Retro Blood

Join James Kline on a rare solo episode of Retro Blood while J.H. Alison is away, as we continue 1980s Killer School Horror Month with the radioactive Troma cult classic Class of Nuke 'Em High.
James dives into the wild world of mid-’80s punk culture, MTV, and how Hollywood portrayed punk rockers during this era. Even though this style of movie normally isn’t his thing, he talks about why the film became such a huge cult favorite and why the chaotic Troma style still connects with horror fans decades later.
In the History Segment, James rewinds to December 12, 1986 and talks a WWF house show featuring The British Bulldogs and The Hart Foundation in tag team action, with Randy Savage headlining the event. He also breaks down the movie’s soundtrack and how the music fits perfectly into the over-the-top energy of the film.
Then we get into the making of the movie, discussing Lloyd Kaufman, Troma’s low-budget filmmaking style, and how the studio built its reputation on outrageous independent horror-comedy. James also shares fun behind-the-scenes stories about the production, effects work, and the anything-goes atmosphere surrounding the film.
Finally, we deliver a full breakdown of the movie, covering the Tromaville nuclear plant, mutant high school students, bizarre humor, punk chaos, toxic monsters, and the complete insanity that makes this one of Troma’s most beloved films.
It’s radioactive horror madness, punk rock insanity, and pure VHS chaos—only on Retro Blood. ☢️🩸
#RetroBlood #ClassOfNukeEmHigh #Troma #LloydKaufman #80sHorror #CultHorror #VHSHorror #PunkRock #RandySavage #WrestlingHistory #HorrorPodcast #RetroHorror

Join James Kline and J.H. Alison as Retro Blood continues James Kline’s Birthday Month Picks and our month of 1980s Killer School Horror Movies with the strange meta-slasher Return to Horror High—also known in some places as Scream.
We kick things off by talking about how ahead of its time this movie really was, feeling almost like a prototype for Scream 2 years before meta horror became mainstream. We discuss the movie-within-a-movie concept, the comedy elements, and why this may be one of the earliest self-aware slashers of the ’80s. Of course, we also talk a young George Clooney showing up before becoming a Hollywood megastar.
In our Weekly History Segment, we rewind to January 9, 1987. In metal, Alison introduces the underground grunge-influenced band Skin Yard and their role in the early Seattle music scene before grunge exploded worldwide. In wrestling, James breaks down the WWF debut of Demolition and how they quickly became one of the most memorable tag teams of the late ’80s.
Then we dive into the making of the movie, discussing director Bill Froehlich, why he wanted to make a self-aware slasher comedy, and how New World Pictures gave him a modest $800,000 budget. We talk about the movie surprisingly making over a million dollars, the chaotic production style, and the cast filled with future recognizable faces.
Finally, we deliver a full breakdown of the movie, covering the murders at Crippen High, the bizarre film crew characters, the intentionally confusing structure, and the mix of horror and comedy that makes this one such a unique cult oddity.
It’s meta horror before meta horror was cool—only on Retro Blood. 🩸🎥
#RetroBlood #ReturnToHorrorHigh #80sHorror #MetaHorror #SlasherMovie #GeorgeClooney #CultHorror

Join James Kline and J.H. Alison as Retro Blood kicks off James Kline’s Birthday Month Picks with a brand-new theme—1980s Killer School Horror Movies. First up is the cult slasher favorite Slaughter High.
We start things off with quick thoughts on the movie and why this is the perfect late-night party horror film—packed with goofy characters, wild kills, and pure VHS slasher energy.
In our Weekly History Segment, we rewind to November 14, 1986. In wrestling, the guys talk Jerry Lawler vs. Bam Bam Bigelow, while Alison dives into Metallica and their first Japan tour during the height of the thrash metal explosion.
Then we get into the making of the movie, including how the film was made by some of the same people behind Friday the 13th and even reused parts of the famous soundtrack style and cues. We also talk about the cast, including Simon Scuddamore as Marty and horror icon Caroline Munro, plus the film’s strange mix of British filmmaking trying to recreate an American high school slasher.
Finally, we deliver a full breakdown of the movie, covering the cruel prank, the reunion setup, Marty’s revenge, outrageous death scenes, and why this movie became such a beloved cult VHS horror classic.
It’s killer nerd revenge, exploding bodies, and pure ’80s slasher chaos—only on Retro Blood. 🩸🎓
#RetroBlood #SlaughterHigh #80sHorror #SlasherMovie #CultHorror #VHSHorror #FridayThe13th #CarolineMunro #SimonScuddamore #Metallica #HorrorPodcast #RetroHorror
 

Join James Kline and J.H. Alison as Retro Blood continues J.H. Alison’s Birthday Month Picks with another wild and sleazy entry from Ulli Lommel—the erotic thriller Olivia (aka Double Jeopardy).
We kick things off with quick thoughts on the film’s heavy softcore erotic elements, the tone, and how this one blends psychological thriller with exploitation-style storytelling.
In our History Segment, we jump to 2026 and break down WrestleMania 42 Night 2. The guys discuss how Night 2 stacked up compared to Night 1, what matches delivered, what fell flat, and whether WWE stuck the landing on its biggest storylines of the year.
From there, we dive into the making of the film, including how Lommel and his wife Suzanna Love developed the story, the unique “London Bridge” concept behind the film, and the influence of a short story that helped shape the narrative. We also talk about Robert Walker Jr. and his creative input, along with the low-budget production style that defines Lommel’s work during this era.
Finally, we deliver a full breakdown of the movie, exploring its twisted plot, psychological tension, erotic thriller elements, and the performances that push this one into truly bizarre territory. We discuss what works, what doesn’t, and where Olivia lands in the world of early ’80s cult horror.
It’s strange, it’s sleazy, and it’s peak underground Lommel—only on Retro Blood. 👁️🔥
#RetroBlood #Olivia1983 #UlliLommel #80sHorror #EroticThriller #CultHorror #BirthdayPicks #WrestleMania42 #HorrorPodcast #RetroHorror
 
 

Join James Kline and J.H. Alison as Retro Blood continues J.H. Alison’s Birthday Month Picks with another wild entry from Ulli Lommel—the gritty, low-budget slasher Overkill. We kick things off with quick thoughts on the movie and its chaotic tone before stepping out of the ’80s for a special segment covering WrestleMania 42 Saturday. The guys break down Night 1, discuss the matches and storylines, and preview what’s coming for Night 2. Then we rewind back to the late ’80s, diving into the era of gritty exploitation and Buddy cop action cinema. We talk how films like Overkill fit into that underground wave, blending sleaze, violence during the VHS boom. From there, we get into the behind-the-scenes story—Lommel’s fascination with serial killer narratives, the film’s low-budget production style, and the casting, including discussion around Mickey Spillane inspiration vibes and the odd “Playgirl-era” energy surrounding parts of the cast and marketing. Finally, we deliver a full breakdown of the movie, covering its bizarre structure, over-the-top characters, and moments that had James questioning if this was actually meant to be a spoof. We talk kills, performances, tone, and whether Overkill lands as disturbing, ridiculous, or somewhere in between. It’s sleazy, strange, and pure underground horror chaos—only on Retro Blood. 🔥🩸
#RetroBlood #Overkill1987 #UlliLommel #80sHorror #CultHorror #SlasherFilm #VHSHorror #BirthdayPicks #WrestleMania #HorrorPodcast #RetroHorror

H. Alison’s Birthday Month Picks continue as Retro Blood dives into another strange entry from Ulli Lommel with the psychological horror oddity Brainwaves.
We kick things off with quick thoughts on the movie, including its unsettling tone, the mysterious markings on the arms, and the overall low-budget, experimental feel that gives this one a unique edge.
In our Weekly History Segment, we rewind to 1982. In wrestling, James breaks down Ric Flair chasing the NWA World Heavyweight Championship and how this era helped define him as one of the all-time greats. Meanwhile, Alison dives into metal history with Ozzy Osbourne, talking about chaotic live shows where Black Sabbath songs were performed with little to no rehearsal—capturing that raw, unpredictable energy of early ’80s metal.
We also touch on the making of the film, including Lommel’s DIY filmmaking style, the film’s low budget, and how it fits into his run of early ’80s experimental horror projects.
Finally, we deliver a full breakdown of the movie, digging into its psychological themes, strange performances, eerie imagery, and whether Brainwaves works as a hidden gem or just a bizarre curiosity from the VHS era.
It’s weird, it’s low-budget, and it’s pure Retro Blood birthday horror madness. 👁️🔥
#RetroBlood #Brainwaves #80sHorror #UlliLommel #CultHorror #PsychologicalHorror #VHSHorror #RicFlair #OzzyOsbourne #BlackSabbath #HorrorPodcast #BirthdayPicks

Retro Blood 233: The Devonsville Terror (1983) 🔮🩸
Join James Kline and J.H. Alison as Retro Blood dives into small-town witchcraft horror with The Devonsville Terror—and kicks off J.H. Alison’s Birthday Month Picks! 🎉
We start with quick thoughts on the film’s eerie, slow-burn atmosphere and folk horror vibes. In our Weekly History Segment, we talk the wild story of Stampede Wrestling and the incident that got them banned from Calgary for six months. Then we jump into metal with Slayer and their debut album Hell Awaits, and how it helped shape extreme metal.
We also get into the making of the film with director Ulli Lommel, and talk about Donald Pleasence showing up—and why we think he deserves a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
Then we deliver a full breakdown of the movie, covering witchcraft, revenge, strange deaths, and a town haunted by its past.
It’s curses, chaos, and birthday horror picks—only on Retro Blood. 👻🔥
#RetroBlood #DevonsvilleTerror #80sHorror #CultHorror #FolkHorror #Witchcraft #SupernaturalHorror #HorrorPodcast #Slayer #HellAwaits #BirthdayPicks

Join James Kline and J.H. Alison as Retro Blood wraps up Evil Spirit Month with the eerie dream-horror cult film The Slayer.
We kick things off with quick thoughts—Alison defends the movie’s atmosphere and slow-burn tension, while James struggles to stay awake and questions the pacing. Then it’s time for our Weekly History Segment, rewinding to October 1, 1982. In metal, we talk KISS and their heavier comeback album Creatures of the Night, marking a shift back to a darker sound. In wrestling, the boys break down the clash between Nick Bockwinkel and Otto Wanz, highlighting the international scene and how different territories were presenting championship-level talent in the early ’80s.
From there, we dig into the making of the film, including director J. S. Cardone and how this became his debut feature. We talk about how the project got financed, producer William R. Ewing, and the collapse of International Picture Company. We also cover the film’s modest budget, its moody Georgia coastal filming locations, and the surprising fact that it landed on the UK’s “video nasty” list.
Finally, we deliver a full breakdown of the movie—Kay’s disturbing dreams bleeding into reality, the isolated island setting, shocking moments like the brutal fishing hook scene, and the mysterious Slayer creature that barely appears but leaves an impression. We also dig into the film’s twist ending, the constant tension between characters, and whether this one works better as psychological horror or creature feature.
It’s nightmares, isolation, and early ’80s horror weirdness to close out the month on Retro Blood. 👁️🌊
#RetroBlood #TheSlayer #80sHorror #CultHorror #VideoNasty #EvilSpiritMonth #KISS #CreaturesOfTheNight #HorrorPodcast #RetroHorror
 
 

Join James Kline and J.H. Alison as Retro Blood continues Evil Spirit Month, diving into the ABC made-for-TV chiller Haunted by Her Past (aka Secret Passion).
We kick things off with a fun discussion on soap operas—why we’re not exactly the target audience, but still respect the grind and talent behind them. Then we jump into our Weekly History Segment, looking at October 1987. James breaks down the iconic The Mega Powers Handshake between Hulk Hogan and Randy Savage, a massive moment in WWF storytelling. Meanwhile, Alison dives into thrash metal with Exodus and their album Pleasures of the Flesh, highlighting the heavier edge of late-’80s metal.
From there, we get into the making of the film, talking about its soap-opera-heavy cast, including Karen Lamm (often associated with TV drama roles), and how that background shapes the tone of the movie. We also touch on the world of TV horror movies in the ’80s, how they balanced scares with network standards, and some trivia on the cast, including connections to later TV hits.
Finally, we deliver a full breakdown of the movie, covering the supernatural mystery, eerie mirror visions, the skeptical husband who refuses to believe anything, and the escalating haunting that blurs the line between psychological drama and ghost story. From melodrama to possession vibes, we break down what works, what doesn’t, and where this one lands in the world of made-for-TV horror.
It’s ghosts, soap opera drama, and ’80s TV horror all rolled into one—only on Retro Blood. 🩸📺
#RetroBlood #HauntedByHerPast #SecretPassion #80sHorror #TVHorror #MadeForTV #GhostStory #EvilSpiritMonth #HorrorPodcast #CultHorror #Exodus #ThrashMetal #WrestlingHistory

Join James Kline and J.H. Alison as Retro Blood continues Evil Spirit Month with the revenge-fueled VHS cult oddity Necromancer.
We kick things off with our quick thoughts on the film, discussing the late-’80s wave of revenge horror and the role of Elizabeth Kaitan. The guys also debate how this movie might have been even crazier if it had someone like Christopher Walken playing the mysterious necromancer.
In our Weekly History Segment, we rewind to March 12, 1988 to look at what was happening in wrestling and metal around the film’s release. James talks about the legendary Kerry Von Erich and the wild world of late ’80s Texas wrestling, while Alison dives into progressive metal history with Dream Theater and their debut album When Dream and Day Unite, discussing the early formation of one of prog metal’s most influential bands.
From there we dig into the behind-the-scenes story of the film, including director Dusty Nelson and writer William T. Naud, the low-budget production, and why this kind of supernatural revenge story was perfect for the booming VHS horror market of the late ’80s. We also talk about the cast, the gritty tone of the film, and what the filmmakers were trying to accomplish with its mix of occult horror and exploitation revenge themes.
Finally, we deliver a full breakdown of the movie, covering the dark story of revenge through black magic, the creepy theater teacher, the glowing demon necromancer effects, and the parade of terrible guys who make perfect targets for supernatural payback. Along the way we discuss the film’s weird characters, including the awkward occult-obsessed nerd who brings the demonic revenge plan to life.
It’s another deep dive into strange VHS-era horror as Retro Blood explores one of the darker supernatural revenge films of the late ’80s. 👁️🔥
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#RetroBlood #Necromancer #80sHorror #VHSHorror #CultHorror #EvilSpiritMonth #ElizabethKaitan #DreamTheater #KerryVonErich #OccultHorror #HorrorPodcast #RetroHorror