Over 30 years since the first arrival of the Ghostbusters onto our cinema screens, the franchise is still going strong. Considering that there has not been another adventure cast onto celluloid since the 1989 sequel, it is testament to the strength of writing in the first film that such a fervent fanbase still exists and watches the movie over and over again. Sure, there is the all-female cast reboot coming next year, but let us cast our minds – and our eyes – back to the beginning.
This hardcover book has a foreword from Dan Aykroyd and an introduction from Ivan Reitman, which only leads you back into the world of ghosts and ghouls that so enthralled us three decades ago. If you’re a fan, there is plenty in here to interest you. There are loads of behind the scenes pictures that show just how much damn fun it must have been to make these films. All the core cast and crew are involved here in one way or another, and it is subtle in its remembrance of the late Harold Ramis without resulting to schmaltz.
It’s fascinating, as always with films from the childhoods of some of us, to see concept sketches that have probably not seen the light of day before. Designs for sadly unrealised ghosts, as well as previous incarnations of well-known and loved characters – especially Slimer (aka Onionhead), Mr Stay Puft and the Demon Dogs – are all on show here. There is a great breakdown of the scene where Dana is attacked in her armchair by the demon arms which shows just how game Sigourney Weaver was for the realism of the film.
The book doesn’t scrimp on covering the sequel either, with just as much depth covered as the original, which is just as much fun and interesting (even if the film itself isn’t).
In addition, there are sections that cover the soundtracks and the expanded universe, including the different animated incarnations, video games, comics and toys. Also included is a very brief section on fandom and the future of the franchise.
Basically, for any Ghostbusters fan, this is essential.
GHOSTBUSTERS: THE ULTIMATE VISUAL HISTORY / AUTHOR: DANIEL WALLACE / PUBLISHER: TITAN / RELEASE DATE: SEPTEMBER 25TH
