Video Store Podcast

This week on The Video Store Podcast, we're diving into some adventurous waters with four pirate films you might not have rented yet, but are worth a look. These films span decades, showing how Hollywood has captured the allure of swashbuckling adventures over time. Whether you're a fan of classic Hollywood, musicals, or big-budget ‘90s action, I’ve picked a lineup that I think captures the spirit of the genre in different ways.

Here’s what’s on this episode:

Captain Blood (1935)

If you’re curious about Errol Flynn’s big break, Captain Blood is the film to watch. Directed by Michael Curtiz, who later went on to make Casablanca, this movie was released during the Golden Age of Hollywood and set the standard for pirate films to come. In it, Flynn plays Dr. Peter Blood, an Irish physician turned reluctant pirate, a role that became iconic for him. Olivia de Havilland co-stars, marking the first of eight films they’d appear in together.

The movie was actually adapted from Rafael Sabatini’s 1922 novel, and what’s interesting is that Flynn wasn’t the studio’s first choice. Warner Bros. originally wanted Robert Donat, but when he turned it down, they took a chance on Flynn, who was then unknown. The film went on to be a hit, and Flynn’s career took off from there.

Treasure Island (1950)

Disney’s first fully live-action film was Treasure Island, adapted from Robert Louis Stevenson’s novel. This film captures the heart of the classic pirate tale with Bobby Driscoll as Jim Hawkins and Robert Newton as the unforgettable Long John Silver. Newton’s portrayal of Silver is what many credit with shaping the “pirate accent” we recognize today, especially that exaggerated “Arrr.” For a lot of people, myself included, this is the definitive version of Treasure Island, so it’s a must-watch for anyone wanting a straightforward adaptation of the classic tale.

The Pirate Movie (1982)

The Pirate Movie is very different from the last two films. It is more of a campy, musical rom-com take on The Pirates of Penzance. If you’re looking for a quirky, offbeat experience, this film, starring Kristy McNichol and Christopher Atkins, is definitely that. Though critics weren’t fond of it when it was released, it’s gained a bit of a cult following since then. One interesting thing about this movie is that it openly riffs on the Gilbert and Sullivan opera it’s based on, adding a lot of modern (for the time) references. It’s worth a watch if you’re into musicals and don’t mind a less traditional approach to a pirate story.

Cutthroat Island (1995)

Last up is Cutthroat Island, an ambitious, big-budget adventure directed by Renny Harlin and starring Geena Davis and Matthew Modine. Known mostly for being a notorious box office bomb, it has gained some appreciation over the years for its impressive stunt work, practical effects, and for putting a female pirate in the lead. Davis plays Morgan Adams, a captain on a quest to find hidden treasure. While the film’s financial failure might have overshadowed its merits at the time, there’s a lot to admire. It’s also one of the last pirate movies before Pirates of the Caribbean would revive the genre nearly a decade later.

If you’re ready for a bit of pirate escapism, these four movies offer different takes on the genre, from classic Hollywood adventure to musical satire to large-scale nineties action. Listen to the show to hear a little more about each film and why they’re worth watching, and maybe even renting, this week.

Welcome to the first episode of November for the Video Store Podcast! For this week’s show, I’ve picked four films that are the definition of a cozy sweater or favorite blanket. These are comfort films for the fall season that are easy to watch and fun for just about everyone.

First up is the always fun film from 1987, The Princess Bride, directed by Rob Reiner and written by William Goldman. Full of action, adventure, humor, and romance, there’s truly something for everyone in The Princess Bride. Cozy up with the whole family for this one.

Next is one of the best rom-coms ever made, 1998’s You’ve Got Mail. Directed by rom-com great Nora Ephron and written by Nora and her sister, Delia Ephron, You’ve Got Mail is an icon of the genre. Starring the ever-charming Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan, this film’s setting of New York City in the fall will make you want to put on a scarf, sip your coffee, and listen to some nice piano jazz.

Keeping in the romance genre, we’ve got 2005’s adaptation of Jane Austen’s Pride & Prejudice. This is a gorgeous film with beautiful sets and cinematography, an enchanting score, and swoon-worthy dialogue. With an entire host of phenomenal actors, Pride & Prejudice is a cozy film best enjoyed with a cup of tea and some “most excellent potatoes.” Grab your blanket and your bestie and enjoy this beautiful film.

Finally, one of the best fall films, and really one of the best films ever made is Peter Jackson’s first film in The Lord of the Rings trilogy, The Fellowship of the Ring from 2001. Set during the fall, lush with autumn trees, feasting, beautiful music, and sets that are the definition of the golden hour, The Fellowship of the Ring is a majestic feast for the eyes, ears, and heart. Pull on your favorite sweater, grab a plate of snacks worthy of a hobbit, pour a pot of tea, or maybe a pint of your favorite brew, and enjoy The Fellowship of the Ring.

I hope these films will serve as a nice palate cleanser from the spooky days of October and help you enjoy the beauty of the fall season of November while we wait for Thanksgiving. Thanks for cozying up with us today at the Video Store Podcast.

Hi! Welcome back to the Video Store Podcast. I’m not going to lie, I’m on thin ice with management. I thought I was doing our customers a favor by swapping out all our copies of Jurassic Park with Velocipastor, and dubbing my own commentary track on all our copies of Titanic. In an attempt to get back in good graces with the manager, I humbly offer up these family friendly animated Halloween specials for your viewing pleasure.

(I also happen to really like all of these specials.)

First up is the timeless classic It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown (1966). This was the third animated Peanuts television special and the second holiday-themed one. As a kid, whenever we saw commercials for this special on television (or listings in the TV Guide), we knew Halloween was right around the corner.

Next is Garfield’s Halloween Adventure from 1985. In the mid-80s, Garfield was everywhere — in bookstores, toy stores, and on television. In this special, Garfield and Odie dress up as pirates (“Orange Beard the Pirate” and “Odie the Stupid”) to go trick-or-treating, but halfway through the special things take a hard left turn. The first half of this special contains songs and jokes and in the second half, Garfield and Odie are literally running for their lives from the ghosts of pirates. You’ll have to watch the entire special to see if Garfield gets any caaandy candy candy candy…

Third this week is the Fat Albert Halloween Special from 1977. I’ll be honest, I’m not sure how well this one has aged and it wasn’t a favorite of mine as a kid, but I love the urban feel and 70s vibe captured in this special. In this special Fat Albert and his gang of friends dress up in costume and instead of looking for candy, head out to “scare some old dudes.” But when things get scary, we discover just who is brave enough to rescue their friends from a spooky house. This one is a real time capsule.

Last up is A Disney Halloween which aired in 1983. This special was a mash up of a couple of previous specials, and it’s my absolute favorite. It contains clips from dozens of Disney animated films and shorts. Watching this special is like seeing that first Jack-o’-Lantern of the season. It just feels right.

I put this list of films together to remind you, and me, that Halloween is for everybody to enjoy. As a guy who occasionally watches hardcore Korean horror films and movies that might make a surgeon barf, I wanted to go back to my roots as a kid and pull out a few animated classics that you can enjoy with the whole family.

(Staplegun Zombie Massacre IV can wait a week…)

Welcome back to The Video Store Podcast, where every week I recommend four films for you to rent from the video store this week. Today, we’re diving into the world of classic horror anthologies. These are films that tell several stories within one, often with a framing device that ties everything together. If you’re a fan of short, chilling tales, this episode is for you.

First up is Dead of Night from 1945. This British film is one of the earliest horror anthologies and remains highly influential. It features five stories, all connected by a group of strangers who meet at a country house and realize they’ve all been having strange dreams. It’s one of the first films to introduce the now-classic “ventriloquist dummy” horror trope, with a segment that stands out as one of the creepiest of the film. Directors like Alfred Hitchcock and Federico Fellini have praised Dead of Night for its surreal and unsettling atmosphere.

Next, we have Black Sabbath, a 1963 Italian horror anthology directed by Mario Bava. It’s made up of three stories, and depending on which version you watch, the order of those stories might change. Boris Karloff, famous for his role as Frankenstein’s monster, appears in the third story and also introduces each segment. Bava’s use of color in this film is incredible, especially in “The Wurdalak,” a tale about vampires, which Karloff stars in. Bava’s visual style and ability to create mood really shine here, and the film is often credited with helping to shape Italian horror.

The third recommendation is Kwaidan from 1964, a Japanese anthology directed by Masaki Kobayashi. The film adapts four traditional Japanese ghost stories, each with a unique, haunting style. It’s a slow-burn film, with gorgeous set design and a painterly use of color, especially in the story “The Woman of the Snow.” Kobayashi originally intended for the film to be much longer, but the studio asked him to cut it down, so there’s even more footage that exists beyond the version most people know. Kwaidan was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film, which isn’t typical for horror movies, especially one with such a dreamlike, experimental approach.

Finally, there’s The House That Dripped Blood from 1971. This British anthology was produced by Amicus Productions, a studio known for its anthology films, and it’s one of their best. The movie features four stories tied together by a detective investigating mysterious deaths at a house. Each tale explores different horror subgenres, from vampires to haunted waxworks. It stars some familiar faces like Peter Cushing and Christopher Lee, who were regulars in British horror films of the era. The script was written by Robert Bloch, who’s probably best known for writing Psycho, so you know the storytelling is solid.

These four films are perfect examples of how diverse the anthology format can be, especially within the horror genre. They span different decades, countries, and styles, but all manage to deliver a range of creepy, atmospheric stories in one package. If you haven’t explored horror anthologies before, these films are a great starting point.

Thanks for listening to The Video Store Podcast. Be sure to check out these films, and I’ll be back next week with more recommendations.

Welcome back to another episode of the Video Store Podcast, where we’re in full Halloween mode! We’re taking a walk down memory lane this week in the comforting archives of Disney. Well, perhaps comforting isn’t the right word for these films. There was an era of Disney where they seemed to relish making more edgy and spooky films. These films are perfect for dipping your toe in the water of the horror genre, or if you’re looking for something off-the-beaten-path for your Halloween viewing. We’ve selected four of these Spooky Disney films for the staff picks wall this week to help make your Halloween fun and pleasantly chilling.

First up is the 1949 Disney animated short film The Legend of Sleepy Hollow. This gorgeously animated short film, based on the short story of the same name by Washington Irving, is an essential part of Halloween viewing. Told and sung by Bing Crosby, it is a great film best enjoyed with the whole family.

For something a little different this Halloween season, check out Disney’s undersung 1985 classic, The Black Cauldron. While not necessarily considered a horror movie, The Black Cauldron, does have horror elements, and in the original cut, was deemed so scary that it nearly got an R-rating! Based on Lloyd Alexander’s The Chronicles of Prydain, The Black Cauldron is another great example of spooky Disney, and also one that’s accessible for the whole family.

From the era where Disney tried to inject a little bit of family-friendly horror into their catalog, comes 1980’s The Watcher in the Woods. The Watcher in the Woods has a wonderful cast, including Bette Davis and David McCallum. The film is elevated by its cast, creepy score, as well as a wonderful, ethereal mystery. Based on the book by Florence Engel Randall, The Watcher in the Woods makes horror accessible for teens and young adults.

Finally, we have 1983’s Something Wicked This Way Comes, based on the book of the same name by Ray Bradbury. Bradbury is a master of horror and sci-fi, and Something Wicked This Way Comes is a wonderful example of his mastery. Starring Jonathan Pryce, Jason Robards, Pam Grier, and Diane Ladd, among others, Something Wicked This Way Comes is a wonderful film for the month of October. Get caught up in the mystery and suspense of Something Wicked This Way Comes with your teens and young adults.

Thanks for joining us today at the Video Store Podcast for these lesser-known films from the Disney vault. Grab some candy on the way out, and come back next week for more film and television recommendations from the Video Store Podcast.

Leaves are falling, the nights are getting longer, and the abandoned Chuck E. Cheese on the other side of our parking lot has temporarily become a Spirit Halloween store. It’s officially Halloween season, and this week I have four horror films to recommend that I watch every year to get me into the Halloween spirit.

First on my list is Young Frankenstein, Mel Brooks’ classic Frankenstein sequel/parody released in 1974. Not all of Brooks’ films have aged well, but Young Frankenstein still stands up as a classic comedy. The film stars Gene Wilder as Dr. Frankenstein’s grandson, who travels to Transylvania to prove to the world his grandfather was not insane. After arriving he discovers his grandfather’s notes and equipment and is ultimately able to reanimate a corpse… with mixed results. Wilder is joined on screen by Madeline Kahn, Marty Feldman, Cloris Leachman, Teri Garr, Kenneth Mars, and Gene Hackman, and Peter Boyle as the monster. Even though I seem to catch bits and pieces (no pun intended) of this on cable throughout the year, I put it on the list because it’s best enjoyed all the way through from start to finish. If you remove this one from the shelv but change your mind, be sure to put it, and the candle, BACK.

Second on my list is 1985’s Silver Bullet, based on a Stephen King novella. In Silver Bullet, a small town in Maine (it’s always a small town in Maine…) is under attack by a murderer that turns out to be a werewolf. After a young boy named Marty manages to wound the werewolf, he and his sister set out to determine the werewolf’s identity. But when the moon is full, the hunters quickly become the hunted. Starring Corey Haim and Gary Busey, Silver Bullet is a classic that gets me into the Halloween spirit every year.

Next on my list is John Carpenter’s The Thing, released in 1982. I have long considered this film along with a few others like Jaws and Back to the Future to be essentially flawless films. I’ve watched The Thing a dozen times and there’s not a thing I would change. It’s the perfect combination of traditional scares and psychological terror. When researchers discover an alien life form that not only consumes people but can physically imitate them as well, a group of researchers quickly discover who among them they can trust — no one. Starring Kurt Russell and featuring a cast of familiar faces, The Thing is the perfect way to instill fear and paranoia before bedtime.

The last film on my list is 1985’s Fright Night, a film about a teenage boy who believes his next door neighbor may actually be a vampire responsible for the uptick in murders reported on the news. When Charley’s family, friends, and even the police fail to believe him, there’s only one person he can turn to: Peter Vincent, host of the late night horror-themed television show, Fright Night. The bad news for Charley is that by the time he discovers the truth about his neighbor, his neighbor is on to him. Fright Night is classic 80s horror — it’s a little scary, a little silly, and a whole lot of fun. It’s worth a watch if you haven’t seen it recently.

I hope you are as excited about Halloween as we are here at the Video Store Podcast. Help yourself to a complimentary pair of plastic vampire teeth and fake blood capsules (careful — they’ll stain clothing) and take all the candy corn you want (we can never get rid of that stuff). I hope at least one of this week’s movies gets you into the Halloween spirit. Let us know your favorite “must watch” films that get you into the Halloween spirit!

In this episode of The Video Store Podcast, I am recommending into a mix popular and lesser-known Joe Pesci comedies from the '90s. If you're in the mood for a good laugh, these are films you might want to rent.

The Super (1991): This film stars Joe Pesci as Louie Kritski, a slumlord who gets sentenced to live in one of his own run-down buildings until he fixes it up. Pesci’s performance brings humor to a story about class and redemption. This movie might not be as well-known as others from the era, but it’s worth a look, especially for fans of Pesci. You might not know this, but the film was directed by Rod Daniel, who also directed Teen Wolf (1985).

My Cousin Vinny (1992): In this award-winning classic, Pesci plays Vinny Gambini, a brash, inexperienced lawyer who has no courtroom experience, defending his cousin and a friend accused of murder. Marisa Tomei won an Oscar for her role as Vinny’s fiancée, Mona Lisa Vito, and it is well-deserved. The chemistry between Pesci and Tomei works well, and the film’s humor holds up well, even decades later.

8 Heads in a Duffel Bag (1997): This dark comedy has a pretty bizarre premise: a hitman, played by Pesci, accidentally loses a bag containing eight heads. The film balances slapstick humor with dark comedy. While it didn’t make a huge splash when it first came out, it’s gained a bit of a cult following over the years. The film also features early performances from David Spade and Kristy Swanson.

Gone Fishin' (1997): Rounding out this week’s recommendations has Pesci alongside Danny Glover. These two stars play best friends whose fishing trip goes hilariously off the rails. It’s a lighthearted buddy comedy that doesn’t take itself too seriously. The movie was directed by Christopher Cain, who also directed Young Guns (1988). It might not have been a critical success, but it’s a fun, easy watch if you’re in the mood for something light.

That wraps up this week’s picks. Whether you’re in the mood for slapstick comedy, a courtroom classic, or a buddy adventure, Joe Pesci’s comedic range in these films is sure to bring some laughs. So next time you're browsing for something to watch, give one of these a try—you might just find a new favorite.

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Welcome back to another episode of the Video Store Podcast! As baseball season is winding down, we’ve selected four more baseball films to help you get through the post-season, especially if your team isn’t looking quite as good as they were at the start.

Batting first is 1988’s Bull Durham, written and directed by Ron Shelton. This film is a wonderful snapshot of minor league ball in the late 80s and reminds the audience that it’s not just about the game. It’s about figuring out who you are and what you want out of life, regardless of your occupation. Starring Kevin Costner, Susan Sarandon, and Tim Robbins, it’s a drama that will keep you swinging for the fences.

Next up is 1989’s Major League. A wealthy divorcee obtains the Cleveland Indians in the divorce but wants to relocate the team to a warmer climate. However, the escape clause only triggers if attendance drops below a certain threshold. Stacking the team with nobodies and has-beens, she hopes to move to Miami by the end of the season. When the team learns why they’ve been dealt the hand they’ve dealt, they rally to show her what they’re really made of. It’s a cheeky comedy that will make you stand up and cheer.

Batting third in our line up is The Natural from 1984, starring Robert Redford, Glenn Close, Robert Duvall, Kim Basinger, Wilford Brimley, Barbara Hershey, Darren McGavin, and Robert Farnsworth. Adapted from a book of the same name by Bernard Malamud, The Natural is a 4-time Academy Award-nominated film about finding your purpose, even in less-than-ideal circumstances, and knowing that you could be “the greatest that ever was.”

On clean-up duty is 1989’s Field of Dreams. If you podcast it, they will come, and they hopefully will check out this film. Field of Dreams is about creating space, both literally and figuratively, for the unimaginable. It’s about making peace with your past, and moving towards a better future. It’s a truly beautiful film, nominated for three Academy Awards, and boasts an incredible cast of performers, including Kevin Costnery, Amy Madigan, Ray Liotta, James Earl Jones, Burt Lancaster, Gaby Hoffmann, and Tim Busfield, among others. Grab a hot dog and watch the game with us here at the Video Store Podcast.

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Welcome to another episode of The Video Store Podcast. Are you ready for some recommendations? This week, I am focusing on films that are perfect for anyone looking for some Dungeons & Dragons inspiration. I have got four fantastic picks: "Hawk the Slayer" (1980), "Dragonslayer" (1981), "The Sword and the Sorcerer" (1982), and "The Dungeonmaster" (1984).

First up is "Hawk the Slayer." This 1980 fantasy film directed by Terry Marcel is a great watch for those who enjoy classic sword and sorcery adventures. The story follows Hawk, played by John Terry, on his quest to defeat the evil Voltan, portrayed by Jack Palance. The film stands out for its creative use of special effects, particularly for its time. It’s a cult favorite and a prime example of low-budget fantasy done right.

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Next, we have "Dragonslayer" from 1981. Directed by Matthew Robbins, this movie features groundbreaking special effects that earned it an Academy Award nomination. The story revolves around a young sorcerer’s apprentice, played by Peter MacNicol, who sets out to slay a dragon. The dragon, Vermithrax Pejorative, remains one of the most impressive and realistic dragons ever put to film. The combination of practical effects and CGI was ahead of its time, and it’s one of my favorite fantasy movies.

"The Sword and the Sorcerer," released in 1982 and directed by Albert Pyun, is another gem. Lee Horsley stars as Talon, a mercenary with an AMAZING three-bladed sword on a mission to rescue a princess and reclaim his kingdom. This film has some action-packed sequences and impressive low-budget practical effects.

Lastly, we have "The Dungeonmaster" from 1984. Directed by several directors, including Charles Band and Dave Allen, this anthology-style film follows Paul, a computer programmer who must face various challenges set by the evil Mestema, played by Richard Moll. The film’s blend of fantasy and sci-fi elements makes it unique. Each segment of Paul’s journey showcases different styles and imaginative scenarios that keeps it fresh.

These four films offer a great mix of fantasy adventure, imaginative storytelling, and unique special effects. They’re perfect for anyone looking to get inspired for their next Dungeons & Dragons campaign. So, grab some popcorn, sit back, and enjoy these classic fantasy films. Then go roll some dice.

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Are you like me and just a little too young to have experienced firsthand some of the retro pop culture you’ve grown to love? Then I’ve got five films to help take you back to the 70s and 80s, that weren’t made during that time. These films are like me—not quite retro.

First, we have It (2017) and It Chapter Two (2019), which deliver a one-two punch of horror and nostalgia. This film adaptation of Stephen King’s It moves the setting up to the late 1980s and mid-2010s, modernizing the original story just a bit, but still leaning into the nostalgia of childhood, friendship, and conquering childhood trauma.

Next up is 2011’s Super 8, written and directed by J. J. Abrams and produced by Steven Spielberg. Set in 1979, a group of kids while making a Super 8 movie accidentally record a train crash and get footage that they shouldn’t have seen. It’s a wonderful send-up of horror and sci-fi directors, like Spielberg, George Romero, John Carpenter, and Alfred Hitchcock, while also being a poignant exploration of grief.

If you need something to lighten the mood after the scariness of the It films and Super 8, you’ll enjoy 1998’s The Wedding Singer! The tagline for the film is “He’s going to party like it’s 1985!” and boy, does he ever. Wonderfully silly and surprisingly sincere and romantic, The Wedding Singer is a lot of fun from start to finish. Grab your Aqua Net and enjoy this fun rom-com with the person who wants to grow old with you.

Our final selection for our Not Quite Retro movie night is the 2021 Paul Thomas Anderson film, Licorice Pizza. While met with some initial controversy, this is a multi-award nominated and winning film from the writer and director that brought you Magnolia and Boogie Nights. Set in 1973, Licorice Pizza watches our leads, Alana Kane (played by Alana Haim) and Gary Valentine (played by Cooper Hoffman), grow up, figure out life, and fall in love. It’s a mythology of early 70s San Fernando Valley legends with an amazing soundtrack, a cast stacked with phenomenal actors, and the band HAIM, as well as their parents. Make a martini, or maybe just grab two cokes, and enjoy the feel-good comedy that is Licorice Pizza.

We hope our selections this week take you back to a time in history that you may or may not have experienced firsthand. If you did, do these films accurately capture that time period? Which films do you think capture it best? Thanks for joining us on this trip back to the 70s and 80s in this episode of the Video Store Podcast.

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