup created by PIER LEFEBVRE and his team at the MOVING PICTURE COMPANY (MPC) film studio in Los Angeles, based on his contemporary appearance from the original films. BOB GUNTON and IVAN REITMAN physically performed the role. Special effects technicians and puppeteers, including RONALD BINION (suit puppeteer for “SLIMER” in “GHOSTBUSTERS: ANSWER THE CALL” (2016)), portrayed “EGON’S” invisible ghost by puppeteering objects and lightings in his house and storm cellar laboratory. Some scenes used footage of RAMIS that was originally intended to be used in the first film, including the previously mentioned commercial.
[RAMIS as “EGON”
[LEFEBVRE]
[GUNTON before and after make-up shots]
GUNTON credited as “THE GHOST FARMER” - Bob was the stand-in for Egon and his ghost. You won't see his face in the film, though the above photos (from the Blu-ray's "SPECTRAL EFFECTS" featurette and THE STAN WINSTON SCHOOL OF CHARACTER ARTS article) provides a look at him in the Spengler jumpsuit and as the living Egon in the opening scene. While Bob's name may not sound familiar, you've likely seen him as the evil Warden Norton in “THE SHAWSHANK REDEMPTION” [1994].
IVAN REITMAN in costume with his son JASON.]
IVAN REITMAN as “GHOST EGON’S HANDS” - As detailed in the book, “GHOSTBUSTERS: AFTERLIFE: THE ART AND MAKING OF THE MOVIE”, Ivan doubled for “EGON’S HANDS” in a few insert shots during the climax of the film:
"In one of the most meaningful moments in the film, the original four “GHOSTBUSTERS” are standing next to each other again, with “PHOEBE” sharing a proton pack with her grandfather as they defeated “GOZER” together. For a few insert shots, (JASON) REITMAN asked his father, IVAN, to put on the flight suit, subbing in for “SPENGLER”. "That was the most emotional moment for me. My dad is one of the original “GHOSTBUSTERS," says REITMAN. "I went into this movie hoping to replicate a recipe. I wanted to taste something that I used to have as a child. And that's exactly how I want audiences to feel. I want them to feel like “PHOEBE," he says."
