Best Jacob and Tab Podcasts (2025)

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Halloween Special 2022 1:46:42

2+ y ago1:46:42

1:46:42

As we hang up our horror host costumes, we can’t help but pass out that sweet sweet Test Pattern Halloween Candy. It’s time for one final Halloween Hoorah!

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Episode 201: Dead is Better - Pet Sematary 3:53:53

2+ y ago3:53:53

3:53:53

We contemplate life and death and come to the realization that sometimes… dead is better. We read Stephen King’s darkest novel, Pet Sematary and watched the 1989 adaptation! Sources: On Writing by Stephen King Unearthed & Untold: The Path to Pet Sematary, documentary

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Episode 200: Meet Me at the Waterfront - Sleepaway Camp 3:57:02

2+ y ago3:57:02

3:57:02

We come full circle, as we revisit our first movie together ... Sleepaway Camp! Stay tuned after the episode for a bonus conversation with Jacob and James about their OG bad movie nights! Sources: Sleepaway Camp (1983) "Robert Hiltzik Talks the Making of Slasher Classic Sleepaway Camp" by Don Kaye, Den of Geek Actor commentary with Felissa Rose and…

1
Episode 199: No Exit - Jacob's Ladder (1990) & Silent Hill (with Brian Ivanhoe!)!) 4:41:09

2+ y ago4:41:09

4:41:09

We're joined by Brian Ivanhoe to explore the boundaries of reality with Jacob's Ladder and Silent Hill! Sources: Jacob's Ladder (1990) "Hell Can Wait: Art, Trauma, and Other Demons" by Rich Johnson, Fangoria "Up Jacob's Ladder and into the Hell of a Veteran's Psyche" by Tim Golden, The New York Times "Understanding Jacob's Ladder" by Pinchas Leiser…

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Episode 198: No More Room In Hell Part 3 - Day of the Dead (1985) 2:27:23

2+ y ago2:27:23

2:27:23

The Dead have waited ... for our final installment of the Romero Dead Trilogy! We wrap things up with Day of the Dead! Day of the Dead (1986) Sources: Director/Crew/Actress commentary with George Romero, Tom Savini, Cletus Anderson, and Lori Cardille The World's End: The Making of Day of the Dead (documentary) Night of the Living Dead: Behind the S…

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Episode 197: No More Room in Hell Part 2 - Dawn of the Dead (1978) 2:17:53

2+ y ago2:17:53

2:17:53

First . . . there was the Night. Now, see if you can live through the Dawn! We continue our coverage of George Romero's Dead Trilogy with the original Dawn of the Dead! Dawn of the Dead (1978) Sources: The Dead Will Walk (Making of documentary) Director/SFX commentary with George Romero, Tom Savini, and Chris Romero Night of the Living Dead: Behind…

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Episode 196: No More Room in Hell Part 1 - Night of the Living Dead (1968) 2:01:43

2+ y ago2:01:43

2:01:43

They're coming to get you ... we kick off October (and our coverage of the Romero Dead Trilogy) with the classic that started it all - Night of the Living Dead! Night of the Living Dead (1968) Sources: Director/actor/producer commentary with George Romero, Karl Hardman, Marilyn Eastman, and John Ruso Actor/producer commentary with Russell Streiner,…

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Episode 195: Dino DNA - Jurassic Park by Michael Crichton & Jurassic Park (1993) (with Kris!) 3:24:27

2+ y ago3:24:27

3:24:27

We welcome you to ... Jurassic Park! We're joined by Tab's husband, Kris, to talk about his favorite movie and the Michael Crichton novel from which it was adapted! Jurassic Park by Michael Crichton Sources: "Michael Crichton on the Jurassic Park Phenomenon", featurette "Return to Jurassic Park: Dawn of a New Era", featurette Jurassic Park (1993) "…

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Episode 194: There Can Be Only One - Highlander & Macbeth (2015) (with JX Dill!) 3:49:20

2+ y ago3:49:20

3:49:20

Don't lose your head! We're joined by JX Dill to explore the Scottish Highlands with Highlander and Justin Kurzel's adaptation of Macbeth! Sources: Highlander (1986) "There Can Only Be One: Why Highlander Will Live Forever" by Ed Power, The Telegraph "15 Immortal Facts About Highlander" by Jake Rossen, Mental Floss Macbeth (2015) "Michael Fassbende…

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Episode 191: Tales of Terror Vol. 10 - Kwaidan (1965) (with James B.!) 3:36:29

2+ y ago3:36:29

3:36:29

We're joined for the final time (at least officially) by James to talk about the gorgeous and ghostly Japanese anthology film, Kwaidan! Sources: Film historian commentary with Stephen Prince, author of A Dream of Resistance: The Cinema of Kobayashi Masaki "Kwaidan: No Way Out" by Geoffrey O'Brien, Criterion "Why Japan Keeps Apologizing for World Wa…

1
Episode 193: The Green River Killer 4:39:15

2+ y ago4:39:15

4:39:15

The clock strikes Soul's Midnight once again as we explore the case of the Green River Killer. This is a very disturbing, lengthy case that involves sexual assault, rape, murder, and necrophilia. We want to be very clear about that so that people who might experience distress from listening to discussions about those topics can stop the episode her…

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Episode 192: The Funeral is About to Begin - Phantasm thru Phantasm IV: Oblivion 3:28:34

3y ago3:28:34

3:28:34

We're going to snag that tall dude! We go in depth on the original Phantasm and talk about the franchise up through Phantasm IV! Sources: "Cult Films Spell Success for Movie-Maker" by Steve Porath, The Evening News "Rewind: The Making of Phantasm" by Dominic Barlow, FilmInk Director and cast commentary with Don Coscarelli, A. Michael Baldwin, Bill …

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Episode 190: Hell is a Teenage Girl - Ginger Snaps & Excision 2:31:06

3y ago2:31:06

2:31:06

We're joined by Micah to talk about femme transformation horror in Ginger Snaps and Excision! Resources for Crisis Help USA: National Suicide Prevention Line - 1-800-273-8255 Self Harm Crisis Text Line - Text HOME to 741741 Trevor Project Crisis Line: Text START to 678-678 Call 1-866-488-7386 Start a Chat International Click this link to see a list…

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Episode 189: Left of the Dial - Rock 'n' Roll High School & Pump Up the Volume 2:06:04

3y ago2:06:04

2:06:04

In honor of Tab's birthday, we're ready to rock out and talk hard with a couple of her favorite non-horror films. We watched Rock 'n' Roll High School and Pump Up the Volume! Sources: Rock 'n' Roll High School (1979) "Rock 'n' Roll High at 40: How the Ramones and a Rebellious Female Lead Invaded Theaters" by Raj Tawney, Variety Pump Up the Volume (…

1
Episode 188: The Boy Who Cried Jason - Friday the 13th The Final Chapter & Jason Lives 3:00:33

3y ago3:00:33

3:00:33

We're making Crystal Lake memories! Hey, Jason! We watched Friday the 13th IV: The Final Chapter and Friday the 13th VI: Jason Lives! Source: Crystal Lake Memories: The Complete History of Friday the 13th, documentary

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Episode 187: I'm Into Survival - A Nightmare on Elm Street (1984) & A Nightmare on Elm Street 3: Dream Warriors 2:29:04

3y ago2:29:04

2:29:04

After this, we'll never sleep again! We followed Nancy's story in A Nightmare on Elm Street and A Nightmare on Elm Street 3: Dream Warriors! Source: Never Sleep Again: The Elm Street Legacy (documentary)

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Episode 186: One by One - The Evil Dead Trilogy 4:10:37

3y ago4:10:37

4:10:37

In this episode, JOIN US …as we bask in the glow of Hollywood’s most impressive chin with Bruce Campbell and the Evil Dead Trilogy - The Evil Dead, Evil Dead II: Dead by Dawn, and Army of Darkness! Sources: The Evil Dead (1981) Commentary with Rob Tapert, Sam Raimi, and Bruce Campbell Commentary with Bruce Campbell The Evil Dead: The Untold Saga (d…

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Episode 185: Movies For Jacobs Who Like Movies - First Blood & The Warriors 2:53:48

3y ago2:53:48

2:53:48

In celebration of Jacob's birthday, we take a detour from the horror highway with a couple of his favorite non-horror films - First Blood and The Warriors! Sources: First Blood (1982) Commentary w/Sylvester Stallone Commentary w/novel author David Morrell The Warriors (1979) The Warriors Movie Site, warriorsmovie.co.uk "The Warriors at 40: the endu…

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Episode 184: Mirror Image - The Broken (2008) & Us 2:34:12

3y ago2:34:12

2:34:12

We take a long look in the mirror with The Broken (2008) and Jordan Peele's Us! Sources: Us (2019) "The All-American Nightmares of Jordan Peele" by Brian Hiatt, Rolling Stone "Jordan Peele on Us: 'This is a very different movie from Get Out'" by Steve Rose, The Guardian "Jordan Peele Explains the Significance of the Michael Jackson Imagery in Us" b…

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Episode 183: March Madness - The Crazies (1973) & The Signal (2007) 2:05:18

3y ago2:05:18

2:05:18

We lose our minds with George A Romero's The Crazies and The Signal (2007)! Sources: The Crazies (1973) "Special Article: Year of The Crazies: 1973", Bloody Disgusting "Insider Info (The Crazies) - Behind the Scenes" by Jeff Stafford, TCM "In the Know (The Crazies) - Trivia" by Jeff Stafford, TCM The Signal (2007) "The Signal: A Gory Forecast for P…

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Episode 182: Hell Hath No Fury - Hello Mary Lou: Prom Night II & Hellbound: Hellraiser II 2:49:51

3y ago2:49:51

2:49:51

In this episode, curated by Micah, we're celebrating badass female villains with Hello Mary Lou: Prom Night II and Hellbound: Hellraiser II! Sources: Hello Mary Lou: Prom Night II (1987) "High School Retrospective: A Look Back at Hello Mary Lou: Prom Night II" by Phil Castor, Blumhouse "Interview: Director Bruce Pittman on Hello Mary Lou: Prom Nigh…

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Episode 180: Your Friend Til The End - Child's Play (1988) & Child's Play 2 2:54:23

3y ago2:54:23

2:54:23

We just wanna play because we're your friends 'til the end! We watched the original Child's Play and Child's Play 2! Sources: Child's Play (1988) Commentary with Alex Vincent, Catherine Hicks, and Kevin Yaegher Commentary with David Kirschner and Don Mancini "Your Friend 'Til the End: An Oral History of Child's Play" by Jake Rossen, Mental Floss Ch…

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Episode 181: Let the Women Do the Work - The Slumber Party Massacre (1982) & Jennifer's Body 2:28:37

3y ago2:28:37

2:28:37

In honor of Women in Horror Month, we watched two movies that were written and directed by women and feature female main characters that subvert the tropes used in the genre - The Slumber Party Massacre and Jennifer's Body! Sources: The Slumber Party Massacre (1982) Commentary with Amy Holden Jones, Debra Deliso, and Michael Villella Jennifer's Bod…

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Episode 179: Mama, I Can Move Things - Carrie (1976) & Chronicle 2:46:40

3+ y ago2:46:40

2:46:40

We're testing our powers with Brian De Palma's Carrie and Chronicle! Sources: Carrie (1976) On Writing by Stephen King, pgs. 72-87 "10 Behind-the-Scenes Facts About the Making of Carrie (1976)" by Jake Dee, ScreenRant "Carrie Turns 40: Secrets Behind the Iconic Horror Film" by Nicole Pelletiere, ABC News Chronicle (2012) "Eight Women Accuse Hollywo…

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Episode 178: State of the Podcast 2021 1:44:16

3+ y ago1:44:16

1:44:16

We're looking back at the fifth year of the podcast and looking ahead to what's next for Test Pattern! Episode Image by Truck Torrance

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Episode 177: Bright Light! Bright Light! - Gremlins 2:02:58

3+ y ago2:02:58

2:02:58

Merry Christmas! We're discussing the dark holiday novel Gremlins and its more lighthearted film adaptation! ;) Gremlins by George Gipe (1984) "Gremlins Week: The 10 Maddest Excerpts From the Novelisation" by Nick De Semleyn, Empire "George Gipe is Dead at 53; A Film and Television Writer", The New York Times Gremlins (1984) Production commentary w…

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Episode 176: Better Not Pout - The Children (2008) & Better Watch Out 2:30:50

3+ y ago2:30:50

2:30:50

We know some kids who are definitely getting coal in their stockings! We watched The Children (2008) and Better Watch Out! Sources: The Children (2008) "Tom Shankland Talks the Children" by Heather Wixson, Dread Central Better Watch Out (2016) "Fantasia 2017 Interview: Director Chris Peckover Talks Better Watch Out" by Michele Galgana, Screen Anarc…

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Episode 175: Nick or Treat! 2:05:02

3+ y ago2:05:02

2:05:02

Hey there, Halloweenies! It's time to gather round the big orange couch and tell five tales of frights - all from 90s Nickelodeon shows! "The Ghost Story" from "Salute Your Shorts" (1991) "Haunted House" from "Ren & Stimpy" (1992) "The Tale of the Twisted Claw" from "Are You Afraid of the Dark" (1992) "Halloweenie" from "The Adventures of Pete and …

1
Episode 174: Carnivorous Lunar Activities - An American Werewolf in London & The Howling 3:30:10

3+ y ago3:30:10

3:30:10

We're so excited we're howling at the moon because we watched An American Werewolf in London and The Howling! Sources: An American Werewolf in London (1981) Beware the Moon, documentary "I Walked with a Werewolf", featurette "Making An American Werewolf in London", featurette "An Interview with John Landis", featurette "Makeup Artist Rick Baker on …

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Episode 173: All Safe and Dead - The Haunting of Julia & The Others 3:18:06

3+ y ago3:18:06

3:18:06

In our latest episode, we're sensing the ghostly presence of a child. We watched The Haunting of Julia and The Others! Sources: The Haunting of Julia (1977) "An Interview with Colin Towns" by Kier-La Janisse, Spectacular Optical Strong Language & Violent Scenes Podcast - Episode 123: The Haunting of Julia (with Sam Zimmerman) The Others (2001) "The…

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Episode 172: The Monster Mash - The Monster Squad & Little Monsters 3:07:26

3+ y ago3:07:26

3:07:26

It's spooky season and we're ringing in October with a couple of monster mashes! We watched The Monster Squad and Little Monsters! Sources: The Monster Squad (1987) "30 Things We Learned From The Monster Squad Commentary" by Kate Erbland, Film School Rejects Writer/Director and cast commentary with Fred Dekker, Andre Gower, Ryan Lambert, and Ashley…

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Episode 171: The Stanford Prison Experiment 3:10:27

3+ y ago3:10:27

3:10:27

We look at the 1971 controversial psychological "experiment" and discuss the 2015 movie based on the real events, The Stanford Prison Experiment! Sources: The Real Deal "The Story: An Overview of the Experiment", The Stanford Prison Experiment Official Page Dr. Zimbardo's Slideshow Narration for the 40th Anniversary Presentation, stanford.edu Conse…

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Episode 170: The Heckin' Best - The Pit & PG: Psycho Goreman 2:51:00

3+ y ago2:51:00

2:51:00

Haters can frig off, because we're visiting the deep hole in the woods where we're keeping our monster friends! We watched The Pit & PG: Psycho Goreman! Sources: The Pit (1981) Film historian commentary with Paul Corupe and Jason Pichonsky "Interview with Jeannie Elias", BluRay featurette "Interview with Sam Snyders", BluRay featurette "Interview w…

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Episode 169: The Mother of Sighs - Suspiria (1977 & 2018) 3:16:21

3+ y ago3:16:21

3:16:21

We're hexed by the Mother of Sighs as we explore Dario Argento's original Suspiria and the 2018 remake starring Tilda Swinton and Dakota Johnson! Sources: Suspiria (1977) Film historian commentary with David Del Valle and Tory Howorth "Do You Know Anything About Witches?" BluRay featurette "Suzy in Nazi Germany", BluRay featurette "Suspiria - A Sig…

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Episode 168: The Horrors of Oz - The Wizard of Oz & Return to Oz 3:02:39

3+ y ago3:02:39

3:02:39

We're off to see the wizard ... and to explore the horrors of Oz with the original MGM classic The Wizard of Oz and the Disney-produced sequel Return to Oz! Sources: The Wizard of Oz (1939) "Judy Garland was Put on a Strict Diet and Encouraged to Take 'Pep Pills' While Filming The Wizard of Oz" by Colin Bertram, Biography.com "The Tin Man's Toxic M…

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Episode 167: Based on a True Story - The Conjuring (2013) & The Warrens 3:45:59

4y ago3:45:59

3:45:59

We take a look at the original Conjuring film and talk about the real life Warrens! Sources: "What's in a Title? The Conjuring Producer and New Line in Dispute Over TV Rights" by Nellie Andreeva, Deadline "Screenwriters Chad and Carey Hayes Talk The Conjuring, Finding the Film's Point of View, Real Life Paranormal Incidents and the Appeal of Horror…

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Episode 166: Tales of Horror Vol 9 - Waxwork (1988) (with James!) 3:17:14

4y ago3:17:14

3:17:14

Gather round Monster Kids, we're joined again by James to revisit the world of horror anthologies with the 80s cult classic, Waxwork! Sources: Director/Star Commentary with Anthony Hickox and Zach Galligan "The Waxwork Chronicles", featurettes "Making of Waxwork", featurette Find James Online! @CalamityJames4 on Twitter…

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Episode 165: The Golden State Killer - Part Two 3:09:25

4y ago3:09:25

3:09:25

This is an extremely disturbing, lengthy case that involves home invasion, stalking, sexual assault, rape, and murder. We want to be very clear about that so that people who might experience distress from listening to discussions about those topics can stop the episode here. We want to encourage everyone to put their mental health and well-being fi…

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Episode 165: The Golden State Killer - Part One 2:40:25

4y ago2:40:25

2:40:25

This is an extremely disturbing, lengthy case that involves home invasion, stalking, sexual assault, rape, and murder. We want to be very clear about that so that people who might experience distress from listening to discussions about those topics can stop the episode here. We want to encourage everyone to put their mental health and well-being fi…

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Episode 164: Delightfully Wicked - The Masque of the Red Death & The Abominable Dr. Phibes 2:42:37

4y ago2:42:37

2:42:37

We honor one of the horror greats by looking at two of his most colorful films. Join us as we party with Vincent Price in The Masque of the Red Death and The Abominable Dr. Phibes! Sources: Vincent Price Vincent Price: A Daughter's Biography by Victoria Price "Vincent Price: 'Master of Horror' on film, but great day off screen" by Kelley Vlahos, WT…

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Episode 163: Abandon All Hope - Children of Men & The Rover (2014) (with James D.!) 3:55:40

4y ago3:55:40

3:55:40

Abandon most of your hope, all ye who enter here. James D. takes us to two dystopian near futures with Children of Men and The Rover (2014)! Sources: Children of Men (2006) "The Vulture Transcript: Alfonso Cuaron on Children of Men" by Abraham Riesman, Vulture "Children of Men: 8 Behind-the-Scenes Facts About Alfonso Cuaron's Movie" by Michael Bald…

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Episode 162: You're So Cool, Brewster - Fright Night (1985 & 2011) 2:27:13

4y ago2:27:13

2:27:13

We welcome you to Fright Night ... for real ... with the 1985 original classic and the 2011 remake! Sources Fright Night (1985) Actor/Director Commentary - Chris Sarandon, Jonathan Stark, and Tom Holland Actor/Director/SFX Commentary - William Ragsdale, Stephen Geoffreys, Tom Holland, and Randy Cook You're So Cool, Brewster, documentary "What is Fr…

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Episode 161: The Moon Grows Fat - Cycle of the Werewolf by Stephen King & Silver Bullet 3:36:18

4y ago3:36:18

3:36:18

We’re howling at the moon with Stephen King’s Cycle of the Werewolf and the 1985 film adaptation, Silver Bullet. Sources: Cycle of the Werewolf (pub. 1983) by Stephen King The Losers' Club Podcast - Cycle of the Werewolf Silver Bullet (1985) Director commentary with Daniel Attias Producer commentary with Martha De Laurentiis Interview with Daniel L…

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Episode 160: Ferocious Flora - Attack of the Killer Tomatoes and Swamp Thing 2:14:59

4y ago2:14:59

2:14:59

In the first of two episodes curated by Jacob for his birthday month, we investigate the growing tomato menace with Attack of the Killer Tomatoes and dream alone with the sensitive monster that is Swamp Thing! Sources: Attack of the Killer Tomatoes (1978) "Attack of the Killer Tomatoes: An Oral History of the 1978 Film" by Sam Dean, Bon Appetit Swa…

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Episode 159: For Glory - The 13th Warrior & Beowulf 3:03:37

4y ago3:03:37

3:03:37

We yell our own names as a fierce battle cry as we seek glorious death with The 13th Warrior and Beowulf! Sources: The 13th Warrior (1999) "Why The 13th Warrior Didn't Work" by Tom Reimann, Collider "What is a Mary Sue ... And What Exactly is Wrong with Them?", Jessie Gender "Phone Call Lands Hollywood Director in Prison", CNN Beowulf (2007) "Beowu…

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Episode 158: Gallery of Lost Souls - HG Wells, Island of Lost Souls, & The Island of Dr. Moreau (1996) 3:20:39

4y ago3:20:39

3:20:39

** This episode was recorded and released prior to Scarlett Amaris telling her story of abuse at the hands of her partner, Richard Stanley. We do briefly discuss Stanley's work on the early production of the film and his return to set. We believe and support Ms. Amaris and will not cover Stanley's work moving forward. In addition, we have donated $…

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Episode 157: Online Horror IRL - Strangeland & Hard Candy (with Brandon!) 3:39:32

4y ago3:39:32

3:39:32

In this episode, we're joined by Brandon to talk about online horrors brought IRL with Dee Snider's Strangeland and Hard Candy! Sources: Strangeland (1998) Writer/actor commentary with Dee Snider "Strange Stories From Behind the Scenes of Dee Snider's Strangeland" by Jacob Shelton, Ranker "Why Dee Snider's Strangeland Sequel Never Got Made" by Mich…

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Episode 156: Bleeding Hearts - The Prowler & My Bloody Valentine (1981) 2:33:40

4y ago2:33:40

2:33:40

We cut right to the heart of slashers with My Bloody Valentine and The Prowler! Sources: "Slasher Movies: The Complete History", Evolution of Horror The Prowler (1981) "Retrospective: The Prowler (1981 - 35 Years Later" by Dave J. Wilson, Dread Central "Brutal Slasher The Prowler is a Showcase of Tom Savini's Best Work" by Meagan Navarro, Bloody Di…

1
Episode 155: The Dregs - Cape Fear (1962 & 1991) 3:16:40

4+ y ago3:16:40

3:16:40

In this episode, we live in fear of Max Cady as we explore the original Cape Fear and the 1991 Martin Scorsese remake starring Robert De Niro! Sources: Cape Fear (1962) "Cape Fear" by Jim Stafford, TCM "He's Out Now: Cape Fear (1962)" by Larry Wallace, Medium Cape Fear (1991) "Martin Scorsese Ventures Back to Cape Fear" by Janet Maslin, The New Yor…

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Episode 154: The Insect Politic - Cronos & Mimic (with Sketches!) 4:24:54

4+ y ago4:24:54

4:24:54

We’re revisiting an old Monster Kid friend. Shin Godzilla level patron Sketches is taking us through a tour of Guillermo Del Toro’s early films with Cronos and Mimic! Sources: Cronos (1993) Director's commentary "Guillermo Del Toro: I'm Not Interested in Regular Superheroes", Clarin "Federico Luppi on Cronos", Criterion featurette "Ron Perlman on C…

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