Lego Ghostbusters Explained

Lego Ghostbusters
Subject:Ghostbusters
Licensedfrom:Columbia Pictures and Ghost Corps (Sony Pictures)
From:2014
To:2020
Sets:3
Website:http://ideas.lego.com/

Lego Ghostbusters (stylized as LEGO Ghostbusters) is a Lego theme based on the Ghostbusters franchise created by Dan Aykroyd and Harold Ramis. It is licensed from Columbia Pictures and Ghost Corps (Sony Pictures).[1] [2] The Lego Ghostbusters theme was first introduced in 2014. The first set[3] [4] was released in June 2014 as part of the Lego Ideas theme (formerly known as Lego Cuusoo).[5] [6] Later, a set based on the Ghostbusters' firehouse[7] was released and one set based on the Ghostbusters: Answer the Call.[8] The Lego Group also used this license for character and level packs in the Lego Dimensions toys-to-life video game.[9] [10] In 2018, a set was released as part of the Lego BrickHeadz theme. In 2020, another set[11] was released in November 2020 and based on film.

Overview

Lego Ghostbusters is based on the Ghostbusters franchise. The product line focuses on the Ghostbusters characters who start a ghost-catching business in New York City. Lego Ghostbusters aimed to recreate the main characters in Lego form, including Peter Venkman, Ray Stantz, Egon Spengler and Winston Zeddemore.[12] [13]

Development

Lego Ghostbusters began with the release of a user-designed construction set based on the Ectomobile (or Ecto-1), the vehicle that features in the films. The design was submitted to Lego Ideas by Australian video game artist Brent Waller. The design achieved 10,000 votes, after which it was selected for production. It was chosen for having "broad worldwide appeal and the fact that the model lends itself to challenging and creative building for both children and adult fans". The set was produced to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the original 1984 film.[14]

Lego Ghostbusters was inspired by the Ghostbusters film franchise. The Lego construction toy range is based on the film franchise and developed in collaboration with Sony Pictures Consumer Products. The construction sets were designed to recreate the story and characters of the film series in Lego form.[15]

Toy line

Construction sets

According to BrickLink, The Lego Group released a total of 3 Lego sets as part of Lego Ghostbusters theme.[16]

The Lego Ghostbusters theme was launched at the New York Toy Fair in 2014.[17] Following the successful campaign by Brent Waller for the Lego Cuusoo idea, The Lego Group released the first construction toy set based on the film. Ghostbusters Ecto-1 (set number: 21108) was based on the Ectomobile from the Ghostbusters franchise and was released in June 2014. The release of the set coincided with the 30th anniversary of the original 1984 Ghostbusters film on 7 June 2014.[18] The set included Lego minifigures of Dr. Peter Venkman, Dr. Egon Spengler and Winston Zeddemore. It also included paranormal detection equipment, a removable roof and a tracking computer.[19] [20] The Lego Group announced the Ghostbusters Ecto-1 (set number: 21108) was retired by the end of 2016.[21]

In 2016, Firehouse Headquarters (set number: 75827) a second set based on the Ghostbusters' firehouse was released in January 2016. Firehouse Headquarters (set number: 75827) was the largest set.[22] [23] [24] The set contained 4634 pieces with nine minifigures and was recommended for builders with an age rating of 16+.[25] [26] The Firehouse Headquarters had nine rooms including a laboratory, containment unit, darkroom, garage bay, office area, kitchen, sleeping quarters, bathroom and recreation room.[27] [28] The set featured opening walls for easy play access.[29] The doors of the Firehouse Headquarters could open to fit the Ghostbusters Ecto-1(set number: 21108) inside.[30] The set included three ghost figures of Slimer, Pink Ghost and Blue Ghost.[31] The Lego Group announced the Firehouse Headquarters (set number: 75827) was retired by the end of 2018.[32]

Later, Ecto-1 & 2 (set number: 75828) based on Ghostbusters: Answer the Call film was released in July 2016.[33] Ecto-1 & 2 (set number: 75828)[34] [35] was the third set. The set featured the Ecto-1 vehicle, Ecto-2 motorbike and five minifigures[36] [37] with a ghost figure.[38] [39] The set contained 556 pieces and was recommended for builders with an age rating of 8–14.[40] [41] [42] [43] The set included Lego minifigures of Abby Yates, Erin Gilbert, Jillian Holtzmann, Patty Tolan, Kevin and along with Mayhem ghost figure. It also included removable roof with paranormal detection equipment, 4 proton packs, proton sidearm, an ion shield gun, PKE Meter, 2 traps and a toolbox. The Lego Group announced the Ecto-1 & 2 (set number: 75828) was retired by the end of 2017.[44]

In 2020, it was announced that the ECTO-1 (set number: 10274)[45] [46] [47] based on the film was released on 15 November 2020.[48] The set contains 2352 pieces and is recommended for builders with an age rating of 18+. It also included working steering, trapdoor with ghost trap, an extending gunner seat, a moving ghost sniffer and paranormal detection equipment.[49] [50] [51] In addition, a Ghostbusters Afterlife poster was included as a free gift.[52] Lego designer Michael Psiaki explained, “I love creating LEGO vehicles, and having previously designed the LEGO James Bond Aston Martin DB5, I loved the challenge of working on the ECTO-1. This is the largest and most detailed version of this car that we have ever created. It is crammed full of authentic features and easter eggs that I’m excited for builders to discover as they put this model together.”[53]

Lego BrickHeadz sets

Peter Venkman & Slimer (set number: 41622)[54] [55] [56] was released on 1 July 2018 as part of the Lego BrickHeadz theme and based on the original 1984 Ghostbusters film.[57] The set consists of 228 pieces and 2 baseplates.[58] [59] The set included Peter Venkman's Proton pack and Slimer's hot dogs.[60]

Video games

Lego Dimensions

The crossover toys-to-life game Lego Dimensions (2015)[61] [62] [63] developed by Traveller's Tales features content based on both the original Ghostbusters and its 2016 remake.[64] A "level pack"[65] includes an additional level that recreates the events of the original film and adds Peter Venkman as a playable character, with the unlockable ability to play as the other three Ghostbusters. A "story pack"[66] [67] offers an extended six-level story campaign retelling the events of the 2016 film, and includes a playable Abby Yates,[68] [69] who can also be used to play as the other three Ghostbusters. Additional "fun packs"[70] [71] add Slimer[72] and Stay Puft[73] as playable characters.[74]

Lego Legacy: Heroes Unboxed

The crossover online game (2020), developed by Gameloft[75] [76] and released exclusively for Microsoft Windows, Android and iOS devices on 27 February 2020,[77] [78] [79] includes Peter Venkman,[80] Ray Stanz,[81] Egon Spengler, Winston Zeddemore and Slimer[82] as playable characters. They are the first licensed characters in the game.

Reception

The Ghostbusters Ecto-1 (set number: 10274) was well received by David Cartlidge for Blocks magazine, who rated it 95/100 and opined that, "the finished vehicle is a perfect rendition of the source material and the complex curves, lines and fins of this classic vehicle are recreated masterfully."[83]

See also

External links

Notes and References

  1. Web site: The LEGO Group to Produce LEGO Replica of Ghostbusters ECTO-1 . . 30 January 2014.
  2. Web site: 2018-04-06. LEGO to Fete Ghostbusters' 30th. 2022-10-21. licenseglobal.com. en.
  3. Web site: Ghostbusters Cuusoo set also revealed in NY . Brickset . 16 February 2014.
  4. Web site: The Ghostbusters LEGO Set is a Reality . . 31 January 2014.
  5. Web site: LEGO Ghostbusters (21108) Officially Announced at New York Toy Fair . thebrickfan.com . 16 February 2014.
  6. Web site: LEGO Ideas Ghostbusters Ecto-1 (21108) Now Available . thebrickfan.com . 31 May 2014.
  7. Web site: 2016 sets now available - January offers . Brickset . 1 January 2016.
  8. Web site: New LEGO Set For New Ghostbusters Movie Featuring Chris Hemsworth and Kristen Wiig Minifigures . toynewsi.com . 5 February 2016.
  9. Web site: LEGO Dimensions Ghostbusters & Doctor Who Sets Revealed . toynewsi.com . 6 August 2015.
  10. Ghostbusters Level Pack - LEGO Dimensions - Trailer. January 21, 2016. YouTube.
  11. Web site: New LEGO Ghostbusters Ecto-1 Set Announced . toynewsi.com . 5 November 2020.
  12. Web site: NY TOY FAIR 2014: LEGO Ghostbusters to hit shelves in June. 2021-04-04. ToyNews. en-GB. 2021-05-10. https://web.archive.org/web/20210510054313/https://toynews-online.biz/ny-toy-fair-2014-lego-ghostbusters-to-hit-shelves-in-june/. dead.
  13. Web site: 2014-06-01. Geek Gifts: The LEGO Ghostbusters Ecto-1. 2021-03-22. Collider. en-US.
  14. Web site: Lee. Jolie. Lego to release 'Ghostbusters' set tied to anniversary. 3 April 2021. USA Today.
  15. Web site: 'Ghostbusters' getting theatrical re-release In honor of 30th anniversary . . 5 June 2014.
  16. Web site: BrickLink Reference Catalog - Sets - Category Lego Ghostbusters. 2021-04-12. www.bricklink.com.
  17. Web site: Lego Ghostbusters set officially unveiled . Starr . Michelle . . 16 February 2014 . 11 November 2020 . 7 March 2021 . https://web.archive.org/web/20210307084820/https://www.cnet.com/news/lego-ghostbusters-set-officially-unveiled/ . dead .
  18. Web site: Lego Ghostbusters celebrates spook-tacular 30th anniversary . Trenholm . Richard . . 30 January 2014 . 11 November 2020.
  19. Web site: LEGO launches Ghostbusters Ecto-1 set. 2021-04-04. ToyNews. en-GB. 2021-05-10. https://web.archive.org/web/20210510054310/https://toynews-online.biz/lego-launches-ghostbusters-ecto-1-set/. dead.
  20. Book: Farshtey. Gregory. LEGO Minifigure A Visual History New Edition. Lipkowitz. Daniel. Hugo. Simon. 2020-10-01. Dorling Kindersley Limited. 978-0-241-50202-0. 209. en.
  21. Web site: LEGO Shop@Home 2016 Retiring Soon List Updated . thebrickfan.com . 11 November 2016.
  22. Web site: LEGO Ghostbusters Firehours HQ Detailed Images . Brick Fanatics . 11 November 2015.
  23. Web site: LEGO Ghostbusters Firehouse Headquarters (75827) Set Description . thebrickfan.com . 19 October 2015 . 19 October 2015.
  24. Firehouse Headquarters - LEGO Ghostbusters - 75827 - Designer Video. January 5, 2016. YouTube.
  25. Web site: Lovett. Jamie. LEGO Ghostbusters Firehouse Set First Look Photos Released. ComicBook.com. October 27, 2015. October 17, 2021. en.
  26. Web site: Fallon. Sean. Massive LEGO 'Ghostbusters' Firehouse Set Gets Its First Sale. ComicBook.com. July 12, 2018. October 17, 2021. en.
  27. Web site: 2015-10-27. LEGO nailed the famous Ghostbusters Firehouse set. 2015-10-27. 9to5Toys. en-US.
  28. Web site: LEGO Unveils Ghostbusters Firehouse Headquarters Set . . 28 October 2015.
  29. Web site: LEGO Ghostbusters Firehouse Headquarters (75827) Official Set Image . thebrickfan.com . 27 October 2015 . 27 October 2015.
  30. Web site: Go Inside the LEGO Ghostbusters Firehouse Headquarters Set . ComingSoon.net . 11 November 2015 . 11 November 2015.
  31. Web site: Lewis. Andy. 2015-11-11. Original Ghostbusters HQ Gets Lego Treatment. 2021-07-01. The Hollywood Reporter. en-US.
  32. Web site: LEGO Ghostbusters 75827 Firehouse Headquarters retiring soon . Brick fanatics . 17 November 2018.
  33. Abrams . Natalie . LEGO reveals new Ghostbusters reboot set . . March 1, 2021 . February 5, 2016.
  34. Web site: Of course the new Ghostbusters are going LEGO . . 5 February 2015.
  35. Web site: The best and weirdest 'Ghostbusters' merch, from toys to Twinkies . . 13 July 2015.
  36. Web site: Alexander. Julia. Lego Ghostbusters set includes tiny Melissa McCarthy, Chris Hemsworth. Polygon. February 5, 2016. February 5, 2019.
  37. Web site: Of course the new Ghostbusters are going LEGO . . 5 February 2016.
  38. Web site: 2016-02-05. LEGO strikes gold again w/ its latest Ghostbusters set based on the upcoming film. 2016-02-05. 9to5Toys. en-US.
  39. News: First look at new LEGO 75828 Ghostbusters Ecto-1 & 2 box art . Brick Fanatics . 3 June 2016.
  40. Web site: One LEGO Ghostbusters 2016 Movie Set Based on New Ecto-1 . thebrickfan.com . 8 January 2016 . 8 January 2016.
  41. Web site: Ghostbusters LEGO Set for the New Movie Revealed! . ComingSoon.net . 5 February 2016 . 5 February 2016.
  42. Web site: LEGO Ghostbusters Set Revealed, Includes Kristen Wiig, Leslie Jones . . 6 February 2016 . 6 February 2016.
  43. Web site: LEGO reveals new Ghostbusters set . ToyNews . 8 February 2016 . 29 September 2020 . https://web.archive.org/web/20200929173400/https://www.toynews-online.biz/2016/02/08/lego-reveals-new-ghostbusters-set/ . dead .
  44. Web site: LEGO Holiday 2017 Catalog Last Chance! (Retiring) Sets . thebrickfan.com . 8 October 2017 . 8 October 2017.
  45. Web site: This is the coolest Lego Ecto-1 we've ever seen . . 6 November 2020 . 6 November 2020.
  46. Web site: Lego's latest version of Ghostbusters' Ecto-1 is the most detailed yet. Dan Grabham. November 6, 2020. Pocket-lint.com. November 13, 2020.
  47. Web site: Lego Ghostbusters ECTO-1 is a good call for a Christmas gift . Metro . 6 November 2020.
  48. Web site: LEGO 10274 Ghostbusters ECTO-1 available now . Brick Fanatics . 15 November 2020.
  49. Web site: Roberts. Tyler. 2020-11-05. Ghostbusters ECTO-1 Joins the Afterlife as New LEGO Set. 2020-11-05. Bleeding Cool News And Rumors. en.
  50. Web site: LEGO 10274 Ghostbusters ECTO-1 – Five things you need to know . Brick Fanatics . 15 November 2020.
  51. Web site: LEGO designer video released for 2020 LEGO Ghostbusters set . Brick Fanatics . 17 September 2022.
  52. Web site: Free poster with LEGO 10274 Ghostbusters ECTO-1 deal coming . Brick Fanatics . 13 November 2020.
  53. Web site: THE LEGO GROUP ANNOUNCE THE BRAND-NEW LEGO GHOSTBUSTERS® ECTO-1 . Lego Group . 5 November 2020 . Lego.com . Lego . 9 November 2020.
  54. Web site: LEGO BrickHeadz Ghostbusters Peter Venkman & Slimer announced . Brick Fanatics . 15 May 2018.
  55. Web site: Lego announce a Ghostbusters Brickheadz set! . Fitzsimmons . Jason . Ghostbusters News . 15 May 2018 . 11 November 2020.
  56. Web site: Ghostbusters Lego Brickheadz box art released along with promo images . Fitzsimmons . Jason . Ghostbusters News . 26 May 2018 . 11 November 2020.
  57. Web site: Sony Pictures And Ghost Corps Celebrate Ghostbusters Day Today And Kick Off Plans For Two Years Of Celebrations . . 8 June 2018.
  58. Web site: LEGO BrickHeadz Ghostbusters Peter Venkman & Slimer Revealed . thebrickfan.com . 15 May 2018 . 15 May 2018.
  59. Web site: LEGO BrickHeadz Ghostbusters Peter Venkman & Slimer (41622) Official Images . thebrickfan.com . 25 May 2018.
  60. Web site: LEGO BrickHeadz Ghostbusters 41622 Peter Venkman & Slimer available now . Brick Fanatics . 1 July 2018.
  61. Web site: Lego Dimensions Announced, Uses Actual Lego Toys. Evan. Narcisse. 9 April 2015. Kotaku. 13 April 2015.
  62. Web site: Portal, Doctor Who, The Simpsons and more confirmed for Lego Dimensions . 10 May 2015 . 11 May 2015 . .
  63. Web site: New Ghostbusters Expansion Available for LEGO Dimensions . . 20 January 2016 . 20 January 2016.
  64. Web site: Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment, TT Games and The LEGO Group Announce the Launch of "LEGO Dimensions" . warnerbros.com . 27 September 2015.
  65. Web site: New Level Pack, Figures Coming to LEGO Dimensions . . 15 March 2016 . 15 March 2016.
  66. Web site: LEGO Dimensions Ghostbusters Story Pack Demo . Brick fanatics . 15 June 2016.
  67. Web site: New Wave of LEGO Dimensions Packs Now Available . toysnbricks.com . 27 September 2016.
  68. Web site: Lego Dimensions adding new Ghostbusters, Gremlins, Goonies and more! . Fitzsimmons . Jason . Ghostbusters News . 9 June 2016 . 13 November 2020.
  69. Web site: Lego Dimensions Wave 6 in pictures: Gremlins, Harry Potter, Adventure Time and more. Rik Henderson. July 7, 2016. Pocket-lint.com. September 7, 2020.
  70. Web site: Gamescom 2015: LEGO Dimensions to Feature Ghostbusters Level and Fun Packs . . 6 August 2015 . 6 August 2015.
  71. Web site: LEGO Dimensions: Simpsons, Ghostbusters and More Confirmed . . 3 June 2015 . 3 June 2015.
  72. Web site: Slimer now available in Lego Dimensions . Fitzsimmons . Jason . Ghostbusters News . 10 May 2016 . 13 November 2020.
  73. Web site: Stay Puft Marshmallow Man, Midway Arcade, Superman + more come to LEGO Dimensions! . Fitzsimmons . Jason . Ghostbusters News . 15 March 2016 . 13 November 2020.
  74. Web site: Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment, TT Games and The LEGO Group Announce The Expansion of "LEGO Dimensions" . warnerbros.com . 9 June 2016.
  75. Web site: Ghostbusters coming to LEGO Legacy: Heroes Unboxed . Fitzsimmons . Jason . Ghostbusters News . 1 July 2020 . 11 November 2020.
  76. Web site: Ghostbusters join LEGO Legacy: Heroes Unboxed . Brick Fanatics . 23 July 2020.
  77. Web site: All four Ghostbusters revealed for upcoming LEGO Legacy: Heroes Unboxed video game update . Fitzsimmons . Jason . Ghostbusters News . 14 July 2020 . 11 November 2020.
  78. Web site: Ghostbusters update now live for LEGO Legacy: Heroes Unboxed . Fitzsimmons . Jason . Ghostbusters News . 24 July 2020 . 11 November 2020.
  79. Web site: Meredith. Joe. 25 July 2020. How to unlock the Ghostbusters in LEGO Legacy: Heroes Unboxed. 14 November 2020. Pocketgamer.
  80. Web site: Sneak peek at Ghostbusters Peter Venkman in LEGO Legacy: Heroes Unboxed . Fitzsimmons . Jason . Ghostbusters News . 9 July 2020 . 11 November 2020.
  81. Web site: Ray Stantz has been unlocked in LEGO Legacy: Heroes Unboxed . Fitzsimmons . Jason . Ghostbusters News . 2 August 2020 . 11 November 2020.
  82. Web site: Sheehan. Gavin. 2020-07-25. The Ghostbusters Have Been Added To LEGO Legacy: Heroes Unboxed. 2021-04-29. Bleeding Cool News And Rumors. en.
  83. Cartlidge. David. 2021. Ghostbusters Ecto-1. Blocks. 75. 36–41.