Dark Discussions Podcast has made it to Episode 500. After ten and a half years, numerous side podcasts, and becoming a network, the original has persisted on and finally arrives to a giant milestone. After posting a poll on facebook with over 24 classic and cult classic genre films, listeners and members have chosen the film for us to discuss. That film is LIFEFORCE (1985), directed by Tobe Hooper (TEXAS CHAINSAW MASSACRE) and co-written by Dan O’Bannon (ALIEN).

When a joint US/UK shuttle called the Churchill visits Halley’s Comet, they discover a UFO in the comet’s coma. Inside appear to be human sized dead bat creatures. But the crew also finds three humanoids that resemble human beings, alive, but in stasis. When rescuers board the Churchill they discover the ship is internally immolated with all the crew dead. Returning to Earth, they bring the three humanoids back to the British Space Research Center. However the female humanoid awakens. After escaping into the city of London, panic sets in.

This Cannon Studio production had big talent behind it including Tobe Hooper and Dan O’Bannon. But also composer Henry Mancini and special effects artist John Dykstra were added. With a big budget and a great cast including the who’s who of British characters actors of the time including Frank Finlay, the movie initially received mixed reviews and was considered a box office failure. Now years later, the film has begun to grow with praise and expanded from just being a cult classic. Dark Discussions takes a look at this interesting vampire film and gives their thoughts.