NEW YORK, NY - May 6, 2009 - Atari, one of the world's most recognized video game publishers, today confirmed the worldwide launch plans for the highly anticipated Ghostbusters: The Video Game.

The title will launch on the Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, Windows® PC, PLAYSTATION®3 computer entertainment system, PlayStation®2 computer entertainment system, Wii™ and Nintendo DS™ in North America on June 16th 2009 and will be published by Atari Inc.

In an exclusive deal for Europe and the PAL regions, the PLAYSTATION®3 system and PlayStation®2 system versions will launch on June 19th 2009 published by Sony Computer Entertainment Europe. The launch coincides with the 25th anniversary of the original film's theatrical release and the launch of the Blu-RayTM of the classic first movie, benefiting from a worldwide launch and licensing campaign by Sony Pictures Consumer Products.

"Ghostbusters: The Video Game is one of our most significant worldwide releases this summer. Through Atari's North America publishing business and alongside our partners at Sony Computer Entertainment Europe, we have a strategically diversified approach to maximize a title of this magnitude on a global basis," said Jim Wilson, CEO, Atari, Inc.

He continued: "As excitement in the marketplace continues to accelerate around this title and the 25th anniversary of the movie's release, Ghostbusters' large and loyal fan base and gamers across North America can play Ghostbusters: The Video Game across all major platforms on June 16."

A PSP™ (PlayStation®Portable) version of the game is scheduled for worldwide launch in autumn 2009 and will be published in Europe by Sony Computer Entertainment Europe.

Ghostbusters: The Video Game, based on the smash hit motion picture franchise, is penned by original Ghostbusters writers and stars Harold Ramis and Dan Aykroyd and reunites many of the original cast members to recapture the unique blend of humour and fright that established Ghostbusters as a pop culture sensation. The game's launch on 16 June 2009 coincides with Sony Pictures Home Entertainment's worldwide debut of the original motion picture on Blu-ray Disc™.

In addition to Aykroyd and Ramis, original Ghostbusters Bill Murray, and Ernie Hudson lend their voices and in-game likenesses to the original story set two years after Ghostbusters II, with Manhattan once again overrun by ghosts and supernatural forces. The player joins up as a new recruit with the original team, testing a variety of unique equipment and gadgets, to track, wrangle and trap this wide range of awe-inspiring phantasms in an all new funny and frightening battle to save New York City from its latest paranormal plague.

For more information about Ghostbusters: The Video Game please visit www.ghostbustersgame.com.


About the Game
When Manhattan is once again overrun by ghosts and other supernatural creatures, players will take on the role of a new recruit joining the famous Ghostbusters team. Developed by acclaimed studio Terminal Reality, Ghostbusters: The Video Game will make its debut on the PLAYSTATION®3 computer entertainment system, Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft and Windows PC.The PlayStation®2 computer entertainment system version and the Wii version are being developed by Red Fly Studios, and the Nintendo DS™ version, in which the player takes the role of one of the Ghostbusters themselves, is developed by Zen Studios. The PLAYSTATION 3, Xbox 360, Wii, and PC versions of the game are developed using Terminal Reality's phenomenal proprietary Infernal Engine technology.

About the Film
Ghostbusters, released in 1984, is one of Columbia Pictures' highest grossing films, spawning a hit sequel in 1989 and three successful animated television shows. Ghostbusters and its sequel grossed over $500 million world-wide. Ghostbusters and Ghostbusters II, written by Dan Aykroyd and Harold Ramis, produced and directed by Ivan Reitman, starred Bill Murray, Dan Aykroyd, Harold Ramis and Ernie Hudson as ghost hunters for hire, cleaning up Manhattan's buildings of slime-spewing spooks.

About Sony Pictures Consumer Products Inc.
Sony Pictures Consumer Products Inc. (SPCP) is a division of Sony Pictures Entertainment Inc. (SPE) based in Los Angeles which handles the merchandising and branding efforts for some of the most recognized properties in film and television.

SPE is a subsidiary of Sony Corporation of America (SCA), a subsidiary of Tokyo-based Sony Corporation. SPE's global operations encompass motion picture production and distribution; television production and distribution; digital content creation and distribution; worldwide channel investments; home entertainment acquisition and distribution; operation of studio facilities; development of new entertainment products, services and technologies; and distribution of filmed entertainment in 67 countries. Sony Pictures Entertainment can be found on the World Wide Web at http://www.sonypictures.com.

About Sony Computer Entertainment Europe Ltd.
Sony Computer Entertainment Europe (SCEE), based in London, is responsible for the distribution, marketing and sales of PLAYSTATION®3, PlayStation®2, PSP™ (PlayStation®Portable) and PlayStation®Network software and hardware in 99 territories across Europe, the Middle East, Africa and Oceania. SCEE also develops, publishes markets and distributes entertainment software for these formats, and manages the third party licensing programs for the formats in these territories. Since the launch of PLAYSTATION 3 in November 2006, over 21.3 million units have been sold globally and continue to be sold at a record level. Maintaining its position as one of the most successful consumer electronic products in history, PlayStation 2 has sold over 136.3 million systems worldwide. Since its launch at the end of 2004, over 50 million PSPs have been sold globally, highlighting the importance of the portable entertainment market. With the huge increase in interest and accessibility of network applications and network gaming, over 20 million accounts have registered to PlayStation Network, the free-to-access interactive environment, and over 380 million items have been downloaded.

More information about PlayStation products can be found at www.playstation.com or visit the Virtual Press Office at www.scee.presscentre.com.

PlayStation, PLAYSTATION and the PlayStation logo are registered trademarks of Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. PS3 and PSP are trademarks of Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. All other trademarks are property of their respective owners.

About Infogrames Entertainment and Atari:
The Infogrames group, including the Atari brand and the massively multiplayer online game company Cryptic Studios, is a global producer, publisher and distributor of interactive entertainment software for all market segments and all interactive game platforms including consoles from Microsoft, Nintendo and Sony, advanced smartphones, Personal Computers, web and online. Its games are sold in more than 60 countries through an international distribution network and direct to consumers via www.atari.com.
Atari's extensive catalogue of popular games is based on original franchises (Test Drive, Alone in the Dark, V-Rally, My Horse & Me, Backyard Sports franchise, Total Annihilation, Outcast etc.), Cryptic Studios titles (StarTrek Online, Champions Online), publishing properties (Ghostbusters, The Chronicles of Riddick, The Witcher, Race Pro etc.), international licenses (Dragon Ball Z, Dungeons & Dragons, Jamie Oliver etc.) and classic games covering the entire history of the video game industry (Pong, Missile Command, Asteroids etc).

© 2009 Atari Europe SASU. All rights reserved.
Atari word mark and logo are trademarks owned by Atari Interactive, Inc.

"GHOSTBUSTERS", The Video Game: © 2009 Columbia Pictures Industries, Inc. "GHOSTBUSTERS" with the "GHOST DESIGN" is a registered trademark of Columbia Pictures Industries, Inc. "GHOSTBUSTERS", and "GHOSTBUSTERS 2" movies: © 1984, © 1989 Columbia Pictures Industries, Inc. Game Software excluding Columbia Pictures Elements: © 2009 Atari, Inc. All rights reserved. All other trademarks are property of their respective owners.

Microsoft, Xbox, Xbox 360, Xbox LIVE, and the Xbox logos are trademarks of the Microsoft group of companies.

"PlayStation", "PLAYSTATION" and "PS" Family logo are registered trademarks of Sony Computer Entertainment Inc.

Wii and Nintendo DS are trademarks of Nintendo. © 2006 Nintendo.

Windows and the Windows Vista start button are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and/or other countries and are used under license from owner.

Dr. Selwyn is an expert in Sumerian and pre-Sumerian cultures, and, along with the Reschler Group, is recognized as one of the world's foremost authorities on Gozerian mythology. She is currently in New York City serving as supervisor and guest curator for the highly anticipated 'World of Gozer' exhibition opening Thanksgiving weekend 1991 at the Natural History Museum. Gozerian mythology has attracted a wide popular following since the still-unexplained events and attacks that occurred in the city in 1984.

Ilyssa is working late at the museum the night before the opening when a potentially cataclysmic force is unleashed and summons an ancient enemy back to the city. Strange events continue to erupt around her: what secret does she know? It's up to the Ghostbusters to help Ilyssa find the key and stop the forces of evil that threaten the world. That's if they can keep Peter Venkman from hitting on her every three minutes.


Ilyssa Selwin's Personal History
Born to unknown parents Nov 15, 1961, Ilyssa was adopted by Jeremiah and Fabienne Selwyn, anthropologists associated with the prestigious Chicago Institute for Ancient Eastern Studies. Ilyssa spent much of her childhood accompanying her adopted parents to archaeological sites throughout Asia and Europe, and on lecture circuit tours around the world.

She attended the exclusive Selsemme Academy in Kuwait until age fifteen, when her parents were killed in a cave-in. Her academic achievements allowed her to enter the University of Illinois early, and generous scholarships awarded by Trompe Corporation, the Shandor Foundation, and the Chicago Institute funded her education.

Ilyssa earned her first Ph.D. in Anthropology from Columbia University, and her second from University of California, Berkeley in Applied Archaeological Sciences. Like her childhood, she's spent much of her career on digs and giving lectures. The three academic journals she published went largely unread until the Gozerian craze swept New York City in the early 90's.

Ilyssa enjoys traveling, modern painting, French New Wave cinema, is fluent in six languages (two of which haven't been spoken in over four thousand years), plays violin proficiently and is learning the cello. She dislikes abrasive or pushy personalities.


PRODUCT DESCRIPTION:
Ghostbusters: The Video Game, based on the smash hit motion picture franchise and featuring a completely new story, is coming to six game systems on 19 June 2009. Coinciding with the 25th anniversary celebration of the film's original theatrical release, the game reunites original cast members to recapture the unique blend of humour and fright that established Ghostbusters as a pop culture sensation.

Penned by original Ghostbusters writers Harold Ramis and Dan Aykroyd, Ghostbusters: The Video Game brings members of the original cast together for the first time in 20 years. Bill Murray, Dan Aykroyd, Harold Ramis and Ernie Hudson lend their voices and in-game likenesses to the original story set two years after Ghostbusters II, with Manhattan once again overrun by ghosts and supernatural forces. Players will have the chance to hunt, wrangle, and trap ghosts in a funny and frightening battle to save New York from its latest supernatural plague.

For more information about Ghostbusters: The Video Game, please visit www.ghostbustersgame.com and for Atari's entire product line up, please visit www.atari.com

LYON, FRANCE – 20 March 2009 – Atari today unveiled Alyssa Milano as the new love interest in the forthcoming blockbuster title Ghostbusters: The Video Game. Alyssa Milano is best known for her roles in long running successful television series "Who's the Boss", "Melrose Place", "Charmed" and most recently "My Name Is Earl" to name a few. Milano joins members of the original cast from the beloved Ghostbusters movies to recreate the unique blend of humour and fright that established Ghostbusters as a pop culture sensation.

Ghostbusters: The Video Game prides itself in staying true to the Ghostbusters universe, so it just wouldn't feel right if Bill Murray's character, Dr. Peter Venkman, wasn't turning on the charm. In Ghostbusters: The Video Game, he's chasing one in particular: Dr. Ilyssa Selwyn is a smart and sassy archaeologist who doesn't take too kindly to Dr. Venkman's advances.

In the game, Milano's character, Ilyssa Selwyn, is an expert in Sumerian and pre-Sumerian cultures and is visiting New York City as guest curator for the highly anticipated 'World of Gozer' exhibition opening in 1991 at the Natural History Museum. In the story line, Gozerian mythology has attracted a wide popular following since the still-unexplained events and attacks that occurred in the city in 1984. Ilyssa is working late at the museum the night before the opening when a cataclysmic force is unleashed and summons an ancient enemy back to New York City. Strange events continue to erupt around her: what secret does she know? It's up to the Ghostbusters to help Ilyssa find the key and stop the forces of evil that threaten the balance of the universe. That's if they can keep Peter Venkman from hitting on her every three minutes.

Ghostbusters: The Video Game, based on the smash hit motion picture franchise, is penned by original Ghostbusters writers and stars Harold Ramis and Dan Aykroyd. The other original Ghostbusters, Bill Murray and Ernie Hudson, lend their voices and in-game likenesses to the original story set two years after Ghostbusters II, with Manhattan once again overrun by ghosts and supernatural forces. The player joins up as a new recruit with the original team, testing a variety of unique equipment and gadgets, to track, wrangle and trap this wide range of awe-inspiring phantasms in an all new funny and frightening battle to save New York City from its latest paranormal plague.

Ghostbusters: The Video Game will be available on the Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, Games for Windows, PLAYSTATION3 computer entertainment system, PlayStation2 computer entertainment system, Wii and Nintendo DS in North America on 16 June 2009 followed by worldwide release on 19 June 2009 to coincide with the 25th anniversary celebration of the film's original theatrical release. For more information on Ghostbusters, please visit www.ghostbustersgame.com, and for Atari's entire line up, visit www.atari.com.

Ghostbusters and Ghostbusters II combined to gross over $500 million world-wide at the box office. The film spawned some of the most memorable comedic catch-phrases and scenes in motion picture history. To further celebrate the film's 25th anniversary milestone this year, Sony Pictures Consumer Products has licensed the property for several new commemorative products including: toys, t-shirts, comic books, prop replicas, and a theme park attraction. In addition, the original Ghostbusters car (Ecto-1) has been fully restored with plans for special promotional appearances throughout the US and additional replicas touring across Europe. The Blu-ray Disc release of Ghostbusters will see unsurpassed picture and audio quality and advanced new bonus features including Slimer Mode, a picture-in-picture graphical viewing experience, a featurette on the refurbishing of Ecto-1, and more.


About Alyssa Milano
Alyssa has a history of starring in long running successful television series. She most recently starred on the hit WB series "Charmed" for nine years. The series' debut was the highest-rated premiere in the network's history, and continued to be a great success for Spelling and The WB. The show's international appeal has brought it to more than 100 territories around the world, spanning Europe, Asia, Africa and Australia. She also starred on the Fox cornerstone series "Melrose Place." She began her career on ABC's "Who's the Boss" which aired for eight years. Milano was most recently seen in a recurring role on the hit NBC comedy, "My Name is Earl."

Alyssa's film credits include "Hugo Pool" co-starring Sean Penn and Robert Downey Jr., the Imagine/Universal film, "Fear," and "Dickie Roberts: Former Child Star." She also provided a lead voice for Disney's recent sequel to the animated favorite "Lady and the Tramp." She was recently seen as the title character in the Lifetime Original movie, "Wisegal," (which she also produced).


About the Game
When Manhattan is once again overrun by ghosts and other supernatural creatures, players will take on the role of a new recruit joining the famous Ghostbusters team. Developed by acclaimed studio Terminal Reality, Ghostbusters: The Video Game will make its debut on the PLAYSTATION3 computer entertainment system, Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system from Microsoft and Windows PC. The PlayStation2 computer entertainment system version and the Wii version are being developed by Red Fly Studios, and the Nintendo DS version, in which the player takes the role of one of the Ghostbusters themselves, is developed by Zen Studios. The PLAYSTATION 3, Xbox 360, Wii, and PC versions of the game are developed using Terminal Reality's phenomenal proprietary Infernal Engine technology.


About the Film
Ghostbusters, released in 1984, is one of Columbia Pictures' highest grossing films, spawning a hit sequel in 1989 and three successful animated television shows. Ghostbusters and its sequel grossed over $500 million world-wide. Ghostbusters and Ghostbusters II, written by Dan Aykroyd and Harold Ramis, produced and directed by Ivan Reitman, starred Bill Murray, Dan Aykroyd, Harold Ramis and Ernie Hudson as ghost hunters for hire, cleaning up Manhattan's buildings of slime-spewing spooks.


About Sony Pictures Consumer Products
Sony Pictures Consumer Products (SPCP), a division of Columbia TriStar Consumer Marketing (CTCM), is based in Los Angeles and handles the merchandising and branding efforts for some of the most recognized properties in film and television.

Columbia TriStar Consumer Marketing is a division of Sony Pictures Entertainment (SPE). SPE is a subsidiary of Sony Corporation of America (SCA), a subsidiary of Tokyo-based Sony Corporation. SPE's global operations encompass motion picture production and distribution; television production and distribution; digital content creation and distribution; worldwide channel investments; home entertainment acquisition and distribution; operation of studio facilities; development of new entertainment products, services and technologies; and distribution of filmed entertainment in 67 countries. Sony Pictures Entertainment can be found on the World Wide Web at http://www.sonypictures.com.


About Infogrames Entertainment and Atari:
The Infogrames group, including the Atari brand, is a global producer, publisher and distributor of interactive entertainment software for all market segments and all interactive game platforms including consoles from Microsoft, Nintendo and Sony Computer Entertainment, advanced smartphones, Personal Computers, web and online. Its games are sold in more than 60 countries through an international distribution network and direct to consumers via www.atari.com. Atari's extensive catalogue of popular games is based on original franchises (Alone in the Dark, Test Drive, V-Rally, My Horse & Me, Backyard Sports franchise, Total Annihilation, Outcast etc.), publishing properties (The Witcher, Legendary, Race Pro etc.), international licenses (Dragon Ball Z, Dungeons & Dragons, Jamie Oliver etc.) and classic games covering the entire history of the video game industry (Pong, Missile Command, Asteroids etc).


&copy 2009 Atari Europe SASU. All rights reserved.
Atari word mark and logo are trademarks owned by Atari Interactive, Inc.

"GHOSTBUSTERS", The Video Game &copy 2008 Columbia Pictures Industries, Inc. "GHOSTBUSTERS" with the "GHOST DESIGN" is a registered trademark of Columbia Pictures Industries, Inc. "GHOSTBUSTERS", and "GHOSTBUSTERS 2" movies &copy 1984, &copy 1989 Columbia Pictures Industries, Inc. Game Software excluding Columbia Pictures Elements &copy 2008 Atari, Inc. All rights reserved. All other trademarks are property of their respective owners.

Microsoft, Xbox, Xbox 360, Xbox LIVE, and the Xbox logos are trademarks of the Microsoft group of companies.

"PlayStation", "PLAYSTATION" and "PS" Family logo are registered trademarks of Sony Computer Entertainment Inc.

Wii and Nintendo DS are trademarks of Nintendo. &copy 2006 Nintendo.

Windows and the Windows Vista start button are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and/or other countries and are used under license from owner.

Title:		Ghostbusters: The Video Game
Platform:		PLAYSTATION 3, PlayStation 2, Xbox 360, Windows PC, Wii and Nintendo DS
Release Date:		2009
Publisher:		Atari
Developer:		Terminal Reality (PS3, Xbox 360, PC); Red Fly (Wii, PS2, DS)
Category:		3rd Person Action

MULTIPLAYER OVERVIEW:
Teamwork is what being a Ghostbuster is all about so Terminal Reality have worked with Three Wave Software, a triple-A multiplayer developer, to create an exciting and original multiplayer component in Ghostbusters: The Video Game for the PS3 and Xbox 360 platforms.

Offering gamers the unique opportunity to play as one of the four original Ghostbusters, an option not available in the single player game, the multiplayer is a fast-paced, co-operative experience. Taking place on an average phantom-packed day for the Ghostbusters team, players will work together to contain supernatural phenomena around the city while competing to earn the biggest pay check.

MULTIPLAYER FEATURES:

Unique Multiplayer Features:

• Play as one of the Ghostbusters: Choose to play as any one of the four original Ghostbusters or the rookie;
• Unique Achievements: Players are given scores and ranks for each match that are also applied to their online profile. Difficulty scaling is available according to rank;
• 6 Unique Power-ups: To help players on even the trickiest of jobs, unique power-ups such as the Ghost Shrinker or Ethereal Shield are available;
• Limited Ammunition: To ensure teamwork, players must pick up ammunition for each type of equipment with ammunition levels being shown on the proton pack;
• Unique AI Features: To add another dimension to the hunting, wrangling and trapping experience of being a Ghostbuster, ghosts have unique AI features such as more aggressive behaviour, the power to sabotage traps and the ability to fuse with other ghosts;
• Full VOIP support: Voice support for both Xbox 360 and PS3 allows for easy communication between players.

Two Multiplayer Co-op Game Modes:

• Instant Action: players can test their mettle in a variety of Job Types across a selection of 12 different maps to see if they've got what it takes to be a true Ghostbuster;
• Campaign Mode: players work through one of four different environments busting ghosts to earn cash and upgrade their equipment.

12 maps across 4 themed environments:

• Library
• Streets
• Cemetery
• Museum

Six Unique Job Types:

• Survival: Survive a paranormal onslaught
• Containment: Capture all the ghosts
• Destruction: Eliminate mysterious artefacts to prevent spawning ghosts
• Protection: Protect Egon's devices
• Thief: Save the artefacts from being stolen by ghosts
• Slime Dunk: Dunk the most Slimers

Online Multiplayer Features: Up to 4 players

• Leaderboards and player statistics: have you got what it takes to be the world's greatest Ghostbuster?
• Ranking: Skill and rank based matchmaking is available.
• Most Wanted Ghosts: these ghosts appear are special ghosts that appear mid game based on the experience of the current players - it's your job to trap them all.

PRODUCT DESCRIPTION:
Ghostbusters: The Video Game, based on the smash hit motion picture franchise and featuring a completely new story, is coming to six game systems on 19 June 2009. Coinciding with the 25th anniversary celebration of the film's original theatrical release, the game reunites original cast members to recapture the unique blend of humour and fright that established Ghostbusters as a pop culture sensation.

Penned by original Ghostbusters writers Harold Ramis and Dan Aykroyd, Ghostbusters: The Video Game brings members of the original cast together for the first time in 20 years. Bill Murray, Dan Aykroyd, Harold Ramis and Ernie Hudson lend their voices and in-game likenesses to the original story set two years after Ghostbusters II, with Manhattan once again overrun by ghosts and supernatural forces. Players will have the chance to hunt, wrangle, and trap ghosts in a funny and frightening battle to save New York from its latest supernatural plague.

For more information about Ghostbusters: The Video Game, please visit www.ghostbustersgame.com and for Atari's entire product line up, please visit www.atari.com

Last night I held a special 20th anniversary live online video broadcast of Ghostbusters, as originally broadcast on ABC on January 29, 1989. The video was streamed live from my VCR, with chat services provided by AJ Quick via his Ghostbusters Fans chat room. I was very happy with the turnout - we topped out at 77 viewers, with the chat room receiving 114 people at different times throughout the two hours (I personally saw 69 people about halfway through) - though being my first live online video broadcast, the first hour did not go as smoothly as I would have liked. I've learned from the experience, so if I ever decide to do it again - June would be a good time don'cha think? - it should go MUCH better next time.

Immediately below you will find some screen captures I did of the event. The thumbnails link to 1024x768 PNG images. AJ has given me the chat log from the event, so you can read the LONG two-hour transcript on page 2. As you read it, you'll understand why we, as a group, should NEVER get together and do a live audio commentary for the movie.

8:01 PM EST - Viewer Window	8:04 PM EST - Broadcast Window	8:10 PM EST - Viewer Window
8:23 PM EST - Viewer Window	8:28 PM EST - Viewer Window	8:40 PM EST - Viewer Window
8:51 PM EST - Viewer Window	9:02 PM EST - Viewer Window	9:28 PM EST - Viewer Window
9:32 PM EST - Chat Window	9:56 PM EST - Broadcast Window	9:59 PM EST - Chat Window
10:05 PM EST - Chat Window

Some people, especially those who couldn't attend last night's broadcast, wanted to know if the video would be available for later viewing. I'm a little hesitant to put up the entire video for on demand viewing as I don't want to anger Sony, but I'll take a chance and see what happens. I'll eventually put the new ABC promo and alternate footage on the site.

Pages: 1· 2

Last year I obtained a recording of Ghostbusters from its airing on ABC on Sunday January 29, 1989 (presumably at 8:00 or 9:00 PM EST), complete with all of the commercials (the only thing missing is the scrolling end credits, which cut off after 10 seconds). I thought that it would be killer to stream the entire broadcast with commercials on January 29, 2009 - 20 years to the date of the original broadcast. So, that's what I'm doing in this one-time-only live internet re-broadcast.

The broadcast includes all of the commercials and bumpers, the opening promo (one which is not currently on the site), all of the known alternate footage, and even some newly discovered alternate footage. Yes, you read that right, I found five new pieces of alternate footage. This includes one completely different line, one shorter line, one new shot (to cover dialog removed), and two instances where dialog was removed but the background audio remains. Can you find all five?

As you probably could have guessed, the movie is edited, time-compressed (sped-up), panned & scanned, has commercials, and is from a horrible film print. Some bright areas of the picture are blown-out and unnaturally white. Since this doesn't appear to happen during the commercials, I can't fault the videocassette. From what I remember, ABC was never given good film prints of the movie. At least it's not as bad as the blue-tinted print that was in circulation on TV in the mid-to-late 1990s.

There are also two brief instances where the audio goes low a couple of times during the movie. One is during the Ray/Winston car scene, the other is during the static end credits. These, and a tape defect during the first set of commercials, are the only significant tape defects. Not bad for a 20 year old videocassette.

I will be the first one to admit that this is NOT the ideal way to view the movie. I know that the film is already up on Hulu, and that all of us already have the film on DVD and can watch it whenever we want. This certainly won't take away from Sony's DVD sales or even the Hulu views. However, the major positive is that you'll be able to view the movie in a way that it hasn't been seen in 20 years. For everyone in their late 20s and older, this is a way to relive the communal/shared experience of seeing it as an "ABC" live broadcast - this time TOGETHER IN THE SAME (VIRTUAL) ROOM!

Oh, yeah, in the last commercial break, keep an eye out for Judith Hoag in a Burger King commercial. People of my generation will remember her as April O'Neil in the first live-action Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Movie in 1990. People of the current generation probably know her best as the mom in the Halloweentown movies on the Disney Channel.

Finally, I'd like to give major thanks to: AJ Quick for his help in promoting the event, loaning me his chat room, and hosting the frameset in order to fix an issue with showing the chat room in it; Ben King for putting together the poster you see on the upper right and for assistance during the private test broadcast last night; Raffaele Ruffaldi for his assistance during the private test broadcast last night; and Chris Stewart for his help in promoting the event. And, of course, major thanks to everyone who attends the broadcast tonight.

A surprise package was left on my porch today from TimeLife. I was expecting to get my copy of the set next week, but apparently some select people are getting copies of the set this week in advance of the shipment to the general public this Tuesday.

The promo pilot was the first thing I watched and it looked great. The first 54 seconds was used in its entirety in the Blockbuster and Syndication promos, so that first minute of the pilot didn't seem so fresh. The rest was incredible. It was also a hoot to see all of the known footage in its proper context. In my mind I kept saying, "So that's where that shot is from." Considering the original source is a 20 year old videocassette (you can tell the source was VHS), the quality is amazing.

I have not even taken every disc out of the case, much less watch it all, but I did search out a few other things to check up on them. I was pleasantly surprised to find that "A Fright At The Opera" and "The Bird Of Kildarby" were the alternate Tahiti music versions and not the series music versions (as I was originally led to believe). This is great news for Kildarby because the series music version can be found on Sony's Creatures of the Night DVD, not so great for Opera because it means that I'm stuck keeping my Fox Family copy until I can find someone with a copy of the series music version from the original syndication run sans logo, on-screen text, and edits.

Although I state this on my page for the set, no redubbed or alternate episodes are included except for the one-hour version of Deja Boo (and technically the retitled Slimer! "A Mouse In The House" that none of us knew about - or probably cared about). However, of the four alternate music episodes, two are series music and two are Tahiti music.

However, all is not good. I've found at least two things content-wise that I don't like. The first one is minor, but the second one is major. At the end of every episode, the "Columbia Pictures Television" logo is replaced with the new "Sony Pictures Television" logo. I can sort of understand replacing the logo in the early episodes, due to the original bearing the Coca-Cola Company mark, but there was no reason to change it in the later episodes. In fact, on the 2005 Ghostbusters II DVD, they left the original logo intact on "Partners In Slime". Only on "Citizen Ghost" was it changed.

The major issue is that something is really screwy with Season 4. Again, the "Partners In Slime" episode is played too slowly, and thus sounds bad, has defects in the audio, and runs unusually long. It was like this on the GB2 2005 DVD, but NOT in the original ABC broadcast. A few other Season 4 episodes I checked sound slow as well.

When I finally get the chance to watch all of the episodes, I'll make notes about what doesn't sound or look right and compare them to the original ABC episodes. I have a feeling I may have to keep a few more of my old tapes than I originally planned to.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
UPDATE [12/10/2008]

I wasn't the only one who noticed the slow episodes, as Zuul noticed it as well: Is it just my copy or are all the episodes on Volume 4 - Disc 2 kind of slow? All of the voices are really noticeably sluggish. Even the music and effects track is messed up. [This is the disc with "Partners In Slime" on it.]

Matt aka clortho has shed some light on why certain episodes play slowly: As for those "slow" episodes Paul was talking about, I can almost guarantee they were PAL masters slowed down to match the NTSC framerate, which although the framerate is now matching our standard, it just doesn't look right. I have a few DVDs that are like that where PAL masters were used and it looks like shit. It's possible the original masters broadcast on ABC are no longer in existence or whatever.

His sentiments were back up by Chris Stewart: A few of the tracks are apparently pulled from PAL sources - PAL (UK/Asia) runs at a different rate than NTSC (North America), hence the slow down. There's been no confirmation of this, though the effect is consistent. And there's no explanation as to why this is.

Well that certainly would explain it. However, According to Andy Mangels they are not from PAL masters:

I can guarantee you that they are not, and I don't know why Paul thinks they are different.

I spent 10 days at Technicolor going through over 600 1" Master NTSC tapes, finding the most complete and best set of ORIGINAL masters I could.

These are 100% from NTSC masters, and AS ORIGINALLY AIRED, unless the labels were lying. Some of the ABC shows even had the original commercials in place.

Best,
Andy Mangels
http://www.AndyMangels.com

Well, I can assure Andy that the slowed-down episodes in Volume 4 are NOT as originally aired on ABC. You know, when "Partners In Slime" showed up on Sony's GB2 DVD in 2005, I thought they screwed up in the transfer. But now I'm starting to think the issue is with the master. So if all of the masters were NTSC, not PAL, then I can only think of one reason for why the episodes on the DVD are messed up:

The masters that Andy was given were actually NTSC conversions from PAL masters (done a long time ago), but were never labeled as such.

It's quite possible that some time in the past 20 years they lost or misplaced the original NTSC masters that aired on ABC and figured that the PAL masters would be just as good, not realizing that the different video formats pose quite a problem. Based upon what Spengs said about the episodes originally airing this slow in Europe, which was not the case in the U.S., this seems to be the likely scenario.

Odd enough, I checked out one of the two-story pair episodes - specifically "Venk-Man! / Slimer Streak" - and "Venk-man!" sounded incredibly sped-up. It was like I was watching Fox Family Channel! I'm going to have to check out the original ABC broadcast to see if that's simply how it is or if there's something strange going on in the neighborhood.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Other than that video quality is good. As good as the original television broadcasts, if not a bit better, though I'd hardly call the episodes "remastered" or "restored". You will see the occassional spec of dust and dirt that you'd expect to see from something of that vintage - nothing bad, though one of the Slimer! eps had some scratches at the very beginning, which although minor, proves that they weren't "restored" or "remastered" in any conventional sense of those words.

Audio is a mixed bag, generally because it's like that way in the series. In some episodes Lorenzo and Maurice sound odd and in others they sound fine. That's not a fault of the DVD, though.

You can read more of my thoughts on the audio, video, and select features in my review of the promo DVD from last month.

My biggest complaint about the set, and I know that I'm not alone in this sentiment, is the disc-over-disc storage inside the steelbook cases, and the disc locking mechanism which has absolutely no give and upon repeated use will cause the inner ring of the disc to crack. I've had this happen with my GB1 1999 DVD, and that case's disc locking mechanism is a bit better than this ones - but not by much. The steelbooks on the outside are nice, and the art inside is nice, but the actual storage of the discs leaves a lot to be desired. I would have expected better for a set that costs near $200.

[UPDATE - 1/11/2009]
A better alternative to the Steelbooks DOES exist! CBS/Paramount's Petticoat Junction - The Official First Season set has five discs packaged inside a clear standard-size plastic keepcase (same width as the Steelbooks), with each one on its own page with NO overlap! As you can see in this photo I took, the Petticoat Junction case fits nicely in the RGB box in Volume 1's place. The disc locking mechanism, although not as good as the four spade (my name for it) and M-Lock hubs, is FAR superior to what the Steelbooks use. I can guarantee that not a single one of you would have a complaint about it.

And being that it's a clear case, they printed episode information on the reverse of the outside liner, and thus there was background art - just like the Steelbooks have. There's even clips on the inside front cover, so a booklet could be stored inside, too. Very handy for Time-Life's individual retail releases of the sets.

Although the steel exterior of the Steelbooks is nice, I think Time-Life would have done everyone a big favor by using this style case instead. The consumers would have user-friendly and disc-friendly packaging, and TimeLife would save some money (as I'm sure the 5-disc plastic case is cheaper to produce than the Steelbook cases). It's a win-win for everyone.

Anyway, before I get completely off-topic, let me wrap this up by saying that if you'd like to read more about the set, go over to Proton Charging, GB Fans, TheRealGhostbusters.com, Cinema Blend, and be sure to check out Chris Stewart's new packaging pics.

Oh, and if it seems like I'm being really negative and complaining about everything...well, it only seems that way. By and large, I *LOVE* the set and highly recommend it to everyone. It's just that I'd be doing a great disservice to the other fans if I didn't mention the things that just aren't kosher :-)

Almost a year to the day that we got the official press release from Sierra we get one from Atari officially confirming that they are the new publishers of the video game, now set to be released in 2009 to coincide with the 25th anniversary of the first film.

MTV posted an article that explains why Activision chose to drop Ghostbusters and several other games. In short, it's because they can't run them into the ground by constantly exploiting them every year with endless sequels and downloadable content. What's interesting is that almost a year earlier Penny Arcade had a comic about an Activision exec using the word "exploit" to describe the plans they have for their game properties each year, and a public relations guy trying to come up with non-offensive alternatives. I guess Activision has had this exploitive mentality for quite some time now.

Finally, the Internet Movie Database has, yet again, put up a page for Ghostbusters 3, this time proclaiming a release date of 2010. I've lost count as to how many times they've had a Ghostbusters 3 page over the past 10 years. It's because of their page that the original 1998 DVD release of The Blues Brothers (and from what I've heard, the original DVD release of Blues Brothers 2000 as well) lists Dan Aykroyd as starring in "Ghostbusters 3" in 1998! (see screen shot below) Anyone want to take bets as to how long it stays up this time?

LYON, FRANCE - 7 November 2008 - Atari, one of the world's most recognized video game publishers, announced today the addition of the highly anticipated Ghostbusters: The Video Game to its 2009 release schedule. Working closely with Sony Pictures Consumer Products Inc. and acclaimed development studio Terminal Reality, Atari will bring this completely new story to advanced gaming platforms coinciding with the 25th anniversary celebration of the film's original theatrical release. Ghostbusters: The Video Game, based on the smash hit motion picture franchise, also reunites original cast members to recapture the unique blend of humour and fright that established Ghostbusters as a pop culture sensation.

"Ghostbusters: The Video Game is a fantastic addition to Atari's global line-up in 2009," said Phil Harrison, President of Infogrames Entertainment, the parent company of Atari. "The title has built considerable anticipation and excitement among game fans for its high quality action and all-out mayhem. There's no more thrilling Ghostbusting experience to be had, short of building your own proton pack."

"We're thrilled to partner with Atari on Ghostbusters: The Video Game", said Mark Caplan, Vice President of Licensing-Hardlines for Sony Pictures Consumer Products Inc. "As one of our studios' most valued film franchises, we wanted to develop a video game that would be exciting for both new and old fans and with Atari we have a publisher that fully understands Ghostbusters, and is committed to producing engaging entertainment that fans will thoroughly enjoy."

Ghostbusters: The Video Game was penned by original Ghostbusters writers Harold Ramis and Dan Aykroyd and reunites members of the original cast for the first time in 20 years. Bill Murray, Dan Aykroyd, Harold Ramis, and Ernie Hudson lend their voices and in-game likenesses to the original story set two years after Ghostbusters II, with Manhattan once again overrun by ghosts and supernatural forces. The game also features performances from fan favourites such as William Atherton (Walter Peck), Annie Potts (Janine Melnitz) and Brian Doyle-Murray (portraying Mayor Jock Mulligan).

Atari will release the Ghostbusters: The Video Game for the PLAYSTATION 3 computer entertainment system, PlayStation 2 system, the Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, Windows PC, Wii and Nintendo DS. The launch will also leverage Atari's worldwide distribution network to maximize the presence of Ghostbusters: The Video Game around the globe as Sony marks the film's upcoming 25th anniversary. For more information on Atari's entire line up visit www.atari.com.

2009 also marks the 25th Anniversary of the original theatrical release of Ghostbusters. Ghostbusters and Ghostbusters II combined to gross over $500 million world-wide at the box office. The film spawned some of the most memorable comedic catch-phrases and scenes in motion picture history. To recognize this special milestone, Sony Pictures Consumer Products Inc has licensed the property for several new products to commemorate the anniversary, including: video games, toys, t-shirts, comic books, prop replicas, and a theme park attraction. In addition, the original Ghostbusters car (Ecto-1) has been fully restored with plans for special promotional appearances throughout the US. And for the first time ever, Sony Pictures Home Entertainment will release Ghostbusters and Ghostbusters II on Blu-ray disc.

About the Game
When Manhattan is once again overrun by ghosts and other supernatural creatures, players will take on the role of a new recruit joining the famous Ghostbusters team. Developed by acclaimed studio Terminal Reality, Ghostbusters: The Video Game will make its debut on the PLAYSTATION 3 computer entertainment system, Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system from Microsoft and Windows PC. The PlayStation 2 computer entertainment system version and the Wii version are being developed by Red Fly Studios, and the Nintendo DS version, in which the player takes the role of one of the Ghostbusters themselves, is developed by Zen Studios. The PLAYSTATION 3, Xbox 360, Wii, and PC versions of the game are developed using Terminal Reality's phenomenal proprietary Infernal Engine technology.

About the Film
Ghostbusters, released in 1984, is one of Columbia Pictures' highest grossing films, spawning a hit sequel in 1989 and three successful animated television shows. Ghostbusters and its sequel grossed over $500 million world-wide. Ghostbusters and Ghostbusters II, written by Dan Aykroyd and Harold Ramis, produced and directed by Ivan Reitman, starred Bill Murray, Dan Aykroyd, Harold Ramis and Ernie Hudson as ghost hunters for hire, cleaning up Manhattan's buildings of slime-spewing spooks.

About Sony Pictures Consumer Products Inc.
Sony Pictures Consumer Products Inc. (SPCP), a division of Columbia TriStar Consumer Marketing (CTCM), is based in Los Angeles and handles the merchandising and branding efforts for some of the most recognized properties in film and television.

Columbia TriStar Consumer Marketing is a division of Sony Pictures Entertainment (SPE). SPE is a subsidiary of Sony Corporation of America (SCA), a subsidiary of Tokyo-based Sony Corporation. SPE's global operations encompass motion picture production and distribution; television production and distribution; digital content creation and distribution; worldwide channel investments; home entertainment acquisition and distribution; operation of studio facilities; development of new entertainment products, services and technologies; and distribution of filmed entertainment in 67 countries. Sony Pictures Entertainment can be found on the World Wide Web at http://www.sonypictures.com.

About Infogrames Entertainment and Atari:
The Infogrames group, including the Atari brand, is a global producer, publisher and distributor of interactive entertainment software for all market segments and all interactive game platforms including consoles from Microsoft, Nintendo and Sony, advanced smartphones, Personal Computers, web and online. Its games are sold in more than 60 countries through an international distribution network and direct to consumers via www.atari.com.
Atari's extensive catalogue of popular games is based on original franchises (Alone in the Dark, Test Drive, V-Rally, My Horse & Me, Backyard Sports franchise, Total Annihilation, Outcast etc.), publishing properties (The Witcher, Legendary, Race Pro etc.), international licenses (Dragon Ball Z, Dungeons & Dragons, Jamie Oliver etc.) and classic games covering the entire history of the video game industry (Pong, Missile Command, Asteroids etc).

© 2008 Atari Europe SASU. All rights reserved.
Atari word mark and logo are trademarks owned by Atari Interactive, Inc.

"GHOSTBUSTERS", The Video Game © 2008 Columbia Pictures Industries, Inc. "GHOSTBUSTERS" with the "GHOST DESIGN" is a registered trademark of Columbia Pictures Industries, Inc. "GHOSTBUSTERS", and "GHOSTBUSTERS 2" movies © 1984, © 1989 Columbia Pictures Industries, Inc. Game Software excluding Columbia Pictures Elements © 2008 Atari, Inc. All rights reserved. All other trademarks are property of their respective owners.

Microsoft, Xbox, Xbox 360, Xbox LIVE, and the Xbox logos are trademarks of the Microsoft group of companies. "PlayStation", "PLAYSTATION" and "PS" Family logo are registered trademarks of Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. Nintendo DS and Wii are trademarks of Nintendo. © 2006 Nintendo. Windows and the Windows Vista start button are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and/or other countries and are used under license from owner.

I don't know if any of you have ever seen this episode, but if you haven't, I think you're really going to enjoy it - especially if you're a fan of Maurice LaMarche (Egon in The Real Ghostbusters).

The Facts of Life - "Seven Little Indians" (1/3/1987 - Season 8, Ep 12)
(with Maurice LaMarche as Rod Sperling, live-action appearance)
Part 1 / Part 2 / Part 3

Maurice left some comments on the page for part 1:

Thank you. It was a ton of fun to do. And everyone was incredibly nice. In fact, we all got so friendly that one day, after rehearsal, I did all the girls' (and Clooney's) answering machines as their favorite impressions. And yes, I did Kim Fields' machine as Rod Sperling, saying "Tootie... I just love saying, Tootie".

What was interesting to see, from an writing perspective, was how, as the week went on, the script kept getting cut down for time, but they took out all the most hilarious stuff! For instance, at one point midway, Cloris was supposed to do this whole "Frau Blucher" parody, complete with neighing offscreen horses. It was so funny we could barely get though it at rehearsals. Then on day 3, it was suddenly out!

The script started out as one of the hippest, funniest things I'd ever read. Don't even ask about what the writers went through for Rod Sperling (important distinction there) to have an unlit, or even a candy, cigarette in his hand, but in the end NBC Standards and Practices won out, and Rod (me) was suddenly a non-smoker.

Hey, it was still pretty good by the time we shot it, and I know it's a big FOL fan favorite. And yes, George Clooney is really, really nice.

- Maurice LaMarche