GHOSTBUSTERS: THE VIDEO GAME FACT SHEET

PRODUCT DESCRIPTION:
The Ghostbusters are back in Ghostbusters: The Video Game! With Manhattan newly overrun by ghosts and other supernatural creatures, gamers take the role the rookie experimental equipment technician joining the famous Ghostbusters team. Equipped with a variety of unique equipment and gadgets, players hunt, fight and capture a wide range of ghosts in an all-new funny and frightening battle to save New York City from its latest paranormal plague.

KEY FEATURES:
* THE AUTHENTIC GHOSTBUSTERS GAME EXPERIENCE - Delivering a special gaming experience to the tremendous Ghostbusters fan base around the world, Ghostbusters: The Video Game features the original cast from Columbia Pictures’ classic Ghostbusters films, including Bill Murray, Dan Aykroyd, Harold Ramis and Ernie Hudson - together again for the first time in over 20 years. Supporting the original Ghostbusters crew are the talents of Annie Potts, Brian Doyle Murray and William Atherton.

* UNIQUE GHOST BUSTING ACTION - Like the films before it, Ghostbusters: The Video Game is all-new classic adventure with Dan Aykroyd and Harold Ramis returning to the helm to script and create a new storyline that leads gamers through the trials and tribulations of the world’s leading paranormal ghost busting team. Players experience a variety of frightening new ghosts, even some based on ideas from Aykroyd and Ramis that never made it into the original feature films.

* EQUIPMENT, GADGETS & ENEMIES - Ghostbusters: The Video Game features never seen before ghost hunting, wrangling and trapping game mechanics with upgradeable gadgets. Gamers can wear ghosts down into a weakened state with the Proton Pack’s Blast Stream and use the Capture Stream to wrangle them into the trap, execute different strategic tactics with the new Slime Tether and Stasis Stream, and scan and analyze targets using like the P.K.E. Meter and Paragoggles.

Developer:	Terminal Reality (PS3, Xbox 360, Games for Windows) Red Fly (Wii, DS, PS2)
Publisher:	Sierra Entertainment - a division of Vivendi Games
Release Date:	Fall 2008
Platforms:	PLAYSTATION 3 computer entertainment system, Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, Wii and Nintendo DS, PlayStation 2 computer entertainment system, and Games for Windows.
SRP:	$59.99 (PS3, Xbox 360) $49.99 (Wii) $39.99 (PS2, Games for Windows) $29.99 (DS)
ESRB Rating:	Currently rated "RP" (Rating Pending). Expected "T" (Teen - Content that may be suitable for persons ages 13 and older) for PS3, Xbox 360 and Games for Windows. Expected "E10+" (Everyone 10+ - Content that may be suitable for persons ages 10 and older) for Wii, DS and PS2.
Contact:	MacLean Marshall Evil PR Ninja Monkey (aka - Sr. Global PR Manager) Sierra Entertainment / Vivendi Games

For more information, be sure to visit the official Ghostbusters: The Video Game website located at: www.ghostbustersgame.com.

One of the longest running Ghostbusters sites, Ghostbusters Headquarters, has recently closed its doors - though the site and message board are still online in an archive state. This is really sad news as I've known Troy and his site since pretty much day one. After reading his note on GBHQ, I can certainly understand why he had to do it. When the fun is lost, it's time to step away.

There's just a few of us old timers left. Spook Central, Proton Charging, and Sheila's RGB Fan Fic site are, I think, the oldest GB sites still online. Mr. Stay Puft's World O' Sounds is still be out there, but I don't think it's been updated in over 10 years.

Troy - We've had good times, and it's the memories that make it all worth it. We'll always have Paris...and Egon's Workshop!

I was hoping to be the first site to break this news because I've known about it since the beginning of the month, and have been in constant contact with the guy who's doing the special features and putting the whole thing together, but TimeLife apparently wanted TVShowsOnDVD to announce it first.

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Time-Life to Release Complete Series This Fall!
26-disc set in the works
Posted by Gord Lacey (5/27/2008)

Time-Life, the company behind the awesome Get Smart and Man From UNCLE sets, will be responsible for The Real Ghostbusters collection coming in the fall.

Our source tells us this will be a massive 26-disc set covering both The Real Ghostbusters and Slimer! And the Real Ghostbusters, the 1988 renaming of the show. With a combined episode count of just over 100 episodes, the 26 discs should have more than enough room for some great bonus material.

This set marks an exciting development: it's the first "complete series" release of an animated program from Time-Life, and it's one of the first times Sony has licensed product to another company.

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Oh, and rest assured that all 173 combined The Real Ghostbusters and Slimer! stories will be included!

Today marks the three year anniversary since I placed the pre-order for the Legion hardcover through Graham Cracker Comics.

I gave Sebastian enough time to publish the book, but it's obvious he scammed us all. I've been very patient, but I've reached my limit. So I have finally decided to ask John Robinson of Graham Cracker Comics for a refund, and thus close my active order.

I'm not asking for the refund because I urgently need the money back (though obviously I *DO* want it back since the book is AWOL). I'm asking for it because I don't like to leave unfinished business open for very long, and three years is WAY too long. It's about time I closed this matter and put it to rest.

If the book is ever published, and John definitely has copies in his possession, by all means I want him to put one aside for me and let me know so I can reorder it. However, I will only do so when I know for a fact that he has the copies in stock. No more of this pre-order nonsense - at least not as far as anything from Sebastien Clavet or his company 88MPH Studios is concerned.

However, I don't put much faith in the book ever being published as just last week Sebastien started offering four individual lithographs for sale (one of each Ghostbuster) on his website. Granted, he started soliciting the Venkman litho back in October, but the other three are new. Obviously he still doesn't care to publish the book he promised to publish THREE YEARS AGO. I guess he'd rather waste money on other stuff than on what he actually TOOK PEOPLE'S MONEY FOR.

(A copy of this press release and screenshots of the official video game site can be found here.)

SIERRA ENTERTAINMENT AND SONY PICTURES CONSUMER PRODUCTS CALLS ON THE GHOSTBUSTERS TO SAVE THE WORLD AGAIN

Ghostbusters The Video Game to Bring Back Original Film Cast to Deliver Next Chapter to Blockbuster Films

Los Angeles, CA - November 16, 2007 - Sierra Entertainment and Sony Pictures Consumer Products jointly announced today development of Ghostbusters The Video Game, based on the classic films that have transcended and entertained generations of audiences. To deliver a special gaming experience to the tremendous Ghostbusters' fan base around the world, the game will feature the original film cast from Columbia Pictures' classic Ghostbusters films, Bill Murray, Dan Aykroyd, Harold Ramis, and Ernie Hudson, back again for the first time in more than 20 years. Supporting the ghost busting crew are the talents of Annie Potts, Brian Doyle Murray and William Atherton. Equipped with a variety of unique weapons and gadgets, players will hunt, fight and capture a wide range of supernatural villains in a funny and frightening battle to save New York City from its latest paranormal plague.

Ghostbusters The Video Game is expected to ship Fall 2008.

"Sierra Entertainment is extremely excited to not only deliver fans, old and new, this next chapter in the Ghostbusters universe, but to allow them inside the universe for the first time," said Martin Tremblay, president, Worldwide Studios for Sierra Entertainment. "Our collaboration includes working closely alongside the team at Sony Pictures Consumer Products, Terminal Reality and Red Fly Studio. Together we will create the ultimate Ghostbusters experience, full of the characters, ghosts and other paranormal creatures so many have come to adore over the years."

"Ghostbusters is one of Sony Picture's most beloved film franchises," said Mark Caplan, vice president, Licensing for Sony Pictures Consumer Products. "In setting out to develop this property, our criterion was to find a game company who was interested in keeping true and faithful to the Ghostbusters universe that talent and filmmakers had originally created. The team at Sierra Entertainment took the time to prove to us they had what it takes. From the moment we green-lit the game, we have certainly seen a lot of passion and commitment coming from Sierra Entertainment and both development teams. We believe fans are going to be impressed with the game's ability to deliver a very authentic Ghostbusters experience, as well as its capacity to expand the Ghostbusters universe that they currently know."

Like the films before it, Dan Aykroyd and Harold Ramis will return to script and event-driven storyline for the video game that will lead the player through the trials and tribulations of the world's leading paranormal ghost busting team. Ghostbusters The Video Game will create a totally unique experience and gameplay environment that authentically recreates the time period of the film, expanding the lore and supernatural events that seemingly plague New York City.

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 Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, PLAYSTATION®3 computer entertainment system and Windows PC and Red Fly Studio will develop the PlayStation®2 computer entertainment system, Nintendo Wii and Nintendo DS versions of this seminal entertainment brand.

For more information about Ghostbusters The Video Game, please visit the official website at www.ghostbustersgame.com.

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 $580 million worldwide. Ghostbusters merchandise has exceeded $1 billion in retail sales. The original film, written by Dan Aykroyd and Harold Ramis, produced and directed by Ivan Reitman, starred Bill Murray, Dan Aykroyd and Harold Ramis 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 Sierra Entertainment
Sierra Entertainment (www.sierra.com), a global division of Vivendi Games, creates and publishes innovative, high-quality interactive entertainment for video game systems, handheld gaming devices and personal computers. Sierra Entertainment features a portfolio of titles based on original IP and popular licenses from industry-leading content partners, including F.E.A.R., Crash Bandicoot®, Spyro the Dragon®, Scarface and Ice Age. Sierra Entertainment has four integrated internal studios providing creative talents and development capabilities across multiple gaming genres: High Moon Studios in San Diego, CA; Massive Entertainment in Malmö, Sweden; Radical Entertainment in Vancouver, BC; and Swordfish Studios in Birmingham and Manchester, England.

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"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 Vivendi Games, Inc. All rights reserved.

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.

No, this isn't an article about how Winston is a descendant of Kunta Kinte, though The Real Ghostbusters episode "Moaning Stones" might suggest that to be true. This is actually a follow-up to a piece Chris over at Proton Charging wrote back in July 2007 about a 1969 recording of "Save Me" by ET Mensah and his Tempos, which bears some striking similarities to Ray Parker Jr's hit song. It's not exactly the same, but the similarities are there - though some might say they're only present if you listen for them.

Well, I was watching the movie Elizabethtown (2005) and during the Orlando Bloom road trip scene near the end I heard a song that INSTANTLY reminded me of Ghostbusters:


What's interesting about this song is that it was released in 1967 (it peaked at #12 on the charts [source]), a full two years before the ET Mensah track. Even more interesting is that after the lyric sections, there's a break (or is it a "bridge" - I'm not fluent in music-terms) that is very reminiscent of those instrumental guitar sections in Ghostbusters. You know, those parts that sound like the Ecto-1 siren where Ray comes in and says stuff like "I ain't afraid of no ghost" and "Busting makes me feel good". (I have not yet heard the whole song, but I think the sample is a pretty good representation of the entire song - it's also roughly the same as the part of the song used in Elizabethtown.)

Since I had never heard Let It Out prior to watching Elizabethtown, and thus had no preconceived notions of the song sounding like Ghostbusters, I think I can safely say that I'm not trying to hear similarities were there aren't any. Feel free to download the sample, listen for yourself, and post your comments.

Now, as far as the Ghostbusters bassline and the whole Huey Lewis case, I've read in a few places that "Pop Muzik", by M, which came out in 1979 (a few years before Huey's song), is very similar to the shared beat. I've recently come to the conclusion that the bassline is even somewhat similar (though not 100% identical) as the beat in Roy Orbison's 1964 release "Oh, Pretty Woman" (if I'm crazy to think this, let me know).

With all of these songs released before Huey's "I Want A New Drug", I really wish the case went to court as I think it could have been argued in Ray's favor.

WOW! Has it actually been 10 years since the next generation of Ghostbusters hit the airwaves? It's hard to believe, but YES, it was ten years ago today, on Monday September 1, 1997, that "Darkness At Noon" Part 1 first premiered nationwide in Bohbot's syndication package. Of course, not everyone was able to see it. Us folks here in New York, where the Ghostbusters LIVE for crying out load, were deprived of our new Ghostbusters fix as the first episode was pre-empted by the Jerry Lewis MDA Telethon. We had to wait until the following Sunday(!) in order to see the episode. Of course, Part 2 aired as scheduled on September 2nd, which left us New Yorkers wondering what we missed in part 1!

Anyway, it feels like yesterday when we first learned of the new series, and started covering it on our websites - this site, Ghostbusters Headquarters, and Proton Charging to be specific. I remember how jazzed I was about it, and scared at the same time - what with the new crew being composed of members obviously assembled by a group of executives to err on the side of political-correctness. You had a black, a latino, a goth girl, AND a wheelchair-bound member! It had the possibility to suck big time, because you remember the last time a bunch of suits decided to be on the creative end of things. Thankfully, no stereotypes were played to, the wheelchair-bound member was NOT a hindrance to the team, and the characters were much better written than expected. Of course, the episodes weren't as great as the some of The Real Ghostbusters episodes, but they weren't that bad either.

And then three months later, it was gone... Fourty episodes down, and no more to go. Although it's been said that 40 episodes was always the plan, I'm sure that if the series had actually been advertised outside of the two-hour Bohbot syndication block, and put into a better syndication package, it would have been around for a lot longer. How could Sony expect for the series to do well if they doomed it from the start by making it hard for people to even know the series exists! Compare that with Sony's Men in Black: The Series, which as made by the same production company (Adelaide), but released by Kids WB as part of their Saturday morning package. That series prospered for 4 seasons/years, with a total of 53 episodes. Granted that's only 13 more than Extreme Ghostbusters, but look at it as 3 months vs. 4 years! Sure there were Extreme Ghostbusters toys, and a Kentucky Fried Chicken kids meal tie-in, but that's not very much promotion. Oh yeah, and there were video and computer games... but they came YEARS later(!!!) and were released almost exclusively in Europe.

Still, what little bit of Extreme Ghostbusters we had was good, and it introduced me to that cutie Kylie, and the sexy voice of Tara Charendoff (now Tara Strong). Plus through the series, and a bunch of raunchy message board posts, I met Doreen & Nora from the Ghostbusters Fan Forum. So I can definitely say that the series has changed my life. Maybe not as much as a visit from The Great Pumpkin, but a change is a change, nonetheless.

Ben King created an awesome piece to celebrate the occassion, as seen at the top of this article. Also, thanks to the Internet Archive, you can time travel back to 1997 and read Bohbot's original series outline and show pages (no images, though).

To everyone who lives in the USA, I just wanted to send some Happy Independence Day wishes your way.

To everyone else, substitute your country's biggest patriotic holiday for our July 4th, and the wishes are the same.

The above image comes from Hilary B. Price's award-winning comic strip Rhymes With Orange. If you like it, you can buy prints at her website.

I was recently interviewed by popular entertainment blog Scribble King. The interview has just been posted, and you can read it here: I LOVE THIS MOVIE! Who ya gonna call? Ghostbusters fan Paul Rudoff (February 12, 2007).

News of my interview even reached Proton Charging - before I could post something about it here! Damn, Chris, you're fast :-)

Back in July I posted news about Filmation's Ghostbusters coming to DVD. At that time, there was a press sheet released at the San Diego Comic-Con that had Vol. 1 of the animated series coming out on November 7th, with Vol. 2 and the live action series due out in Spring and Summer (respectively) of 2007. Well, November 7th has come and gone and no DVD was released. That's because it has been pushed back to a definite February 27, 2007 release date. The dates have changed for the other two setsas well. That makes this the final release schedule:

• Filmation's Ghostbusters: The Animated Series Volume 1 (February 27, 2007) (more info)
• The Ghost Busters: Live Action - The Complete Series (April 17, 2007) (more info)
• Filmation's Ghostbusters: The Animated Series Volume 2 (July 3, 2007) (more info)

The "more info" links above will take you to pages on the site of special features producer Andy Mangels. You can find high-quality scans of the sell sheets for the live-action set and animated vol. 1 on those pages (the animated vol. 1 sheet is on the vol. 2 page), and the press releases for all three volumes on each page.

BCI Eclipse, the company that is releasing the sets, recently issued a press release for Animated Vol. 1 which confirms the release date and includes some details on what is going to be included in the set.

Volume One will be available on DVD for the first time under BCI's Ink and Paint brand and will be released on February 27th at a suggested retail price of $39.98. The 6 disc set contains the first 32 episodes in story continuity order with a host of bonus features including creator interviews, the original promo pilot and a bonus episode of "The Ghost Busters" live-action series. Special Features include:

• Creator interviews with producer Lou Scheimer, writer Robby London and directors Tom Tataranowicz and Tom Sito.
• Ghostbusters (Animation) Anti-Drug Spot #1 (:30).
• Original 10 min presentation of the promo pilot for Filmation's animated series "Ghostbusters".
• Full length animated storyboard slideshow comparison for episode 22 "Laser and Future Rock".
• Image gallery of "Ghostbusters" heroes includes the original model sheets and sketches.
• English & Spanish audio for all 32 episodes.
• Easter eggs and series trivia.
• Ink & Paint trailers.
• DVD-ROM material - the complete five-episode script for the Ghostbusters "origin story".
• Bonus Episode of "The Ghost Busters" live-action series "The Maltese Monkey" Featuring the ghoul busting trio - Forrest Tucker as "Jake Kong", Larry Storch as "Eddie Spenser" and Bob Burns as the super smart gorilla "Tracy".
• Printed Episode Guide Book with Trivia and Fun Facts.

Also, a definitive date has now been set for the release of the COMPLETE LIVE-ACTION SERIES FROM 1975! You can get all 15 episodes in a 2-DVD set on April 17th at a suggested retail price of $29.98. BCI Eclipse, the company that is releasing the sets, recently issued a press release for the Complete Live-Action series which lists the special features as:

• Bonus animated Ghostbusters episode "I'll Be A Son Of A Ghostbuster"
• The Ghost Busters - Interviews - Over twenty minutes of fascinating behind-the-scenes stories with producer Lou Scheimer, and "Tracy the Gorilla" star Bob Burns
• Rare Footage: The Ghost Busters Live Action Bumpers - Version 1 & 2
• Extensive Behind The Scenes Photo Gallery
• Extensive Promotional Photo Gallery
• Extensive Tracy the Gorilla Photo Gallery
• Easter eggs
• Insert with Episode Guide plus Trivia & Fun Facts
• DVD-ROM Material: Scripts for all 15 episodes (PC/Mac compatible)
• Spanish language tracks

It's interesting to note that the Animated Vol. 1 DVD is including an episode of the live-action series ("The Maltese Monkey") as a bonus feature, and the Complete Live-Action DVD is including an episode of the animated series ("I'll Be A Son Of A Ghostbuster") as a bonus feature. I wish they wouldn't have done this as it will result in unnecessary duplicates for those people who buy both (or all three) sets.

Also, "I'll Be A Son Of A Ghostbuster" is part one of a five part story, so it's rather odd for them to include it, unless they intend for it to be a "tease" to get people to buy the animated DVD. Something like, "if you want to see the rest of the story, buy the Animated Vol. 1 DVD."


The press release fot animated Vol. 2, which will be released on July 3rd., says that the remaining 33 episodes will be available on a special five-disc set for the suggested retail price of $39.98. The list of bonus features is below.

• Creator Spotlight Interviews: Featuring Voice Actor Pat Fraley, and Animators/Storyboard Artists Rob Lamb and Michael Swanigan.
• "The Magic of Filmation" Documentary: A half-hour history of one of America's most influential animation studios, with producers, writers, animators, historians and other Filmation personnel.
• Audio Commentary: Track for Episode #37, "Outlaw In-Laws' with Directors Tom Sito and Tom Tataranowicz and Storyboard Artist Michael Swanigan. Hosted by Andy Mangels.
• Bonus Episode of "The Ghost Busters" live-action series "Dr. Whathisname": Featuring the ghoul busting trio: Forrest Tucker as "Kong," Larry Storch as "Eddie Spenser," and Bob Burns as the super smart gorilla "Tracy".
• Ghostbusters Anti-Drug Spot #4.
• Rare Footage: The original unaired presentation for Filmation's "Ghostbusters" the animated series. (August, 1985).
• Two Extensive Image Galleries from "Ghostbusters": Villains (includes the original model sheets and sketches), Background Art.
• Booklet with Episode Guide and Trivia Fun Facts.
• English and Spanish Language Audio Tracks.
• Ink & Paint Trailers.

I wonder if the "original unaired presentation" is the same thing as the "original 10 min presentation of the promo pilot" that was released on Vol. 1. Also, they are again including an episode of the live-action series on this release. Both animated releases have one live-action episode on them, and the live-action release has an animated episode on it. This may be nice if the customer is only going to purchase either the live or animated sets, but if he/she is going to buy all three sets, this results in three unnecessary duplicate episodes.

Anyway, for those keeping score at home, with this release Filmation has released onto DVD *every* single episode of *every* single Ghostbusters-related series that they created. Meanwhile, Sony has released both movies and only 14 episodes from only ONE of their series (excluding a few additional episodes released in the UK). You know, it's sad when the two series that are subpar by comparison each get a full/complete release, while the better series lingers in a vault somewhere. Even sadder is that the coffers at Sony are a lot bigger than those of BCI & Filmation, yet the "little company" made the effort and spent the dough to release a product that, while I'm sure will sell well, won't do nearly as well as Sony's product if they released it in the same manner.