Wheelers and electroshock therapy and a headless princess. Oh my! "Return to Oz" is the origin of many peoples' childhood trauma. But is it a horror movie? Today's episode explores this very question!

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Join Jon Lee Brody in a captivating conversation with Rachel Belofsky, the visionary founder of ScreamFest, as they delve into the evolution of horror films and the unsung heroes behind the scenes. Discover how ScreamFest has become a pivotal platform for emerging filmmakers, celebrating its 25th anniversary with a legacy of innovation and passion. From the challenges of the early days to the triumphs of today, Rachel shares her journey and insights into the horror genre's ever-evolving landscape. Tune in for an inspiring discussion that highlights the power of creativity and the importance of providing opportunities for new voices in film.

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35 years ago 'The Simpsons' aired their first Halloween special. Horror & television were never(more) the same thereafter. Jon revisits the brilliance of the anthology formatted special with its nods to classic horror and EC comics DNA pulsing through it. Jon also unwraps how this TV special was such a game changer and how it made horror accessible for primetime television; and also how it has acted like a horror archive that preserves the legacies of the all the classics. The Simpsons is revolutionary in television but doesn't really get it's major kudos for its impact on horror...until now! Happy Halloween and stay scary!

00:00 Game Changers in Horror History

00:32 The Simpsons' Halloween Special: A Revolutionary Moment

01:46 Welcome to the Special Halloween Episode

02:28 The Simpsons' Impact on Horror

03:32 The First Halloween Special: Treehouse of Horror

06:03 The Segments of the First Halloween Special

07:46 The Simpsons' Viewership and Cultural Impact

10:19 The 1990s Television Landscape

20:10 The Simpsons as a Cultural Phenomenon

25:22 Animation as a Trojan Horse for Horror

33:06 The State of Horror in 1990

34:20 The Simpsons' First Halloween Special

34:51 Bad Dream House: A Clever Twist on Haunted House Tropes

39:44 Hungry Are The Damned: A Parody of 'To Serve Man'

44:02 The Raven: A Literary Gamble That Paid Off

52:19 The Simpsons' Influence on Horror and Pop Culture

58:42 The Legacy of The Simpsons' Halloween Specials

01:03:39 Final Thoughts and Personal Reflections 

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Join Jon and Alex in a thrilling bonus episode of 'That Was Pretty Scary' as they dive into listener calls and questions. They explore horror origin stories, delve into horror movie suggestions, and reflect on underrepresented themes in the genre. Listeners like Kim, Camo, Jenna, Shari, and more share their horror experiences and queries, leading to engaging discussions about the scariest films that shaped their fears, the potential of horror miniseries, and the importance of identity in horror storytelling. Jon and Alex also tease future plans for the podcast, including exploring horror TV shows and miniseries. Don’t miss this interactive and insightful episode!

00:00 Introduction and Listener Shoutout

00:20 Special Bonus Episode Announcement

00:42 Listener Calls: Kim's Horror Journey

06:16 Listener Calls: Camo's Questions

08:54 Listener Calls: Jenna's Nostalgic Picks

14:42 Listener Calls: Shari's Miniseries Request

15:53 Nostalgic TV Memories

16:41 Exploring Horror in Television

17:24 Future Plans for TV Horror Deep Dives

20:11 Holiday Podcast Preview

22:48 Underrepresented Themes in Horror

26:50 Community Engagement and Future Plans

28:38 Amityville Horror and Crossover Ideas 

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In this episode of 'That Was Pretty Scary,' Jon dives deep into the unsettling brilliance of 'Hell House LLC.' Released in 2015, this found footage horror has made waves with its hyperrealistic approach, reflecting the enterprise culture and media obsession of its time. Jon dissects the film's craft, likening its relatable scare tactics to real life experiences. With shoutouts to his listeners and fellow horror movie enthusiasts, Jon also shares personal insights on vulnerability, grief, and the psychology of fear. Tune in for a detailed breakdown of this low budget yet highly effective horror gem, and don't miss the epilogue where Jon and Alexis brainstorm future projects and address listener feedback.

00:00 Introduction to Found Footage Horror

01:10 Listener Picks and Personal Reflections

06:45 Hell House LLC Overview

07:28 The Making of Hell House LLC

11:41 2015: A Year in Context

22:14 Plot Breakdown and Analysis

35:24 The Psychology of Found Footage Horror

39:02 The Physiology of Fear in Horror Films

39:18 Realism in Horror: The Mundane and the Terrifying

40:42 Weaponizing Subtle Visual Disturbances

43:44 The Craftsmanship Behind Found Footage Films

45:38 The Business of Horror: LLC and Its Implications

50:58 The Moral Undertones and Micro-Budget Realism

54:39 Epilogue: Reflections and Future Projects

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October Listener Picks continue on TWPS with the 1993 hidden gem 'The Halloween Tree'. This 1993 made for TV animated film explores friendship, sacrifice, and the true meaning of Halloween. With voice work from Leonard Nimoy and a story penned by Ray Bradbury, this episode offers a nostalgic trip back to the '90s while uncovering deeper themes of mortality and cultural traditions. 

00:00 Introduction to a Forgotten Gem

01:23 Listener Picks and Personal Memories

04:29 The Halloween Tree: Basic Info and Background

11:50 Ray Bradbury: The Myth Maker

15:24 The Genesis of The Halloween Tree

20:08 1993: A Year of Cultural Shifts

24:38 The State of Horror in 1993

30:54 Plot Breakdown: The Halloween Tree

37:59 Symbolism and Key Sequences

39:50 Ray Bradbury's Influence and Symbolism

40:30 The Four Costumes and Their Meanings

42:29 The True Horror: Mortality

43:56 Mount Shroud and The Halloween Tree

46:37 The Cultural Significance of Jack-o'-Lanterns

49:00 Themes of Friendship and Sacrifice

53:00 Reflections on 90s Animation and Music

58:04 Potential for a Live-Action Adaptation

01:07:13 Listener Picks and Community Engagement

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The 'That Was Pretty Scary' October Listener Picks continue with the 2006 animated film 'Monster House'. Explore the unique blend of Pixar-level heart and DreamWorks-level sarcasm that 'Monster House' brought to the screen. Jon discusses how this film dared to be different with its chilling story, innovative performance capture CGI, and surprisingly deep emotional themes of trauma, grief, and letting go. Jon delves into the influence of Spielberg and Zemeckis in the film's production, the movie's place in the horror animation lineage, and its lasting impact. Monster House crawled so the likes of Paranorman and Coraline would truly run! 

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TWPS October Listener Picks are underway and being kicked off with the bold and misunderstood 'Halloween III: Season of the Witch.' Jon takes you back to 1982 when audiences were left scratching their heads at the absence of Michael Myers, and explores the cult following that this daring film has since garnered. Dive into the film’s unique take on Halloween lore, its commentary on consumerism, media brainwashing and the fascinating behind-the-scenes stories. Join the discussion on how experimental horror can earn a timeless, albeit delayed, appreciation. 

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In this special bonus episode of 'Scary Talk,' Jon Lee Brody sits down with indie horror sensation Sarah Nicklin. With over 100 film credits to her name, Sarah delves into her journey through the horror genre, including her latest role in 'VHS Halloween' now streaming on Shudder. They discuss the evolution of her career, her strict criteria for selecting projects, and the importance of staying true to one's artistic instincts. Sarah also shares the behind-the-scenes scoop on 'Popeye the Slayer Man' and the collaborative spirit of indie filmmaking. Don't miss this deep dive into the life and work of one of horror's hardest-working actresses!

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Jon Lee Brody takes us through a semi spoiler-free review of the independent supernatural horror film 'Good Boy.' Directed by Ben Leonberg and co-written by Leonberg and Alex Cannon, the film stands out by telling a haunted house story from the perspective of a dog named Indy. Hear about the unique production challenges, emotional depth, and the innovative narrative style. Plus, Jon gives a heartfelt shoutout to the film's canine star.

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