Classic Movie Flashback 'Ghostbusters' 1984 with Bill Murray

GHOSTBUSTERS distributed by COLUMBIA pictures (1984). The comedy film starred Bill Murray, Dan Ackroyd, Harold Ramis, Ernie Hudson and Sigourney Weaver.

The production budget climbed to $30 million and the first theatrical release hit $282 million at the box office. It became a world-wide cultural phenomenon and Bill Murray became a major "comedy star." 

The theme song, "Ghostbusters" was performed by Ray Parker Jr., and it hit number #1 for three weeks on the pop chart. It sold 3 million Vinyl Record Singles (45's). This was before Compact Disc and the Internet.

Columbia Pictures had no faith in a comedy about "live" men chasing fake "ghosts" in New York City. The production budget spent a lot of money on special effects for 1983. Looking back on it now. Those effects are pretty cheesy. It was eye-popping and fun when released in 1984.

The movie became a huge merchandise opportunity (comic books, video games, a clothing line, plus board games). The film's music video was a smash on cable TV with VH1 and MTV (There was no Internet in 1984).

The movie sequels didn't fare too well, "Ghostbusters II" (1989). The reboot, "Ghostbusters" (2016). "Ghostbusters: Afterlife" (2021) and "Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire" (2024)... None had matched the original comedy. 

Below is the original 1984 Movie Trailer "Ghostbusters."

Below is the 1984 Music video of "Ghostbusters" performed by Ray Parker Jr.

It looks so cheesy 40 years later in 2024. But, this song was "huge." It played all Summer on the radio and had heavy rotation on cable's MTV. The appearances of comedians, singers and actors are from the 1980's.

Columbia Pictures. Original Movie Poster from 1984.