Reviews for Ghostbusters : the inside story : stories from the cast and crew of the beloved films

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From Booklist, Copyright © American Library Association. Used with permission.

Featuring new commentary from many of the key players (Dan Aykroyd, special-effects genius Richard Edlund, director Ivan Reitman), excerpts from previously published material, rarely seen concept art, and plenty of behind-the-scenes stories, here's a delicious new book about the making of Ghostbusters and (to a lesser degree) Ghostbusters II. The original Ghostbusters (1984) was the brainchild of actor and writer Aykroyd, who envisioned an epic story of interdimensional ghost hunters. Reitman, a hot director after Meatballs and Stripes, suggested Aykroyd scale it back, set it in New York, and make it a story about a bunch of guys starting a new business. Author McAllister spoke with several members of the cast, as well as numerous behind-the-camera people, to put together this richly textured and entertaining account. The text not only addresses the story and the characters, but also goes into an impressive level of detail about the film’s complicated special effects: creature design, model building, the filming of effects in the days before computer graphics. McAllister also tosses in some interesting trivia: Bill Murray’s character was written for John Belushi; one of the concept artists was Swamp Thing creator Bernie Wrightson; John Candy was originally set to play Rick Moranis’ character. A wonderful tribute to the people who created a classic film.

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