The Real Ghostbusters Cartoon Released on DVD

1980s Series Returns to New Generation of Kids, Parents

Oct 14, 2009

The animated series captured the late 1980s zeitgeist with clever quips, big hair, era-perfect synthesizers and messy ectoplasmic ghosts with stories of their own.

The Real Ghostbusters resulted from the popular live-action Ghostbuster movies featuring Bill Murray, Dan Akroyd, Harold Ramis and Ernie Hudson, all heralded by the catchy theme-song sung by Ray Parker, Jr. As one of two competing cartoon series which quickly tried to capture the market (the other was a cartoon with a gorilla as a main character), The Real Ghostbusters quickly took hold thanks to its quirky characters and voracious green sidekick, Slimer.

Running on network television from 1986 through 1991, The Real Ghostbusters gained popularity with children, who as adults can share the well-plotted, mildly violent ectoplasmic stories with their children.

Actors Including Arsenio Hall and Dave Coulier Provide Voices

The group of animated ghostbusters initially includes Dr. Peter Venkman (voiced by Lorenzo Music and Dave Coulier), Dr. Egon Spengler (Maurice LaMarche), and Dr. Ray Stantz (Frank Welker) but are quickly joined by Winston Zeddemore (Arsenio Hall and Buster Jones) and Slimer (Frank Welker). Rounding out the group is Janine Melnitz (Laura Summer and Kathy Soucie), the nasally voiced secretary who is in love with Egon.

Slimer the Slimy Green Ghost

Slimer, the unofficial mascot of the ghostfighting foursome, is adopted after accidentally hitching a ride to the firehouse on the uniforms. Although Peter Venkman pretends to find him utterly disgusting, it’s clear that Venkman and Slimer have a symbiotic relationship. Slimer's character remains especially popular with children because the gross green ghost can get away with saying or doing almost anything and usually does not have to worry about larger concerns other than doing what pleases him.

Stay-Puft Stomps Again

Fans of the series will especially enjoy the return of the Stay-Puft Marshmallow Man, who periodically rampages through the city. As another popular character from the movies, Stay Puft translates well to the small animated screen and provides a reminder of what happens to a city with a growing ghost problem. Other characters problematic for the ghostfighting four include a genie, the Sandman, and a ghost in a fun, synth jazz-filled episode set in New Orleans.

Humor, Great Ensemble, and Clever Packaging

Original writers for the cartoon include Dan Akroyd and Harold Ramis, who each wrote 140 episodes and helped to maintain the wit so central to the movies. The cartoon-emblazoned metal DVD case even includes a blueprint of the PKE Meter prop model drawing on the inside plus the five discs which comprise Set 1.

Original fans will be amused by the unmistakable 1980s synthesizer soundtrack, which will sound new to the younger viewers. Although not as sharply animated as Word World, Ben 10, and later cartoons, The Real Ghostbusters effectively entertains children and their parents with clever writing, detailed plots and a great ensemble of characters.

Animated Series DVD Information

The Real Ghostbusters, released by Sony/Time-Life in 2008. 665 minutes, 5 discs. Set 1.

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