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

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

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

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 the incident that got them banned from Calgary for six months. Then we jump into metal with Slayer and their debut album Hell Awaits, and how it helped shape extreme metal.

We also get into the making of the film with director Ulli Lommel, and talk about Donald Pleasence showing up—and why we think he deserves a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

Then we deliver a full breakdown of the movie, covering witchcraft, revenge, strange deaths, and a town haunted by its past.

It’s curses, chaos, and birthday horror picks—only on Retro Blood. 👻🔥

#RetroBlood #DevonsvilleTerror #80sHorror #CultHorror #FolkHorror #Witchcraft #SupernaturalHorror #HorrorPodcast #Slayer #HellAwaits #BirthdayPicks

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 their heavier comeback album Creatures of the Night, marking a shift back to a darker sound. In wrestling, the boys break down the clash between Nick Bockwinkel and Otto Wanz, highlighting the international scene and how different territories were presenting championship-level talent in the early ’80s.

From there, we dig into the making of the film, including director J. S. Cardone and how this became his debut feature. We talk about how the project got financed, producer William R. Ewing, and the collapse of International Picture Company. We also cover the film’s modest budget, its moody Georgia coastal filming locations, and the surprising fact that it landed on the UK’s “video nasty” list.

Finally, we deliver a full breakdown of the movie—Kay’s disturbing dreams bleeding into reality, the isolated island setting, shocking moments like the brutal fishing hook scene, and the mysterious Slayer creature that barely appears but leaves an impression. We also dig into the film’s twist ending, the constant tension between characters, and whether this one works better as psychological horror or creature feature.

It’s nightmares, isolation, and early ’80s horror weirdness to close out the month on Retro Blood. 👁️🌊

#RetroBlood #TheSlayer #80sHorror #CultHorror #VideoNasty #EvilSpiritMonth #KISS #CreaturesOfTheNight #HorrorPodcast #RetroHorror

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 breaks down the iconic The Mega Powers Handshake between Hulk Hogan and Randy Savage, a massive moment in WWF storytelling. Meanwhile, Alison dives into thrash metal with Exodus and their album Pleasures of the Flesh, highlighting the heavier edge of late-’80s metal.

From there, we get into the making of the film, talking about its soap-opera-heavy cast, including Karen Lamm (often associated with TV drama roles), and how that background shapes the tone of the movie. We also touch on the world of TV horror movies in the ’80s, how they balanced scares with network standards, and some trivia on the cast, including connections to later TV hits.

Finally, we deliver a full breakdown of the movie, covering the supernatural mystery, eerie mirror visions, the skeptical husband who refuses to believe anything, and the escalating haunting that blurs the line between psychological drama and ghost story. From melodrama to possession vibes, we break down what works, what doesn’t, and where this one lands in the world of made-for-TV horror.

It’s ghosts, soap opera drama, and ’80s TV horror all rolled into one—only on Retro Blood. 🩸📺

#RetroBlood #HauntedByHerPast #SecretPassion #80sHorror #TVHorror #MadeForTV #GhostStory #EvilSpiritMonth #HorrorPodcast #CultHorror #Exodus #ThrashMetal #WrestlingHistory

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 necromancer.

In our Weekly History Segment, we rewind to March 12, 1988 to look at what was happening in wrestling and metal around the film’s release. James talks about the legendary Kerry Von Erich and the wild world of late ’80s Texas wrestling, while Alison dives into progressive metal history with Dream Theater and their debut album When Dream and Day Unite, discussing the early formation of one of prog metal’s most influential bands.

From there we dig into the behind-the-scenes story of the film, including director Dusty Nelson and writer William T. Naud, the low-budget production, and why this kind of supernatural revenge story was perfect for the booming VHS horror market of the late ’80s. We also talk about the cast, the gritty tone of the film, and what the filmmakers were trying to accomplish with its mix of occult horror and exploitation revenge themes.

Finally, we deliver a full breakdown of the movie, covering the dark story of revenge through black magic, the creepy theater teacher, the glowing demon necromancer effects, and the parade of terrible guys who make perfect targets for supernatural payback. Along the way we discuss the film’s weird characters, including the awkward occult-obsessed nerd who brings the demonic revenge plan to life.

It’s another deep dive into strange VHS-era horror as Retro Blood explores one of the darker supernatural revenge films of the late ’80s. 👁️🔥

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#RetroBlood #Necromancer #80sHorror #VHSHorror #CultHorror #EvilSpiritMonth #ElizabethKaitan #DreamTheater #KerryVonErich #OccultHorror #HorrorPodcast #RetroHorror

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 “Valley Girl” energy throughout the film. From there we jump into our Weekly History Segment, looking at what was happening in wrestling and metal around the movie’s release on September 10, 1993.

James dives into WCW history and the infamous Fall Brawl 1993, including the legendary debut of The Shockmaster—one of the most hilariously disastrous debuts in wrestling history. Meanwhile, Alison explores the metal scene in 1993 with Sepultura and their groundbreaking album Chaos A.D., discussing how the band helped push heavier, groove-driven metal into the mainstream during the early ’90s.

Next, we dig into the behind-the-scenes history of the film. We talk about the return of director Kevin Tenney, the creative direction of the sequel, and the controversy during production when Dolenz refused to do nudity despite studio pressure. Tenney reportedly backed her decision, which led to friction with producers and ultimately contributed to him not returning for the next installment.

We also explore the film’s Los Angeles filming locations, the modest production budget, and some fun trivia about where certain scenes were shot—including locations fans might recognize from other pop culture projects. From there we talk about the cast, the creative process behind the sequel, and how the movie tries to shift the story into more of a supernatural mystery.

Finally, we deliver a full breakdown of the movie, covering Paige’s inheritance of the haunted apartment, the Ouija board mystery, the soap-opera style relationships, the practical effects, and the investigation that slowly uncovers the spirit behind the haunting. We also discuss why the movie sometimes feels like it’s one step away from a Scooby-Doo–style mystery ending, complete with amateur detectives and a supernatural whodunit vibe.

Is it a worthy sequel, a bizarre early ’90s horror oddity, or just a supernatural soap opera with a Ouija board? We break it all down on this episode of Retro Blood. 🩸👻

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-board concept into a slow-burn supernatural thriller. Then it’s time for our Weekly History Segment, rewinding to March 1987 around the film’s release window.

James walks us through the electric buildup to WrestleMania III, as the WWF was exploding into mainstream pop culture. Meanwhile, Alison dives into the hard rock scene of the time, spotlighting Whitesnake during their massive breakout era and the spotlight on Tawny Kitaen, whose music video fame and high-profile relationships made her a pop culture staple when Witchboard hit.

From there, we get deep into the making of the film — how Tenney conceived the idea after researching Ouija board lore, the film’s modest budget, and how this project unexpectedly launched his horror career, leading to Night of the Demons. We talk casting, including Kitaen’s role as Linda and the on-set dynamics, as well as Todd Allen landing the role of Jim and how the love triangle dynamic drives much of the tension.

Finally, we deliver a full scene-by-scene breakdown of the movie — from the party séance gone wrong to the escalating paranormal activity, the creeping possession elements, and the unforgettable glass-shattering finale. We discuss the film’s pacing, practical effects, spirit mythology, and whether Witchboard stands as one of the more underrated supernatural gems of the mid-’80s.

It’s Ouija boards. It’s jealous spirits. It’s ’80s paranoia at its finest. And March Madness has officially begun. 👻🩸

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-school in-camera practical effects instead of early ’90s CGI. We compare the movie to Dracula, discussing what stays true to the novel and what Coppola reinvents — especially turning Dracula into a tragic romantic anti-hero.

We dig into why the film was made when it was, where Coppola’s career stood at the time, and how this project became both a creative risk and a comeback moment. We talk about the powerhouse cast — Gary Oldman, Winona Ryder, Anthony Hopkins, and Keanu Reeves — why they were chosen, and how their performances shaped the film’s legacy. Of course, we also get into the on-set drama, including Reeves’ well-known discomfort with the role and the tension behind the scenes.

Finally, we deliver a full scene-by-scene breakdown, from the epic prologue battle to the haunting castle sequences, the hypnotic seduction of London, and the emotional, blood-soaked finale. We talk iconic moments, memorable lines, unforgettable imagery, and whether this remains one of the definitive vampire films of the ’90s.

It’s gothic romance. It’s operatic horror. It’s Dracula at full power — and the perfect way to close out Vampire Month on Retro Blood. 🦇🩸