Dan Aykroyd: Films, Rarities & Collectibles

Dan Aykroyd is one of the architects of 1980s Hollywood comedy, and his impact on the VHS era is difficult to overstate. The Blues Brothers (1980) and Ghostbusters (1984) were among the most-rented tapes of their respective years, and his run through Trading Places (1983), Spies Like Us (1985), and Dragnet (1987) made him a reliable video store presence for over a decade. Born and raised in Ottawa, Aykroyd brought a particular observational intelligence to his comic characters that separated even his broadest work from the mainstream.

While the Ghostbusters franchise remains his most enduring film legacy, Aykroyd's VHS catalog rewards deeper digging. His early 1980s work — Neighbors (1981), Doctor Detroit (1983) — offers a rawer, more experimental side of his comic sensibility. On disc, the full catalog has been well-served by anniversary editions and special releases that make this an accessible collection to build at any budget level.

Career Highlights by Era

1980–1982: The Blues Brothers, Neighbors — high-risk ensemble comedy that established his film persona beyond Saturday Night Live.
1983–1985: Trading Places, Ghostbusters, Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom (cameo), Spies Like Us — the peak commercial years when he was among Hollywood's biggest comedy draws.
1987–1993: Dragnet, Caddyshack II, Ghostbusters II, My Girl, Coneheads — a varied run that included genuine hits alongside willing-to-try-anything experiments.

What to Look For at Keystone Crypt

The original big-box Ghostbusters (RCA/Columbia, 1985) and The Blues Brothers clamshell (Universal, 1981) in excellent condition are the headline finds in his VHS catalog. Trading Places (Paramount, 1984) in clean shape is an affordable strong-shelf addition. On disc, the Ghostbusters 4K UHD and The Blues Brothers anniversary Blu-ray are the definitive editions.