Now available wherever fine books are sold, the Ghostbusters: Ectomobile - Owner's Workshop Manual! This book goes far beyond just telling you tire pressure and oil change schedule. Learn how to properly operate a standard-issue Ghost Trap. Be kind to your fellow co-workers and finish the Containment Unit procedures to the final step. Learn how and why a Proton Pack uses ions to exhausted and ensnare the supernatural. All that plus do's and don'ts for uniforms and a whole lot more! No Ghostbuster should ever leave home without this handy reference guide - available for purchase on Amazon, at your local Barnes & Noble, the famous Ray's Occult in Manhattan, or wherever fine purveyors of supernatural manuscripts are sold!
Cataloging the Ghostbusters: Answer the Call Bonus Features (Ongoing)
Today marks the digital release of Ghostbusters: Answer the Call and the great news is that it's absolutely packed with bonus features (there's almost 35 minutes of "Jokes A Plenty" alternate improv lines on their own). As discussed on the Interdimensional Crossrip podcast, you can almost view the entirety of the four-hour assembly cut between the Extended Version of the film, the deleted scenes, and over an hour of deleted and alternate scenes available via streaming.
There are already quite a few exclusives that are known out there, and there has been a lot of grouping/generalizing in terms of what bonus materials are included in the release - so in an effort to help clarify, I'll do my best to catalog the extras and what platforms they're available on. This article will be updated periodically as information is received/confirmed as to which is on which release, so keep checking back for updates.
KEY: (BD) - Blu-ray Multidisc Package, (IT) - iTunes Digital Release, (VU) - Vudu Digital Release, (AZ) - Amazon Digital Release, (MS) - Microsoft Digital Release, (PS) - Playstation Store Digital Release, (GP) - Google Play Digital Release), (FS) - FIOS Digital Release, (XF) - Xfinity Digital Release, (BB) - Best Buy CinemaNow/UltraViolet Digital Release, (SPS) - Sony Pictures Store/UltraViolet Digital Release, (TG) - Target Exclusive Disc Pack-In
Full Feature Films
Extended Cut of Film (TRT 02:13:42) - (BD, IT, VU)
Theatrical Cut of Film (TRT 01:56:28) - (BD, IT, VU)
Deleted and Alternate Scenes
Past Lives (TRT 00:02:05) - (BD, IT, VU)
The Big Test (TRT 00:00:45) - (BD, IT, VU)
The Breakup (TRT 00:06:28) - (BD, IT, VU)
Where Are You? (TRT 00:00:27) - (BD, IT, VU)
Erin Walks to Class (TRT 00:00:51) - (IT, VU - Streaming Only)
Phil & Phyllis (TRT 00:04:33) - (IT, VU - Streaming Only)
The Duke (TRT 00:02:30) - (IT, VU - Streaming Only)
Erin Gets Fired (TRT 00:03:36) - (IT, VU - Streaming Only)
The Dean (TRT 00:02:04) - (IT, VU - Streaming Only)
Tired Shanks (TRT 00:00:55) - (IT, VU - Streaming Only)
No Graffitti[SIC] (TRT 00:03:10) - (IT, VU - Streaming Only)
Bennie & Erin (TRT 00:01:11) - (IT, VU - Streaming Only)
The Longest Job Interview Ever (TRT 00:14:20) - (IT, VU - Streaming Only)
Tamar (TRT 00:00:53) - (IT, VU - Streaming Only)
Secret Handshake (TRT 00:02:58) - (IT, VU - Streaming Only)
Patty's Car (TRT 00:01:49) - (IT, VU - Streaming Only)
Mrs. Potter (TRT 00:03:09) - (IT, VU - Streaming Only)
Backstories (TRT 00:04:38) - (IT, VU - Streaming Only)
Protect the Barrier (TRT 00:03:08) - (IT, VU - Streaming Only)
The Beasts of Mayhem (TRT 00:00:44) - (IT, VU - Streaming Only)
The Singer Gets High (TRT 00:02:56) - (IT, VU - Streaming Only)
Casper (TRT 00:01:51) - (IT, VU - Streaming Only)
The Mayor's Office (TRT 00:08:07) - (IT, VU - Streaming Only)
Car Trouble (TRT 00:02:21) - (IT, VU - Streaming Only)
A Sale on Bonsai (TRT 00:01:28) - (IT, VU - Streaming Only)
Soups & Salad (TRT 00:04:01) - (IT, VU - Streaming Only)
Evacuate the City (TRT 00:02:23) - (IT, VU - Streaming Only)
Visine (TRT 00:01:16) - (IT, VU - Streaming Only)
Bring It In (TRT 00:01:24) - (IT, VU - Streaming Only)
So Glad You Came Back (TRT 00:04:33) - (IT, VU - Streaming Only)
Where's The Walkie? (TRT 00:01:56) - (IT, VU - Streaming Only)
Uncle Bill (TRT 00:01:40) - (IT, VU - Streaming Only)
Rebecca Gorin (TRT 00:01:58) - (IT, VU - Streaming Only)
The New Book (TRT 00:01:19) - (IT, VU - Streaming Only)
Behind the Scenes
Meet the Team (Featurette) (TRT 00:08:03) - (BD, IT, VU)
The Ghosts of Ghostbusters (Featurette) (TRT 00:13:56) - (BD, IT, VU)
Visual Effects: 30 Years Later (Featurette) (TRT 00:15:16) - (BD, IT, VU)
Slime Time (Featurette) (TRT 00:05:15) - (BD, IT, VU)
Chris Hemsworth is Kevin (Featurette) (TRT 00:07:42) - (BD, IT, VU)
Recreating the World of Ghostbusters (Featurette) (TRT Unknown) - (TG - Target Exclusive Bonus Disc)
Stunt Busters! (Featurette) (TRT 00:13:04) - (IT - iTunes Exclusive)
Stunt Coordinator Walter Garcia's Original Stunt-Viz for the Times Square Battle (Featurette) (TRT 00:03:38) - (IT - iTunes Exclusive)
The Full Version of the Times Square Fight with No Visual Effects (Featurette) (TRT 00:05:41) - (IT - iTunes Exclusive)
The Ecto-1 Vignette (Featurette) (TRT 00:01:56) - (VU - Vudu Exclusive - Previously Released as Marketing)
Gag Reel Round 1 (TRT 00:07:34) - (BD, IT, VU)
Gag Reel Round 2 (TRT 00:07:59) - (BD, IT, VU)
Jokes A Plenty - "Free For All" (Alternate Takes/Lines) (TRT 00:11:48) - (BD, IT, VU)
Jokes A Plenty - "Holtzmann Gone Wild" (Alternate Takes/Lines) (TRT 00:09:33) - (BD, IT, VU)
Jokes A Plenty - "The Patty Show" (Alternate Takes/Lines) (TRT 00:05:36) - (BD, IT, VU)
Jokes A Plenty - "Kevin Unleashed" (Alternate Takes/Lines) (TRT 00:04:19) - (BD, IT, VU)
Jokes A Plenty - "The Bird" (Alternate Takes/Lines) (TRT 00:02:25) - (BD, IT, VU)
Jokes A Plenty - "The Dean Goes Down" (Alternate Takes/Lines) (TRT 00:00:50) - (BD, IT, VU)
Miscellaneous Bonus Features
Rowan's Manifesto (Direct to Camera Video Manifesto - Viral Video?) (TRT 00:00:47) - (IT, VU)
Elle King "Good Girls" Music Video (TRT 00:03:09) - (IT - iTunes Exclusive)
Ghostbusters: Answer the Call - GBHQ's Full Review
It's finally here. After the better part of a year discussing every morsel of news in great detail, Paul Feig's rejuvenation of the Ghostbusters franchise is now in theaters around the world.
I'm no critic, I'm a lover of film. And obviously as this is a Ghostbusters fansite, posting a review would have an incredible bias against it. But if you're looking for my thoughts and in-depth analysis, stay tuned to future episodes of our podcast the Interdimensional Crossrip, where we'll be discussing at great length. But being that this is the first live-action Ghostbusters film hitting theaters since 1989, I can't help myself. After the first viewing, here are some of my thoughts.
It goes without saying that spoilers are present throughout the below. Proceed at your own risk.
OVERALL
This film is a love-letter not just to Ghostbusters and all of the characters and situations that accompany it, but also a love-letter to films from the 1980s in general. While the film didn't receive that great of critical acclaim, I felt the same way about Ghostbusters after watching Kevin Smith's Cop Out, a film that was a perfect 80s movie (the latter being a throwback to the R-rated buddy cop comedies that were made by the dozen in the mid to late 80s) made with modern technology. The same holds true to Paul Feig's Ghostbusters. It's a movie of the 80s, made with all the bells and whistles and style of 2016. It's fun. It plays absurd situations with absolute sincerity and without the snarky cynicism that seems to be the modern status quo. There's a playfulness to the film from the opening frames featuring The Office and Silicon Valley's Zach Woods all the way through the closing credits. In a world where darker and grittier is often perceived as being better, I'm glad that this film didn't follow in that current trend's footsteps.
Like many films of the 80s, it's not perfect. There are a few holes here and there, but nothing that's not easily overlooked in the moment of watching the film. After my first viewing, the third act of the film seems like it was stitched together after several omits where you do get a sense that you're glossing over something that was previously there. You know what really would have helped and have been "so totally 80s" that it would have been perfect? A montage in the middle of the film showing the four Ghostbusters honing in their skills, gaining more and more notoriety, and Rowan breaking the barrier more and more. Just a little bit of a slide from point A to point B would have gone a long way (and would have been a great throwback to the oft-used device). Substance takes a backseat to style in the closing moments of the film, which isn't necessarily a new thing to the Ghostbusters filmed franchise (or the cartoons for that matter). But the end result is so satisfying and fun to watch that you don't really mind.
Tonally, aesthetically, and vocally you can tell that the film took a great deal of care in making sure that every detail was right for the property. The casting is spot-on, the sets and costumes completely and totally on-point, from the minute the theater darkens to the minute those house lights go back up there is no doubt that this is Ghostbusters.
CHARACTERS
As many have said and as I'm sure was completely intentional, the four lead characters are most definitely not the same archetypes as Peter Venkman, Ray Stantz, Egon Spengler and Winston Zeddemore. Instead, characters are all their own, not fitting into the standard "brain," "mouth," "heart," "everyman" qualities.
Erin Gilbert
Interestingly enough, our main POV throughout the film seems to be through Kristen Wiig's character Erin Gilbert. She incites the adventure at the beginning of the film by receiving a tip about the haunted Aldridge Mansion. Gilbert is a scientific genius, but a little socially awkward. Her sense of dress and style at the beginning of the film is a point of contention with her overbearing senior played by the always effectively menacing Charles Dance. Gilbert's arc is fun to watch as she goes from a wound tight professor concerned about obtaining her tenure and maintaining a level of professionalism (wanting to call their new business venture the Conductors of the Metaphysical rather than something childish like Ghostbusters). Toward the end of the film, she's confident, has a new sense of style and self-confidence, and embraces being a hero.
Jillian Holtzmann
From the first leaked photography on set, the fans loved Holtzmann. And rightly so. As expected, she's the stand out character of the new film and when all is said and done, is the most unique and previously unseen. She's one part mad scientist, one part whimsical child, with reckless but astounding results. if Egon Spengler was the New Age Spock, it seems that Jillian Holtzmann is the Millennial Doc Brown. A character like this can easily be overplayed to a point where its taxing on the audience and completely unmotivated (ala Lex Luthor in the recent Batman v. Superman) but Kate McKinnon handles the role with grace and ease. She sells over-the-top lines like, "Look over there - THE EYES!" evenhandedly, even throwing in television announcer references and quotations reminiscent of Stephen Furst's character in The Dream Team, leading you to believe that everything is an elaborate alternate universe of her own. She flirts with Erin Gilbert, but then again she flirts with Matt Walsh's heavy Homeland Security character as well. She's unpredictable and incredibly memorable.
Abby Yates
Once again, Melissa McCarthy defies a stereotype and overcomes preconceived notions of the characters that she plays. People who dismissed her character in The Heat as an oafish slob that rested on the laurels of "fat jokes" were completely wrong about the hard-ass, super cop character that she actually played. But here, Yates is sharp, incredibly enthusiastic about her work, and if any of the characters could draw lines of connection to their predecessors, she does feel like the most "Ray Stantz" of the group. Her enthusiasm is infectious. Her exasperation when her soup arrives sans wontons understandable. The subtext between the rift that grew between her and Gilbert makes a lot of sense as one character continued to remain the same, while the other decided to "become an adult" and suppress her childlike wonder. If there's a new heart of the Ghostbusters, it seems to be Yates.
Patti Tolan
Leslie Jones' character takes on the role of Winston of sorts, being the every day average civilian brought into the extreme circumstances. She says things that the audience is absolutely thinking, turning a corner to see mannequins in storage and exclaiming, "Well that's a room full of nightmares." Jones' extroverted and "loud" nature seems to always take center stage in describing her character, as if people were relegating Sam Kinison to just being "that guy who's loud and screams a lot." While both of those statements may be true, it's really in Jones' comedic subtleties that she shines. Grumbles under her breath and asides provide some of the biggest laughs from Tolan.
Supporting Roles
The film is packed with drop-ins and cameos of some of comedies biggest names. True to form there are a lot of surprise cameos that I won't spoil in this review but it's really Chris Hemsworth's well-meaning but dumb as a box of rocks Kevin that takes center stage. Faced with the difficult role of making such a deplorable klutz of a human likeable, much like Rick Moranis' brilliant Louis Tully, you understand why the characters take Kevin under their wing. His lack of intelligence or competence is completely unforgivable. But his charm and his aloofness make him endearing. Andy Garcia and Cecily Strong as the government officials pull a complete 180 of William Atherton's Walter Peck, rather than playing the role of antagonists, they show that the government means well and wants to help but has their hands tied by public perception. It's an interesting spin on politics and our view upon government now versus back in the 1980s.
DESIGN AND VISUAL EFFECTS
One of the prevailing critical statements against the first handful of trailers for the new Ghostbusters was that it looked like the computer generated effects had taken over completely - but the blend between the practical and the digital is so fantastic, that much like ILM and Stan Winston's brilliant Iron Man suit effects, you have a tough time telling where the practical ends and the digital begins. Actors in harnesses wore interactive glowing lighting effects and were filmed practically, then supplemented by the digital artists in post-production to great effect. The third act is a marvel of design with so much happening in the frame but a very easy to follow focal point. Where most films that have brilliantly elaborate animated effects throw everything and the kitchen sink into a frame to a point that it's complete indecipherable chaos, Ghostbusters makes sure that you're following the plot, never losing sight of the focus in the frame.
Much of that might be attributed to the cinematography of Robert Yeoman, whom I continue to adore. Where he builds entire worlds for Wes Anderson (and yes, made me fall in love with the landscapes of California in The Wizard), Yeoman's cinematography embraces that this is a big, high-concept comedy and really plays with brilliant highlights and saturated colors. Pops of color everywhere (yellow curtains in the Higgins lab, ethereal green glows in the Mercado) go a long way, a testament to the production design of Jefferson Sage as well. The surprise appearance of a familiar firehouse in various forms shows that a meticulous recreation of the Firehouse 23 was recreated on a soundstage in Boston to great effect.
MUSIC
Blending of genres often proves a difficult challenge for composers, note how Elmer Bernstein handled the first film versus how Randy Edelman handled the 1989 film. Bouncy and light is tough to blend seamlessly with the creepy and macabre. Luckily Theodore Shaprio's score is absolutely brilliant, kicking things off with a throwback "scary music" homage to Elmer Bernstein that also sounds so in tone with the Ghostbusters universe that fans have both compared it to the animated The Real Ghostbusters and Extreme Ghostbusters, showing just how on-point it is. Choral elements and chanting really accentuate some of the darker operatic moments of the film, while a Theramin and even rattling chains are used to be unsettling spooky effects. A stand-out among the score is the use of Ray Parker Jr.'s hook on the Ghostbusters theme song as a slowly building hero theme that debuts the moment the team sees their first ghost and turns into a full-on robust theme in the third act at the height of one of the most heroic moments.
Interestingly, given the heavy-hitters on the pop soundtrack - all of the needle-drop in the film for the most part is used as source music, with only the Fall Out Boy collaboration and Ray Parker Jr.'s original theme song being presented front and center. If you're waiting for a "Saving the Day" moment where the pop album takes over to the visuals, it won't be happening as the film rests on Shaprio's amazing score. Curiously, the stand-out song in the film, No Small Children's rocking version of the theme is absent from the US release on iTunes and on CD releases of the soundtrack. Hopefully it will be available as a single soon.
FINAL THOUGHTS
If I were to run into Paul Feig, Katie Dippold, Ivan Reitman, Dan Aykroyd or heck, any of the cast and crew that worked their tails off on this film and on top of having the challenge of completing a very difficult and elaborate film had to deal with the scrutiny, almost pressure-cooker-like atmosphere that quickly surrounded it - I'd have to give each and every one of them a giant hug and thank them from the bottom of my heart. This film could have easily been a soulless, heartless, cynical shell with intellectual property stamped on top of it, but it isn't. It's obvious that everyone involved was well-versed in the source material, understands what made it work so well, and embraces each and every aspect. For the reasons that I don't think I enjoyed certain other big IP films because they exhibited a fundamental lack of understanding of the world, the constraints and perimeters of the storytelling, and the characters and voices that must inhabit the property - Ghostbusters excels. The heart and the soul that made the first two films fun, make you smile, make you laugh, and just all-around get you excited about a fantastical world that's just out of reach are all present here.
It's a shame that it's taken so long for this film to happen, because it's a love-letter to the hard work of those that came before, I know there are several people that are no longer with us that would have loved to have seen it. And I know that after all of the struggle, after all of the red tape, after the huge mountain it took to climb to get a property like Ghostbusters back on the silver screen, they'd share the same sentiment that I do right now...
The future is bright for the Ghostbusters franchise. And this movie is to thank.
Ghosts from Our Past: A Literary Review
Since the 90s, I'd heard murmurings of a fabled book called "Ghosts From Our Past" by two aspiring parapsychologists. I'd checked libraries, local used bookstores, even private collectors, but the book was harder to find than parking in Los Angeles. I had thought the book might have been scarce due to a limited print run, or because the book was so well-regarded that all copies were snatched up as quickly as they could be printed. But, as it seems, it was because the book itself had been buried by the publisher like Atari's E.T. cartridge. Luckily, given the recent events that have taken place in New York City, and the newfound notoriety of the book's authors, Erin Gilbert and Abby L. Yates, the book has been newly revised and with the help of editor Andrew Shaffer, is once again in circulation and readily available.
Given that this book had been my Rosebud, my whale, imagine my bewilderment when a copy of it arrived for review from its publisher. With great delight, I tore into the tome and poured over every page. And boy, was it worth the decades long wait... Even if the hired help spilled some sort of disgusting green glop all over my copy and inserted a letter printed in Comic Sans to apologize for the destruction.
Though many of the book's original text has now found itself slightly dated of the time period in which it was written, with references to The X-Files, and Shawshank Redemption abound revealing just when the book was initially penned, the first-hand accounts as well as the research that has gone into the book is extremely valuable. The ramblings of the books authors have been well-contained and reorganized and rearranged by Shaffer to read more fluidly and comprehensively. The book acts as one part diary of the two authors and their experiences with the paranormal and another part as a field manual and guide for hunters of paranormal entities such as myself. With quick reference material, forms and paperwork for documentation (including all-important liability waivers), and first-hand guidance from the authors, the book is a must-have in the rucksack for any field agent.
Detailed and well-researched explanations of complex theories including the ectomaterialistic nature of ghosts, something that I've oft wondered about myself are presented in the book along side anthropological studies and first-hand accounts of paranormal experiences. Why do ghosts cross the threshold, yet still find themselves clothed? That's explored in the book. What protective barriers exist to keep spirits from crossing over into the physical world? That's explored complete with an easy-to-understand metaphor. Need to study the Yates-Gilbert Equation in greater detail? (Most of it) is presented here as well!
For those who have had encounters with bumps in the night, for those who are interested in exploring the study and location of paranormal and unexplained phenomenon, or for those that are perplexed with events that recently unfolded and have introduced us all to the concept of "Ghostbusters" - I highly recommend this book in its newly revised form.
And I anxiously await subsequent follow-ups, including Kevin Knows Kevin. I hope they are in greater supply and I need not wait another 30 years to read them.
Ghosts From Our Past: Both Literally & Figuratively is on shelves June 28th wherever fine books are sold, a special thank you to those at Ghostbusters, Inc. for providing a review copy.
Get Ready for GHOSTBUSTERS DAY on June 8th!
This is it, this is definitely it!
In celebration of the anniversary of the original Ghostbusters' release in 1984 as well as to help promote the upcoming film in July, there's a huge day planned around this coming June 8th and it's going to be a doozy.
In addition to the live Fathom Events screenings where you can see the original film back up on the big screen and get a special sneak peek of the new film, the original cast of Ghostbusters: Bill Murray, Dan Aykroyd, Ernie Hudson and Annie Potts will join the new cast Kate McKinnon, Melissa McCarthy, Leslie Jones and Kristen Wiig on the Jimmy Kimmell Live show together for the first time.
Here's the full press release from the good folks at Sony with all of the day's events mapped out, it's going to be a good one!
GHOSTBUSTERS DAY: JUNE 8, 2016
In celebration of GHOSTBUSTERS:
The Original Cast Reunites and Joins the New Cast on “Jimmy Kimmel Live” as
Moviegoers Celebrate the Franchise with Screenings of the Original Film, a Sneak Peek at the New Film, Fun Events, a Contest, and More
Elle King’s “Good Girls” Available at Digital Music Providers Today
CULVER CITY, Calif., June 3, 2016 – In anticipation of the release of Ghostbusters, which brings the legendary franchise back to theaters with a new team fighting the paranormal on July 15, Sony Pictures and moviegoers across the country will celebrate the classic franchise with Ghostbusters Day on Wednesday, June 8 – the anniversary of the release date of the original 1984 film.
On Ghostbusters Day, the cast of the original classic Ghostbusters – including Bill Murray, Dan Aykroyd, Ernie Hudson, and Annie Potts – will reunite and join the new Ghostbusters – Melissa McCarthy, Kristen Wiig, Kate McKinnon, and Leslie Jones – as they honor the franchise that evening with an appearance on “Jimmy Kimmel Live.” “Jimmy Kimmel Live” airs weeknights at 11:35pm Eastern and Pacific / 10:35pm Central on ABC.
Fans will also be able to join in the celebration by seeing a sneak peek of the new film as part of the Fathom Events presentation of the original classic in more than 800 cinemas nationwide on June 8, with encore showings on Sunday, June 12. In addition, in Brooklyn, BBQ Films will present the world’s only official immersive screening of the classic Ghostbusters – a transportive experience built around the classic movie called GHOSTBUSTERS HQ.
Participating theaters will also join in the fun with sweepstakes. Cinemark is giving fans the chance to score one of ten signed posters for the new film through a social media giveaway and as a collectible reward in their all-new app-based loyalty program, Cinemark Connections. And when Regal Cinemas Crown Club Members buy a ticket to the classic movie, they will be entered for the chance to win a flyaway to the premiere of the new Ghostbusters film in Los Angeles, plus a $2500 gift card for travel and accommodations.
Guests of BBQ Films to GHOSTBUSTERS HQ in Brooklyn on the 8th will not only get a 360-degree interactive experience, but also an exclusive first chance to play the new Ghostbusters console game and the mobile game, Ghostbusters: Slime City, both from Activision. Fans will have the chance to record their unique spectral encounters using special GIPHY Cam filters, and enjoy Hi-C Ecto Cooler beverages at the bar. New shows have been added, including a family show. More information is available at www.bbqfilms.com.
Fans will be able to check out the Ghostbusters’ ride, the Ecto-1, with national and local appearances.
The studio will also launch the Ghostbusters Twitter Mission Sweepstakes on Ghostbusters Day. The sweepstakes will award cool prizes, like custom Ghostbusters uniforms, every week leading up to the release of the film to users who retweet contest messages. Twitter users can join in the fun by following @Ghostbusters.
Fans can also follow the movie at @Ghostbusters on their favorite social networks, as the day will be documented via Facebook Live, Periscope, Snapchat Live Stories, and other social coverage.
In addition, moviegoers can now hear Elle King’s “Good Girls,” from the film’s original soundtrack, which is available now at all digital providers. “Good Girls” was written by Elle King and Dave Bassett and produced by Bassett. The soundtrack will be available on July 15th.
Ghostbusters makes its long-awaited return, rebooted with a cast of hilarious new characters. Thirty years after the beloved original franchise took the world by storm, director Paul Feig brings his fresh take to the supernatural comedy, joined by some of the funniest actors working today – Melissa McCarthy, Kristen Wiig, Kate McKinnon, Leslie Jones, and Chris Hemsworth. This summer, they’re here to save the world! The film is produced by Ivan Reitman and Amy Pascal, and written by Katie Dippold & Paul Feig, based on the 1984 film “Ghostbusters,” an Ivan Reitman film, written by Dan Aykroyd and Harold Ramis.
Ghostbusters (2016) Soundtrack Release Date and Details
Knew that info had to be coming sooner than later and sure enough, today the announcement was made that the new Ghostbusters film will follow in the steps of the original two films with a killer soundtrack album featuring some pretty big names in a wide variety of styles.
From the RCA Records press release:
The soundtrack will feature new music, including Elle King’s “Good Girls,” which will be available at all digital providers tomorrow. “Good Girls” was written by Elle King and Dave Bassett and produced by Bassett.
Other artists to be featured on the soundtrack include G-Eazy ft. Jeremih, 5 Seconds of Summer, Pentatonix, WALK THE MOON, Fall Out Boy ft. Missy Elliott, Wolf Alice and more. A full track listing will be announced soon.
Elle King's single will be available through digital outlets tomorrow, so get those iTunes and Amazon accounts ready. Pre-orders will also be up tomorrow as well.
In related news, Theodore Shapiro's score album (being released separately) is up for pre-order on Amazon and got some Empire Magazine inspired cover art today as well.
If Amazon is to be believed, the score album will be hitting stores a full week earlier than the pop/soundtrack album on July 8th.
Ghostbusters (2016) Trailer 6 and International Trailer 2 Arrive
Early this morning, Sony Pictures debuted what's being referred to as "Trailer 6" (what was trailer 5? I'm unsure and still trying to work that out). But it's a solid trailer that really gets back to what this film should be, it's not a big summer action movie, it's a comedy that crosses genres and that exactly what you get from this trailer. Great to hear Ray Parker Jr.'s theme intertwined with the remix that's been featured throughout the rest of the marketing campaign, some definite highlight moments in here as well.
Full thoughts coming on a Cyclotron and several Crossrip episodes to be sure, but check out the new trailer now!
As of now, it's only available through the official Ghostbusters Twitter and Facebook, but we'll embed HD links as soon as we have 'em!
Update: still not able to embed the official videos here. But thanks to KinoCheck here are the domestic "Trailer 6" and the new second international trailer released on the Friday following:
Sony and Ghost Corps Open the Gates to a Lucky Few
The big story today is, quite obviously, the first Ghostbusters trailer in nearly thirty years. Once again the familiar tones of Ray Parker Jr.'s iconic theme, the familiar sights, the jump scares, and the laughs are on the big screen and it's a glorious thing.
What might be buried under the lead today is the tremendous branch that Sony and the newly-formed Ivan Reitman production company Ghost Corps extended to a select few fans, and the great lengths they went to make a memorable day for them. It's unfortunate that not everyone was able to attend, but when I refer to a select few there was still quite a gathering of fans from all around the country that were given a rare pass inside the gates of the Sony Pictures Studios, allowed to view the trailer with select members of the press in advance, and get to meet and thank some of their heroes - who were just as thankful and gracious in return.
The morning on Wednesday was chaotic, a very complicated press and marketing day with a lot of moving parts that, make no mistake, usually does not accompany a trailer launch but rather the proper premiere of the film. But the chaos was good natured, more of a buzz of excitement rather than an uncomfortable clutter. As fans arrived, some having driven through the night and the wee hours of the morning to make a 9am arrival time, they walked onto the studio lot and immediately caught a glimpse not just of the original 1959 Caddy Ectomobile, but its new "modern" counterpart waiting in the courtyard during their walk. It wasn't uncommon during that walk to hear gasps, backpacks and purses drop to the floor, and Ghostheads in full regalia go running toward the cars and immediately start posing for photo opportunities.
Sony laid out a spread of props, coffee and pastries for the fans and the press as they waited - many fans who have have discussed so many topics at so much length over the internet for years but were only meeting in person for the very first time. I have to admit, in the years that I've spent covering Ghostbusters and trying to be an industrious member of the community, I've been somewhat of a hermit in social gatherings and meeting people "IRL" as the kids say. Do they still say that? Whatever, it's irrelevant, Sony's Cary Grant theater quickly became overrun by flight suits, proton packs, and a whole lot of smiles.
Everyone was led into the theater and seated - fans were placed in the front rows, proton packs were catered to with care, and Ivan Reitman was up first to greet everyone and introduce Paul Feig. After quick introductions everyone was treated to the trailer...
I was so thankful that when fans chanted "one more time" because I was so overwhelmed with the first viewing of the trailer - after all this time, after all this waiting, it was too much of a blur to completely comprehend. A surreal experience where, by the time you realize you're watching a new Ghostbusters trailer, you're looking at the end sell cards at its tail. On the second viewing, I was able to have more of a genuine reaction (something that happened as well in watching The Force Awakens over the holidays, you're able to absorb more on the second viewing after so much anticipation).
Following the trailer viewing, a Q&A discussion with Ivan Reitman, Paul Feig and writer Katie Dippold commenced. It was a lively conversation, with so many great details that were revealed about the production process and the things that we've yet to still see. That entire discussion will be heard as a bonus episode of the Interdimensional Crossrip tomorrow.
The theatrical presentation came to a close and everyone flooded into the walkways of the lot outside, and back to the comfort of Ghost Corps' front yard which houses both Ectomobiles. Group photos were taken, autographs were signed, interviews for EPK, the Ghostheads documentary, and several other outlets were completed. And then Reitman took a position at the top of the stairs to the Grant Building and held court, presenting the franchises with certificates of their registration with Ghost Corps, shaking their hands, and posing for photos. After all of the certificates were handed out, more photos were taken and the crowd started to disperse. Paul Feig shook so many hands, graciously thanked everyone, and signed as many autographs as he could before his representatives shooed him away. During the Q&A, he made a point to talk about seeing the original Ghostbusters film for the first time and how much it impacted him. His love for the film, especially for all of the technology, is abundantly clear in the trailer and how he speaks of the film to come, and certainly was evident in the energy and enthusiasm he had for all of the fans on site.
That event in and of itself would have been extremely generous of all involved, but that's not where the day ended. Fans were then invited into a dining area near the theater for a catered lunch that featured themed foods and of course, gourmet Twinkies for dessert. As fans sat at giant roundtables and discussed everything that had just occurred (some lively discussions, some more tempered as exhaustion began to set in for some of those who had been up through the night), the room buzzed again as Ivan Reitman stepped in and went from table to table to have quick quality chats with each. As he sipped his coffee and the fans ate, they talked about the new film, the future of the franchise, and even shared laughs over how his other films like Meatballs were responsible for so many childhoods.
As shuttles and cars began to leave and the crowd thinned, the smiles were still present. It truly was a wonderful day in which the warmth, the love, and the respect between everyone involved was incredibly evident and it once again was clear that the fans are coming first. With so many dedicated fans, so many franchises, and so many active members of the community, not everyone could be included - but the gesture on the part of the studio and the production company was enormous and most likely only the first indication of many more things to come, in which I'm sure a greater number will be able to feel the love.
Ghostbusters (2016) Official Trailer Release
Scientists armed with nuclear accelerators, jump scares, a ridiculous amount of technology, and the Power of Patty Compelling You! It's all here in the first official trailer for the new Ghostbusters film. Stop reading this now and watch this puppy over and over with the sound cranked and get ready for an Interdimensional Crossrip roundtable in the Cyclotron in a bit with an awesome panel of guests to discuss!
A February 14th to Remember
In what will probably be the first of many eventful days to come surrounding the release of Ghostbusters (2016), Sunday February 14th proved to be quite eventful for Ghostbusters fans. Far from the end of the world that Elaine once predicted on World of the Psychic, February 14th was instead filled with the promise of future releases down the line that are tantalizing and intriguing.
Trailer and Poster Release
In the early morning hours Sunday, immediately following the west coast airing of Saturday Night Live, Ghostbusters (2016) Director Paul Feig updated his Twitter profile photo with "The End is Nigh." The switching of Feig's Twitter avatar photo has become something fairly common as it has revealed first-looks at LEGO tie-ins and props the fan community has anxiously been awaiting to see for the first time.
Embedded in light font at the bottom of profile photo was a bit.ly shortened link (with a numerical value that's a cheeky reference to the 09:17 running time in Ghostbusters II when Elaine makes her admission of alien encounter resulting in a date for the end of the world). Typing in that link sent fans to YouTube where they were met with a Trailer Announcement that, not only gives us our first look at footage from the actual forthcoming film, but announces that a full trailer will be released on 3/3/16.
Shortly after the video made rounds around social networks and movie blogs, a new one-sheet poster was revealed. The poster is similar in style and tone to the original Ghostbusters teaser poster from 1984 that proclaimed they were "Coming to Save the World." The new one-sheet also features the same redesigned No-Ghost logo that was unveiled at the tail end of the Trailer Announcement, which presumably will continue to act as the main logo for the film's marketing from this point forward.
Toy Fair
It comes as no surprise that the marketing blitz starting a few months out from the film's release also happens to coincide with the Toy Industry Association's annual International Toy Fair held in New York City this weekend. Mattel, Funko, Cryptozoic, Diamond Select, NECA, and several others have unveiled their merchandise planned for the next year including action figures, housewares, and a whole lot more. The products range from those specifically tied to the Ghostbusters (2016) release to those still modeled after the "Classic" Ghostbusters. Details in the products also give hints of what is to come in the upcoming film, including what is believed to be the reveal of the new main villain, so beware spoilers in the below gallery are abound. (All photos courtesy of ToyArk).
Licensing-a-Palooza 2016
It all started out innocently enough, a quick Tweet from a fan to Paul Feig (in good fun riding on the "Where's Rey?" trend) in which it was asked if all four of the new 'busters would receive the action figure treatment and his response was a first glimpse of the new Mattel action figures. That enough got the buzz machine going all throughout the internet but shortly on that image's heels was a licensing event held in London by Rocket Licensing in which new props and gadgets were displayed, footage was shown, and potential developers were enticed with the possibilities of things to come this July that they might be able to hitch their wagons onto. While many of the new props haven't been clearly defined (pistol guns? is that our first look at the trap?) it certainly can get discussion going.
Below is a gallery of images (courtesy of Rocket Licensing, Mattel, and Paul Feig's Twitter account) from this week's event. Any thoughts what we might be looking at in all of these?
Ghostbusters (2016) Character Posters Revealed
Hot on the heels of releasing a teaser image directly to the fans through Proton Charging, Sony tasked Time, People, InStyle, and Entertainment Weekly with posting four new individual character one-sheets today for July's Ghostbusters (2016) that are absolutely impressive to say the least. These outstanding images highlight each of the four new 'busters, and get us a nice close-up look at some of the gear for the first time as well (including what we here at the HQ assume is the new PKE Meter in the one-sheet for Leslie Jones/"Patty").
Stay tuned, hopefully hi-res versions of these to follow... and perhaps still a trailer?
Fans Get an Exclusive First-Look at the New Ghostbusters
Very, very early this morning, Chris at Proton Charging posted up an exclusive photo from the new Ghostbusters (2016) provided by the good folks at Sony as a first-look to the fans from, what we can assume is a location that will be seen in the film. It's a great image with a whole lot of attitude as the four new 'busters stand in a very New York art-deco looking locale. And, aside from the single group photo of the gang in front of the Chinese Restaurant during production, is the first official look of all four of the new cast together.
Still no word on a trailer, but one can assume it's still on the way. But in the meantime, this is a great sneak peek of things to come and a great gesture from Sony Pictures to send it to the fans first before it hits the mainstream.
UPDATE: Later in the day, an alternative shot, a little wider and with the actors posed slightly differently was released. This one gives you a better sense of scope that the image from this morning (look at the detail in that set).
Getting to Know: Kate McKinnon
In the months leading up to the release of an all-new Ghostbusters film in July of 2016, GBHQ will be giving you a look into the highly talented cast and crew that are involved in the film in an effort to familiarize fans with their work and background leading up to the film's premiere.
Up first, Kate McKinnon who plays Jillian Holtzmann in the new film.
McKinnon was born the same year as the concept of Ghostbusters, 1984. She originally hails from New York, where she was trained and a regular performer at the Upright Citizens Brigade in New York City. Ghostbusters fans should take note that she's an actual graduate of Columbia University. Her knack for improvization and impersonation caught the eye of casting directors on the 2007 Big Gay Sketch Show, which debuted on Logo. While the show failed to make an impact, McKinnon's were given the chance to go public. McKinnon made the move to Los Angeles and as a featured member of the CBS Diversity Showcase, an annual performance in Los Angeles intended to showcase new and upcoming comedic talent for casting directors, directors, producers and showrunners looking for new talent to star in their fall television shows. But before she could be swept into sitcom stardom, she caught the eye of Lorne Michaels as a potential candidate for one of his Not Ready for Primetime Players on Saturday Night Live.
McKinnon joined SNL in 2012 as a featured player, then later as a member of the regular cast. Spot-on impressions of Ellen DeGeneres and Justin Bieber led to recurring sketch characters like a poor Russian woman on Weekend Update, and the lonely and love-starved Sheila Sauvage who prowls a bar right before last call for her prey. Just recently, McKinnon took over duties of characterizing presidential candidate Hillary Clinton from Amy Poehler. It should be noted that portraying a president in office or presidential candidate is often considered one of the greatest honors for an SNL cast member. Upon her casting on SNL, McKinnon often drew comparisons to cast member Kristen Wiig (who was in the process of exiting the show for a career in films at the time), and was often faced with inquiries if she would be able to fill Wiig's shoes. The two are, of course, now co-stars in the upcoming Ghostbusters film.
In addition to her work on television, McKinnon has long been a voiceover artist, having provided voices for Simpsons, Family Guy, The Venture Bros., Toy Story of Terror, Moonbeam City and Robotomy. She is also multi-talented musically and plays guitar, piano, and the cello... much like a certain New York Symphony Orchestra performer who once turned into a dog.
McKinnon's character in the new Ghostbusters film looks to showcase the best of her talents. Her character, Jillian Holtzmann has a unique look and appears to have a unique and energy infused persona: an environment in which McKinnon excels.
That's a Wrap on Ghostbusters (2016)
As of today, the 2016 revival of Ghostbusters directed by Paul Feig is calling a principal photography wrap in Boston. A 60 to 70 day production schedule that began on June 18th has come to a close after what sounds like a hectic but entertaining shoot in Boston and New York City.
The past two weeks have seen a splinter 2nd Unit crew out in New York City shooting what appear to be driving sequences and chase sequences with follow cars (including a fantastic looking "Russian Arm" camera mounted to a Porsche as well as a three-wheel camera vehicle presumably used to slalom between cars while filming) while the main unit continued shooting at Stonehurst, a country estate in Massachusetts originally built in 1886.
Now begins the race to the finish process of editorial, visual effects, sound design and mixing, and scoring - perhaps with some pickup shooting and any additional visual effects shooting needed to complete certain shots. Curiously, a lead editor's name hasn't popped up on anyone's radar (at least, out in the public) - though knowing Feig's loyalty to working with his same crew seems to be holding true with Ghostbusters, my assumption is editor Brent White (Spy, The Heat, Anchorman 2, Step Brothers, 40-Year-Old Virgin, among others) has already been manning the AVID during production and working on an assembly while the crew has been filming. A film composer also hasn't officially been released to the public, but (for those of you who haven't been listening to the Interdimensional Crossrip podcast) Chris of Proton Charging has surmised that Henry Jackman (Captain America: The Winter Soldier, Big Hero 6, Wreck-It Ralph) might have been hired for scoring duty on the film because of an ASCAP registration in his name for Ghostbusters.
With a July 15th release date, you'd have to assume preview screenings and test screenings should be right around the corner as well to give the production time to get feedback from general audiences and make any necessary changes before the big Summer release. And of course, thanks to a Paul Feig Tweet during his IMDb Q&A session, we know that we'll be seeing a teaser trailer for the film before 2015 comes to an end (and again, for those not listening to the Interdimensional Crossrip, we would assume the trailer would be attached to either of Sony's two remaining event tentpole films Goosebumps on October 16th or Spectre on November 5th). Here's hoping that teaser is more than just a logo reveal and shows off a little bit of Robert Yeoman's cinematography and a solid joke or two.
What's in store for us here on Ghostbusters HQ in terms of Ghostbusters (2016) now that the news cycle is going to slow, at least until the marketing and media blitz to come next Summer? We're hard at work on several articles profiling the cast and crew of the new Ghostbusters film so that you can familiarize yourself with their work and background going into the film. And of course, Mondays will see the release of the Interdimensional Crossrip podcast where fun things related to the film are in the works.
Let the countdown to release day begin!
A Collection of News Spores for July 9
The past two weeks have been a flurry of Ghostbusters-related activity between Ghostbusters (2016) production occurring on the east coast, and the San Diego Comic-Con happening on the west coast. GBHQ isn't a breaking news kind of place but there's so much going on we wanted to present a "collection of spores" all in one space to get you up to speed...
"MOICHINDISING!"
Preview Night at San Diego Comic-Con 2015 kicked off the week's festivities yesterday and many of the key Ghostbusters licensors had their goods already out on display. The Ghostbusters of Southern California were on the scene to snap some photos of the upcoming Diamond Select line-up of action figures as well as a mystery glass case at the Mattel booth that eventually contained one of the Ghostbusters (2016) proton pack props from production (and presumably, will also contain more goods following the licensing presentation on Friday).
1:4 THE HERO
Hollywood Collectables Group has been working on Ghostbusters-related merchandise behind the scenes for the better part of the year (or longer), some people speculated that a 1:1 prop or two might be in the works. But it was revealed that they are going to unveil their 1:4 scaled Peter Venkman statue at this week's San Diego Comic-Con. They took to Facebook to give us a little sneak peek of the figure and the crazy amount of detail that will be put into each and every statue. Can't wait to see the full reveal.
SAVING THE DAY
Now here's something you don't see every day. According to Boston news outlet WHIDH, there was an altercation between two local Bostonians near the Chinatown filming location of Ghostbusters (2016). An elderly woman was assaulted and the production crew aided the Boston Police in their investigation. On an unfortunate note, WHIDH says the 72-year old woman is not expected to survive.
The New Ectomobile
Mere hours after multiple announcements that Andy Garcia, Michael K. Williams, Matt Walsh and Neil Casey would be joining the main cast in Ghostbusters (2016), Paul Feig jumped on Twitter to give us our first look at the Ghostbusters (2016) incarnation of the Ectomobile. Still maintaining the Hearse lineage of the 1984 incarnation, I'm no car guy but the vehicle appears to be a circa-1980s Cadillac Hearse. A good portion of the roof rack appears to be inspired by the 1984 film but the lightbars have been replaced with a giant yellow strobe light. I especially love the replaced hood ornament of what looks to be a silver ghost.
The other good news for prop replica enthusiasts is that this era Hearse might be a more readily available automobile for purchase and conversion rather than the rare 1959 Miller Meteor Caddy made famous by the original movie. I've got a 1979 Cadillac DeVille in the garage that might be ready for conversion... what are the odds?
UPDATE: Feig also posted the rear (and presumably) the original unmodified version of the car to his Twitter shortly after the initial unveiling.
Dissecting the New Proton Pack Design
The hits just keep right on coming... if anyone was worried that the Ghostbusters (2016) props might take a bit of a sleek Jonny Ive Apple modernized look, Paul Feig once again took to Twitter today to reveal the (presumably unlicensed) nuclear accelerators that his characters will be wearing in the film.
Right off the bat, I love that it still looks like something cobbled together on a run to a hardware/tech junkyard in Burbank, CA would have yielded. It's analog with a few very rudimentary digital touches and still maintains some of the structural elements from the original proton pack design like the cyclotron, what looks like an n-filter buried underneath an automobile inspired roll-bar. There's also what appears to be a new carrying handle built into the bottom of the pack, my guess is to assist in pulling it out of a vehicle, or pulling it off a rack. The blue meter at top left has been replaced with a digital dot-matrix read-out which makes sense for more accurate power readings. The only thing that feels a little missing are some red circulating lights around the cyclotron, something to give the main body of the pack some life. But perhaps that's an element still to be seen.
Interesting to note that the nuclear symbol in the top left corner has a small heart on it, it feels like a bit of a WWII bomber touch to this particular pack, wondering if each of the packs will have a customized feel like the Colonial Marines' armor in James Cameron's Aliens?
The new design element that I'm completely over the moon about is actually the particle thrower itself. It maintains a similar silhouette as its predecessor but feels a little more raw, metallic elements showing and cabling unshielded where some corrugated tubing would usually keep everything tucked in neatly. The end of the wand has almost a flame-thrower feel to it as opposed to the frosted glass in the original pack which makes it feel a little more dangerous and a whole lot more like a weapon. A very interesting stylistic choice.
With the uniforms glimpsed yesterday, and the packs revealed today, I'm wondering if a full costumed shot of the main cast isn't far behind? Stay tuned.
Everyone Can Relax, They've Found Their Coveralls
All has been quiet on the Ghostbusters (2016) production front as the film crew has gone back indoors and back into the secretive cover of interior shooting. But Paul Feig dropped a bit of a bomb this morning, not exactly your first look of the four new 'busters suited up and on set, but rather the four main characters' costumes...
The flight suits return.
On top of that, the new Ghostbusters appear to be a little more safety conscious than their predecessors with orange reflective elements added to the suits, as well as what appear to be shin or arm gauntlets which are down next to the military-issue boots. And it looks like gloves are tucked into the right-hand pocket as well.
The best part of the whole get-up? The traditional "No-Ghost" logo designed for the original film by Michael C. Gross (and one of the most highly-recognized brands and logos around the world) remains adorned to the uniforms' shoulders.
Ghostbusters Production: End of (A Short) Week One
Throw a stone across the internet and you've probably seen the spy photos (sorry, per our guidelines we won't be posting them here) but the first day of filming on Paul Feig's Ghostbusters (2016) started yesterday out in the open on location at the Old Everett High School, appropriately located in Everett, MA.
The school was heavily featured as a filming location in Adam Sandler's That's My Boy and Jake Kasdan's Sex Tape and apparently in Ghostbusters seems to be doubling as Higgins Science Institute in the Bronx, that in the film's universe also used to be a middle school. At the beginning of the day, Kristen Wiig was seen wearing a scholarly wardrobe walking toward the school while students duked it out in the parking lot (maybe a little angry mood slime effecting behavior?) Stars Kate McKinnon and Melissa McCarthy were seen hurriedly rushing around the school with techno-gak in tow, including what appeared to be a server hard drive and a mysterious bag with a nuclear warning label on it. Judging by the contents in their hands and the rate at which they were traveling, are they fleeing with their research, or on their way to urgently assist? Only time will tell on that one. Production moved indoors to film interiors on Friday, and the veil of secrecy was once again lifted.
Getting the most traction among the buzz after day one of filming is McKinnon's costume, seen here recreated by outstanding IDW comic artist Dan Schoening. I think many are mistakenly believing her to be a pseudo-Egon in Real Ghostbusters but we might be seeing the personification of an untraditional scientist that many might be too easy to dismiss as a crackpot. "You regard science as some sort of dodge, or hustle," from the first film comes to mind.
Not much is known about the characters that the four main leads will be portraying but if the exterior filming on Thursday was any indication, McKinnon's character will be the colorful character to the more straight-laced Wiig and McCarthy.
According to posted filming notices around the area, the production will be back after the weekend break to film at the location into next week, then presumably will be moving on to another location or to the soundstages in the days following. It was definitely a thrill both to fans online monitoring the filming and to those in the Everett area that came to watch filming, and a rarity for a production to begin under the sun and out among the public giving us a quick glimpse of what's to come right out of the gate - something the currently in production DC Comics villain showpiece Suicide Squad also was subjected to in its first few days of filming as well.