How The Original Ghostbusters Ghost Trap Worked!

Summary

In this exciting video, Adam Savage and Brandon Allinger dive into the world of iconic *Ghostbusters* props, showcasing rare items like a Hero Ghost Trap and Egon Spengler’s first-movie belt. The Hero Ghost Trap features intricate design with working lights, moving parts, and remote control, while the belt, a unique piece tied to Muppets designer Fred Naida, offers fascinating details. The upcoming auction at the Peterson Automotive Museum will feature these legendary items, drawing fans of the franchise and prop collectors alike. It's a thrilling look at *Ghostbusters* memorabilia and its lasting impact on pop culture.

Takeaways

• 😀 The Hero Ghost trap, used in both *Ghostbusters 1* and *Ghostbusters 2*, is an iconic and functional prop with remote control, lights, and moving parts.
• 😀 The Hero Ghost trap is one of only four made for the production, and it weighs about 12-14 lbs, making it too heavy to hang on a belt.
• 😀 The trap has rare segment displays and practical flashing lights for on-set interaction, with a servo-controlled micro-switch mechanism.
• 😀 This specific Hero Ghost trap was sold by producer Michael Gross in the 1990s and is in great condition, with original labels and no restoration.
• 😀 The Ghost trap was used in close-up shots, like the one in *Ghostbusters 2* where Venkman buries the trap in the dirt.
• 😀 Egon Spengler’s original movie belt from the first *Ghostbusters* movie is the only known first-movie belt in existence.
• 😀 The belt features unique hand-drawn designs and was made from a cardboard or leather-like material, giving it a rough, authentic look.
• 😀 The belt was originally part of Peter Mosen's collection, a Ghostbusters superfan who received it directly from the studio in the 1980s.
• 😀 The belt has a rare HR label inside, referencing Fred Naida, a Muppets designer who worked on the *Ghostbusters* props.
• 😀 The auction will feature other *Ghostbusters* items, including Harold Ramis’s boots and a Spengler jumpsuit from *Ghostbusters 2*, as part of the first day of the auction.
• 😀 The upcoming auction is scheduled for March 26th to March 28th at the Petersen Automotive Museum in Los Angeles, and attendees can view the items in person.

Q & A

What is the significance of the Hero Ghost Trap in the video?

The Hero Ghost Trap is an iconic piece from the 'Ghostbusters' films, used for close-up shots and featuring detailed construction, including moving parts, lights, and radio control functionality. It represents the craftsmanship and practical effects that were used in the movie.

How many Hero Ghost Traps were made for the production?

According to the letter that came with the trap, there were four Hero Ghost Traps made for the production of the Ghostbusters films, with this particular model being one of them.

What makes this Hero Ghost Trap stand out compared to other versions?

This Hero Ghost Trap is unique because it has a full metal construction, functional parts, including lights and moving components, and remote-controlled features. It is also one of the original traps used in the films, in excellent condition, and includes rare segment displays.

What role did remote control play in the functionality of the Ghost Trap?

The remote control allowed for interactive lighting and precise movements of the trap, such as opening doors and activating the flashing lights and bar graph, which were critical for filming close-up shots with special effects.

Why is the segment display in the Ghost Trap so rare?

The segment display is considered rare because it is one of the hardest-to-find components in Ghostbusters prop applications. It was a specific part used in the movie and has become a sought-after item among collectors.

What is the story behind the Ghostbusters belt worn by Egon Spengler?

The belt is an original piece from the first Ghostbusters movie, identified as belonging to Egon Spengler. It includes a maker's label from Fred Naida, a Muppets artist, and is considered one of the few real belts from the film still in existence.

What is unique about the Ghostbusters belt compared to replicas?

This original belt is unique because it features non-standard closure and attachments compared to replicas. It also includes a label from Fred Naida, linking it to the Muppets studio, and it was used by one of the first Ghostbusters cosplayers.

How were the Ghostbusters props created in terms of design and construction?

The Ghostbusters props were designed during an era where real mechanical parts were used in their construction, rather than relying on modern 3D printing or CAD designs. Many props were cobbled together using surplus parts from various sources, giving them a practical and industrial feel.

What other iconic Ghostbusters items are featured in this auction?

Other iconic items featured in the auction include a pair of boots worn by Harold Ramis as Egon Spengler, as well as a Spengler jumpsuit from the second Ghostbusters movie, contributing to a complete Egon Spengler set.

When is the Ghostbusters auction taking place, and where can it be attended?

The Ghostbusters auction is taking place from March 26th to March 28th, with day one events held at the Peterson Automotive Museum in Los Angeles. Even if you aren't bidding, attendees can come to see the items in person.