Ghostbusters

The Ghostbusters ECTO-1
(Intro background music: Ray Parker Ghosbusters theme)


TOY: 1/64 scale ECTO-1 from Hotwheels

After being kicked out of their University, professors Venkman, Spengler and Stantz set up shop in an old firehouse as Ghostbusters. They rid the city of ghosts and spirits for money. Business was bad until They stumbled upon a cataclysmic event that threatened the whole city and they were called in to save the day.

Ghostbusters is one of my all time favorite movies as a kid. I used to draw the Ghostbusters logo on ALL my notebooks and watched the cartoon series regularly. Sure the special effects may seem dated now but the movie is fun to watch. Bill Muray was at his best in this movie who seems to have ready snide quips at any given opportunity.



About the diecast: From where I live all of the ECTO-1s seem to have been hoarded by toy collectors as I have not found a single ECTO-1 in any of the major shopping centers (and I've been to about 6!). I was able to get this in the secondary market and I paid about 3x more than the standard Hot Wheels price. It's not that bad really as at that price point it costs just about the same as a Greenlight or Johnny Lighting 1/64 diecast.




Hunting for this baby was so much fun as it was really a challenge. As of this writing, the secondary market price for this hot cast has gone up and is now about 5x more than the retail price of a regular Hot wheels. Getting one at that price would still be worth it as ECTO-1 was one of those iconic 80s movie cars.




Overall build is excellent as it captures the movie version accurately. However, the car does lack detail. For starters it does not have the ECTO-1 plate, second, the paint job (at least mine did) is sloppy as it had paint clumps and lastly, it would have been great if they had more detai in the roof ornament or an opening hood or an opening back door to pull out the gun racks. But they had none of these little touches that would have made this version an absolute must have.

It's still a nice diecast though and is a definite head turner in any collector's showcase. Here are some more pictures of the awesome car. 'til then, happy toy hunting!

The Dukes of Hazzard

Toy: 1/64 scale Johnny Lightning Dukes Dukes of Hazzard diecast: 1969 Dodge Charger, The General Lee

To be prefectly honest I don't remember much about the T.V. series other than the crazy car chases and Barbara Bach's "Daisy Dukes". The story and plot of the show has completely eluded me. I can distinctly remember wishing that in the ensuing car chases I could get a glimpse of the General Lee jumping over cars or other obstacles; and that pretty much sums up my memory of the The Dukes of Hazzard....and no, I haven't seen the 2005 movie version as well.

The television series, as Wikipedia puts it, stars 2 cousins living in a fictional rural town in Georgia who often foils the evil schemes of the corrupt county Commissioner. There is action, some drama but usually it is light hearted and funny.

The diecast was an easy find really. In fact, I wasn't even trying to look for the General Lee; I actually just stumbled upon it while looking for the Knight Rider car (the 2008 version). As can be expected from a Johnny Lightning car, the quality is top notch and they're still noticeably heavier than a Matchbox or Hot Wheels car. Details are nicely done and the hood opens.

Hope you enjoy these pics. Happy toy hunting!

Making of Empire Strikes Back

A fictional Behind the Scenes look at the making of the Empire Strikes Back.....

Principal photography of the actors in action less cgi background

Post Production

Luke doing some practice swings

Luke: Hey old man, betcha can't do these poses huh?

Vader: ......

Luke: So like my agent tells me I'm gonna be doin' this gig with the Muppet Show. So what have you got lined up?

Vader: (Dark side of the force welling up)....

Luke: Nothin? So like, how's it feel with all that armor on? Must be AAAAAAHHHH!!

Director: Cut!

Vader: 'twas an accident, really! No hard feelings?

Director: ok let's do this one more time. lights!....

Luke: So like, have you tried going to the dermatologist regarding your skin conditio.....AHHHHH!

Director: Cut!!

Luke: I need my agent. Get me my agent. I can't work like this. I'm the star darnit

Here are some photo stills for the marketing of the movie:

Supernatural

TOY: Greenlight Black Bandit Series 1967 Chevrolet Impala

Here's the skinny from wiki (wow, that actually rhymes) "Supernatural is an American drama and horror television series created by Eric Kripke, which debuted on September 13, 2005 on The WB, and is now part of The CW's lineup. Starring Jared Padalecki as Sam Winchester and Jensen Ackles as Dean Winchester, the series follows the brothers as they hunt demons and other figures of the paranormal."





I've never really followed the show even though I have been intrigued by its premise. I used to watch the X-files and Buffy and I'm still currently following Smallville. It should not be too much of a stretch to add this to my watch list but I guess too many shows, so little time.....

About the die cast. This was a fairly easy find really. One weekend I just stumbled upon this little gem while looking for an Ecto-1 Hot Wheels car. The original die cast car was actually an exclusive if you buy the Complete Season of Supernatural and was available in the U.S. As to what season this was bundled in kinda slipped my mind right now...but I suppose a quick Google search might do the trick =p.

The craftsmanship is awesome. Rubber tires, opening hood, nice clean lines, good solid color and clear letters for the Chevrolet logo. Pricing is reasonable but it would have been better if the doors open as well because it has some realy nice interiors.

Buffy

TOY: Johnny Lightning Spike's Desoto from the Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Series 2000


I've often enjoyed the show with all the action, witty banter and plot twists but I have to admit though that there were times when the show can be a bit boring. This is particularly true when the characters needed to contemplate on their problems and during these scenes they wallowed too much in self pity.

But overall, an enjoyable show.

I got the Johnny Lightning Desoto car from a flea market for about $3 and I was hoping there were more as I really wanted to have all the cast members' cars. But anyway I hope you enjoy the Spike mobile!