Happy New Year from Retro Blood! We kick off 2026 with Little Monsters & Creatures Month, and we’re starting strong by reviewing all four Critters movies, beginning with the original 1986 cult classic. James Kline and J.H. Alison explain a new show format, including expanding into some early ’90s horror, before giving their quick thoughts on Critters—is it a Gremlins ripoff or its own beast? We also shout out ’80s horror royalty Dee Wallace and her iconic run during the decade. In our Weekly History Segment, we rewind to the release date April 11, 1986, covering what was happening in pro wrestling and metal at the time. James breaks down a massive WWF house show in Sydney, Australia, drawing over 9,000 fans and featuring Mean Gene Okerlund as a special ring announcer. Alison dives into metal history with Judas Priest’s Defenders of the Faith and why the album was such a big deal in the mid-’80s. We then dig into the making of Critters, discussing the film’s writers and directors, the low-budget ingenuity behind the creature effects, and the cast—including Terrence Mann, whose real-life connections hit close to home for the show. Finally, we deliver a full breakdown of the movie, from Killer Klowns-level chaos to bounty hunters, rolling balls of death, and why Critters still holds up as one of the most fun creature features of the 1980s. #RetroBlood #Critters #Critters1986 #80sHorror #CreatureFeature #LittleMonsters #HorrorPodcast #CultHorror #BMovieHorror #PracticalEffects #DeeWallace #JudasPriest #80sMetal #ProWrestling #HorrorCommunity #HorrorFans #VintageHorror #HorrorMovies #MonsterMovies

Welcome back to Retro Blood as James Kline and J.H. Alison continue our Big Blockbuster 1980s Movie Month with a special Christmas episode dedicated to the ultimate action debate movie — John McTiernan’s Die Hard (1988). We deliver a full scene-by-scene breakdown, reliving every barefoot step John McClane takes through Nakatomi Plaza, from the Christmas party invasion to Hans Gruber’s legendary fall. Along the way, we dig into the movie’s endlessly quotable moments and why Bruce Willis changed the action hero forever. This episode is loaded with behind-the-scenes stories, including the film’s adaptation from Nothing Lasts Forever, the risky casting of Willis, Alan Rickman’s iconic first role, McTiernan’s direction, real stunts, and how Die Hard created an entire action subgenre. And yes — we finally settle the argument:Is Die Hard really a Christmas movie? Grab a drink, crank up the Christmas lights, and join us for gunfire, glass, and pure 1980s blockbuster chaos. 🎄💥

Join James Kline and J.H. Alison as Retro Blood continues Big Blockbuster 1980s Month with a deep dive into Rambo: First Blood (1982) — the gritty action-drama that launched one of the biggest franchises of the decade. This week, we break down how First Blood is far more than an action movie, examining its roots as a character-driven Vietnam War aftermath film and how it reflects the tension between small-town authority and returning veterans in early ’80s America. We go scene by scene through Rambo’s arrival in Hope, the brutal police station sequence, the manhunt through the Pacific Northwest wilderness, and the explosive return to town. We also dig into: Sylvester Stallone’s restrained, emotional performance The original novel vs. the film’s ending Sheriff Teasle as a surprisingly layered antagonist The movie’s grounded tone compared to later Rambo sequels How First Blood helped redefine the 1980s action hero As always, we mix in our usual side tangents, 1980s context, and annual stout reviews while debating whether First Blood belongs more in the action canon or as a dramatic war film. A lean, mean blockbuster that still hits hard over 40 years later — lock and load for Retro Blood Episode 218. #RetroBloodPodcast #FirstBlood #Rambo #SylvesterStallone#1980sBlockbusters #80sAction #ActionCinema#VietnamWarFilms #CultCinema #StoutReviews

Hosted by JK Kline & JH Alison1980s Big Blockbuster Month Begins! Holy Retro Blood, Gotham!JK Kline and JH Alison return to swoop down into the neon-lit, gothic madness of Tim Burton’s Batman (1989) for Episode 217! This week we go full blockbuster mode, diving deep into the film that reshaped superhero cinema forever. We break down everything: 🦇 Full Movie BreakdownWe walk you scene-by-scene through Burton’s dark vision of Gotham City — Batman’s rise, Jack Napier’s fall into madness, the Joker’s laughing terror, and the epic rooftop showdown that defined an era. 🎬 Behind-the-Scenes SecretsWe uncover all the wild production stories, including: The fan outrage over Michael Keaton’s casting Jack Nicholson’s legendary salary deal The stiff, iconic Batsuit that Keaton couldn’t turn his head in Prince’s soundtrack controversy Gotham’s massive practical set Why Robin was cut The improvised cathedral finale And tons more trivia that shaped the Bat-mythos 🍺 Annual Retro Blood Stout ReviewsOur Big Blockbuster Month continues with another round of hearty stout reviews — because nothing pairs with Batman’s gothic cityscape like a dark, heavy brew. Whether you're a Bat-fan, an ’80s junkie, or just love hearing two dudes talk about giant practical sets and insane paychecks, this episode is packed tighter than the Batmobile at Axis Chemicals. Tune in, drink up, and let Retro Blood signal the night! #RetroBlood #RetroBloodPodcast #Batman1989 #Batman #TimBurton #MichaelKeaton #JackNicholson #80sMovies #1980s #BigBlockbusterMonth #HorrorPodcast #MoviePodcast #BehindTheScenes #GothamCity #JKkline #JHAlison #StoutReview #PodcastLife #FilmNerds #CultMovies #RetroHorror

James Kline and J.H. Alison close out 1980s Killer Families Month with one of horror’s strangest forgotten Thanksgiving slashers: Home Sweet Home (1981). A PCP-crazed bodybuilder, a dysfunctional family gathering, and pure early-’80s chaos—this one has it all. We kick things off with our first impressions, including the amazing trailer and how James randomly discovered this long-lost DVD. Then we dive into the film’s behind-the-scenes history: Director Nettie Peña — one of the few female horror directors of the era Writer Thomas Bush — his only screenplay before shifting into sound work Jake Steinfeld (aka “PCP Jay”) — his wild performance and what he became known for Young Vinessa Shaw (Angel Bradley) — her first film role and later Hollywood success Filming locations, indie production details, and why this movie vanished for decades Then we break down the full movie: a Thanksgiving where nearly every adult wants drugs, no holiday decorations in sight, improv-heavy dialogue, and PCP Jay launching himself onto cars, tables, and people like an unhinged slasher superhero. A weird, gritty, oddly authentic Thanksgiving horror film—and a perfect way to wrap up the month. #RetroBloodPodcast #HomeSweetHome1981 #ThanksgivingHorror #Slashers #80sHorror #HorrorPodcast #KillerFamilyMovies #PCPJay #VinessaShaw      

James Kline & J.H. Alison keep 1980s Killer Family Month rolling with a Thanksgiving feast of mayhem as we dive into The Texas Chainsaw Massacre 2—Tobe Hooper’s wild, comedic, gore-soaked sequel to his 1974 classic. We kick things off by revisiting the legacy of the original film and how its raw realism reshaped horror. Then we explore Hooper’s return to the franchise through his three-picture Cannon Films deal, why he decided to lean heavily into dark comedy, and whether that tonal shift actually works. We dig into the movie’s chaotic production: Casting Bill Moseley after his underground short "The Texas Chainsaw Manicure" caught Hooper’s eye Budget cuts that held back Hooper’s original vision Tom Savini’s practical FX, bringing some of the best (and bloodiest) work of the decade Behind-the-scenes Cannon madness and the studio’s expectations for a sequel How Dennis Hopper, Caroline Williams, and Jim Siedow shaped the film’s off-kilter tone Due to some technical issues, James takes the reins solo on the full review portion—digging into Stretch’s radio-station nightmare, Hopper’s unhinged chainsaw crusade, and the cannibalistic madness of the Sawyer family as the franchise veers into full-tilt insanity. #RetroBloodPodcast #TexasChainsawMassacre2 #TCM2 #TobeHooper #80sHorror #KillerFamilyMonth #HorrorPodcast #TomSavini #BillMoseley #CannonFilms      

James Kline and J.H. Alison continue 1980s Killer Family Month with one of the nastiest low-budget backwoods shockers of the era: Mother’s Day (1980). We kick things off with our first impressions—why this grimy hillbilly horror flick doesn’t hit the same cultural impact as I Spit on Your Grave or Last House on the Left, yet still carves out its own bizarre identity. We talk why the film was made, who made it, and how the Kaufman brothers brought their trademark off-beat grit to the project. In our weekly History Segment, we cover what was happening in Pro Wrestling and Metal Music around the film’s release. In wrestling, we break down The Grappler ending Ted DiBiase’s second reign as Mid-South North American Champion. Alison then walks us through what David Bowie was up to at this point in his career. Then we dive into the movie’s production—how the Kaufmans pulled this off on a shoestring budget, the filming locations shared with Friday the 13th Parts 1 and 2, and the infamous abandoned house rumored to have been the site of a real murder (plus a supposed real corpse used as a prop). We talk Charles Kaufman casting members of his own family, his attempts to squeeze raw emotion out of his actors, and all the strange behind-the-scenes lore that makes this film a cult oddity. Finally, we break down the full movie—from the unexpected fate of Jackie (not the final girl we expected), to the hilariously awkward hillbilly brothers, the twisted “Mother” character, and all the uncomfortable, sleazy mayhem that makes Mother’s Day such a wild entry in 1980s exploitation horror. This one gets messy… and that’s exactly why we’re covering it. 🎧 Listen now wherever you get your podcasts! follow us on all platforms! 📷 Instagram 📘 Facebook Page 👥 Facebook Group 🎥 YouTube Channel    #RetroBloodPodcast #MothersDay1980 #1980sHorror #KillerFamilyMonth #ExploitationHorror #Troma #BackwoodsHorror #HorrorPodcast #CultHorror #80sMovies

James Kline and J.H. Alison kick off Killer Family Month this November with a massive Retro Blood double feature covering The Stepfather and Stepfather II—two of the most unsettling and underrated psychological slashers of the late 1980s. The boys dive into the real-life inspiration behind the story: the chilling case of mass murderer John List, whose crimes helped shape the blueprint for the Stepfather character. From there, they explore the behind-the-scenes history of both films, including the directors who brought these nightmares to life and how the series evolved from intimate psychological terror to more over-the-top suburban mayhem. Of course, the spotlight is on the legendary Terry O’Quinn, whose terrifying, charismatic performance as Jerry Blake/Bill Hodgkins remains one of horror’s greatest “killers hiding in plain sight.” James and Alison talk O’Quinn’s preparation, his approach to the role, and why he completely elevates both entries. Then it’s on to the full breakdowns:🔸 Which film is creepier—and why?🔸 The most disturbing scenes vs. the unintentionally hilarious ones.🔸 The wild suburban characters who absolutely had the boys cracking up.🔸 How the sequels expand (or totally derail) the mythology of the Stepfather. Two films, one monstrous man trying to build the “perfect family” by any means necessary. And Retro Blood dives into every twisted moment. #RetroBloodPodcast #Stepfather1987 #Stepfather2 #TerryOQuinn #KillerFamilyMonth #80sHorror #PsychologicalHorror #SlasherMovies #HorrorPodcast #HorrorCommunity #RetroHorror #CultHorror #TrueCrimeInfluence

It’s Halloween season on Lights Out, and James Kline & J.H. Alison are heading back to 1998 to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the original Halloween with the first big reboot of the franchise — Halloween H20: Twenty Years Later! The boys dive deep into how this movie resurrected Michael Myers for a new generation and whether it still holds up today. They discuss the chaotic history behind H20’s creation — how the success of Scream changed the tone, why Jamie Lee Curtis returned as Laurie Strode, and how the Weinsteins reworked the script from a direct-to-video sequel into a full-blown theatrical reboot. James and Alison debate the multiple unused Halloween 7 scripts and the original plans following The Curse of Michael Myers, with James defending his love for Halloween 6. They also break down the film’s sleek late-’90s cast — including Josh Hartnett, Michelle Williams, and LL Cool J (aka the security guard poet) — and how this entry blends slasher nostalgia with the glossy style of its era. Finally, the guys discuss H20’s legacy, its bold finale, and how its much-maligned sequel (Resurrection) undid one of horror’s best endings. 💀 It’s the perfect Halloween episode: nostalgia, 90s slashers, and the return of the Boogeyman. #LightsOutPodcast #HalloweenH20 #MichaelMyers #LaurieStrode #JamieLeeCurtis #JohnCarpenter #ScreamEra #90sHorror #HalloweenMovie #HorrorPodcast #HorrorCommunity #Halloween2025 #SlasherMovies #LLCoolJ #DimensionFilms #RetroHorror

James Kline & J.H. Alison close out Howling October 2025 with the strangest (and slowest melting werewolves ever) — The Howling IV: The Original Nightmare! The boys break down how this one tries to return to the original book roots but ends up feeling more like a weird South African tax write-off. They talk behind-the-scenes chaos between director John Hough and writer Clive Turner, producer Harry Alan Towers bringing back Steven Lane, and that haunting theme song by Justin Hayward. In our History Segment, we jump to July 3, 1988, talking wrestling heartbreaks, Wrestling Challenge highlights, and metal legend Slayer dropping South of Heaven. Then we dive into the full movie — Richard trying to be Rambo (and horny), Marie turning detective, and the dopey Drago werewolves who literally lock themselves in a tower. A weird, wild finish to Howling Month! 🎧 Listen now wherever you get your podcasts! follow us on all platforms! 📷 Instagram 📘 Facebook Page 👥 Facebook Group 🎥 YouTube Channel    #RetroBloodPodcast #TheHowling4 #JohnHough #80sHorror #WerewolfMovies #Slayer #SouthOfHeaven #ProWrestlingHistory #CultHorror #VHS #HorrorPodcast #TheOriginalNightmare

Join James Kline & J.H. Alison as Retro Blood continues its Howling October 2025 celebration—reviewing every Howling movie from the 1980s! This week, the boys head Down Under for the strangest and most bizarre entry in the franchise—The Howling III: The Marsupials! We kick things off with Alison explaining his love for this weird, mutant marsupial masterpiece—while James shares stories from his trip to Sydney and how he recognized real filming locations used in the movie. Then in our Weekly History Segment, we travel back to November 13, 1987. In wrestling, we break down the Wrestling Observer and Pro Wrestling Illustrated rankings of the top wrestlers of the year and debate who truly deserved the crown of 1987. In metal, Alison takes us deep into the doom-laden world of NightFall and their epic album Candlemass , discussing its influence on the rise of true doom metal. Behind the scenes, we explore how director Philippe Mora returned to the franchise after Howling II, this time with full creative control—writing and directing this gonzo mix of horror, satire, and Australian weirdness. We talk about producer Steven Lane’s continued push to milk the Howling name, the shift to Sydney filming locations to save money, and how the movie incorporated the legend of the Tasmanian Tiger. We also discuss how Howling III diverges wildly from Gary Brandner’s book, becoming its own wild cinematic creature. Then we dive fang-first into the full movie review—Jerbo and Donny’s oddball romance, Professor Beckmyer’s hippie transformation, Kandi’s acid trip scene, and the film’s surprisingly sympathetic take on werewolves as misunderstood outsiders. We talk about marsupial pouches, government experiments, and some truly bonkers effects that make this movie a one-of-a-kind slice of ’80s horror absurdity. 🎧 “They’re not just werewolves—they’re marsupial werewolves, mate!” #RetroBloodPodcast #TheHowling3 #TheMarsupials #PhilippeMora #80sHorror #AustralianHorror #CultMovies #WerewolfMovies #DoomMetal #Candlemass #ProWrestlingHistory #BMovieHorror #RetroHorror #HorrorPodcast #HowlingFranchise #FullMoonHorror #Ozploitation #80sCinema

Join James Kline & J.H. Alison as Retro Blood continues its Howling October 2025 celebration—reviewing every ’80s Howling movie! Up next, the most outrageous and sleazy entry in the series: The Howling II: Your Sister Is a Werewolf! We kick things off with our thoughts on Christopher Lee’s surprisingly serious performance amidst werewolf orgies and synth-fueled chaos. Then, in our Weekly History Segment, we travel back to July 4, 1986—talking a wild WCCW title change between Rick Rude and Chris Adams and our memories of both men. Alison dives into Van Halen’s “5150” era, explaining why the Sammy Hagar years deserve more love. Then we sink our fangs into the production history—director Philippe Mora’s wild ride of clashing tones and weird creative choices. We discuss Mora’s obsession with new wave horror, his discovery of Christopher Lee’s secretive WWII past, and producer Steven Lane’s attempt to cash in on the franchise’s name. We also dig into author Gary Brandner’s minimal involvement, the troubled script rewrites, the chaos of filming in Prague, and the effects crew doing their best with a laughably small budget. Finally, we tear into the full movie review—Christopher Lee trying his best to hold it together, Sybil Danning stealing the show as Stirba, Queen of the Werewolves, that infamous topless transformation scene, bizarre punk costumes, Ben and Jenny’s painfully bad acting, and the over-the-top ’80s insanity that makes Howling II an unforgettable cult experience. 🐺🎧 “Your sister’s a werewolf, and this episode’s pure Retro Blood chaos!” 🎧 Listen now wherever you get your podcasts! follow us on all platforms! 📷 Instagram 📘 Facebook Page 👥 Facebook Group 🎥 YouTube Channel    #RetroBloodPodcast #TheHowling2 #ChristopherLee #SybilDanning #PhilippeMora #80sHorror #WerewolfMovies #CultHorror #ProWrestlingHistory #VanHalen #MetalHistory #HorrorPodcast #BMovieMadness #FullMoonHorror #HowlingFranchise #RetroHorror

James Kline and J.H. Alison kick off October 2025 and celebrate 4 years of Retro Blood by diving fang-first into The Howling (1981)—the movie that redefined werewolf horror and launched a wild franchise through the ’80s. The boys start with their thoughts on the film (and James’ legendary long intro), then hit the Weekly History Segment covering what was going on in Metal and Pro Wrestling around The Howling’s release, March 13, 1981. James breaks down a wild WWF match between Andre the Giant and Sgt. Slaughter in a high school gym, while Alison takes us into the rise of New Order and the post–Joy Division era. Behind the scenes, we talk Joe Dante’s big break, his hilarious story about trashing the source novel, and how producer Steven Lane helped get this beast made. We also cover Rob Bottin’s groundbreaking werewolf transformation effects, the film’s incredible cast of horror newcomers, and Dante’s Piranha crew reunion. Then it’s the full moon review — from Dr. George’s weird therapy cult to Karen’s haunting nightmares and that unforgettable werewolf ritual scene with Bill and Marsha. It’s hairy, bloody, and pure early-’80s horror magic. 🎧 Listen now wherever you get your podcasts! follow us on all platforms! 📷 Instagram 📘 Facebook Page 👥 Facebook Group 🎥 YouTube Channel  #RetroBloodPodcast #TheHowling #80sHorror #JoeDante #RobBottin #WerewolfMovies #HorrorPodcast #MetalHistory #ProWrestlingHistory #FullMoonHorror #ClassicHorror

James Kline and J.H. Alison close out Ghost Month Part 2 with one of the wildest nautical horrors of the 1980s—Death Ship! This haunted German vessel isn’t just drifting at sea—it’s captained by one of the decade’s most underrated horror villains, the sinister Captain Ashland. We kick things off with first impressions before diving into our History Segment, exploring what was happening in Pro Wrestling and Metal around the release date of March 7, 1980. In wrestling, James questions whether the true “monster heel push” started with Hulk Hogan. Alison then takes us into metal with Judas Priest’s legendary tour, a pivotal moment for heavy music. From there, we go behind the scenes of Death Ship—covering filming locations, the director’s vision, cast notes, and even the films it shamelessly “borrowed” scenes from. Then it’s a full breakdown of this creepy maritime nightmare: couples who can’t commit, the unforgettable blood shower scene, the twisted transformation of Marshall, and of course, Captain Ashland morphing into a full-on Nazi sea ghoul. Is Death Ship secretly connected to Evil Dead lore? We dig into that theory and more in this chilling deep-sea finale. #RetroBloodPodcast #DeathShip #80sHorror #GhostShip #CultHorror #HauntedShip #ProWrestlingHistory #HeavyMetalHistory

James Kline & J.H. Alison continue Ghost Month Part 2 with one of the strangest Italian horror sequels that isn’t really a sequel—Witchery aka La Casa 4. Yes, this is the infamous David Hasselhoff Italian gore movie… and it’s everything you think it is. We kick things off with quick thoughts on the film, debating why the Hoff did this and why we secretly love it anyway. From a fun (and bizarre) story, to Linda Blair’s possession, to upside-down burning crosses and lip-stitching nightmares—this movie goes all in on outrageous Italian horror. In our weekly History Segment, James breaks down August 6, 1989, with the first-ever Tag Team Iron Man Match between The Rockers & The Fabulous Rougeaus—plus a full look at the rules of the match. Alison dives into thrash legends Testament and their killer album Practice What You Preach. We then dig into the movie’s production: Why David Hasselhoff was huge in Italy thanks to Knight Rider and how this lined up with Baywatch. Fabrizio Laurenti’s chaotic road to the director’s chair after Luigi Cozzi was dropped for calling the script lazy. Writers Daniele Stroppa & Claudio Lattanzi, Massaccesi’s involvement, and the unique filming locations. Finally, we go deep into the full review—bad acting, Hoff covered in buckets of Italian blood, Linda Blair stealing the show, and our theories on how Witchery “connects” (sort of) to Evil Dead. If you like cult gore, off-the-wall Italian horror, and seeing David Hasselhoff in the weirdest role of his career—you don’t want to miss this one. #RetroBloodPodcast #Witchery #LaCasa4 #80sHorror #ItalianHorror #LindaBlair #DavidHasselhoff #EvilDead #ThrashMetal #ProWrestlingHistory #Testament #CultHorror

James Kline and J.H. Alison return for Ghost Month Part 2 with a hidden Italian horror gem—Umberto Lenzi’s Ghost House (aka La Casa 3). We kick things off with our thoughts on the film, the confusing La Casa title change, and whether this supposed Evil Dead “sequel” has any real connection to Sam Raimi’s classic. In our weekly history segment, we cover the darker side of 1988: the tragic death of Bruiser Brody in Puerto Rico and the Wrestling Observer’s coverage of the aftermath. Then Alison dives into the decline of the band Europe, who were struggling after their mid-’80s success. We also dig into the making of Ghost House: Lenzi working under a goofy American pseudonym, the decline of funding for Italian horror in the late ’80s, and how independent backers brought this haunted house nightmare to life. Plus, we explore the La Casa franchise name game and why Italian distributors branded this as La Casa 3. Finally, we break down the movie itself: Paul’s ham radio and advanced “1988 computer skills,” the creepy groundskeeper Willy, the unforgettable score, Evil Dead-inspired imagery, a useless paperboy, and a bizarre but fun haunted house finale. If you love sleazy late-’80s Italian horror, this episode is for you. 🎧 Listen now wherever you get your podcasts! follow us on all platforms! 📷 Instagram 📘 Facebook Page 👥 Facebook Group 🎥 YouTube Channel 

James Kline & J.H. Alison kick off the Road to Halloween with 1980s Ghost Movies Round 2! First up is the chilling British made-for-TV classic, The Woman in Black (1989)—a haunting tale that brought gothic ghost stories back into the spotlight. We open with our first impressions of the film and dive into the tradition of telling ghost stories on Christmas Eve, a long-standing British custom that adds to this movie’s eerie charm. Our history segment takes us to December 24, 1989: in wrestling, we explore the importance of holiday shows on Christmas and Thanksgiving, plus WCW’s TV special that aired on Dec. 23 featuring stacked tag matches. In metal, Alison digs into Pestilence’s crushing album Consuming Impulse and its place in the rise of death metal. Then it’s behind-the-scenes time—discussing Susan Hill’s original novel, her mixed feelings on the adaptation, and the impressive cast that brought this ghost story to life. We talk about the film’s ratings success, its award recognition, and even the strange Harry Potter connection: Daniel Radcliffe playing Arthur in the remake, while his own father, Alan Radcliffe, starred as Arthur in the 1989 original. Finally, we break down the full film: from the sinister solicitor’s boss, to the two mysterious sisters and their connection to the haunting. James theorizes about Sam’s role, the house fire, and what the ending truly meant. Of course, we can’t forget the terrifyingly effective jump scares that made this one of the most unforgettable ghost stories of the 1980s. Perfect for horror fans who love atmosphere, mystery, and a creeping sense of dread. 🎧 Listen now wherever you get your podcasts! follow us on all platforms! 📷 Instagram 📘 Facebook Page 👥 Facebook Group 🎥 YouTube Channel  #RetroBloodPodcast #TheWomanInBlack #GhostStories #80sHorror #MadeForTVHorror #BritishHorror #SusanHill #GothicHorror #CultHorror #MetalAndHorror #ProWrestlingHistory #HalloweenSeason

James Kline & J.H. Alison close out Lucio Fulci Month with his straight-to-video dark horror-comedy Touch of Death! We kick things off discussing Fulci’s late-‘80s decline, his struggles with producers, and the home video market that pushed many Italian horror films out of theaters. We also break down the film’s unique blend of gore and pitch-black comedy—at first trashing the humor, but slowly finding charm in its absurdity. Our history segment takes us back to 1988: in wrestling, a bizarre WWF house show in Italy featuring Andre the Giant vs. Tito Santana, and in metal, Alison dives into Sanctuary’s debut album “Refuge Denied.” We then explore the behind-the-scenes drama: Fulci writing/directing because producer Lamberto Tessicini ask him to Supervise but he had other plans in mind, the rushed budget, Fulci clashing with yet another producer, and Formula Home Video’s legal battles over distribution rights. Finally, we review the movie itself—Lester, his obsession with windows & horse racing, the oddly marked female victims, the surprising gore, and Fulci’s twisted humor that leaves you laughing and cringing at the same time. A strange but fitting finale to our month-long dive into Fulci’s 1980s madness! 🎧 Listen now wherever you get your podcasts! follow us on all platforms! 📷 Instagram 📘 Facebook Page 👥 Facebook Group 🎥 YouTube Channel  #RetroBloodPodcast #LucioFulci #ItalianHorror #80sHorror #CultMovies #TouchOfDeath #FulciForever #DarkComedy #StraightToVideo #HorrorHistory #MetalAndHorror #ProWrestlingHistory

James Kline & J.H. Alison continue Lucio Fulci Month with one of his most bizarre and controversial films — The Devil’s Honey (1986), also known as Dangerous Obsession. This erotic thriller/drama is a far cry from Fulci’s gore-drenched horror classics, but still packed with his unflinching, boundary-pushing style. We kick things off with our thoughts on how different this movie is compared to early Fulci, its experimental Euro-arthouse vibe, and the question — who exactly was this movie made for? Then it’s time for our Weekly History Segment. In wrestling, we dive into WWF’s Big Event (1986) in Toronto, which drew an insane 70,000+ fans. We talk the matches, the spectacle, and the highs and lows of this legendary outdoor event. In metal, we step out of the 80s for a moment to pay tribute to Brent Hinds of Mastodon, who passed away this past week, looking at his impact on heavy music. Next, we break down the behind-the-scenes drama of The Devil’s Honey: Actress Blanca Marsillach (Jessica) clashing with the crew and producers. Her claim that Fulci went too far in some of the film’s more graphic sequences. The American release changing character names — some hilariously questionable choices we couldn’t help but laugh at. Finally, we dive into the full film review: Johnny’s obsessive cycle of “I love you, I need you, I want you now.” Jessica’s endless quota of on-screen nudity. Dr. Simpson’s bizarre “red-face” sexual fantasies. The infamous saxophone scene. And the shocking, rarely-discussed theater scene that comes completely out of nowhere. This is Fulci like you’ve never seen him — strange, sleazy, erotic, and totally unforgettable. 🎧 Listen now wherever you get your podcasts! follow us on all platforms! 📷 Instagram 📘 Facebook Page 👥 Facebook Group 🎥 YouTube Channel  #RetroBloodPodcast #TheDevilsHoney #LucioFulci #ItalianHorror #EroticThriller #CultCinema #ExploitationFilms #80sHorror #FulciForever #ObsessionHorror #CultMovies #MetalAndHorror #ProWrestlingHistory #RetroHorror

James Kline & J.H. Alison continue Lucio Fulci Month with one of his strangest films—The Black Cat (1981). A moody mix of Edgar Allan Poe inspiration, European gothic vibes, and Fulci’s signature brutality, this movie asks the question: what happens when a psychic professor uses a cat to control minds and kill his enemies? We kick things off with thoughts on the film’s connection to Poe’s short story and James checking in from Australia this month. Then it’s time for our Weekly History Segment—we dive into what was happening in April 1981: James covers a wild WWF house show headlined by Andre the Giant vs. Hangman and Don Muraco vs. The Black Demon, while Alison explores the band Spellbound and how their sound shaped different metal bands of the era. From there, we break down the film’s background: co-writer Biagio Proietti, Fulci’s shift into more violent territory, and casting secrets—including one shocking actor almost cast as Miles that blew our minds. We cover Dagmar Lassander’s near-death fire stunt, Fulci’s gothic set design, and how The Black Cat mixes murder mystery, gothic horror, and straight-up weirdness. Finally, we review the movie itself—Scotland Yard’s Inspector Gorley stumbling through the case, Jill the photographer caught up in it all, Miles’ creepy mansion complete with bats, cats, and Halloween spirit, and of course the killer feline itself bringing that cat scratch fever. This one’s a bizarre but fun slice of Fulci madness you don’t want to miss. 🎧 Listen now wherever you get your podcasts! follow us on all platforms! 📷 Instagram 📘 Facebook Page 👥 Facebook Group 🎥 YouTube Channel    #RetroBloodPodcast #LucioFulci #TheBlackCat1981 #ItalianHorror #80sHorror #CultCinema #EdgarAllanPoe #GothicHorror #HorrorPodcasts #MetalAndHorror #ProWrestlingHistory #RetroHorror #FulciForever