“Keep your shirt on, asshole.” Did he mean on “your” asshole or is he calling you an asshole? It does make a difference, you know. Join your faithful Grue Crew – Crystal Cleveland, Bill Mulligan, Chad Hunt, and Jeff Mohr – as they follow the battle for survival between the tiny, very hungry, escaped, galactic prisoners and a band of mostly courageous, small-town residents and farmers in Critters (1986).
Decades of Horror 1980s
Episode 283 – Critters (1986)
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Gruesome Magazine is partnering with the WICKED HORROR TV CHANNEL (https://wickedhorrortv.com/) which now includes video episodes of Decades of Horror 1980s and is available on Roku, AppleTV, Amazon FireTV, AndroidTV, and its online website across all OTT platforms, as well as mobile, tablet, and desktop.
Synopsis: A group of small but vicious alien creatures called Crites escape from an alien prison transport vessel and land near a small farm town on earth, pursued by two shape-shifting bounty hunters.
In this episode, Decades of Horror 1980s tackles another franchise-starting film with Critters (1986). The filmmakers swear the story was written before they knew anything about Gremlins (1984), but it’s still regarded by most as a Gremlins rip-off. Even so, the 80s Grue-Crew consider it worthy of a watch in its own right. Firstly, the special critters effects are provided by Chiodo Brothers Productions (Killer Klowns from Outer Space, 1988). Critters is also populated by a strong cast featuring Dee Wallace, M. Emmet Walsh, Scott Grimes, Billy Green Bush, Billy Zane, Ethan Phillips, and Lin Shaye to name just a few. Director Kevin Herek has put together a fun horror comedy that spawned four sequels.
At the time of this writing, Critters (1986) is available to stream from Hoopla, Tubi, and several pay-per-view sources. It is also available on physical media in The Critters Collection [Blu-ray], a 4-disc boxed set that includes Critters 1-4 from Scream Factory.
Every two weeks, Gruesome Magazine’s Decades of Horror 1980s podcast will cover another horror film from the 1980s. The next episode’s film, chosen by Crystal, will be Critters 2: The Main Course (1988). It seemed like the logical picture to cover. Once again, the effects work of Chiodo Brothers Productions (Killer Clowns from Outer Space, 1988) are showcased, but this time, the director is Mick Garris. Scott Grimes, Terrance Mann, and Don Keith Opper return and are joined in the cast by Cynthia Garris, Sam Anderson, Linn Shaye, Barry Corbin, and Eddie Deezen. This should be fun!
Please let them know how they’re doing! They want to hear from you – the coolest, grooviest fans – so leave them a message or comment on the Gruesome Magazine Youtube channel, on the Gruesome Magazine website, or email the Decades of Horror 1980s podcast hosts at feedback@gruesomemagazine.com.
“You play a good game, boy, but the game is finished. Now you die.” Sounds very familiar, doesn’t it, B-O-O-Y-Y-Y? Join your faithful Grue Crew – Bill Mulligan, Chad Hunt, Gregory Crosby, and Jeff Mohr – as they cover this legendary franchise-starter, Don Coscarelli’s Phantasm (1979). Balls of steel, anyone?
Decades of Horror 1970s
Episode 239 – Phantasm (1979)
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Decades of Horror 1970s is partnering with the WICKED HORROR TV CHANNEL (https://wickedhorrortv.com/) which now includes video episodes of the podcast and is available on Roku, AppleTV, Amazon FireTV, AndroidTV, and its online website across all OTT platforms, as well as mobile, tablet, and desktop.
Synopsis: Newly orphaned teenager Mike Pearson, his older brother Jody, and their friends face off against a mysterious grave robber known as the Tall Man, who employs a lethal arsenal of unearthly weapons in their southern California town.
Phantasm (1979) was the subject of Decades of Horror 1970s Episode 29, first published over nine years ago, and hosted by Doc Rotten, The Black Saint, and Thomas Mariani. It is Gregory Crosby’s turn to choose the subject film, and he chose Phantasm. Since it was covered so long ago, and because this episode’s Grue-Crew is comprised of all different personnel, we decided to go for it. Phantasm is definitely worthy of a double-tap, and the crew has fun discussing it. There are so many iconic images and memorable lines, not to mention the dreamlike plot. Oh, wait. We did mention it. And of course, Angus Scrimm! In fact, there’s enough to provide the basis for four sequels.
At the time of this writing, Phantasm (1979) is available to stream from Tubi, Kanopy, Pluto TV, Plex, Peacock, and Prime. The movie is available on physical media as Phantasm: Remastered [Blu-ray] Steelbook Limited Edition, Phantasm: Remaster [Blu-ray/DVD Combo], and Phantasm 5-Movie Collection, all from Well Go USA.
Gruesome Magazine’s Decades of Horror 1970s is part of the Decades of Horror two-week rotation with The Classic Era and the 1980s. In two weeks, the next ‘70s episode, chosen by Chad, will be Corpse Eaters (1974), a micro-budget, Canadian horror flick. Oh, boy! We can’t wait? Or can we?
We want to hear from you – the coolest, grooviest fans: comment on the site or email the Decades of Horror 1970s podcast hosts at feedback@gruesomemagazine.com.
“The son of a b**** was strong as hell! Like a demon with an iron club! I was sure I’d wind up as rust on that club.” Join this episode’s Grue-Crew – Daphne Monary-Ernsdorff, Chad Hunt, Jeff Mohr, and guest Dirk Rogers – as they take in this Japanese classic from writer and director Kaneto Shindô, who brought us Onibaba (1964). The film is Kuroneko (1968, Black Cat), also known by its original title, Yabu no naka no kuroneko.
Decades of Horror: The Classic Era
Episode 201 – Kuroneko (1968)
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ANNOUNCEMENT
Decades of Horror The Classic Era is partnering with THE CLASSIC SCI-FI MOVIE CHANNEL, THE CLASSIC HORROR MOVIE CHANNEL, and WICKED HORROR TV CHANNEL
Which all now include video episodes of The Classic Era!
Available on Roku, AppleTV, Amazon FireTV, AndroidTV, Online Website.
Across All OTT platforms, as well as mobile, tablet, and desktop.
https://classicscifichannel.com/; https://classichorrorchannel.com/; https://wickedhorrortv.com/
Synopsis: Two women are raped and killed by samurai soldiers. Soon, they reappear as vengeful ghosts who seduce and brutally murder the passing samurai.
Kuroneko (1968, Black Cat) is a stunning and beautifully shot film by writer/director Kaneto Shindô, who also brought us Onibaba (1964), Children of Hiroshima (1952), and The Naked Island (1960). Originally titled Yabu no naka no kuroneko (translation: A Black Cat in a Bamboo Grove), Kuroneko tells a heart-wrenching story of love and loss, set within a tale of rape. murder, samurai, demons, vengeful ghosts, and assassinations. The film is set in feudal Japan, but don’t expect the samurai to be depicted as admirable characters. That’s not the way Shindô sees them. The Classic Era Grue Crew had a lot of fun with this one!
At the time of this writing, Kuroneko (1968) is available to stream on The Criterion Channel and various pay-per-view options. It is also available on physical media as a standard Blu-ray-formatted disc from Criterion.
Gruesome Magazine’s Decades of Horror: The Classic Era records a new episode every two weeks. Next in their very flexible schedule – this one chosen by Jeff – is The Devil Bat (1940), a PRC production directed by Jean Yarbrough. The film features Bela Lugosi as a mad (aren’t they all?) scientist who develops a way to grow ginormous bats and creates an aftershave lotion that incites the bats to attack its wearers. Diabolical! So much fun!
Please let them know how they’re doing! They want to hear from you – the coolest, grooviest fans: leave them a message or leave a comment on the Gruesome Magazine YouTube channel, the site, or email the Decades of Horror: The Classic Era podcast hosts at feedback@gruesomemagazine.com
To each of you from each of them, “Thank you so much for watching and listening!”
“One hundred years before this story begins, it was a time of darkness in Transylvania, a time when Dr. Abraham Van Helsing and a small band of freedom fighters conspired to rid the world of vampires and monsters and to save mankind from the forces of eternal evil. … They blew it.” Will the Monster Squad blow it, too? Join your faithful Grue Crew – Crystal Cleveland, Bill Mulligan, Chad Hunt, and Jeff Mohr – as they follow the battle between the young monster fighters and the pseudo-Universal Monsters in The Monster Squad (1987).
Decades of Horror 1980s
Episode 282 – The Monster Squad (1987)
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Gruesome Magazine is partnering with the WICKED HORROR TV CHANNEL (https://wickedhorrortv.com/) which now includes video episodes of Decades of Horror 1980s and is available on Roku, AppleTV, Amazon FireTV, AndroidTV, and its online website across all OTT platforms, as well as mobile, tablet, and desktop.
Synopsis: A group of 12-year-olds form a Universal Monsters fan club called The Monster Squad and have to save their hometown from Count Dracula and his monsters when they show up for real.
The Monster Squad (1987), underappreciated at its release, has, nonetheless, risen to become a fan favorite over the years. With effects provided by the Stan Winston Studio and dialogue from the pens of Shane Black and Fred Dekker, the film follows the proven template used in Abbott and Costello Meet Frankenstein (1948), i.e., the copies of Universal monsters are deadly serious while the youthful monster fighters provide humor. In light of current events, it is an excellent time to revisit this horror comedy with a heart and a happy ending. And while you’re at it, take in Wolfman’s Got Nards (2018), the documentary about the film and its growth in popularity. It might bring a tear or two to your eyes.
At the time of this writing, The Monster Squad (1987) is available to stream from Hoopla, PlutoTV, Prime, and several PPV sources. It is also available on physical media as a 3-disc set that includes a 4K UHD disc, a Blu-ray disc, and Wolfman’s Got Nards (2018) Blu-ray disc, from KL Studio Classics.
Every two weeks, Gruesome Magazine’s Decades of Horror 1980s podcast will cover another horror film from the 1980s. The next episode’s film, chosen by Bill, will be Critters (1986), another franchise-starting film showcasing the effects work of Chiodo Brothers Productions (Killer Clowns from Outer Space, 1988) and an experienced cast featuring Dee Wallace and M. Emmet Walsh. The Grue Crew is excited about discussing this one.
Please let them know how they’re doing! They want to hear from you – the coolest, grooviest fans – so leave them a message or comment on the Gruesome Magazine Youtube channel, on the Gruesome Magazine website, or email the Decades of Horror 1980s podcast hosts at feedback@gruesomemagazine.com.
“Are you trying to say that Abby has… flipped out?” Uh, pretty much. Join your faithful Grue Crew – Bill Mulligan, Chad Hunt, Gregory Crosby, and Jeff Mohr – as they cover the oft-mentioned, discussed at last, William Girdler’s Abby (1974), featuring William Marshall, Carol Speed, Terry Carter, Juanita Moore, and Austin Stoker.
Decades of Horror 1970s
Episode 238 – Abby (1974)
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Subscribe today! And click the alert to get notified of new content!
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Decades of Horror 1970s is partnering with the WICKED HORROR TV CHANNEL (https://wickedhorrortv.com/) which now includes video episodes of the podcast and is available on Roku, AppleTV, Amazon FireTV, AndroidTV, and its online website across all OTT platforms, as well as mobile, tablet, and desktop.
Synopsis: A marriage counselor becomes possessed by a demon of sexuality when her father-in-law, an archaeologist and an exorcist, accidentally frees it while in Africa.
After years of wanting to discuss Abby (1974) but holding off because of the poor visual quality, the ‘70s Grue-Crew, with Gregory Crosby along for the ride, finally pulled the trigger. The picture was very grainy, but they forged ahead nonetheless. Abby has always been a bit of a Holy Grail for the ‘70s crew with the Black Saint’s love of director William Girdler in conflict with the poor quality of the available version. Make no mistake. It’s not a good movie. Is it worth a watch? Yes! William Marshall’s on-screen gravitas combined with Carol Speed’s performance as the possessed title character make it so. Girdler’s improvement from Asylum for Satan (1972) and Three on a Meathook (1972) on the way to Grizzly (1976), Day of the Animals (1977), and The Manitou (1978) is evident. So check it out and check us out!
At the time of this writing, Abby (1974) is available to stream from Plex.
Gruesome Magazine’s Decades of Horror 1970s is part of the Decades of Horror two-week rotation with The Classic Era and the 1980s. In two weeks, the next 70s episode, chosen by Gregory Crosby, will be Don Coscarelli’s Phantasm (1979), complete with Angus Scrimm and freaky flying metal balls. It was first covered in 70s episode 29, published over nine years ago, and hosted by a completely different crew. We can’t wait!
We want to hear from you – the coolest, grooviest fans: comment on the site or email the Decades of Horror 1970s podcast hosts at feedback@gruesomemagazine.com.
“There are certain unseen things that are more real than those which you can see and touch. I know that.” This episode’s opening is a recording from episode 6 in which It!, a golem movie starring Roddy McDowall, is discussed. It’s the Grue Crew’s introduction to Chad’s talents. Sounds just like Roddy, right? Join this episode’s Grue-Crew – Daphne Monary-Ernsdorff, Chad Hunt, Jeff Mohr, and guests Bill Mulligan and Joseph Perry – as they discuss their favorite films from each decade of the Classic Era. They’re calling this episode Grue Crew Favorites (1920-1969). Catchy, yes?
Decades of Horror: The Classic Era
Episode 200 – Grue Crew Favorites (1920-1969)
Join the Crew on the Gruesome Magazine YouTube channel!
Subscribe today! And click the alert to get notified of new content!
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ANNOUNCEMENT
Decades of Horror The Classic Era is partnering with THE CLASSIC SCI-FI MOVIE CHANNEL, THE CLASSIC HORROR MOVIE CHANNEL, and WICKED HORROR TV CHANNEL
Which all now include video episodes of The Classic Era!
Available on Roku, AppleTV, Amazon FireTV, AndroidTV, Online Website.
Across All OTT platforms, as well as mobile, tablet, and desktop.
https://classicscifichannel.com/; https://classichorrorchannel.com/; https://wickedhorrortv.com/
Decades of Horror: The Classic Era debuted with Episode 0 on January 27, 2017. Over eight years later, the show is at episode 200. Who would have thought it possible? To celebrate the occasion, Daphne thought it would be fun to revisit their first episode in which each of the hosts discussed their favorite horror films from each decade of the Classic Era. The Crew all agreed it was a great idea, so that’s what they did. For good measure, Classic Era OG Joseph Perry and Decades of Horror 1970s & 1980s co-host Bill Mulligan joined them. They all had a blast going through their favorite horror fare from the ‘20s, ‘30s, ‘40s, ‘50s, and ‘60s. Don’t worry. There are also plenty of taglines to keep Chad happy. The only thing missing is your input, Grue-Believers. Let the Grue-Crew know your favorites for each decade, and we’ll discuss them in future episodes.
Gruesome Magazine’s Decades of Horror: The Classic Era records a new episode every two weeks. Next in their very flexible schedule – this one chosen by Daphne – is Kuroneko (1968). Also known as Black Cat and Yabu no naka no kuroneko (A Black Cat in a Bamboo Grove), this story of two ghosts out for vengeance on the samurais that raped and killed them, is written & directed by Kaneto Shindô, who performed the same duties on Onibaba (1964) (Episode 86). It’s about time they got back to Shindô-san!
Please let them know how they’re doing! They want to hear from you – the coolest, grooviest fans: leave them a message or leave a comment on the Gruesome Magazine YouTube channel, the site, or email the Decades of Horror: The Classic Era podcast hosts at feedback@gruesomemagazine.com
To each of you from each of them, “Thank you so much for watching and listening!”