Ghostbusters Review - Off The Shelf Reviews

This week Gary and Iain review and discuss, Ghostbusters (1984) by Director, Ivan Reitman. Starring, Bill Murray, Dan Aykroyd, Sigourney Weaver and Harold Ramis.
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[@Paulysaysdealwithit]

Dan Akroyd getting a ghost blowie confused the hell out of me as a kid

[@andrewblanchard2398]

you should see the original version RAY was supposed to be at a museum which is why he was wearing a CIVIL WAR type jacket

[@JoeyMartz]

Same here. Oddly enough I never asked my elder siblings about it.

[@rosefarrell2440]

Same here 😂

[@markusvesa2763]

This movie is lightning in the bottle, when everything just works so well. The comedy, horror elements, acting etc. Big part of my childhood with first Terminator, Demolition Man, Aliens..

[@jgedutis]

I think we had the same childhood 😆

[@john_blues]

This one's got to start with "I'm Gary...And I ain't 'fraid of no ghosts". It just has to.

[@ryanedwards7487]

Thorazine was used by Psychologists as a sedative in the 1980s guys. And it would kinda make sense that an AMA registered psychologist would have a supply. (Venkman, after all, had Degrees (PhD) in psychology AND parapsychology)

[@Madbandit77]

I'm glad you lads are handling the classic in time for the "Afterlife" film.

[@poweramulets1725]

Zoomer: After-Boomer

[@MothraBlues]

Watching Ghostbusters in a jam-packed cinema in 1984 remains one of the very best shared cinema experiences I've ever had. With the whole audience laughing & cheering along, this was definitely as much fun as you could imagine it to be, Ian! Thanks guys, for another very enjoyable review! 👍👻👍

[@Private-Hudson]

I remember watching this classic at the cinema in '84 and at the end of the film, the whole place erupted with clapping and cheering. Great memories

[@rushaholic]

There is a moment in this film that no one talks about that's one of the funniest Bill Murray performances I've ever seen. It's just a small thing but I always think of it. In the scene where Ray and Pete are sharing a bottle of booze on the steps of the university, Pete tell Ray the Einstein did his best work while he was a patent clerk and Ray asks "do you know how much a patent clerk makes?"... They way Bill Murray says "NO!" is so damn funny, I laugh every single time I hear it! Small bit = BIG LAUGH!!

[@samking2094]

I guess you gotta watch it to find it funny, cos the way you've described it doesn't sound funny to me! I do remember Ghostbusters being funny though, I just haven't seen it for a long time so don't remember the scene you're talking about.

[@EmilyGloeggler7984]

This is one of my husband and my favourite films of all time. As someone born in 1984, it is quite special to me. Although my younger brother (born in 1985) used to watch the animated TV show for kids, I don't really have many memories of that show - other than one or two commercials and seeing my brother with the original Kenner versions of the Ghost Trap, Proton Pack, etc. My first real memories of "Ghostbusters" are the first and second film and like Gary, Iain, and countless others have said, - I adore them and the "third movie"/Xbox video game, too. I love how, despite the fictional elements in the film, I love how realistic in a way it is and how everyone talks like how normal people do and if this sort of thing were to happen, you could believe that what the guys did are not that far-fetched. Also, as a singer and musician who does largely keep to themselves, I empathized a lot with Dana, who is reluctant to believe in things that one can't see normally. Since seeing these movies as a little girl, especially since meeting my husband who also grew up in the Long Island/New York area, one of our first dates was going to see some of the locations where they shot the film and aside from some upgrades, the areas are largely untouched and so there was a childlike thrill to see "the Gozer Building", to go see "the Library", to see the courthouse (used in the second film), the Statue of Liberty, Juillard and the Metropolitan Opera plaza (where I DID copy Venkman's spin dance and played the Ghostbusters music while there - yeah I'm pathetic), etc - I even wanted to go into the old abandoned sections of the NYC subway which resemble the ones in the second film. And of course, what hasn't been said about the Fire House - it gave us both a thrill and we posed and took pictures there, while keeping our respectful distance of the building because it IS a working firehouse - 8 Hook and Ladder - but they had the Ghostbusters sign with firehouse regalia painted on the ground and when we took a peak inside, they actually kept the second movie's sign (not the original sadly, but still - very cool). What we didn't realize was that the interior is FAR different - we came to learn that the interior of the firehouse was actually shot at a now abandoned (possibly being renovated - you can look it up on KZbin) firehouse in Los Angeles. The film did such a good job with seamlessly blending the two cities into its fictionalized narrative. The jokes are on point, I can't pick just one favourite line - although one of my favourite lines is the scene in the Elevator because that just simply and brilliantly sets up the guys - that whole bit where Egon says "I blame myself" and Venkman quickly quips "So do I" and I love how Winston's line "I have seen shit that will turn you white!" lol The film is a gem - 20/10 stars for me and I'm sure my husband would largely agree - to this day, whenever we go into NYC, we will either play the 1989 Batman soundtrack or the Ghostbusters and certainly from time to time, we still visit those old haunts and if we're lucky to meet with the firemen/firewomen at 8 Hook and Ladder - it is always an honour to meet with those real life heroes and they truly are good sports about it all. I salute them, I salute the guys, I salute Sigorney, I salute Ivan, I salute Annie, I salute Rick, the whole crew, etc. Brilliant job guys, and rest in peace to all those who have passed on to the afterlife, including Harold Ramis. Yes, I DO believe in the afterlife, and I like to hope for his family and himself, that Harold is there having a blast in eternity waiting to team up with the guys again on the other side. ;)

[@redryder5670]

Gary and Iain, I saw this movie in the theater when it first came out. I was blown away! For a little context, I only knew of Bill Murray and Dan Aykroyd when this movie came out, mainly from Saturday Night Live. But the preview was so irresistible, so I had to see it! Once the movie started and more characters were introduced I recognized Rick Moranis right away. HBO played Strange Brew quite a lot, so I was really excited that one of the McKenzie brothers (the funnier one) also had a role! The theater was packed and everybody looked to be enjoying Ghostbusters from start to finish. But the scene that had everyone roaring was when Dan Akyrord said: “It’s the Stay Puft Marshmallow Man.” Everyone there died laughing! Thank you both for this very in-depth review/love letter to a movie that I also consider to nearly perfect.

[@basketcase297]

For me what works best about Ghostbusters is the blend of comedy and story. As a kid I used to watch this film almost unaware of the humour. I just loved the ghosts and the story. Now…. Slightly older the film sill works as a story but also because it’s actually funny! Not patronisingly funny like the atrocious remake…. But genuinely funny. It’s a classic and the chemistry between the actors is fantastic. Top film. Edit: I was one of the kids lucky enough to watch it at the cinema 👍🏻

[@chriskrausesmovie]

Looking forward to afterlife but rightnow it's the classic first

[@philipallen4106]

I saw it at the cinema on the first Saturday it was released and it was ‘Mass Hysteria’, us kids went mental for it. Lines of kids going down the road banging on the door to get in. Popcorn strewn everywhere inside the cinema. Very exciting times to go see movies!! 😀

[@Imylover]

One fav piece of dialogue that I have always loved, that basically never gets any attention is indeed from that brilliant scene in Ecto 1 between Rey & Winston & what I love is the absolute beginning of the conversation. "Rey, do you believe in God?`" "Never met him." I just LOVE that short, direct reply. And I love it because there is so much intelligence involved. because regardless if you, yourself, believe in God or not you can't get offended because it includes everybody's opinion. And it doesn't say at all whether Rey himself actually believes in God or if he's just being sassy in his reply, it is left to the viewer to make the interpretation. I love sassy lines like that, pure smart ass or maybe not at all but actually totally honest, who knows?

[@anthonyhiggins9799]

''Shhh, listen! Do you smell that?!''

[@carlredbird3054]

This movie is the very first film makers audio commentary I ever listened to, and it's the best one I have ever heard. They have alot of little anecdotal story's, and explain some of the special effects and it's really fun to listen to

[@cdub7619]

Saw it in the cinema when I was 5, great experience. The library ghost scared the crap out of me

[@WelshIron]

I was 15 when this came out at the cinema and my friends and I saw it every saturday until it left the cinema. Great movie, one of my favourites.

[@marks.8780]

Great review guys, your passion and enthusiasm for this all-time classic is infectious. I REALLY need to watch this film again sometime soon!

[@NoirTech83]

The guy that created Slimer admitted that he finished the design before they asked him to make it look like John Belushi, he didn't change anything and just told them he included Johns' face in it, and they believed him.

[@KingSidJames]

I was born in 76' so I had the luck to grow up in probably the greatest cinematic era ever. Starwars, Raiders,ET,Gremlins,Top Gun, Back to the future and Ghostbusters. There is no fat on Ghostbusters. Like Back to the future, every single scene builds up to the next.

[@KingSidJames]

When evil rises, good rises to challenge it. I'm not sure if that's a trope, but I love it.

[@denisematthews6215]

Thanks, guys! I absolutely agree! It’s one of the best! I saw it when it first came out in a crowded theatre, the audience singing the Ghostbusters theme, cheering when the Ghostbusters defeated the Stay Puffed Marshmallow Man, and the loudly singing the theme at the end! That was a time when audiences interacted with the film. Those are days I miss greatly!

[@ryanedwards7487]

Some of the best lines written in the history of movies. Personal favorite (and I know I’ll butcher it but still): “You know guys. This is New York, and he’s a sailor: we get him drunk and laid and we won’t have any problems.”

[@87g4g3]

Glad to see the classics reviewed again guys.

[@NostalgiaBrit]

Ummm… Netflix's subtitles have Egon telling Janine, _"The printer’s dead!"_ I always then understood her to be not really listening properly, not paying attention, hence her response of, _"that’s fascinating to me"_ (or words to that effect)… By what you say, Netflix is wrong! 😳

[@ripley4601]

I've always felt like it sounded like a musical with the dialog and score mixed together. Especially when they are speaking near the fountain. There is a cadence in the delivery of the lines that match with the score to make it sound like a musical.

[@jlb7289]

Love your review, guys! Ghostbusters is one of my favorite movies and there is so much that works, the comedy, the special effects, the acting. You can imagine it all going wrong but it works so well!

[@whoawtf7419]

"I'm going to try to avoid just gushing over everything in this movie" *sees video length*

[@jonahjones1702]

You guys absolutely fucking RULE you review THE BEST films of all time and you say it just as we all think. Long live Off The Shelf Reviews 🙏

[@mijoepa]

26:49 - 27:04 That's actually so f-ing hilarious XD I love that little bit of trivia!

[@davebooshty299]

I'm 51 Nowadays and got to see this movie 4 times in theaters back then.

[@stephenkissane4268]

Elmer also did the score for American werewolf in London

[@benphillips9973]

The entire time I couldn't stop enjoying your John Carpenter VHS t-shirt 😁. Where would one get themselves their own?

[@Jay-mu4xl]

Oh yes!!!! Ghostbusters & OTSR! Thanks guys! 👊 👊 👊

[@paulhirst7602]

Cheers lads I thought both the original Ghostbusters films were great, least said about that shocking 2016 reboot the better though.... Afterlife looks promising.

[@jmaurice72]

Now yall know you done gained a few subscribers with this one. KEEP IT UP

[@LeanderNadeltanz]

9:30 - The song Ray Parker Jr. "borrowed" is "I want a new drug" from Huey Lewis And The News. Check it out on YT, the similarities are overwhelming! 55:20 - I cannot say that I have a favorite character, because I think all actors / characters blend in together perfectly. Every single one of them kind of reminds me of an actual organism, when they work together as a team. Peter Venkman definitively is the mouth and heart, Ray Stanz is emotion and (childlike) enthusiasm, Egon Spengler is the mind and Winston Zeddemore the body. When I saw Ghostbusters as a kid, it had a huge impact on me and back then I liked Winston the most.

[@G_Elektrik]

One of the most memorable film in cinema, i think is due to the original concept taking what could be horror and turning into comedy, but works becouse the charismatic cast all portraing those special characters Even if the effects are not the best were well made and well used in the film with more focus on the practical and characters which make it believable and relatable About the song problem is that it was made public, the agreement was to fix it in court and keep it confidential, the original song that they were using even during filming to keep the tone was I Want A New Drug by Huey Lewis, but he dont want his song to be used, so they hired Ray Parker to make a new one that sound just like that and quick, to be honest you can hear the similitude, after the film lewis sued, but years later he talk about it in an interview breaching confidentiality so he was sued back, and thats how we know about it now

[@JezzebellaLu]

WOOOOOOOO!!! SAVAGE SAVAGE SAVAGE!!!!! Thanks boys! I really needed this today!!! Shelfers fo life!!

[@rustykuntz94]

My favorite movie as a kid. Still one of my top favorites, everything works in this film, the comedy is some of the best I've ever seen how well & natural it's present in the story...Ernie Hudson is a very underrated actor, been in so many things but still always think of him from the Winston role, also the Warden Leo Glynn in HBO's OZ he was very strong.

[@Emulous79]

Also cool in The Crow and Leviathan.

[@rustykuntz94]

@@Emulous79 I hated when they killed his character off in Leviathan right at the end for virtually no reason, well he saves the woman doesn’t he and she survived with Peter Weller but he was almost more heroic than Weller was as the star and he’s killed off out of nowhere and not a mention of him or anything after the other 2 get to safety.

[@Emulous79]

@@rustykuntz94 I know. That was stupid. Should get BLM on the case, lol.

[@rustykuntz94]

@@Emulous79 Haha

[@Truthseeker1515]

As a teen, I was fortunate to see both Gremlins and Ghostbusters in theatre in Dec 1984 (both movies were released on the same day in the UK), I still prefer Gremlins. The movie was more in tune with the Christmas season....

[@AubreyTheKing]

What hasn't already been said about this kick ass classic film!? Ghostbusters is one of a kind! A gold treasure! One of the BEST movies! One of the BEST comedies of all time!! I have wonderful memories with this film with my uncle as a kid! And when we watch it again today, we still enjoy it! Me and my friends at school would go crazy about how awesome and funny this movie is! And damn! It still holds up today! The effects might be a bit dated. But like Iain said, I don't care! Its still amazing! Ghostbusters is one of those films that will NEVER age! No matter how far into the future we go! LONG. LIVE. GHOSTBUSTERS!!!!!!!

[@T2DIDDY]

Wake & Bake Time ✌🏼

[@jvondd]

It's rare for a movie to start off being great and yet still getting better over time.

[@jamesaitchison9478]

I was 6 years old when Ghostbusters came out, i loved it then, i love it now. Stellar review as always guys 😃

[@aleaanderson6600]

R.I.P. Ivan Reitman

[@imtiazfromthehouseofthesea6849]

" HELLLOWWW WELCUM TO OFF THE SHELF REVIEWS . I'M CLONE # 10 . AND I'M GARY "

[@daveconte9884]

I haven’t seen that movie since it first came out but I still vividly remember that scene with a ghost titanic pulls into the New York harbor

[@TheYoungGeninSasuke]

"I love this town!" Me too! I love this movie!

[@wisper1angel]

So so so glad you've reviewed this totally totally TOTALLY FU&KI%G EPIC movie; The DOG scene despite all of it's shortcomings when in motion, I remember my reaction to it crystal clearly! When it BOUNCE'S across the street (and it was definitely more of a bounce than a bound in my 6 year old mind) the not quite perfect animation just made it all so much more hilarious, so much so that I laughed so much and so hard that despite being in the cinema with my friends and parents I totally pissed myself and swear that under any other circumstances I would have been trying to run off and hide, but hey I was just screaming with laughter. It's took ages just to write this as I can't keep a straight face just taking myself back to that moment and so many others from this awesome and timeless movie. Great review lads, I love the enthusiasm, and that's what makes Ghostbusters so EPIC, because that is what it bring out in anyone who is a fan.

[@miikasuominen3845]

I remember Doctor Loomis saying, that he gives Michael Thorazine for the court. He can barely sit up. That's the plan, he replies...

[@LessThan-wr1nr]

Love love love this movie and this review. Just discovered you tonight (through the Willow review). Great stuff. And all the gushing about this one is completely warranted!

[@LewdScoff]

Favourite movie for me and my 6 year old. He's loved it since he was 3. Timeless

[@brandonp.6051]

The sequel was in 1989. First movie I have a full memory of seeing in the theater.

[@-redacted_by_youtube]

Can't wait boy's!! Gonna be good. You two never disappoint.

[@heybrandon420]

i see The Crazies remake in the back ground, love that movie. Hope you review it sometime

[@markusvesa2763]

With The Fly and The Thing this is great remake.

[@MarcoGosatti42]

What makes Ghostbusters a classic is the funny one line qouats through the film from Murray and the crew. The catching ghots part is secondary.

[@darkdemonqueen]

This movie is literally a major part of my childhood! I have 7 brothers and we had the movie, the toys, the costumes, we quoted it constantly, we watched the cartoon.....

[@georgeharris9873]

Happy 40th anniversary to ''GHOSTBUSTERS''.

[@misterwillguitar]

what a fantastic review of one of the all time classics! thank you guys!

[@stephenkissane4268]

Eddie Murphy didn't refuse Ghostbusters he couldn't do it because he was already doing beverly Hills cop according to an interview

[@amberfoster7258]

this movie was the first one i seen in theaters with my dad when I was a kid and when I saw GBAL I was crying so hard at the very end

[@gzz8551]

A truly original masterpiece of fun.

[@harrypothead42024]

Ernie Hudson is criminally underused. It's a shame we don't get to see him in many more great roles.

[@Madbandit77]

He's been in a lot of stuff.

[@harrypothead42024]

@@Madbandit77 I do know that. I just feel like he should be in a lot more stuff

[@farr108]

This review made me so happy! Thank you!!! 💗

[@1972andyb]

I’m old enough to have seen this at the cinema, in fact I went 6 times. Loved it. Of course there’s always ‘stripes’

[@elfboy29]

Joyous fun to watch this review lads.

[@rodericperez4204]

It is hilarious that you say how Sigourney Weaver had no funny lines when it has been acknowledged being a comedic “straight man” is much more difficult than being the one mugging and telling scripted jokes. Nice job and what an insight you have on Venkman that I have never thought of before. My theory on why J. Edgar Hoover didn’t destroy them is because Venkman was for the audience. Ray does not ask for the explanation like Winston and ALREADY knew what Gozar meant and made his decision before Venkman explains what is going on. Which is why halfway through the discussion Gozar says the decision has been made.

[@adamduffield7782]

Finally, you guys are reviewing this classic! Now you need to review ghostbusters 2, and ghostbusters 2010 game which is brilliant for any ghostbuster fan. Script written by Dan Ackyoyd and Harold Ramis.

[@pyre6955]

Really GREAT review guys! It really shows you absolutely LOVE that movie and I feel the exact same way! Pure magic, perfection, so much imagination behind it! I really like the history of how Dan came up with the Ghostbusters story in the beginning, and the fact he is a true believer in the paranormal, having had experience in the subject. That movie is fantastic! 10👻/10👻

[@iyona14granturismogt6gtspo7]

I think the song was Huey Lewis "I want a new drug"

[@TheBeird]

It's a perfect film. I could offer a nuanced explanation but, I won't. What more can be said? This, Back to the Future and Robocop are the trifecta of perfect films from the 1980's

[@Emulous79]

One of the first films I saw at the cinema with my older brother. I was five years old. I think we snuck back in to see it again through the fire exit.

[@Darek_B52]

Look forward to watching this cuz BUSTING MAKES ME FEEEEL GOOOOD

[@Mcfly85A]

Love Ghostbusters 1&2. Really hope one day you two get around to reviewing The Lord Of The Rings Trilogy and The Hobbit Trilogy.

[@phoenixshroud]

Awesome review as always guys! 👊👊

[@LondonPredatorAngler]

One of the greatest Comdey Movies of all time!!!! I was born in 1979, so I grew up with it through the 80s! I hope you review GB2 now!

[@carlredbird3054]

FYI slimer has absolutely nothing to do with John lolz... The artist admitted to completing the monster suit, and the day before filming the production came to him about making slimer look like John as a tribute. The artist literally did nothing, and the next day everyone complemented on how good of a job he did making John into a ghost. Lolz other than he eats food, slimer and John have nothing to do with each other

[@mattmidgley4275]

Great review guys, huge part of my childhood and you did the movie proud 👊👊

[@deaconblues77]

I went and saw this at one of my local theaters a few months back. I believe it was playing because the new one was about to premiere

[@242Assembly]

Awesome tee-shirt Iain. And of course awesome, well-covered review as always. All the best.

[@dakotajensen181]

Bustin Bustin Bustin Bustin BUSTIN MAKES ME FEEL GOOD!!!!!!

[@VideoTasties]

I am old enough to of seen it in the cinema on release and watched it 4 times in 1 day when it was released on VHS rental

[@mathiieedoobas]

Where's Lonedragon?

[@bryanrizzo9377]

I hope you guys get around to reviewing the original first two Stepfather movies starring Terry O Quinn. I don't hear many people talk about them sadly enough but they are both classics and I own them on dvd. Quinn was perfect in the role and its to bad he didn't come back for Stepfather 3 which ofcourse i didn't even care to see for that reason.

[@nzneo643]

Hello lads how's it going? I'm eager as hell for this review! I'm looking forward to Afterlife hopefully you guys can squeeze that one in soonish, also have you guys seen The Belko Experiment? Id love to see you both review that one.

[@darkdemonqueen]

Hey! Have you seen Severance (2006)? If you enjoyed The Belko Experiment I’m pretty sure you’ll like it. 😎👍

[@nzneo643]

@@darkdemonqueen No I havnt seen that but thanks for the recommendation 😀

[@richardlewis349]

Ghost busters is what you get when a plan comes together

[@ButtaMilkBiscuitsGaming]

Ernie was suppose to be a Master Sgt in the military and was with the 3 from the very beginning. Yeah they did a disservice to him.

[@KmayThraSheR]

Off the shelf is the best review channel 💕

[@CodGodess]

One of the Greatest Films Ever, so glad you did this review and I look forward to seeing your next one 👍🏻

[@useyourillusiongnr]

This movie is just a classic ! Thank you guys! Keep up the good work!

[@Tomurow]

Huey Lewis wrote the original song.

[@kylecurry577]

A 80s classic. Groundbreaking FX. A lot of fun! Brings back the memories!

[@brandymitchell3524]

Please,please,please review one of the best and most forgotten bill Murray movie "Where the buffalo roam" Bill Murray plays Hunter S Thompson, and i prefer Bill Murray portrail of Hunter than Johhny Dep.

[@dirkb9788]

Kids were tougher in the eighties. I saw this film when i was 6 years old. I thougt it was a great film and it didnt even occur to me that there were scary parts in the film. Childs Play, now that was a scary film. Ghostbusters was just fun. Last Halloween i wanted to watch a fun film with my 6 year old daughter. I immediately thougt of Ghostbusters. But the moment that the first ghost appeared, the film had to be turned of immediately and i was asked to turn Hotel Transylvania on. Kids these days 🙄

[@Channel1Mind]

To be fair Eddie Murphy had to choose between making this movie or Beverly Hills Cop. I think he made the right choice since Beverly Hills Cop beat Ghostbusters in the box office the same year.

[@keychainere]

Hope you guys do an Afterlife review!

[@costadinover]

I used to be afraid of this movie because as a kid I used to be afraid of dogs lol.

[@AbrasiousProductions]

love the shirt Iain!

[@kalel81100]

Winston… Ray when someone asks you if your an God You say yes!!!! 🤣🤣🤣 Winston Zeddemore favourite Ghostbuster hands 🙌 down