Retro Blood

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. Then, in the Retro Blood weekly history segment, James breaks down a 1988 Prime Time Wrestling main event featuring Andre the Giant & Rick Rude vs. Jake "The Snake" Roberts & Hacksaw Jim Duggan. Meanwhile, Alison dives into the gothic synth sounds of Depeche Mode and their legendary live album 101.
Next, it's time for some behind-the-scenes stories! The boys discuss director John Hough, legendary actress Yvonne De Carlo (MA! 👵), and the wild story of Stephen Shellen losing his starring role after a bar fight. They also cover the film’s Vancouver shooting location, its Grant Wood-inspired poster, and its original title—Kids.
Finally, it’s a full breakdown of the movie:🔪 Cynthia steals the show as the most developed character✈️ Jeff and his ill-fated airplane adventure🪓 Paul being utterly useless🔥 Terri’s dark Scene with Teddy… and of course, the disturbing, childlike killers of this demented island family.
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A bizarre end to Killer Island Month—don’t miss it!
#RetroBlood #AmericanGothic #80sHorror #KillerIslandMonth #BackwoodsHorror #DepecheMode #ProWrestlingHistory

Retro Blood 180: Beyond Evil (1980)

James Kline and J.H. Alison continue Killer Island Month with a John Saxon special—the supernatural horror flick Beyond Evil! The boys kick things off celebrating John Saxon’s greatness, followed by a discussion on 1980s special effects and whether this film pulls them off.
In the history segment, James dives into the May 1980 edition of Pro Wrestling Illustrated and shares a hilarious story about bringing a wrestling mag to school. Alison keeps things metal with a breakdown of SAXON’s Wheels of Steel album, a defining moment in early '80s heavy metal.
Then, it's on to the film’s production—covering director Herb Freed, the filming location, and how Herb and lead actress Lynda Day George got along.
Finally, the full movie review: green-glowing ghost lights, a bar that gets possessed repeatedly, John Saxon refusing to wear a shirt, island rituals, and all the supernatural weirdness this cult horror flick has to offer!
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Retro Blood 179: Island of Blood (1982)

Retro Blood 179: Island of Blood (1982) 🔥🎬
James Kline and J.H. Alison continue Killer Island Month with the obscure slasher Island of Blood aka Whodoit—where bad acting meets bad lighting in a low-budget horror mess! This one tries to cash in on Friday the 13th but misses the mark, and the boys break down why.
In the history segment, James covers a wrestling card headlined by Killer Khan, while Alison dives into Black Sabbath’s 1982 “Mob Rules” tour.
With little behind-the-scenes info on this film, we discuss director William T. Naud, Jeanine Marie’s on-set injury, and how this slasher was inspired by Agatha Christie’s And Then There Were None.
Then, it's time for the full breakdown—Ramones guys 1 & 2, Gary’s failed heroics, Jim’s one-liners, Frank’s cringey beach scene, BJ’s sleazy ambition, and, of course, a movie so dark you can barely see it!
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Retro Blood 178: Antropophagus (1981)

James Kline and J.H. Alison continue Killer Island Month with the infamous Italian/German shocker, Antropophagus! James finds it boring, but there’s plenty to talk about—including that fetus bag scene.
In our weekly history segment, James covers the Killer Khan vs. André the Giant stretcher match, while Alison dives into Blue Öyster Cult’s 1981 tour and their legendary hit Don’t Fear the Reaper.
Then, we break down the film’s history, from a hilarious premiere story to what that grotesque prop was actually made of. We also check out a wild IMDb fan review and explore director Joe D’Amato’s low-budget madness.
Finally, we get into the full review—rich guy turned cannibal killer, young adults on an abandoned island, creepy Dan, tarot card drama, and, of course, stem cell eating?!
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#RetroBlood #Antropophagus #80sHorror #KillerIslandMonth #CannibalHorror #JoeDAmato #BlueOysterCult #ProWrestlingHistory

Retro Blood 177: The Fog (1980)

James Kline and J.H. Alison kick off Killer Island Month with a deep dive into John Carpenter’s eerie ghost story—The Fog! 🌊🏴‍☠️
The episode starts with quick thoughts on the film, its chilling atmosphere, where it ranks among Carpenter’s classics, and, of course, fog monsters. Then, in our Weekly History Segment, we break down what was happening in Pro Wrestling and Metal Music around the film’s release on February 1, 1980. James covers two title changes from the era but jumps ahead to discuss this past Saturday’s WWE Elimination Chamber—where John Cena shocked the world by turning heel. Meanwhile, Alison dives into the Mothers of Rock and the early days of Iron Maiden. 🎸🔥
Then, it’s time for the history of The Fog—covering John Carpenter and Debra Hill’s creative process, the film’s troubled first draft, its eerie California filming locations, and how it introduced some of Carpenter’s regulars to his cinematic universe.
Finally, we break down the full movie—Tom Atkins being a man's man as Nick Castle, Jamie Lee Curtis as the mysterious hitchhiker Elizabeth, Adrienne Barbeau’s smooth DJ voice, and, of course, the terrifying ghostly pirate crew seeking revenge and stolen gold.
Grab your radios, watch out for the fog rolling in, and join us for this deep dive into Carpenter’s atmospheric horror classic! 🌫️👻
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Retro Blood 176: Near Dark (1987)

🎙️ Retro Blood 176: Near Dark (1987) 🎙️
James Kline and J.H. Alison wrap up 1980s Vampire Horror Month: Part 2 with one of the grittiest and most underrated vampire flicks of the decade—Near Dark! 🌄🧛‍♂️
We kick things off with quick thoughts on the film, comparing it to other vampire classics and discussing its unique neo-western horror vibe. Then, in our Weekly History Segment, we look at what was happening in Pro Wrestling and Metal Music around its release on October 2, 1987. James dives into Jerry “The King” Lawler winning the Lord of the Ring Tournament, while Alison covers the Lynyrd Skynyrd Reunion Tour, the band's legacy, and the tragic deaths of its original members. 🎸🔥
Then, we dig into the history of Near Dark—how Kathryn Bigelow brought her vision to life, how she originally wanted to make a Western, and how the cast’s connection to Aliens shaped the film. We also discuss the killer performances, from Bill Paxton's unforgettable turn as Severen to Lance Henriksen's menacing Jesse Hooker.
Finally, we break down the full movie—Caleb’s rough vampire initiation, Mae’s tragic romance, the blood-drinking road trip, the legendary bar massacre, and the unusual twist on vampire lore: a simple blood transfusion as a cure—despite the movie never using the word "vampire."
A modern horror cult classic? Absolutely. Ride with us through the night as we close out our vampire theme month with Near Dark!
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Retro Blood 175: Dracula Sovereign of The Damned (1980)

🎙️ Retro Blood 175: Dracula – Sovereign of the Damned (1980) 🎙️
James Kline and J.H. Alison continue 1980s Vampire Horror Month: Part 2 with a true hidden gem—Dracula: Sovereign of the Damned, an anime take on the Prince of Darkness that delivers pure 80s insanity. 🦇
We kick things off with quick thoughts on the film, including its Saturday morning cartoon vibes, its unexpected deep dive into Satanic lore, and, of course, Dracula himself devouring a hamburger. 🍔
Then, in our Weekly History Segment, we look at what was happening in the world of Pro Wrestling and Metal around the film’s release August 19. 1980. In wrestling, we head to Memphis, where The King (Jerry Lawler) finds himself in a brutal piledriver match. Meanwhile, Alison takes us through the first-ever Monsters of Rock Festival and its impact on the metal scene. 🎸🔥
Diving into the movie’s history, we discuss its Japanese and American directors, Marvel’s Tomb of Dracula comics, and how this film adapts (and wildly changes) the source material.
Finally, it’s time for the full breakdown— A awesome Narrator were James reads his lines,Satan’s 80s power moves, Dracula losing his powers and his cross hand. The forming of a vampire crew featuring Frank Ninja-style, Hons the wheelchair-bound badass, a holy dog excommunicated from the church, and Dracula’s Fantastic Four-related son… all happening in BOSTON?!
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This one’s a wild ride you won’t want to miss! #RetroBlood #80sHorror #DraculaAnime #MarvelHorror #ProWrestling #MetalMusic

Retro Blood 174: Dracula Last Rites (1980)

James Kline and J.H. Alison continue 1980s Vampire Horror Month: Part 2 with the obscure flop Dracula’s Last Rites. Was it worth the $2 rental on Prime? Probably not—but we’re here to talk about it anyway. 🧛‍♂️
We kick things off with our quick thoughts on the film’s intriguing concept that failed miserably in execution. In the Weekly History Segment, we discuss epic one-hour wrestling matches and share some of our all-time favorites. On the metal side, we explore what Triumph was up to in the early ’80s. 🎸
Production notes include director Dominick Paris, the film’s unusual New Jersey setting (only the fourth movie ever filmed there), and hilarious credits giving thanks to Holiday Inn. We even read some wild fan feedback on this cinematic disaster.
The full review covers everything: daytime vampires clocking in 9-to-5, a sheriff vampire, wild car chases, Ted’s weird obsession with his wife’s dead mom’s body, and of course—the unforgettable Vamp Mom.
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Don’t miss this laugh-filled dive into a truly strange vampire flick! #RetroBlood #80sHorror #Vampires #DraculasLastRites #ProWrestling #MetalMusic

Retro Blood 173: Vamp (1986)

James Kline and J.H. Alison kick off 1980s Vampire Horror Month: Part 2 with the cult classic Vamp! 🧛‍♀️✨
We dive into the wild world of vampire strip clubs and share our quick takes on this neon-soaked horror flick. In the Weekly History Segment, we spill major spoilers for the 2025 Royal Rumble, break down Night 8 of the Great American Bash tour, and decide which wrestlers would have hit up a vampire strip club. In metal, we talk Van Halen’s legendary Cotton Bowl show on July 18, 1986. 🎸
Production talk includes writer/director Richard Wenk, Grace Jones as the iconic Katrina, and that infamous chair mold scene.
Finally, we review it all—AJ (aka that guy from Nightmare 2), Keith’s terrible night, creative stripper gimmicks, vibrant pink and green lighting, and a New York club owner dreaming of Vegas.
Don’t miss this fang-tastic episode! 🧛‍♂️ #RetroBlood #80sHorror #Vamp #ProWrestling #MetalMusic
 

Retro Blood 172: Nail Gun Massacre (1987)

James Kline and J.H. Alison wrap up Killer Objects in 1980s Horror Movies: Part 2 with the low-budget Texas dark comedy Nail Gun Massacre. 🤠🔫
The boys kick things off with their quick thoughts on the film—what hit, what missed, and what made this bizarre flick a cult curiosity. Then, it’s time for the Weekly History Segment! For January 1987, we discuss the WWF debut of the iconic tag team Demolition and dive into the world of metal with Sacrilege’s album Within the Prophecy. 🎸🤼‍♂️
Next, we delve into the backstory of Nail Gun Massacre: writer/director Terry Lofton’s limited but fascinating filmography, his grandmother's surprising role in the movie, and the Texas locations where it was shot. We also uncover wild production stories, including a divorce caused by the film and theories on how they convinced so many women to strip down for this low-budget slasher.
Finally, the full review: paintball stormtrooper killers, muffled audio, absurdly random murders, a Doc who relies on computers for everything, a hilariously real Texas sheriff, horny teens in the woods, and of course, nail-gun carnage galore.
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Lock and load—this is one massacre you won’t want to miss! 🔩🔪 #RetroBlood #80sHorror #NailGunMassacre #ProWrestlingHistory #MetalMusic