The premiere date of the Ghostbusters reboot (Sequel? Spin-off? Cinematic universe extension?) is fast approaching, but not before the movie that inspired it all reaches a cinematic milestone: The 1984 Ivan Reitman comedy turns 32 this year. In its honor, June 8 has been declared Ghostbusters Day and Fathom Events is celebrating the occasion with a limited, two-day theatrical run of the beloved movie. And, in a move that will hopefully establish a positive connection between Reitman’s classic and Paul Feig’s upcoming version (though, unfortunately, probably not), the screenings will include a special preview of this summer’s Ghostbusters, starring Kristen Wiig and Melissa McCarthy.
These special Ghostbusters screenings play at select theaters nationwide on both June 8 and 12. The A.V. Club and Fathom Events have an opportunity for you to attend the Chicago screening on June 8 for free. For your chance to win a pair of passes, simply follow the link here and enter your information. Remember: Advance screenings are often intentionally overbooked, so be sure to arrive early if you want to guarantee yourself a seat. In case you need a refresher, an official plot synopsis and trailer for the special event can be found below.
This ’80s comedy classic, written by Harold Ramis and Dan Aykroyd, produced and directed by Ivan Reitman, tells the story of university parapsychologists Dr. Peter Venkman (Bill Murray), Dr. Raymond Stanz (Dan Aykroyd), and Dr. Egon Spengler (Harold Ramis) who lose a research grant when their experiment methodology is proven to be bogus. The team decides to go into business for themselves and open ‘Ghostbusters,’ a ghost removal service. After their first successful “ghost bust,” the demand for their services increases, along with paranormal activity in New York City, and the team hires a fourth member Winston Zeddemore (Ernie Hudson), rounding out the official Ghostbusters. The team is summoned to investigate the strange happenings in Dana Barrett’s (Sigourney Weaver) Central Park West apartment. What they discover is that all Manhattan is being besieged by ghosts and other worldly demons through a portal in her building. On their mission to save New York City, the Ghostbusters encounter Slimer, Zuel, Gozer, the Stay Puff Marshmallow Man, and many more other-worldly spirits.