In the screenplay, the sequence where the Freelings and the paranormal psychologists witness the spirits at the staircase is a bit different. Instead of a floating spirit, the screenplay describes the spiritual display as “something ectoplasmic and blue-green” and later, “a crawling mass” that ”resembles a giant hand with long, searching fingers, flowing down the stairs.“
There is a brief exchange of dialogue between Ryan and Marty, who the screenplay refers to as Tak.
RYAN: It’s manifesting! It’s manifesting! Look at the scope!
TAK: Watch the trip wires! Temperature’s dropping.
RYAN: Racial!!
TAK: Can you breathe?
RYAN: Can you run? I’m workin’ on it.
The script then describes “another tentacle,” that is compared to a snake, that studies the Ryan’s video equipment. “Ectoplasmic mist” then enters the living room, where Diane, Steve, Robbie, and Dr. Lesh are resting.
DR. LESH: Have you experienced this before?
DIANE: First time!
DR. LESH: Me too.
All the lights turn on and blares in everyones’ eyes. A loud noise is soon followed by a “flash” before everything in the room returns to normality.
As in the film, everyone goes to watch the tape, where they see the shapes manifest into ghostly human figures. Then, they see the creepy eyes of what appears to be a deranged, old man. The following exchange actually appeared in the trailer:
DIANE: That thing is in there with my baby! That thing! That thing!
DR. LESH: My God! There are hundreds.
Lesh then takes out the tapes and puts them in a briefcase.
