Retro Blood

Retro Blood

Retro Blood network

  1. Jun 1

    Retro Blood 240: Fatal Games (1984)

    Join James Kline and J.H. Alison as Retro Blood wraps up our 1980s Killer School Horror Movies month with the athletic slasher Fatal Games. We kick things off with quick thoughts on the movie and how it compares to Graduation Day. We discuss the difference between early-'80s slashers and the more polished films that would dominate later in the decade, and why Fatal Games feels like a perfect bridge between the two eras. Then we get into the history of the film. Originally released under the title The Killing Touch, the movie was directed by Michael Elliott and follows a mysterious javelin-wielding killer targeting athletes at a sports academy. The film was shot in Los Angeles, released through Impact Films, and later became a VHS favorite under alternate titles such as Olympic Nightmare. The movie has often been compared to Graduation Day because of its athletic setting, track-suit killer, and sports-themed murders. We also talk about the cast, including Sally Kirkland, the memorable synth-heavy soundtrack by Shuki Levy, and why the film has gained a cult following among VHS horror fans despite mixed reviews over the years. Many horror fans still praise it as a fun late-night slasher packed with ridiculous kills and pure '80s energy. Finally, we deliver a full breakdown of the movie, discussing the killer's identity, the outrageous javelin murders, the over-the-top characters, and the film's strengths and weaknesses. We talk about what works, what doesn't, and whether Fatal Games deserves more love among fans of obscure '80s slashers. It's killer athletes, synth music, locker-room drama, and pure VHS horror insanity—only on Retro Blood. 🩸🏅 #RetroBlood #FatalGames #80sHorror #SlasherMovie #GraduationDay #CultHorror #VHSHorror

    57 min
  2. May 24

    Retro Blood 239: Class of Nuke 'Em High (1986)

    Join James Kline on a rare solo episode of Retro Blood while J.H. Alison is away, as we continue 1980s Killer School Horror Month with the radioactive Troma cult classic Class of Nuke 'Em High. James dives into the wild world of mid-’80s punk culture, MTV, and how Hollywood portrayed punk rockers during this era. Even though this style of movie normally isn’t his thing, he talks about why the film became such a huge cult favorite and why the chaotic Troma style still connects with horror fans decades later. In the History Segment, James rewinds to December 12, 1986 and talks a WWF house show featuring The British Bulldogs and The Hart Foundation in tag team action, with Randy Savage headlining the event. He also breaks down the movie’s soundtrack and how the music fits perfectly into the over-the-top energy of the film. Then we get into the making of the movie, discussing Lloyd Kaufman, Troma’s low-budget filmmaking style, and how the studio built its reputation on outrageous independent horror-comedy. James also shares fun behind-the-scenes stories about the production, effects work, and the anything-goes atmosphere surrounding the film. Finally, we deliver a full breakdown of the movie, covering the Tromaville nuclear plant, mutant high school students, bizarre humor, punk chaos, toxic monsters, and the complete insanity that makes this one of Troma’s most beloved films. It’s radioactive horror madness, punk rock insanity, and pure VHS chaos—only on Retro Blood. ☢️🩸 #RetroBlood #ClassOfNukeEmHigh #Troma #LloydKaufman #80sHorror #CultHorror #VHSHorror #PunkRock #RandySavage #WrestlingHistory #HorrorPodcast #RetroHorror

    46 min
  3. May 18

    Retro Blood 238: Return to Horror High (1987)

    Join James Kline and J.H. Alison as Retro Blood continues James Kline’s Birthday Month Picks and our month of 1980s Killer School Horror Movies with the strange meta-slasher Return to Horror High—also known in some places as Scream. We kick things off by talking about how ahead of its time this movie really was, feeling almost like a prototype for Scream 2 years before meta horror became mainstream. We discuss the movie-within-a-movie concept, the comedy elements, and why this may be one of the earliest self-aware slashers of the ’80s. Of course, we also talk a young George Clooney showing up before becoming a Hollywood megastar. In our Weekly History Segment, we rewind to January 9, 1987. In metal, Alison introduces the underground grunge-influenced band Skin Yard and their role in the early Seattle music scene before grunge exploded worldwide. In wrestling, James breaks down the WWF debut of Demolition and how they quickly became one of the most memorable tag teams of the late ’80s. Then we dive into the making of the movie, discussing director Bill Froehlich, why he wanted to make a self-aware slasher comedy, and how New World Pictures gave him a modest $800,000 budget. We talk about the movie surprisingly making over a million dollars, the chaotic production style, and the cast filled with future recognizable faces. Finally, we deliver a full breakdown of the movie, covering the murders at Crippen High, the bizarre film crew characters, the intentionally confusing structure, and the mix of horror and comedy that makes this one such a unique cult oddity. It’s meta horror before meta horror was cool—only on Retro Blood. 🩸🎥 #RetroBlood #ReturnToHorrorHigh #80sHorror #MetaHorror #SlasherMovie #GeorgeClooney #CultHorror

    1h 3m
  4. May 11

    Retro Blood 237: Slaughter High (1986)

    Join James Kline and J.H. Alison as Retro Blood kicks off James Kline’s Birthday Month Picks with a brand-new theme—1980s Killer School Horror Movies. First up is the cult slasher favorite Slaughter High. We start things off with quick thoughts on the movie and why this is the perfect late-night party horror film—packed with goofy characters, wild kills, and pure VHS slasher energy. In our Weekly History Segment, we rewind to November 14, 1986. In wrestling, the guys talk Jerry Lawler vs. Bam Bam Bigelow, while Alison dives into Metallica and their first Japan tour during the height of the thrash metal explosion. Then we get into the making of the movie, including how the film was made by some of the same people behind Friday the 13th and even reused parts of the famous soundtrack style and cues. We also talk about the cast, including Simon Scuddamore as Marty and horror icon Caroline Munro, plus the film’s strange mix of British filmmaking trying to recreate an American high school slasher. Finally, we deliver a full breakdown of the movie, covering the cruel prank, the reunion setup, Marty’s revenge, outrageous death scenes, and why this movie became such a beloved cult VHS horror classic. It’s killer nerd revenge, exploding bodies, and pure ’80s slasher chaos—only on Retro Blood. 🩸🎓 #RetroBlood #SlaughterHigh #80sHorror #SlasherMovie #CultHorror #VHSHorror #FridayThe13th #CarolineMunro #SimonScuddamore #Metallica #HorrorPodcast #RetroHorror

    55 min
  5. Apr 27

    Retro Blood 236: Olivia (1983)

    Join James Kline and J.H. Alison as Retro Blood continues J.H. Alison’s Birthday Month Picks with another wild and sleazy entry from Ulli Lommel—the erotic thriller Olivia (aka Double Jeopardy). We kick things off with quick thoughts on the film’s heavy softcore erotic elements, the tone, and how this one blends psychological thriller with exploitation-style storytelling. In our History Segment, we jump to 2026 and break down WrestleMania 42 Night 2. The guys discuss how Night 2 stacked up compared to Night 1, what matches delivered, what fell flat, and whether WWE stuck the landing on its biggest storylines of the year. From there, we dive into the making of the film, including how Lommel and his wife Suzanna Love developed the story, the unique “London Bridge” concept behind the film, and the influence of a short story that helped shape the narrative. We also talk about Robert Walker Jr. and his creative input, along with the low-budget production style that defines Lommel’s work during this era. Finally, we deliver a full breakdown of the movie, exploring its twisted plot, psychological tension, erotic thriller elements, and the performances that push this one into truly bizarre territory. We discuss what works, what doesn’t, and where Olivia lands in the world of early ’80s cult horror. It’s strange, it’s sleazy, and it’s peak underground Lommel—only on Retro Blood. 👁️🔥 #RetroBlood #Olivia1983 #UlliLommel #80sHorror #EroticThriller #CultHorror #BirthdayPicks #WrestleMania42 #HorrorPodcast #RetroHorror

    1h 9m
  6. Apr 19

    Retro Blood 235: OverKill (1987)

    Join James Kline and J.H. Alison as Retro Blood continues J.H. Alison’s Birthday Month Picks with another wild entry from Ulli Lommel—the gritty, low-budget slasher Overkill. We kick things off with quick thoughts on the movie and its chaotic tone before stepping out of the ’80s for a special segment covering WrestleMania 42 Saturday. The guys break down Night 1, discuss the matches and storylines, and preview what’s coming for Night 2. Then we rewind back to the late ’80s, diving into the era of gritty exploitation and Buddy cop action cinema. We talk how films like Overkill fit into that underground wave, blending sleaze, violence during the VHS boom. From there, we get into the behind-the-scenes story—Lommel’s fascination with serial killer narratives, the film’s low-budget production style, and the casting, including discussion around Mickey Spillane inspiration vibes and the odd “Playgirl-era” energy surrounding parts of the cast and marketing. Finally, we deliver a full breakdown of the movie, covering its bizarre structure, over-the-top characters, and moments that had James questioning if this was actually meant to be a spoof. We talk kills, performances, tone, and whether Overkill lands as disturbing, ridiculous, or somewhere in between. It’s sleazy, strange, and pure underground horror chaos—only on Retro Blood. 🔥🩸 #RetroBlood #Overkill1987 #UlliLommel #80sHorror #CultHorror #SlasherFilm #VHSHorror #BirthdayPicks #WrestleMania #HorrorPodcast #RetroHorror

    1h 27m
  7. Apr 13

    Retro Blood 234: Brainwaves (1982)

    H. Alison’s Birthday Month Picks continue as Retro Blood dives into another strange entry from Ulli Lommel with the psychological horror oddity Brainwaves. We kick things off with quick thoughts on the movie, including its unsettling tone, the mysterious markings on the arms, and the overall low-budget, experimental feel that gives this one a unique edge. In our Weekly History Segment, we rewind to 1982. In wrestling, James breaks down Ric Flair chasing the NWA World Heavyweight Championship and how this era helped define him as one of the all-time greats. Meanwhile, Alison dives into metal history with Ozzy Osbourne, talking about chaotic live shows where Black Sabbath songs were performed with little to no rehearsal—capturing that raw, unpredictable energy of early ’80s metal. We also touch on the making of the film, including Lommel’s DIY filmmaking style, the film’s low budget, and how it fits into his run of early ’80s experimental horror projects. Finally, we deliver a full breakdown of the movie, digging into its psychological themes, strange performances, eerie imagery, and whether Brainwaves works as a hidden gem or just a bizarre curiosity from the VHS era. It’s weird, it’s low-budget, and it’s pure Retro Blood birthday horror madness. 👁️🔥 #RetroBlood #Brainwaves #80sHorror #UlliLommel #CultHorror #PsychologicalHorror #VHSHorror #RicFlair #OzzyOsbourne #BlackSabbath #HorrorPodcast #BirthdayPicks

    1h 10m

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
4 Ratings

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