Contrary to the beliefs of a particularly gross subset of Internet trolls, there is room in this world for more than one team of Ghostbusters. Paul Feig's all-ladies Ghostbusters revival begins haunting theaters on July 15. Leslie Jones, Kristen Wiig, Kate McKinnon, and Melissa McCarthy strap on the proton packs for a fresh 'bustin' story that is in no way a sequel to the original '80s films. So while a bunch of sexist crybabies complain that female comedians are "ruining their childhoods," I'll be over here welcoming another entry into a franchise that I've loved since I was old enough to heard Peter Venkman's creative sexual innuendoes. You won't need to watch the 1984 movie to understand the newest film, but you have to agree that its release is a great excuse to watch New York's rookie team of professional ghost-hunters save the city for the first time. But is the original Ghostbusters on Netflix?
It's my sad duty to report that the first Ghostbusters movie is not available to stream on Netflix. The 1989 sequel Ghostbusters II isn't on the service either. Fortunately, there are several other ways to access the paranormal comedic smash. And if it's been a while since you last quoted along while Bill Murray, Ernie Hudson, Harold Ramis, and Dan Ackroyd traded quips and wiped out occult threats, I prescribe a re-watch. Ghostbusters virgin? Then the comedy gods demand you seek it out.
A 30-day rental of 1984's Ghostbusters will only set you back $1.99 on Amazon. And for just $12.99, you can own the digital copy forever. (And that's a solid investment, because lines like "Ray, when someone asks you if you're a god, you say 'yes!'" never get old.) Don't mind waiting a day or two for the mail? The Blu-Ray set of Ghostbusters and Ghostbusters II is a steal at $14.99 with free shipping for Prime members. (Regular format DVDs are available for $12.49.)
Over at iTunes, the prices are pretty similar to Amazon's. An HD rental of the original Ghostbusters is $3.99 and a download is $12.99. The "Double Feature" bundle download is $19.99 for both movies and definitely the more cost-effective option, even if Ghostbusters II is moderately inferior.
But the re-invigoration of the Ghostbusters series is an occasion that deserves some fanfare. Fanfare like a limited re-release. Fathom Events brought the original Ghostbusters back to theaters across the country for two nights this past June. Those special screening dates have come and gone, but I'd recommend checking your local theaters, especially those that do second-run showings or midnight screenings, for any sign of the O.G. squad. You may be lucky enough to experience the sticky-sweet invasion of the Stay Puft Marshmallow Man again on the big screen.
There's no such thing as "too much Ghostbusters." So after you get your tickets for the new class, don't forget to make your plans for a nostalgic trip back to a besieged Manhattan circa the mid '80s. Just don't cross the streams.
Images: Columbia Pictures; Giphy (3)
