Retro Blood is a podcast about 1980s horror cinema, hosted by James and J. A. Alison. The show revisits cult classics, slashers, and supernatural thrillers from the VHS era. Each episode combines in-depth discussion and behind-the-scenes details with humor and friendly disagreement. It is aimed at horror fans who want a nostalgic but lively look at the genre's neon-soaked decade.
Episodes
Retro Blood 258: Dominion: Prequel to the Exorcist (2005)
Join James Kline and J.H. Alison as Retro Blood wraps up our September–October Halloween Spooky Season with the fifth installment in The Exorcist franchise—or, more accurately, the other version of the prequel that Hollywood almost didn't want you to see!
After covering Exorcist: The Beginning, we're going back to 2005 for Paul Schrader's original vision: Dominion: Prequel to the Exorcist. And thi
Retro Blood 257: Exorcist: The Beginning (2004) 😈🔥🩸
Retro Blood 257: Exorcist: The Beginning (2004) 😈🔥🩸
Join James Kline and J.H. Alison for our Special Halloween 2026 episode as Retro Blood continues our September–October Halloween Spooky Season with the fourth installment in The Exorcist franchise: Exorcist: The Beginning!
We're stepping into the 2004 prequel that attempts to tell the origin story of Father Lankester Merrin and his first terrifyi
Retro Blood 256: The Exorcist III (1990) 😈🩸🔪
oin James Kline and J.H. Alison as Retro Blood continues our September–October Halloween Spooky Season with the third installment in The Exorcist franchise! We're diving into a sequel that takes a different approach to supernatural horror, trading the traditional possession story for a chilling psychological mystery filled with brutal murders, disturbing imagery, and demonic terror.
Written and di
Retro Blood 255: Exorcist II: The Heretic (1977)
Join James Kline and J.H. Alison as Retro Blood continues our September–October Halloween Spooky Season with the bizarre, ambitious, and infamous sequel to one of the greatest horror movies ever made! We're diving into Exorcist II: The Heretic, a film that took the terrifying world of The Exorcist and sent it in a completely unexpected direction.
Directed by John Boorman, this 1977 sequel brings b
Retro Blood 254: The Exorcist (1973)
Join James Kline and J.H. Alison as Retro Blood continues our September–October Halloween Spooky Season by stepping outside the 1980s to tackle one of the most legendary and influential horror movies of all time: The Exorcist!
Directed by William Friedkin and based on the bestselling novel by William Peter Blatty, this groundbreaking supernatural horror classic terrified audiences with its disturb
Retro Blood 253: Poltergeist III (1988)
oin James Kline and J.H. Alison as Retro Blood continues our September–October Halloween Spooky Season Month with the third installment of the legendary Poltergeist franchise! We're heading into the world of haunted mirrors, supernatural terror, and one of the most infamous productions in 1980s horror history.
Released in 1988 and directed by Gary Sherman, Poltergeist III takes Carol Anne Freeling
Retro Blood 252: Poltergeist 1 & 2
Join James Kline and J.H. Alison as Retro Blood kicks off our September–October Halloween Spooky Season Month with two of the biggest supernatural horror franchises of the era—Poltergeist and The Exorcist. We start with a massive double review of Poltergeist (1982) and Poltergeist II: The Other Side (1986)!
We begin with the history of both films, talking about the creation of the original Polterg
Retro Blood 251: Angel Heart (1987) 😈🩸🕵️♂️
Join James Kline and J.H. Alison as Retro Blood wraps up our month of Satan in 1980s Horror Movies with the underground classic Angel Heart (1987).
We go all-in on this dark combination of film noir, detective mystery, occult horror, and Satanic terror. We talk about what makes Angel Heart so different from the other movies we've covered this month and why its atmosphere, mystery, and disturbing i
Retro Blood 250: The Nightmare Never Ends (1980) 😈🩸📼
oin James Kline and J.H. Alison as Retro Blood continues our month of Satan in 1980s Horror Movies with the strange low-budget occult thriller The Nightmare Never Ends (1980).
We kick things off with our quick thoughts on this bizarre entry and quickly discover that this one might be more nightmare than movie! We discuss the painfully slow pacing, strange atmosphere, and why James had a hard time
Retro Blood 249: Night Vision (1987) 😈📼🩸
Join James Kline and J.H. Alison as Retro Blood continues our month of Satan in 1980s Horror Movies with the ultra-low-budget underground oddity Night Vision (1987)—and no, we're NOT talking about the later movie featuring Henry Rollins! This is the bizarre Michael Kruger production that feels like a Satanic home-video fever dream.
We kick things off with quick thoughts on the movie and its strang
Retro Blood 248: Evilspeak (1981) 😈💻🩸
Join James Kline and J.H. Alison as Retro Blood starts a brand-new month exploring Satan in 1980s Horror Movies with the bizarre underground classic Evilspeak!
We kick things off with quick thoughts on this strange blend of Satanic horror, revenge, technology, and occult madness. We also dive into the real-world Satanic Panic of the 1980s, including the fear surrounding new technology and the id
Retro Blood 247: Wild Beasts (1984)
Join James Kline and J.H. Alison as Retro Blood wraps up Deadly Animals in 1980s/1990s Horror Films with one of the craziest Italian creature features ever made—Wild Beasts.
We kick things off with our quick thoughts on the movie and discuss why a film like this could never be made today, especially with its extensive use of real animals. We talk about the controversy surrounding the production, t
Retro Blood 246: Alligator II: The Mutation (1991)
Join James Kline and J.H. Alison as Retro Blood continues Deadly Animals in 1980s/1990s Horror Films with the cult sequel Alligator II: The Mutation.
We kick things off with our quick thoughts on the movie and discuss why Alligator II never quite captures the charm of the original. While it tries to balance horror and humor like the first film, we debate whether the comedy falls flat and why this
Retro Blood 245: Alligator (1980)
Join James Kline and J.H. Alison as Retro Blood starts a brand-new month exploring Deadly Animals in 1980s/1990s Horror Films! First up, we dive into the cult creature feature Alligator.
We kick things off with quick thoughts on the movie and why Alligator stands out from other creature features of the era. We also discuss the brand-new 4K Steelbook release, what makes this movie worth revisit
Retro Blood 244: Aliens (1986)
Join James Kline and J.H. Alison as Retro Blood wraps up its third annual It Came From Outer Space Month with one of the greatest sequels ever made—Aliens (1986).
This week, we go all in on James Cameron's sci-fi action horror masterpiece, comparing it to Ridley Scott's Alien and debating which film deserves the top spot. We discuss how Cameron transformed the franchise from slow-burn horror into
Retro Blood 243: Horror Planet / Inseminoid (1981)
Join James Kline and J.H. Alison as Retro Blood continues its third annual It Came From Outer Space Month with one of the strangest and most infamous British sci-fi horror films of the early '80s—Inseminoid (also known as Horror Planet).
We kick things off with our quick thoughts on the movie and compare it to the previous films we've covered this month, discussing where it ranks among the many Al
Retro Blood 242: Forbidden World (1982)
Join James Kline and J.H. Alison as Retro Blood continues its third annual It Came From Outer Space Month with another wild Roger Corman-produced sci-fi horror classic, Forbidden World (1982).
This week we take a deep dive into the fascinating history behind one of the most notorious Alien-inspired films of the early '80s. We discuss the relationship between Roger Corman and director Allan Holzman
Retro Blood 241: Galaxy of Terror (1981)
Join James Kline and J.H. Alison as Retro Blood kicks off its third annual It Came From Outer Space Month with one of the wildest sci-fi horror movies of the 1980s—Galaxy of Terror.
We start the show with our quick thoughts on the film, discussing its bizarre mix of science fiction, horror, and pure exploitation madness. From there, we dive deep into the making of the movie, covering legendary
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 bridg
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
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 mainstrea
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
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 Segmen
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
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 t
Retro Blood 233: The Devonsville Terror (1983)
Retro Blood 233: The Devonsville Terror (1983) 🔮🩸
Join James Kline and J.H. Alison as Retro Blood dives into small-town witchcraft horror with The Devonsville Terror—and kicks off J.H. Alison’s Birthday Month Picks! 🎉
We start with quick thoughts on the film’s eerie, slow-burn atmosphere and folk horror vibes. In our Weekly History Segment, we talk the wild story of Stampede Wrestling and
Retro blood 232: The Slayer (1982)
Join James Kline and J.H. Alison as Retro Blood wraps up Evil Spirit Month with the eerie dream-horror cult film The Slayer.
We kick things off with quick thoughts—Alison defends the movie’s atmosphere and slow-burn tension, while James struggles to stay awake and questions the pacing. Then it’s time for our Weekly History Segment, rewinding to October 1, 1982. In metal, we talk KISS and t
Retro Blood 231: Secret Passion/Haunted by Her Past (1987)
Join James Kline and J.H. Alison as Retro Blood continues Evil Spirit Month, diving into the ABC made-for-TV chiller Haunted by Her Past (aka Secret Passion).
We kick things off with a fun discussion on soap operas—why we’re not exactly the target audience, but still respect the grind and talent behind them. Then we jump into our Weekly History Segment, looking at October 1987. James break
Retro Blood 230: Necromancer (1988)
Join James Kline and J.H. Alison as Retro Blood continues Evil Spirit Month with the revenge-fueled VHS cult oddity Necromancer.
We kick things off with our quick thoughts on the film, discussing the late-’80s wave of revenge horror and the role of Elizabeth Kaitan. The guys also debate how this movie might have been even crazier if it had someone like Christopher Walken playing the mysterious nec
Retro Blood 229: Witchboard 2 – The Devil’s Doorway (1993)
Join James Kline and J.H. Alison as Retro Blood continues Evil Spirit Month, exploring supernatural horror from the ’80s and ’90s. This week we move on to the strange and often overlooked sequel Witchboard 2: The Devil's Doorway, the follow-up to Witchboard.
We kick things off with some quick first impressions, including a lot of discussion about Ami Dolenz (Paige) and her very early-’90s
Retro Blood 228: Witchboard (1986)
Join James Kline and J.H. Alison as Retro Blood kicks off a brand-new theme for March Madness — our first-ever Evil Spirit Horror Month. And what better way to start than by lighting some candles, placing your fingers on the planchette, and diving into Witchboard?
We open with quick first thoughts, with James showing love for writer/director Kevin Tenney and his ability to turn a simple Ouija-boar
Retro Blood 227: Bram Stoker’s Dracula (1992)
Join James Kline and J.H. Alison as Retro Blood wraps up its third annual 1980s/1990s Vampire Month with a huge deep dive into Bram Stoker's Dracula, directed by Francis Ford Coppola.
This week, we go all in on Coppola’s lavish and operatic vision of the Prince of Darkness. We break down how the film has aged, the bold gothic style, the rich costume and set design, and the decision to use old-scho
Retro Blood 226: Nosferatu in Venice (1988)
Join James Kline and J.H. Alison as Retro Blood continues its third annual 1980s Vampire Month, sinking its teeth into one of the strangest and most chaotic vampire sequels of the decade — Nosferatu in Venice.
This week, we take on the unofficial Italian sequel to Nosferatu the Vampyre, bringing Klaus Kinski’s Count back from the grave and dropping him into the crumbling canals of Venice. We kick
Retro Blood 225: Vampire Princess Miyu (1989)
Join James Kline and J.H. Alison as Retro Blood continues its third annual 1980s Vampire Month, digging into vampire films from the decade—plus one very special bloodsucker that helped shape the crossover between horror and anime.
This week, the boys step into the dark, haunting world of Japanese anime, with a deep dive into the Vampire Princess Miyu OVA (1989). We kick things off with a big discu
Retro Blood 224: Fright Night Part 2 (1989)
Join James Kline and J.H. Alison as Retro Blood kicks off its third annual 1980s Vampire Month, spotlighting vampire films from the decade—plus one special bloodsucker from the ’90s. This week, the boys finally continue a conversation first started back on February 25, 2024, diving headfirst into the underrated sequel Fright Night Part 2 (1989).
We open with why this sequel rules, from its sleazie
Retro Blood 223: Critters 4 (1992)
James Kline goes solo on this episode of Retro Blood thanks to Snowmageddon chaos and takes us straight into space for Critters 4, the wild straight-to-video finale of the original Critters run. James breaks down how Critters 4 fits into the long tradition of “horror in space” ’80s/early ’90s movies and whether the formula actually works once the Critters leave Earth.
In the history and behind-the
Retro Blood 222: Critters 3 (1991)
Join James Kline and J.H. Alison as Retro Blood continues Little Creatures Month, reviewing all four Critters films—this time diving into the slime-covered, straight-to-video chaos of Critters 3. Marking the first 1990s movie ever covered on the show, this entry brings apartment-building carnage, crazier crites, and the feature-film debut of Leonardo DiCaprio.
The episode kicks off with the Weekly
Retro Blood 221: Critters 2: The Main Course(1988)
Join James Kline and J.H. Alison as Retro Blood continues Little Creatures Month, reviewing all four Critters films—this time diving into the slime-covered chaos of Critters 2. The boys kick things off with thoughts on PG-13 ’80s horror, the strange balance of comedy and sleaze, and why Retro Blood is expanding into select ’90s films.
In the Weekly History Segment, James breaks down a painfully sl
Retro Blood 220: Critters (1986)
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? W
Retro Blood – Episode 219 Die Hard (1988) – A Very Bloody Christmas
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 fa
Retro Blood – Episode 218: Rambo: First Blood (1982)
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 betwe
Retro Blood 217 – Batman (1989)
Hosted by JK Kline & JH Alison
1980s 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 Breakdown
We walk you scene-by-sce
Retro Blood 216 – Home Sweet Home (1981)
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. T
Retro Blood 215: The Texas Chainsaw Massacre Part 2 (1986)
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-
Retro Blood 214: Mothers Day (1980)
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,
Retro Blood 212/213 – The Stepfather (1987) & Stepfather II (1989) – Mega Double Episode!
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 Step
Lights Out: Halloween H20 – 20 Years Later (1998)
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 H
Retro Blood 211: The Howling IV – The Original Nightmare (1988)
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 H
Retro Blood 210: The Howling III – The Marsupials (1987)
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 hi
Retro Blood 209: The Howling II – Your Sister Is a Werewolf (1985)
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 Histo
Retro Blood 208: The Howling (1981)
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
Retro Blood 207: Death Ship (1980)
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 Wres
Retro Blood 206: Witchery (La Casa 4, 1989)
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
Retro Blood 205: Ghost House (La Casa 3) (1988)
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
Retro Blood 204: The Woman in Black (1989)
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 th
Retro Blood 2003: Touch of Death (1988)
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 slowl
Retro Blood 202: The Devil’s Honey (1986)
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
Retro Blood 201: The Black Cat (1981)
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 shor
Retro Blood 200: Fulci’s Conquest (1983) + Ozzy Osbourne & Hulk Hogan Tribute
It’s our 200th episode, and we’re going big—swords, sorcery, metal, and wrestling legends! 🎉 Join James Kline and J.H. Alison as we dive into the trippy, surreal fantasy-horror world of Lucio Fulci’s Conquest (1983). Expect fried orc-snake LSD magic, a gold-masked witch straight out of your darkest nightmares, and a heavy dose of Fulci weirdness that somehow blends Conan-style adventure with Itali
Retro Blood 199: Aenigma (1988)
James Kline and J.H. Alison kick off a brand-new theme for August 2025—Lucio Fulci Month—by diving into the surreal supernatural horror of Aenigma (1988)!
We start with first impressions of this Carrie-inspired revenge tale, where telekinesis, creepy snails, and Fulci’s signature dream logic collide. Then it’s time for our Weekly History Segment, looking at what was happening in Pro Wrestling and
Retro Blood 198: Night of the Sharks (1988)
Join James Kline and J.H. Alison as Retro Blood wraps up our first-ever 1980s Shark Horror Month with the obscure Italian thriller Night of the Sharks—a film that tries to mix espionage, blackmail, and killer sharks, but ends up more James Bond than Jaws.
We kick off with our thoughts on the film’s bizarre tone, beachside antihero David Zeiger, and why this movie feels like a mash-up of Italian cr
Retro Blood 197: Deep Blood (1989)
Join James Kline and J.H. Alison as we dive deeper into 1980s Shark Horror Movie Month—this time with an Italian Jaws rip-off so wild it barely makes sense: Deep Blood (1989)!
🦈 We start with some quick thoughts on the film’s unique mix of ancient Native American sea curses, kids performing blood oaths, and a shark that shows up in stock footage and mechanical head closeups.
🗓 In our weekly Histor
Retro Blood 196: Jaws: The Revenge (1987)
Join James Kline and J.H. Alison as Retro Blood continues its dive into 1980s Shark Horror with the final chapter in the Jaws franchise—Jaws: The Revenge (1987).
Often slammed as one of the worst sequels of all time, Jaws: The Revenge gets a second look from the Retro Blood crew, who both kind of defend it! Is it perfect? No. Is it entertaining? Absolutely.
🦈 In this episode:
Initial thoughts on
Retro Blood 195: Jaws 3D (1983)
James Kline and J.H. Alison kick off a brand-new theme for July 2025: 1980s Shark Horror—and what better way to start than with the wild ride that is Jaws 3D!
This week, the boys take a deep dive into the third entry in the legendary Jaws franchise—a movie packed with floating fish heads, slow-motion shark attacks, awkward 3D effects, and the return of the Brody boys (this time in SeaWorld, of
Lights Out: Jaws 2
🎙 Lights Out: Jaws 2
Join James Kline and J.H. Alison as they step out of the '80s and into deep waters for a no-rules "Lights Out Match" covering the blockbuster sequel Jaws 2 (1978).
In this episode, the boys dive into the troubled production history behind the sequel to Steven Spielberg's 1975 masterpiece. Learn why Spielberg refused to return, why Roy Scheider didn't want to come back
Retro Blood 194: Communion (1989)
Join James Kline and J.H. Alison as we close out It Came from Outer Space Month: Part 2 with one of the strangest alien abduction films of the 1980s—Communion starring Christopher Walken. Was James high enough to handle it? Apparently not.
We kick things off with quick thoughts on this surreal and unsettling film based on Whitley Strieber’s bestselling novel. Alison breaks down why adapting the bo
Retro Blood 193: TerrorVision (1986)
Join James Kline and J.H. Alison as Retro Blood continues It Came From Outer Space Month: Part 2 with the bizarre sci-fi horror comedy TerrorVision—a movie where an alien monster gets beamed into a swinger family's satellite dish and all hell breaks loose!
The boys kick off with their quick thoughts on the film and a debate on horror comedy—what works, what doesn’t, and why this one’s… something e
Lights Out: Jaws 50th Anniversary
🎥 Lights Out: Jaws 50 Year Special 🦈
Join James Kline and J.H. Alison for the very first video edition of the Lights Out podcast as they break the 1980s rulebook and dive deep into one of the most iconic and influential horror-thrillers of all time—Steven Spielberg’s Jaws (1975)—celebrating its 50th anniversary!
In this no-holds-barred conversation, the boys discuss:
The origins of Jaws, includi
Retro Blood 192: Creature (1985)
Retro Blood 192: Creature (1985)
James Kline and J.H. Alison return to “It Came From Outer Space Part 2” with another deep dive into '80s sci-fi horror. This week: Creature (1985)—a gooey, gory space shocker often compared to Alien, but with its own slimy charm.
We kick things off with quick thoughts on the film’s alien bug creatures, mind control madness, and space corporation rivalries. Think co
Retro Blood 191: Evils of the night (1985)
Join James Kline and J.H. Alison as we continue It Came From Outer Space Part 2—a month dedicated to 1980s sci-fi horror—with the sleazy alien cult classic Evils of the Night! If you love late-night cable sleaze, clueless garage killers, horny college kids, and aliens harvesting blood for eternal youth… this one’s for you.
We kick things off with our quick thoughts on the film's blend of softcore
Retro Blood 190: Nightbeast (1982)
James Kline and J.H. Alison kick off It Came from Outer Space: Part 2—a month of 1980s sci-fi horror—with the low-budget cult classic NightBeast!
🛸 Travel with us to Perry Hill, Maryland, where plaid-shirted townsfolk take on a laser-blasting alien menace in one of the most charmingly strange indie films of the early ’80s.
🗓️ History Segment (Nov 30, 1982)
💥 Wrestling: A tribute to wrestling legen
Retro Blood 189: Blood Diner (1987)
James Kline and J.H. Alison close out Blood Month with one of the wildest horror-comedies of the 1980s—Blood Diner!
🧠💀 From brains in jars to veggie burgers made of human meat, this one’s packed with gore, laughs, and total insanity. The crew kicks off with a breakdown of different styles of horror-comedy and where this cult favorite fits in.
🎸 In our History Segment (July 10, 1987):
Wrestling:
Retro Blood 188: Blood Lake (1987)
🩸 Retro Blood 188: Blood Lake (1987) 🩸
Join James Kline and J.H. Alison as Blood Month continues with one of the most infamous shot-on-video oddities of the 1980s—Blood Lake!
This week, the boys wade through murky waters to discuss this low-budget VHS cult mess, tackling everything from bad acting and awkward pacing to a killer named Jeff and a very tan kid named Tony. Is it so bad it’s good—or ju
Retro Blood 187: Blood Tide (1982)
Retro Blood 187: Blood Tide (1982)
James Kline and J.H. Alison are back for more bloody mayhem as Blood Month continues with the deep-sea cult oddity Blood Tide (1982)—starring none other than James Earl Jones (yes, Darth Vader himself) and Karate Kid’s Martin Kove.
We kick things off with our first impressions of this rare oceanic horror flick, complete with cursed Greek islands, ancient monsters
Retro Blood 186: Blood Beach (1981)
Join James Kline and J.H. Alison as we kick off James’ May picks with a month dedicated to 1980s horror films that have Blood in the title—starting with the cult oddity Blood Beach (1981). Special shoutout to the listener who recommended this one!
We dive into:
First impressions of this beachside creature feature starring Rocky’s Burt Young, a shirted John Saxon, and yes, the screenwriter of Du
Retro Blood 185: The Entity (1982)
Join James Kline and J.H. Alison as we wrap up Alison's Picks Month with the chilling and controversial The Entity! Based on true events, this rare 1982 supernatural horror follows a young single mother tormented by a violent poltergeist—in more ways than one.
🩸 We kick off with first thoughts, including why James thinks he might get canceled this episode!
🎸 In our weekly history segment, we dive
Retro Blood 184: The Changeling (1980)
James Kline and J.H. Alison continue Alison Picks Month with the haunting slow-burn classic The Changeling. An old mansion, a ghostly child, and a haunted wheelchair—what more do you need?
The episode kicks off with quick thoughts on the film’s eerie mood and George C. Scott’s intense performance. Then, in the Weekly History Segment, James covers Jerry Jarrett’s Memphis promotion and explains the
Retro Blood 183: Ghost Story (1981)
Join James Kline and J.H. Alison as we continue Alison’s Picks Month with a ghostly deep cut from the 1980s—Ghost Story (1981). This one’s packed with old-school gothic horror, classic ghost revenge, and a cast of Golden Age Hollywood legends delivering some wonderfully dramatic old-timer performances.
We kick things off with our thoughts on the film’s eerie atmosphere, vintage storytelling, a
Retro Blood 182: Lady in White (1988)
James Kline and J.H. Alison kick off a brand-new theme month—1980s Ghost Movies (Alison’s Picks!)—with the hauntingly atmospheric Lady in White (1988).
The episode begins with quick thoughts on the film’s PG-13 tone, nostalgic vibes, and its surprisingly dark story involving ghosts, childhood trauma, and murder. Alison shares why this movie left such a strong impression on him as a kid—and why it
Retro Blood 181: American Gothic (1988)
James Kline and J.H. Alison wrap up Killer Island Month with one of the strangest films yet—American Gothic! This twisted backwoods horror flick brings old-time religion, creepy man-children, and deadly family values to an isolated island.
The episode kicks off with quick thoughts on the film’s eerie theme, its bizarre portrayal of religious extremism, and its unforgettable cast of characters. The
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