"Ghostbusters" celebrates 30th anniversary
Time to charge up the proton packs -- "Ghostbusters" is celebrating a milestone.
The paranormal comedy first made its debut 30 years ago this week. It almost immediately became an international blockbuster while serving as the launch pad for a successful media franchise that includes two animated spinoff series, books, toys, video games and a 1989 live-action sequel.
Bill Murray, Dan Aykroyd, Harold Ramis and Ernie Hudson starred as a gang of supernatural hunters behind a successful small business specializing in the paranormal. Sigourney Weaver also starred as one of their clients, while Rick Moranis portrayed her annoying neighbor.
The film is fondly remembered for its witty one-liners ("Listen!, do you smell something?"), cheesy special effects and over-the-top monsters like the Stay-Puft Marshmallow Man and the slovenly Slimer (although he wasn't officially given that name until the release of the cartoon series).
"Ghostbusters" is still watched by generations old and young today, with the film available to watch streaming on sites like Netflix. And, according to the film's official website, Sony Pictures will be re-releasing a restored version of "Ghostbusters" into 700 North American theaters for a limited run beginning Aug. 29.
A special Blu-ray combo-pack will be released in September, featuring remastered editions of both the first film and "Ghostbusters II."
If that wasn't enough, Sony also says that a "Ghostbusters III" is in the works, centered around a new generation of the ghoul-catchers.
For now, have a look at our gallery at left to see how the cast members' careers have panned out over the years. Just don't cross the streams, unless Gozer comes back.
