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.

I just wanted to make a quick post to honor The Real Ghostbusters 20th birthday. Yes, it was 20 years ago today (on September 13, 1986) that the first episode "Ghosts R Us" premiered on ABC.

I didn't have time to put anything together to celebrate the occasion, but Ben King did. As part of his Ghostbusters.Net series he made an AWESOME comic strip piece that has to be seen to be believed... so click on the link below and see it already! What are you waiting for?


Next year, RGB, we'll celebrate with a round of beers, as you'll be of legal age then.

If you're into Filmation's Ghostbusters, I have a some news that is going to make you very happy. It has been officially announced that both the animated AND live-action series are going to be released on DVD through BCI's Ink & Paint label.

• Ghost Busters: The Animated Series Volume One DVD Set (November 7, 2006)
• Ghost Busters: The Animated Series Volume Two DVD Set (Spring 2007)
• The Ghost Busters: Live Action - The Complete Series DVD Set (Summer 2007)

I've known about this for a few months now, but I had to wait until the announcement was made official at the San Diego Comic-Con 2006 (thanks to Andy Mangels).

The live-action series contains a total of 15 episodes. No longer will you have to pay high prices for the few episodes that were released on videotape in the late 1980s.

The animated series contains a total of 65 episodes (including a five-part episode, which counts as five episodes). UPDATE (7/25/2006): I just received word back from Andy that the entire series will be on these two volumes (33 and 32 episodes on each - or vice versa), with extras!

I just received the three Real Ghostbusters DVDs in the mail today that I ordered last week. If you don't already have them, and you can't find them in your local stores, pick them up right now from Amazon.com: Creatures of the Night, Spooky Spirits and Slimefighters.

I took a quick look at them, as I do with all of my DVDs when I get them. I like to ensure that they play well and have no immediately noticeable defects. Plus I wanted to check out a few things in particular with these DVDs. I haven't had a chance to watch them completely, but I saw enough to make some notes. Read on to find out more...

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE





Culver City, Calif. - If you're bothered by ghosts and goblins or simply looking to enjoy hours of fun and laughter, you know who to call – The Ghostbusters. Evil spirits don't stand a ghost of a chance once our intrepid heroes are on the case! And on February 28, 2006 Sony Pictures Home Entertainment will release three volumes of the animated series "The Real Ghostbusters" on DVD. Each volume contains three episodes and a special bonus episode. Value priced at $9.95 SLP, these DVDs can be enjoyed by children and fans of all ages!

"The Real Ghostbusters" is based on the two hit motion pictures that helped define the '80s and features the voice talents of Arsenio Hall ("The Arsenio Hall Show" Coming to America), Dave Coulier ("Full House," "America's Funniest People") and Lorenzo Music ("Garfield," "Darkwing Duck"). In these latest episodes, the Ghostbusters -- Winston, Egon, Peter and Ray -– and their sidekick, Slimer, encounter an array of otherworldly creatures, including goblins, The Sandman and the famous Stay Puft Marshmallow Man – all of which adds up to hours of fun for longtime fans and newcomers as well.

Originally airing on ABC and later in syndication, "The Real Ghostbusters" had a five-year run (Sept. 1986 to Jan. 1991) during which time it gathered a loyal fan base. Among other honors, "The Real Ghostbusters" received a Young Artist Award for the "Best Animation Series" in 1989.

Episode Synopsis

Creatures of the Night

"Night Game"
Play ball! Rather grab a bat than a proton gun when an old Indian legend involves Winston in a baseball game of good vs. evil for the fate of one human soul? Question is, which human's soul are they fighting for?

"Bird of Kildarby"
The Ghostbusters try to bust some ghosts in a castle in Manhattan, but the ghosts send a giant and deadly bird after them.

"Lost and Foundry"
A ghost becomes a part of a new steel, leading to abnormal experiences throughout the city.

"Killerwatt" (Bonus episode)
A ghost named Killerwatt has taken over the power plant, leaving New York City powerless.

Spooky Spirits

"Ghostbuster of the Year"
The guys are in a state of competition for the title of Ghostbuster of the Year and getting on the Spooks Illustrated cover.

"Revenge of Murray and the Mantis"
He was thought to have been destroyed during the Gozer incident, but now.... the mascot of Stay Puft Marshmallows returns from the dead to battle Murray the Mantis!

"Drool, the Dog Faced Goblin"
The Ghostbusters are ready to catch a harmless goblin at a circus at the Poconos, but there is something else to worry about.

"Mr. Sandman, Dream Me a Dream" (Bonus)
The Sandman arrives in New York and attempts to put everyone to sleep for five hundred years. And with every person put to sleep, their dreams become real. Can the Ghostbusters stop the Sandman or will they fall asleep with the rest of the city?

Slimefighters

"Adventures in Slime and Space"
One of Egon's contraptions has a bad effect on Slimer, making millions of little versions of the green ghost.

"They Call Me Mister Slimer"
Slimer tries to earn money by becoming a bodyguard for a kid that gets pushed around by bullies.

"Victor the Happy Ghost"
The Ghostbusters come across a seemingly harmless ghost and decide against locking him away in the containment unit. However, Slimer finds out this ghost turns into a nasty demon behind the Ghostbusters' backs.

"Slimer, Come Home" (Bonus)
After Peter yells at Slimer for eating Winston's birthday cake, Slimer runs away and gets mixed up with some very mean Poltergeists.

DVD SPECS
* Digitally Mastered Audio & Video
* Full Screen Presentation
* QuickStart Continuous "Play" Feature

PRODUCT SPECS

Creatures of the Night
Not Rated
Color / Closed-Captioned
DVD Order Date: 1/26/06
DVD Catalog # 13797
Running Time: 89 minutes
DVD SLP: $9.98

Spooky Spirits
Not Rated
Color / Closed-Captioned
DVD Order Date: 1/26/06
DVD Catalog # 13798
Running Time: 89 minutes
DVD SLP: $9.98

Slimefighters
Not Rated
Color / Closed-Captioned
DVD Order Date: 1/26/06
DVD Catalog # 13799
Running Time: 89 minutes
DVD SLP: $9.98

Sony Pictures Home Entertainment is a Sony Pictures Entertainment Company. Sony Pictures Entertainment (SPE) is a division 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, worldwide channel investments, home video 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.spe.sony.com.

With the news of official Real Ghostbusters DVDs from Sony coming soon, I thought I'd write a little review of a non-official DVD that has just hit the marketplace. It's called The Real Ghostbusters: Manhattan Madness and was released by OS Films (UPC Code: 545618314678). You can buy it at Amazon here, here, or here. Read on to find out more about it...

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First the Casper folks sue the Ghostbusters folks because they claim that the ghost in the No Ghost logo is a rip-off of their characters. Now they're ripping off Ghostbusters by creating a Casper figurine entitled "Heart Chocolates" that is a subliminal rip-off of the No Ghost logo. Such nerve!

Many thanks to Doreen Mulman for telling me about this.

The guys who brought you Freddy Vs. Ghostbusters are back with a sequel of sorts: Return of the Ghostbusters. The movie is in pre-production and is slated for a 2006 release.

However, the filmmakers need your help. If you live in the Denver area, you can be in the movie: "Although most of the film is cast, and we have a slew of actors in Denver, anyone who would like to participate in this film will be found a place in the movie." They also need help with Visual Effects, Props, and Music.

If you can't help in any of those ways, you can still lend your support and be a part of the project by donating money to the budget. At the bottom of the film's webpage is a PayPal donation button. "Donations of $25.00 or more will receive credit in the film as a Producer! Donations of $5.00 or more will receive credit as...a donator!" Think about how cool it would be to be a producer on a GB film... even if it's not an official one.

At the beginning of December 2004 I asked my friends in California, Doreen Mulman and Nora Salisbury for help with something. Unfortunately, they had so much on their plate at the time (and still do) that they were unable to help me out.

I forgot about the matter until I was going though my e-mail today looking for things to delete, and came across my e-mail to them. Since it's now almost five months since the item in question was published, it is probably too late to get any help, but I thought I'd try publically.

Below is my message to them dated 12/5/2004. If you can help me out, feel free to e-mail me.


My aunt sent me a Los Angeles Times article from the Thursday, October 28, 2004 edition about a record snowfall received in California recently. On the BACK of the article was part of map with surrounding pictures of (I guess) famous pop culture spots in Los Angeles. One of these picture notations was this: Greystone Mansion's first owner, oil heir Ned Doheny, was murdered here. Scene from "Ghostbusters" and other movies and TV shows were filmed at the estate. This was accompanied with a photo of the mansion and the left half of the no ghost logo.

There were a few other places included in the part of the map, and just from reading them, I'm interested in viewing and owning the entire map. I was wondering if maybe you can help me out by either having the 10/28/2004 issue of the paper or by calling up the LA Times (it's gotta be a local call for you) and seeing if they could send you the page or something. I don't have a page number to give you, but maybe they can figure it out by the articles that are printed on the reverse (the ones about the snowfall and waterfalls).

As for the GB thing ... I looked it up and some websites say GB1 and others say GB2, so I don't know which to believe. I had no idea that either of the movies was filmed at that mansion. Off the top of my head I can't think of a single scene in either film that could have been filmed there. There aren't any mansions or extravagant places in either film.

The book "Shot On This Site" confirms GB1, but who knows how accurate it is. This site says: "the Greystone Mansion, which has two long tunnels underneath and where they filmed part of Ghostbusters and The Witches of Eastwick."

So, I have two ideas (off the top of my head) of what was filmed at the mansion.

* GB1: The deleted Fort Detmerring scene. (the arch in the LA Times pic suggests this)

* GB2: The subway scene(s). (the long tunnel underneath suggests this)

The best pages I could find for the site are:

http://www.seeing-stars.com/Live/Greystone.shtml

Official Site (I think)

If you find out anything, let me know. The mansion is open to the public for free, so maybe one day when you're feeling up to it, you and Nora can check it out, take photos, and see if you can figure this out (or if any of the park staff [it's considered a park] might know).