Retro Blood 157: Amityville 3D (1983)

 

James Kline and J.H. Alison are back for the next installment of Retro Blood’s Halloween month, continuing their journey through the infamous Amityville films of the 1980s. This week, things get three-dimensional as they dive into Amityville Horror 3D (1983). 🎃🕶️

Get ready for all things 3D—3D flies, 3D wind, 3D poles, 3D fire, and a 3D purple misty cloud that haunts the screen! Oh, and don’t forget, the girl from Full House makes an appearance! The boys kick off with a lively discussion about the 3D movie craze that hit hard in the early 80s. They break down why 1983 was a major year for the format, comparing it to other 3D horror releases like Jaws 3D and Friday the 13th Part III.

James and J.H. then dig into the inspiration behind the film’s lead character, John Baxter, who is loosely based on real-life paranormal investigator and book author Stephen Kaplan. They explore how Kaplan’s skepticism about the Amityville hauntings may have influenced the more grounded tone of Baxter’s character.

In this week's history segment, the hosts dive into what was happening in pro wrestling and metal music around the movie's release date, November 18, 1983. They break down the Pro Wrestling Illustrated awards for 1983, talking about the year’s top stars and feuds. In the metal corner, they discuss the release of Ozzy Osbourne's iconic Bark at the Moon album and its significance in the evolution of Osbourne's solo career, particularly following the tragic death of guitarist Randy Rhoads.

The production history of Amityville 3D is filled with fascinating behind-the-scenes stories, and James and J.H. dive deep into them. They discuss the legal drama involving the Lutz family and producer Dino De Laurentiis, AKA “Double D,” over the rights to the Amityville name. They also touch on the film’s co-production between the U.S. and Mexico, a move that added a unique international flavor to the project. The lawsuit between the Lutz family and the producers created a buzz, with the Lutzes still trying to maintain control over their infamous story while the filmmakers took the haunting in a different direction.

Then, it’s time for the full review of Amityville 3D. The hosts break down key scenes, including John’s skepticism about the paranormal, Melissa’s (played by Lori Loughlin) frantic freakouts, and her jaw-dropping death sequence. They also talk about the haunting return of Susan as a ghost, how the character Nancy had one simple job (keeping her daughter out of the cursed house), and her ultimate failure. And of course, they can’t help but laugh over the infamous 3D FLY scenes—proof that sometimes special effects really do bug you. 🪰👻

Expect plenty of laughs, deep-dive production talk, and lots of 3D breakdowns as James and J.H. guide you through the wacky, spooky world of Amityville Horror 3D. Tune in for the chills and thrills as Retro Blood continues its Halloween marathon with style!

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