Retro Blood

Retro Blood 154: The Clairvoyant/The Killing Hour (1982)

Join James Kline and J.H. Alison as they continue their deep dive into 1980s New York horror with this week’s film, The Clairvoyant (also known as The Killing Hour) from 1982! 🔮💀
The boys kick off the episode by discussing the rise of psychic-themed thrillers in the early 80s and how The Clairvoyant fits into the genre. And of course, it wouldn’t be a Retro Blood episode without the Oktoberfest Beer of the Week review! 🍻
In the wrestling history segment, the hosts look at the state of pro wrestling around the movie’s release on October 24, 1982. They highlight a WWF double-show card, including a Bob Backlund vs. Buddy Rose main event, while also diving into Iron Maiden's song “The Clairvoyant” and the eerie history behind it.
Next, the boys dig into the history of The Clairvoyant. They explore director Armand Mastroianni’s background, Fox's decision to release the film under the title The Killing Hour, and how this movie marked Dennis Wolfberg’s acting debut. They also touch on how the film drew inspiration from the notorious Son of Sam case, adding to its grim atmosphere.
Then it’s time to dive into The Clairvoyant! The boys break down the plot of this psychic murder mystery, where a TV talk show host and a clairvoyant artist team up to stop a serial killer targeting women. They explore the film’s dark New York settings, intense interrogation scenes, and its mix of psychological horror and crime thriller elements.
The episode also delves into how The Clairvoyant taps into the cultural fascination with the paranormal during the 80s, as well as its eerie atmosphere and standout performances from the cast.
Expect plenty of discussions about crime, psychics, and serial killers as the Retro Blood boys unravel the chilling world of The Clairvoyant.
Streaming now on all platforms!
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🎧 #RetroBlood #TheClairvoyant #TheKillingHour #OktoberfestBeer #HorrorPodcast #80sHorror #PsychicThrillers #WWF #IronMaiden #SonofSam #SerialKillers
 

Retro Blood 153: Manhattan Baby (1982)

This week on Retro Blood, James Kline and J.H. Alison continue their journey through the horror-soaked streets of 1980s New York with a deep dive into Lucio Fulci’s underwhelming supernatural thriller Manhattan Baby.
James kicks things off with a passionate takedown of the film before the duo gets into their Oktoberfest Beer of the Week review! 🍻
In the history segment, the boys break down a massive Mid-Atlantic Wrestling tag team tournament spanning multiple cities and countries, while also discussing Nile’s latest death metal album, The Underworld Awaits Us All. Plus, James shares his wild stories from chilling on Nile’s tour bus back in the day! 🤘
Then, they dissect Manhattan Baby, diving into the troubled production, including how Fulci’s original budget of 800 million lire was slashed in half. The episode explores the tension between producer Fabrizio De Angelis’ excitement for the project and Fulci’s reluctance, alongside screenwriter Dardano Sacchetti’s influence with his script The Evil Eye.
As they review the film, they touch on the strange plot points, including the mysterious evil necklace, Susie’s possession, George’s blinding by ominous blue lights, and poor Jamie Lee getting left in the dust. They also highlight the odd adventures of Tommy, played by child actor Giovanni Frezza, and question the motivations behind the character Mercato’s actions.
Get ready for a mix of horror, wrestling, and metal as the Retro Blood boys unravel the bizarre mess that is Manhattan Baby.
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Stream now on all platforms! 🎧 #RetroBlood #ManhattanBaby #LucioFulci #OktoberfestBeer #HorrorPodcast #80sHorror #ProWrestling #NileBand #EvilNecklace
 

Retro Blood 152: Maniac (1981)

In Episode 152 of Retro Blood, James Kline and J.H. Alison continue their exploration of the grimy underworld of 1980s New York horror with a deep dive into the 1981 cult classic Maniac. The hosts kick off the episode by revealing the types of horror that truly unsettle them before jumping into the Oktoberfest Beer of the Week review.
For this week’s history segment, the boys rewind to January 30, 1981, the film’s New York release date, to see what was happening in the world of pro wrestling and music. They break down a rare Boston card featuring an unusual heel squash match by Hulk Hogan, along with a clash between Killer Khan and Rick McGraw. On the music side, the focus shifts to Blondie’s chart-topping hit “The Tide is High,” with James explaining why pairing this iconic song with the Maniac trailer creates a bizarre yet compelling juxtaposition.
From there, the hosts dig into the gritty production of Maniac, discussing William Lustig’s guerrilla filmmaking style and the infamous shotgun scene crafted by the legendary Tom Savini. They also explore Lustig’s filmography and the unlikely way Hot Honey helped fund Maniac. The episode wouldn’t be complete without a mention of the 2012 remake, including a debate about the peculiar choice of actor to play Frank.
In their full review, the hosts break down the movie’s iconic moments, from the haunting mannequin-filled rooms to the gory, dirty streets of New York brought to life through Savini’s effects. And, of course, they delve into "The Ultimate" – a concept that adds to Maniac’s terrifying legacy.
Tune in for a visceral look at one of the most disturbing slashers of the 1980s!
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Retro Blood 151: The New York Ripper (1982)

Episode 151 of Retro Blood dives deep into the gritty streets of New York with the 1982 horror classic, The New York Ripper. This September, James Kline and J.A. Alison kick off a month dedicated to crime, sex, murder, and the dark allure of 1980s New York horror cinema. The hosts start by setting the scene with a discussion about the iconic New York of the '80s, and how this month's theme came from a dedicated fan recommendation.
As the leaves begin to turn, so does the Retro Blood's content, introducing a brand new segment: the Oktoberfest Beer of the Week review, perfect for the season.
In this week's history segment, things take a somber turn as the boys pay tribute to the late, great Sid Eudy—known to wrestling fans as Sid Justice, Sid Vicious, and Sycho Sid—who passed away last Monday. James breaks down Sid's career, from his notorious flips between promotions to his unforgettable presence and promo skills that made him a legend in the ring.
On the metal side, the duo explores the work of the death metal band Fulci, who just dropped their album "Duck Face Killings," an homage to The New York Ripper.
The main event of the episode is a deep dive into Lucio Fulci's The New York Ripper. The hosts discuss Fulci's unique vision and the Italian horror style, explore the film's shooting locations, inspirations, and Fulci's own thoughts on this provocative piece of cinema. The review gets into the gritty details—from Fred the cop's investigation, to Jane’s unorthodox desires, and of course, the chilling presence of the infamous Duck Killer.
Tune in for a blend of horror, wrestling, and metal as the Retro Blood boys guide you through this disturbing yet fascinating film.
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Share your thoughts, requests, and feedback with The Retro Blood team. Don't forget to check them out, give them 5 stars, and let them know what you think! 
 

Retro Blood 150: Day of the Dead (1985)

On Episode 150 of Retro Blood, hosts James Kline and J. A. Alison close out From the Grave month with a deep dive into George A. Romero's 1985 classic, Day of the Dead. Kicking things off with some Alien Romulus (2024) spoilers, the hosts then share their thoughts on Day of the Dead, discussing its impact on the horror genre and how it influenced The Walking Dead TV series. James also reveals his love for the ruthless character Rhodes.
In this week’s history segment, the guys explore what was happening in pro wrestling and metal music around July 19, 1985, when the film was released. They break down a TNT show featuring managers vying for the services of "Macho Man" Randy Savage and highlight the underground thrash punk band Sacrilege and their debut album, Behind the Realms of Madness.
The episode also delves into the backstory of Day of the Dead, including how the original 200-page script was trimmed down to just 85 pages due to budget cuts. The hosts discuss the film's lasting impact on the zombie genre, the numerous remakes and sequels it inspired, and even the comic book spin-off featuring Bub the Zombie.
As they dive into the full review, James channels his inner Rhodes with some memorable speech reenactments, while the hosts praise the incredible gore effects by the legendary Tom Savini, which earned him an award for makeup. They also discuss Sarah as a strong female lead, the villainous duo of Rhodes and Steel, and how The Walking Dead borrowed from this zombie masterpiece.
Join Retro Blood for a gruesome and thrilling discussion of one of Romero's finest works!
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Retro Blood 149: Burial Ground: The Nights of Terror (1981)

On Episode 149 of Retro Blood, James Kline and J. A. Alison continue their exploration of forgotten horror gems with a deep dive into Andrea Bianchi's 1981 cult classic, Burial Ground: The Nights of Terror. In this episode, the hosts dissect one of the most bizarre and metal-infused zombie films ever made, a movie that stands as a twisted testament to the success of Zombi and Dawn of the Dead. The episode kicks off with some quick, jaw-dropping thoughts on Burial Ground, highlighting one of the most extreme scenes ever put to film—a moment that’s sure to leave a lasting impression. They also discuss how Burial Ground rode the wave of theItalian zombie craze, capitalizing on the popularity of the genre while carving out its own grotesque niche.In this week’s history segment, James and Alison take a different approach, focusing on the heavy metal scene of 1981 with a spotlight on Riot's iconic album Fire Down Under. They delve into the band’s history and the impact of this hard-hitting record. On the wrestlingfront, the hosts pay tribute to the late Kevin Sullivan, exploring his eerie cult character and storied career in the '80s and '90s.As they transition to the production of Burial Ground, the hosts explore the eerie filming location—a set piece that has appeared in numerous Italian horror films. They also unravel the mystery behind the casting of the 25-year-old actor Peter Bark as a child, and theunsettling performance that has made the film infamous. Additionally, they discuss the enigmatic prophet Black Spider and his peculiar role in the narrative. Finally, the hosts guide listeners through the full madness of the movie, from the haunting castle setting to the couples obsessed with making out in every corner, the rotting zombies with maggot-infested faces, and the unforgettable scene where Michael demands adisturbing form of comfort.Join Retro Blood for a trip into the bizarre and terrifying world of Burial Ground: The Nights of Terror, where Italian horror reaches new levels of shock and awe. Don’t miss this deepdive into one of the most peculiar entries in the zombie genre!
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Retro Blood 148: Night of the Creeps (1986)

Join James Kline and J. A. Alison as the Retro Blood counties from the grave month Part 2!This week, the boys take a deep dive into the cult horror classic, Night of the Creeps. Theydissect what makes this 1986 gem such a beloved piece of horror history, despite itslackluster box office performance. Was the '80s horror scene simply too crowded for Nightof the Creeps to shine, or was it destined to find its audience later as a cult favorite?The episode kicks off with a tribute to the legendary Tom Atkins, who delivers an iconicperformance as Detective Ray Cameron—a character that remains one of Atkins’ personalfavorites. The hosts explore Atkins’ career and his contribution to the film, all whileunpacking the dark humor and chills that Fred Dekker masterfully blends in his writing anddirecting.In their weekly history segment, James and Alison shift gears to discuss the world of prowrestling and metal music during the time of the film’s release. Wrestling fans willappreciate the breakdown of a pre-WWF clash between Dingo Warrior (later known as TheUltimate Warrior) and Rick Rude, including a wild shoot arm wrestling match that leaves alasting impression. On the metal front, the hosts dive into the impact of Bon Jovi’slegendary album Slippery When Wet, exploring its significance in shaping the rocklandscape of the '80s.The episode also offers a behind-the-scenes look at the making of Night of the Creeps.From Fred Dekker’s inspirations—rooted in B-movies of the 1950s—to the clever homagepaid to horror directors through character names, the hosts leave no stone unturned. Theyalso delve into the film’s production, exploring how Dekker's love for horror-comedy andhis unique vision brought this quirky, terrifying, and hilarious film to life.Join Retro Blood as they explore alien invasions, zombie slugs, frat house antics, and nerdson a mission to lose their virginity—all wrapped up in one of the most entertaining horrorflicks of the 1980s. Don’t miss out on this thrilling, nostalgia-packed episode!
Tune in for a spine-chilling episode that's sure to keep you on the edge of your seat!
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Share your thoughts, requests, and feedback with The Retro Blood team. Don't forget to check them out, give them 5 stars, and let them know what you think! 

Retro Blood 147: Dead & Buried (1981)

Join James Kline and J.A. Alison as we dive into the eerie world of non-traditional zombie movies for our special series, "It Came from the Grave: Part 2." In this episode, we're exploring the chilling 1981 film Dead and Buried.
We kick things off with some quick thoughts on Dead and Buried before diving into our weekly history segment. This week, we're talking about the world of pro wrestling and metal around the film's release date, May 29, 1981. We discuss wrestler Steve O (not the one you might be thinking of), our experience attending AEW live on July 31, 2024, and share our thoughts on SummerSlam 2024.
Next, we delve into the band Anvil and their album Hard 'n' Heavy. Then, we shift our focus to the film's production, including director Gary Sherman's unique vision and the curious case of Dan O'Bannon's credit despite his minimal involvement. We also highlight the incredible special effects by Stan Winston and discuss the careers of Jack Albertson (William Dobbs) and Robert Englund (Harry, aka a young Freddy Krueger).
Finally, we dive into a full review of Dead and Buried. We unravel the mystery with Sheriff Dan, puzzled throughout the film, and examine Janet and her witchcraft, the deadly small-town folk, and why people often perceive small towns as safe havens.
Tune in for a spine-chilling episode that's sure to keep you on the edge of your seat!
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Share your thoughts, requests, and feedback with The Retro Blood team. Don't forget to check them out, give them 5 stars, and let them know what you think! 

Retro Blood 146: Hell of the Living Dead (1984 US)

Join hosts James Kline and J.A. Alison as they wrap up "Hell Month" with a deep dive into the 1980s horror gem Hell of the Living Dead. This episode kicks off with discussions about the film's infamous party city makeup, the extensive use of African jungle stock footage, and quick thoughts on why James believes this movie deserves a place in the ZOMBI timeline.
Our weekly history segment transports us back to January 20, 1984, the U.S. release date of the film, to explore the worlds of metal and pro wrestling. We delve into New Japan Pro Wrestling's New Year Golden Series, highlighting the epic clash between Antonio Inoki and Tatsumi Fujinami. In the realm of metal, we revisit Metallica's legendary "Jump in the Fire," their final single from Kill 'Em All.
Dive into the making of Hell of the Living Dead with insights into director Bruno Mattei's unique vision and the contributions of writer Claudio Fragasso, who aimed to create a lighter version of Dawn of the Dead. Discover how the band Goblin got involved in the soundtrack and why the movie began losing money from day one, thanks in part to the inclusion of stock footage from New Guinea.
As we dissect the film, we explore its plot: an off-the-grid island housing a sinister factory named "SWEET DEATH" designed to eradicate humanity. Follow the story of the Eagle Group and their questionable mission, Zantoro's inexplicable zombie-slaying expertise, and Lia's tribal body paint antics. Of course, we'll also dive into the iconic party city zombies and the infamous stock footage of cannibalistic tribes.
Tune in for an unforgettable conclusion to Hell Month, packed with horror insights and 80s nostalgia!
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Retro Blood 145: Hell Hole (1985)

Welcome to Retro Blood 145, where hosts James Kline and J.A. Alison dive into the 1985 cult classic film "Hell Hole." This episode continues the July theme of exploring 80s movies with "Hell" in the title. We'll explore everything this wild movie has to offer, from mud baths to hot 80s insane girls, a mysterious girl with a secret, and a New York wise guy who scares everyone.
We'll kick things off with our weekly history segment, examining what was happening in the worlds of pro wrestling and metal music around the film's release date, March 15, 1985. In pro wrestling, we delve into the Mid-Atlantic Pro Wrestling episode from March 16, 1985. We discuss the promotion, focusing on the exciting feud between babyface Ric Flair and Wahoo McDaniel.
Turning to metal music, we highlight Metallica's performance at the Kabuki Theater in San Francisco, CA, on March 15, 1985. We'll talk about their set list and the band's unique style during this period, exploring how they were shaping the future of metal music.
Next, we'll get into some production notes on "Hell Hole," starting with the film's shooting locations. We'll discuss the casting process, including Britt Ekland almost landing the role of Dr. Fletcher, and highlight Mary Woronov's involvement, known for her work in Andy Warhol films. We'll also touch on other cast members and their roles in the film.
The heart of the episode will be our full review of "Hell Hole." We'll summarize the plot, focusing on Susan's descent into madness and her experiences in the 80s-style insane asylum. We'll analyze the characters, including Susan's journey, Silk's peculiar wise guy persona, Dr. Fletcher's dubious experiments, and Ron Stevens' somewhat pointless character.
We'll highlight key scenes, such as the infamous mud baths and the unsettling environment of the asylum, and discuss the film's unique elements and 80s flair. We'll delve into the themes and interpretations, exploring power dynamics and control and the film's blend of horror and exploitation.
As we wrap up, we'll share our overall impressions of "Hell Hole" as an 80s horror film and discuss how it fits into the broader theme of "Hell" movies from the decade. We invite our listeners to share their thoughts on the movie.
We'll close the episode by teasing what's coming up next week, thanking our listeners for tuning in, and encouraging them to follow us on social media and subscribe to our podcast. Stay tuned for more retro horror goodness!
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Share your thoughts, requests, and feedback with The Retro Blood team. Don't forget to check them out, give them 5 stars, and let them know what you think!