Discover the Horror Podcast – Details, episodes & analysis

Mother's Day (1980), Madman (1981), Pieces (1982), and Evil Dead Trap (1988)

When you’re talking about horror films with most non-horror fans, they usually are thinking about the slashers which they seem to encapsule all of that genre. But when us fans start to dig into that sub-genre, that’s when the questions arise, parameters seemed like they have to set, even though plenty of the films go out of their way to beyond said parameters. As if any were meant to stay between the lines!

Then you start to delve into when the sub-genre started, which can then start another round of questions and discussions.

To help get those arguments . . . we mean discussions started, in this episode we’re going to cover 4 different slasher films, granted, of varying types, but we feel still fits into the category of slasher films. And to help with this, we’ve invited Aaron Crowell, Managing Editor of HorrorHound Magazine back to join in the conversation.

Movies mentioned in this episode:

Amsterdamned (1988), Angel Guts: High School Coed (1978), The Bad Seed (1956), Beyond the Darkness (1979), Black Christmas (1974), Blood Song (1982), Candyman (1992), Don’t Go in the House (1979), Don’t Go to Sleep (1982), Evil Dead Trap (1988), Evil Dead Trap 2 (1992), The Exorcist (1973), Final Exam (1981), Frankenstein’s Castle of Freaks (1974), Friday the 13th (1980), Frightmare (1974), The Girl in Room 2A (1974), The Girl Next Door (2007), Halloween (1978), Hatchet (2006), House on Sorority Row (1982), The Incubus (1982), It Follows (1914), Killer Party (1986), Lady Frankenstein (1971), The Leopard Man (1943), Living Doll (1990), The Lost (2006), Madman (1981), Maniac (1980), Mother’s Day (1980), Mother’s Day (2010), My Bloody Valentine (1981), Offspring (2009), Paranormal Activity (2007), Peeping Tom (1960), Pieces (1982), Psycho (1960), Rape Man (2008)The Rift (1990), Satan’s Blood (1978), Scream (1996), Slaughter High (1986), The Slayer (1982), Sleepaway Camp (1983), Slugs (1988), Sting of Death (1965), Supersonic Man (1979), Superstition (1982), Terrifier (2016), Texas Chain Saw Massacre (1974), Thanksgiving (2023), The Thing (1982), Thirteen Women (1932), Tourist Trap (1979), The Woman (2011), You’re Next (2011)

Films discussed: Satan's Sadists (1969), Brain of Blood (1970), Dracula vs. Frankenstein (1971)

From the mid-60's until the late 70's director Al Adamson and producer Sam Sherman made some of the most memorable low-budget horror and exploitation pictures to slide across American drive-in and grindhouse screens.  Together they made films that not only exemplified genre, they also often transcend and blended genres, creating something that has stuck in the filmgoing collective consciousness for over half a century.  And when Severin Films released The Al Adamson Masterpiece Collection boxed set in 2020, whole new generations were introduced to Al and Sam's work, and those of us who were already familiar learned a thing or two (or twenty) and got to see them look better than they have since they sat on a double bill in a 70s sleaze palace.  

All hail Al and Sam! 

Movies mention in this episode:

Black Shampoo (1976), Blood and Flesh: The Real Life and Ghastly Death of Al Adamson (2019), Blood of Ghastly Horror (1967), Brain of Blood (1971), Brides of Blood (1968), The Crawling Hand (1963), The Day Mars Invaded Earth (1962), Dracula vs Frankenstein (1971), Easy Rider (1969), Five Bloody Graves (1969), Frankenstein’s Bloody Terror (1968), Hell’s Bloody Devils (1970), Kingdom of the Spiders (1977), Laserblast (1978), The Mighty Gorga (1969), The Mummy and the Curse of the Jackals (1969), Mutant (1984), The Navy vs The Night Monster (1966), Night of the Blood Monster (1970), The Phantom of the Hollywood (1974), The Sadists (1963), Satan’s Cheerleaders (1977), Satan’s Sadist (1969), Shock (1946), Star Wars (1977), The Thrill Killers (1964), Trick or Treats (1982), The Wasp Woman (1959), The Witchmaker (1969), Without Warning (1980), The Wolf Man (1941)

During conversations with serious film collectors, you might hear terms like inter-positive, or first negative, or even OCN, and have no clue to what they actually mean. Don’t feel bad because a lot of us are in the same boat. These are some of the many terms used when discussing the preservation and archiving of films, not to mention the amount of work that goes into doing just that. Plus, we’re not talking about the latest title coming from the MCU, but ones that were made for pennies a half a century ago, or longer, that got very little distribution, sometimes not even here in the states. But due to the thankless job (that we’re hoping to change) of some dedicated cinephiles, they are doing their best to bring those titles back from nearly being a lost film.

To help educate us on some of those terms, the processes, and just the sheer craziness of it all, we’ve asked Vault Manager and Archivist Oscar Becher from Vinegar Syndrome to do just that. While we’re not covering specific films for this episode, we're pretty sure you’re going to learn a thing or two, maybe be even amazed at hearing some of the processes that go into bringing you that nice and spiffy new Blu-Ray of one of your favorite films.

Titles mentioned in this episode:

Against the Grain (2023), Blood for Dracula (1974), Deep Inside Annie Sprinkle (1981), Dog Tags (1987), Enter the Clones of Bruce (2023), Flesh for Frankenstein (1973), Frankenstein (1931), Grindhouse (2007), Martyrs (2008), New York Ninja (2021), The Night of the Hunter (1955), No Tears for the Damned aka The Las Vegas Strangler (1968), Piranha (1978), The Playgirls and the Vampire (1960), Putney Swope (1969), The Rare Blue Apes of Cannibal Isle (1975), Singin’ in the Rain (1952), Star Wars (1977), Thriller: A Cruel Picture (1973), Voodoo Heartbeat aka The Sex Serum of Dr. Blake (1973)

Chained (2012), Honeymoon (2014), and Relic (2020)

With over 60 episodes so far in our podcast history, we realized that in all that we covered, we had never covered anything by a woman director. We knew we needed to change that. Going through the history of women directors, we realized that not only wasn't something new, but have been working in the industry since the beginning of film. And in the last two decades, have really started to show their stuff. So to help celebrate Women's History Month, we figured it was well past due that we tackle three films that were directed by women, once again, picking three random titles, but amazed to find just how similar they were to each other, not to mention being very effective in their craft, and storytelling.

Movies mentioned in this episode:

American Mary (2012), Army of Darkness (1992), The Babadook (2014), Chained (2012), Cockney vs Zombies (2012), Coffy (1973), Dead Hooker in a Trunk (2009), Fear Street: Part One 1994 (2021), Fear Street: Part Two 1978 (2021), Fear Street: Part Three 1666 (2021), Ganja and Hess (1973), Ginger Snaps (2000), Hollywood Chainsaw Hookers (1988), Honeymoon (2014), Humanoids from the Deep (1980), In My Skin (2002), Inside (2007), Invasion of the Body Snatcher (1956), Kids (1995), Look What Happened to Rosemary’s Baby (1976), Maniac (1980), The Monster and the Girl (1914), Near Dark (1987), The Nightingale (2018), Pet Sematary (1989), The Pit and the Pendulum (1913), The Relic (1997), Relic (2020), A Serbian Film (2010), The Silence of the Lambs (1991), Starry Eyes (2014), Slumber Party Massacre (1982), Street Trash (1987), The Taking of Deborah Logan (2014), Vampire (1915)

Frankenstein Meets the Wolf Man (1943), House of Frankenstein (1944), and House of Dracula (1945).

Some say that the monster rally films marked the end of the Universal creature features, which could partially be true, but we feel it is for different reasons than the actual films themselves, and they still have a lot of merit to them. While the studio heads might not of cared too much about getting them made, those invovled did their best with what they had. One of the biggest highlights of these titles is the cast of actors in them, some making their last appearances. You get to see Karloff, Chaney Jr., Carradine, J. Carrol Naish, George Zucco, Lionel Atwill, Dwight Frye, and so many other regular faces that will bring a smile to your face when they pop up onscreen.

While maybe running a little thin on ideas and decided to start combining monsters to hopefully bring back bigger box office returns, they still made films that we all still feel are entertaining and we feel are more than worth your time.

Movies mentioned in this episode:

Abbott & Costello Meet Frankenstein (1948), Billy the Kid vs Dracula (1966), The Body Snatcher (1945), Dracula (1931), Frankenstein (1931), Frankenstein Meets the Wolf Man (1942), Freddy vs Jason (2003), Ghost of Frankenstein (1942), House of Dracula (1945), House of Frankenstein (1944), The Invisible Man (1933), The Invisible Man Returns (1940), Man Made Monster (1941), A Nightmare on Elm Street (1984), The Mummy’s Hand (1940), Nocturna (1979), Of Mice and Men (1939), She-Wolf of London (1946), Son of Dracula (1943), Son of Frankenstein (1939), Son of Kong (1933), The Wolf Man (1941)

This truly is a great time to be alive as a crazy cinephile. Just about every day, new amazing looking releases of some of our favorite films are announced, as well as some almost forgotten films brought back from the edges of obscurity for a whole new generation of fans to enjoy. And one of the companies at the forefront is Severin Films, who continues to amaze us fans with the quality of their releases. From their massive box sets to the incredible special features that accompany all of their releases Severin is educating as well as entertaining a whole generation of horror, cult and exploitation fans.

To help us discuss all things Severin, we figured why not invite the man behind the label, co-founder David Gregory himself! Join us while we talk about Video Nasties, how Severin got started, and why they continue to do what they do!

Films mentioned in this episode:

8 ½ (1963), Africa Addio (1966), Anthropophagus (1981), The Beast (1975), The Beast in Space (1980), Best Little Whorehouse in Texas (1982), Beyond the Darkness (1979), Black Emanuelle (1975), Blood Cult (1985), Blood and Flesh: The Reel Life and Ghastly Death of Al Adamson (2019), Bloody Moon (1981), Burial Ground (1981), Cannibal Holocaust (1980), Cathy’s Curse (1977), The Changeling (1980), Citizen Kane (1941), City of the Dead aka Horror Hotel (1960), Cul-de-sac (1966), Dellamorte Dellamore (1994), Devil’s Nightmare (1971), Dracula vs Frankenstein (1971), The Girl on a Motorcycle (1968), Enter the Clones of Bruce (2023), Faces of Death (1978), The Five Days (1973), Four Flies on Grey Velvet (1971), Frances (1982), Frankenstein (1931), Frankenstein and the Monster from Hell (1974), The Ghastly Ones (1968), Goodbye Uncle Tom (1971), Hell of the Living Dead (1980), I Miss You, Hugs and Kisses (1978), Justine (1969), King Kong (1976), Kiss of the Vampire (1963), Kiss Me Monster (1969), Knife in the Water (1962), The Last Horror Film (1982), The Long Hair of Death (1964), Lost Soul: The Doomed Journey of Richard Stanely’s Island of Dr. Moreau (2014), Mad Doctor of Blood Island (1968), Magic (1978), Mancunian Man: The Legendary Life of Cliff Twemlow (2023), Manhunter (1986), Maniac (1980), Mondo Cane (1962), Mondo Cane 2 (1963), Mondo Magic (1975), The Mummy (1959), Nightmare aka Nightmare in a Damaged Brain (1981), Nightmare Castle (1965), Overboard (1987), The Psychic (1977), Repulsion (1965), Sadomania aka Hellhole Women (1981), Shock Wave (1977), Sinful Dwarf (1973), The Stunt Men (1980), Tales of Terror (1962), Texas Chainsaw Massacre: A Family Portrait (1988), Texas Chain Saw Massacre: The Shocking Truth (2000), Texas Chainsaw Massacre 2 (1986), Threads (1984), Two Undercover Angels (1969), Vigilante (1982), The Wicker Man (1973), Women of the World (1963), Woodlands Dark and Days Bewitched: A History of Folk Horror (2021), Zombie (1979)

Dr. Terror's House of Horrors (1965), The House that Dripped Blood (1971) and Tales from the Crypt (1972)

Amicus Productions was most known for their anthology films, even though that was a small percentage of the types of films they did make in over the years. But because of the quality of the films, the power of the stories they were based on, and the incredible cast of actors they would hire, they always made an impact on fans. In this episode, not only do we cover three of our favorite Amicus' anthology titles, but we're joined by producer/director Lawrie Brewster, the man behind the resurrection of Amicus Productions, that is currently working on a new anthology film to be released under the Amicus name! 

Films Mentioned in this Episode:

And Now the Screaming Starts! (1973), Asylum (1972), The Black Gloves (2017), Candyman (1992), Castle of the Living Dead (1964), City of the Dead (1960), Creepshow (1982), Curse of Frankenstein (1957), Doctor Jekyll (2023), Dr. Terror’s House of Horrors (1945), Dr. Terror’s House of Horrors (1965), Frankenstein Must Be Destroyed (1965), From Beyond the Grave (1974), The House that Dripped Blood (1971), In the Grip of Terror (2024), Jamboree (1957), Lord of Tears (2013), Rock Around the Clock (1956), Rock! Rock! Rock! (1956), The Skull (1965), Tales from the Crypt (1972), Vault of Horror (1973)

Bigfoot (1970), Creature from Black Lake (1976), and Abominable (2006).

Tales of a mysterious, giant beast that wanders the wooded areas of the U.S., has never really proven to exist, but even to this day, is believed by many to really be out there, still hidden from mankind. Starting with Bigfoot in 1970, our furry giant became the subject of many movies and documentaries, and even on TV shows, such as The Six Million Dollar Man and even his own Saturday morning series, Bigfoot and Wildboy (1977). All this did was increase the interests in the subject matter, even if it didn't make any new believers. It's a subject that is still being used today with more modern day films taking on this sub-genre, in many different variations and strange interpretations. So join us as we discuss three different styles of the Bigfoot genre and see if you believe in Sasquatch! 

Films mentioned in this episode:

Abominable (2006), Abominable Snowman (1957), Amityville Bigfoot (2024), Amityville II: The Possession (1982), The Amityville Horror (1979), Bigfoot (1970), Bigfoot vs Megalodon (2021), Bigfoot vs Zombies (2016), Bug (2006), The Cannonball Run (1981), Close Encounters of the Third Kind (1977), Creature from Black Lake (1976), Day of the Animals (1977), E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial (1982), The Fog (1980), Halloween (1978), House of 1000 Corpses (2003), Invasion of the Animal People (1959), King Kong (1933), Legend of Boggy Creek (1972), Legend of Boggy Creek II (1983), Man Beast (1956), The Manitou (1978), Men in Black 3 (2012), Mountaintop Motel Massacre (1983), Night of Bloody Horror (1969), Night of the Demon (1980), No Country for Old Men (2007), Old Boy (2007). The Passion of the Christ (2004), Return of the Living Dead (1984), Rear Window (1954), Sasquatch: The Legend of Bigfoot (1976), Shriek of the Mutilated (1974), Star Wars (1977), The St. Tammany Miracle (1994), Terror in the Midnight Sun (1959), The Thing (1982), Town that Dreaded Sundown (1976), Toy Story (1995), Werewolf vs the Yeti (1975), Willow Creek (2013)

Satan's Slave (1976), Prey (1977), and Terror (1978)

There are a lot of directors out there that might not have a huge filmography, or even be that well known to the general population of film fans, even in the horror genre. So there is always room to discover them! In this episode, we take a look at three films by British independent director Norman J. Warren, who didn't make a lot of films, but we feel the ones he did make, make him a worthy subject for us to discuss. Honestly, it might make sense to read a little about him before diving into the films, or at least, do it afterwards but I think he is a good example of knowing what he had to make what he did, for us, makes them a little more impressive. You'll get blood, you'll get nudity, and a lot more than you'd expect in these three very British tales of horror.

Films mentioned in this episode:

Batman (1989), Bloody New Year (1987), Curse of the Crimson Alter (1968), The Devil Rides Out (1968), Dr. Phibes Rises Again (1972), Dr. Terror’s House of Horror (1965), Flesh and Blood Show (1972), The Godsend (1980), Horror Hospital (1973), Horror Planet aka Inseminoid (1981), House by the Cemetery (1981), Night Creatures (1962), Prey (1977), Satan’s Slave (1976), Shiver of the Vampire (1971), Suspiria (1977), Thriller: A Cruel Picture (1973), Terror (1978), Tower of Evil (1972), Vampyres (1974)

Another year ending means another Wrap Up episode where we go over our top picks for the year, as well as discussing some other titles we've seen in 2023. While most of the films we do cover here as our favorite viewings for this year are from the last few years, they are not all from 2023. But as we've pointed out many times before, if you're watching it for the first time, no matter when it was released, as far as we're concerned, it still counts as a new movie to you!

2023 has been a great year for the horror genre, especially when you look outside the U.S., which we all hope everyone out there does, because there are some incredible titles coming from Spain, Malaysia, Argentina, Japan, and more. So hopefully our listeners are not restrainted by films that are "only in English", because those folks are sadly missing out on some incredible cinema. 

For this episode, we strongly suggest you have a notepad and pen close by to jot down some titles because we think we're going to give you more than a few that we feel you should be checking out.

And a special HUGE thanks to those that continue to tune in and listen to us ramble on about the genre we love. With this being our 60th episode, it seems our following is growing day by day, so thank you for your continued support and in 2024, we'll continue to help you Discover the Horror!

Films mentioned in this episode:

Accion Mutante (1993), The Angry Black Girl and Her Monster (2023), Anthropophagus (1981), Bewitched (1981), Birth/Rebirth (2023), The Black Demon (2023), The Blackening (2023), Blair Witch Project (1999), Blood Flower (2022), The Boogeyman: The Origin of the Myth aka El hombre del saco (2023), The Boys from County Hell (2020), Cobweb (2023), Cocaine Bear (2023), The Conference (2023), The Creature from the Black Lagoon (1954), The Curse of the Crying Woman (1963), The Dark and the Wicked (2020), Don’t Listen (2020), Dracula (1931), Exists (2014), The Exorcist (1973), The Exorcist: Believer (2023), Evil Dead Rise (2023), Fragile (2005), Frankenstein (1931), Godzilla Minus One (2023), Grabbers (2012), The Grandmother (2021), Halloween (1978), Hallucinations (1986), Harpoon (2019), The Haunted Palace (1963), Hellhole (2022), Huesera: The Bone Woman (2022), The Innocents (2021), Infinity Pool (2023), The Invisible Man (1933), I See You (2019), Juan of the Dead (2011), Knock at the Cabin (2023), The Lake (2023), The Last Horror Film (1982), The Last Voyage of the Demeter (2023), Lifeboat (1944), Mad Heidi (2022), Meg 2 (2023), Megan (2023), Mr. Frost (1990), The Mummy (1932), The Nameless (1999), The Offering (2023), One Cut of the Dead (2017), The Outwaters (2022), The Rape of the Vampire (1968), Red Spirit Lake (1993), Renfield (2023), The Sadness (2021), Satanic Hispanics (2022), Satan’s Slave (2022), Scream VI (2023), Severance (2006), Sister Death (2023), Shaky Shivers (2022), Shaun of the Dead (2004), Skinamarink (2022), Sleep Tight (2011), Talk to Me (2023), Terrified (2017), Thanksgiving (2023), They Look Like People (2015), Troll Hunter (2010), El Vampiro (1957), Venus (2022), The Vigil (2019), The Village (2004), When Evil Lurks (2023), Witching and Bitching (2013), The Wolf Man (1941), Willow Creek (2013), The Witch’s Mirror (1962)