Hey there, Cassettes! We know it's been a while since you've heard from us since we stopped releasing regular episodes in December. While we've been working on a series finale for our podcast, we thought it would be fun to honor our tradition of watching and reacting to The Oscars. We hope you enjoyed this year's ceremony!

Hey there, Cassettes! It's Christmastime once again, and we're celebrating a little differently this year. Since we're winding down the show as we get ready for our final episode, we thought it would be fun to re-create the first episode we ever published here for you: The Case of A Christmas Carol(s)!

Come on, Cassettes, why don't we paint the town? This week, we're releasing part 1 of our two-part episode on Chicago, the Oscar-winning movie musical from 2002! Based on a 1926 play by Maurine Dallas Watkins, Chicago is an endlessly entertaining satire that highlights the problem with celebrity worship and corruption in the criminal justice system. It’s packed with musical numbers inspired by vaudeville and the music of the jazz age, performed by an incredibly talented cast that seemed to fit their roles like a glove.  This episode focuses on the real-life history behind the play that became a musical, that eventually became a hit film!

Happy Thursday, Cassettes! This week we're continuing Adventure August with a very special episode about the 2004 Disney live-action classic, National Treasure! Come join us as we invite special guest JD Gravatte to tell us why he loves this film!   You can follow JD on Twitter @jdgravatte and Instagram @jdg122288. Keep an eye out for his new podcast, Not the Original, coming soon! As always, you can find our show notes and sources here: https://www.blackcasediaries.com/blog Twitter: @blackcasediary Instagram: @blackcasediariespodcast

Hello there, Cassettes! Well, because today is Tuesday the 17th, we're bringing you a special bonus episode about one of our favorite Psych episodes: Tuesday the 17th! In the 15th episode of season 3, the USA network series Psych parodied the classic Friday the 13th horror franchise. This week, we brought on a dear friend to laugh with us as we cover the events of the episode!  Special thanks to our friend, Jaren Lewis for joining us! Jaren also helped us out when we covered Kenan and Kel last September.  Twitter: @blackcasediary Instagram: @blackcasediariespodcast Thanks for listening!

Hey, Cassettes! Thanks for joining us on week two of Adventure August! In this episode, we decided to explore the Land of Ooo with a very special guest, Robin's sister Becky! So come on, grab your friends, and learn all about the animated show Adventure Time with us! Show notes and sources are available at https://www.blackcasediaries.com/blog Twitter: @blackcasediary Instagram: @blackcasediariespodcast Thanks for listening!

HEY YOU GUYS, we're back! Welcome to season 6 of The Black Case Diaries!  We're starting out strong with an episode on one of our all-time favorite movies: The Goonies! So come join us in Astoria, Oregon as we hunt for the history of this 1980s classic!   As always, you can find show notes and sources HERE  Twitter: @blackcasediary Instagram: @blackcasediariespodcast Thanks for listening!

*This is a re-release of an episode from Season 5* Hello again, Cassettes! As season 5 of The Black Case Diaries comes to a close, we're bringing you an episode about the life of Jim Henson! Come join us as we talk about this innovator's early life and career, and the impact he made during his time here on Earth.  If you're interested in our other episodes about Jim Henson or The Muppets, here are some links:  The Muppet Show The Muppet Movie Labyrinth  The Storyteller A Muppet Christmas Carol Show notes and sources are available at blackcasediaries.com! Thanks for listening! Twitter: @blackcasediary Instagram: @blackcasediariespodcast

Hey Cassettes! This week, we're getting ready to release our season 5 finale. So as a special treat, here's a bonus episode from us, about...US! We decided to record an episode about how our show got started and answered some frequently asked questions about the BCD. Don't worry, you are getting a regular episode this week, just one day later.  Thank you for everything! We wouldn't be here without you.  If you have any questions or comments for us, you can find us on Twitter: @blackcasediary and Instagram: @blackcasediariespodcast or you can email us: blackcasediaries@gmail.com

Hey Cassettes! This month we're continuing Jim Henson June with an episode on one of our all-time favorite movies: Labyrinth! Join us as we follow Sarah through the winding walls of the Goblin City, down a shaft of hands and into the oubliette. We're uncovering as many secrets of the labyrinth as we can! Show notes and sources here How do you feel about Labyrinth? Love it? Hate it? Let us know!  Twitter: @blackcasediary Instagram: @blackcasediariespodcast

Happy June, Cassettes! This month, we're bringing you three episodes inspired by Jim Henson! In the late 1970s when The Muppets were at their peak popularity, Kermit and the gang had their big screen debut. Come join us as we leave the swamp and head to Hollywood with our favorite frog and his friends!  Show notes and sources can be found here What's your favorite Muppet movie? Let us know! Twitter: @blackcasediary Instagram: @blackcasediariespodcast Thank you for listening!

Hello Cassettes! Well, it's time to say So Long, Farewell to Musical May. Here is the second installment of our deep dive into The Sound of Music!   Check out our blog for show notes and sources! What's your favorite song from the film? Let us know! Twitter: @blackcasediary Instagram @blackcasediariespodcast Thanks for listening!

Hello Cassettes! We truly hope you have been enjoying Musical May here at the BCD. This week, we're bringing you an episode SO BIG, we had to cut it into two. Please join us as we cover our final musical of the month: The Sound of Music!    As always, show notes and sources will be available here: https://www.blackcasediaries.com/blog What do you think about this movie? Let us know! Twitter: @blackcasediary Instagram: @blackcasediariespodcast Thanks for listening!

Hey there, Cassettes! Like all good things, Animation April must come to an end. But before we close the case on this month, we have one last episode for you.  This week, we decided to look into the history of women in animation. Over the past five years, we have done so many episodes about animation. But after a while we noticed that we hardly ever heard about the female pioneers of the medium. After a little research, we discovered that women have been part of animation from the very beginning, and we wanted to tell some of their stories.  As always, thanks for listening to our little show. It means a lot that you're willing to spend your time hanging out with us. Make sure to check out our website https://www.blackcasediaries.com/ for more info about this episode or any other that we have released.  Thanks!

Hey Cassettes! We're into week two of Musical May, and we're setting our sights on 1960s Baltimore. Join us as we learn all about Hairspray! What's your favorite song from the musical? Let us know! Twitter: @blackcasediary Instagram: @blackcasediariespodcast As always, show notes and sources are available on the blog here: https://www.blackcasediaries.com/blog   Thanks for listening!

Happy Musical May, Cassettes! We're starting off the month with one of our all-time favorite movie musicals, The Music Man (1962)! Join us this week as we cover the history of this classic film, and talk about our favorite songs and moments.    As always, you can find more info at https://www.blackcasediaries.com/blog Twitter: @blackcasediary  Instagram: @blackcasediariespodcast  Thanks for listening!

Hey Cassettes! Last night, we continued our tradition of watching The Oscars and recording our thoughts immediately following the ceremony. It's safe to say that this year, we were not short on opinions! Come join us as we sleepily cover everything from the night's biggest winners to its strangest moments.    Thanks for Listening! Twitter: @blackcasediary Instagram: @blackcasediariespodcast

Hey Cassettes! Well, we've reached the end of Animation April, and we're closing out the month with an episode on one of our all-time favorite studios: Cartoon Saloon! Join us as we cover how the studio got started, and the history of its four films! As always, you can find show notes and sources here: https://www.blackcasediaries.com/blog And you can reach us on Twitter @blackcasediary and Instagram @blackcasediariespodcast or at blackcasediaries@gmail.com Thanks for listening!

Hey Cassettes! Everyone loves a good success story. But, we often find that stories about failure can be just as interesting! This week, we're looking at the short history of Amblimation, the defunct animation studio under Steven Spielberg's production company, Amblin.    Come join us as we roll back the rock on Amblimation's three animated films, along with the history of the ill-fated studio.  You will find show notes and sources at: https://www.blackcasediaries.com/blog Twitter: @blackcasediary Instagram: @blackcasediariespodcast

Happy Animation April, Cassettes!  For our first episode in our animation series, we decided to take a look at three animated films that we think deserve a little more recognition. This is our case of the animated hidden gem! Adam started us off with a dive into the 2007 Sony Pictures film, "Surf's Up"! Robin guided us through the epic fantasy adventure of "The Last Unicorn". And, Marci brought us home by the way of OZ with the Toho Studios animated "The Wizard of Oz"!  As always, you can find show notes and sources on our blog: https://www.blackcasediaries.com/blog Twitter: @blackcasediary Instagram: @blackcasediariespodcast Thanks for listening!

Hello! Here is a totally normal episode from your regular podcast hosts.  APRIL FOOLS! The truth is, this is an episode from Jackie Watches Stuff! It's a wonderful podcast hosted by Jackie, who invites her friends to discuss classic movies that she has never seen. This episode is on the Adam Sandler classic: The Wedding Singer! You can find the rest of her show on her website: https://jackiewatchesstuff.buzzsprout.com/ and on Twitter @jackiewatches!  Did we fool ya? Come on, be honest... ;)  See you next week, Cassettes!

Happy March 31st, Cassettes!  This week, we decided to release our episode a day early so we could have one last episode in honor of Women's History Month! Join us as we head to Pawnee, Indiana and tour the parks department with Leslie, Ron, Tom, Donna, April, Jerry, Andy, Ben and Chris! Grab your waffles and Snake Juice, it's time to learn about Parks and Rec! Show notes and sources: https://www.blackcasediaries.com/ Twitter: @blackcasediary Instagram: @blackcasediariespodcast Thanks for listening!

Hey Cassettes, happy Thursday! This week, we celebrated Women's History Month by covering one of the greatest baseball movies ever made: A League of Their Own! Come join us as we discuss the real-life story, the making of the film, and why this movie means so much to us.  You can find show notes and sources at: https://www.blackcasediaries.com/blog Instagram: @blackcasediariespodcast Twitter: @blackcasediary  Thanks so much for listening!

Hey Cassettes and welcome back to the Black Case Diaries! So as we wrapped up our month of horror, we thought of the perfect movie to help us transition into the Spring season. It’s got everything: a touch of horror, a little bit of romance, some basketball, and a whole lot of fun! We’re talking about the 1985 Michael J Fox film, Teen Wolf!  Come join us as we learn about and discuss this 80s classic! You will find show notes and sources at: https://www.blackcasediaries.com/blog  Follow us on Instagram @blackcasediariespodcast and Twitter @blackcasediary!  As always, thanks for listening!

Hey there, Cassettes! How is this Animation April treating you? This week, we strayed from our regularly scheduled programming to have a short discussion about animated remakes. What we mean is, we thought of a list of live-action films that we think would benefit from an animated remake!  What films would be on your list? Let us know on Instagram @blackcasediariespodcast!

Hello Cassettes and welcome back to the Black Case Diaries!  Well, Frightening February bled into March with the last episode of our horror series, as we learn all about the 1980 masterpiece: The Shining! So, come join us for a stay at the Overlook Hotel, but please, leave your axes at home.  As always, you can find show notes and sources at our website: https://www.blackcasediaries.com/ Twitter: @blackcasediary Instagram: @blackcasediariespodcast

Hello Cassettes! Since this is the last day of February, we have decided to bring you a bonus episode from around the campfire! Every once in a while, we like to go out into the elements, and record some spooky stories. The audio is unpredictable, the scares are real, and the fire is always nice and warm. So come join us, won't you?    We want to thank JD Gravatte, Andy Clodfelter, and Ryan Holbrook for sending in stories for us to read!  As always, you can find more about our show at: https://www.blackcasediaries.com/ Thanks for listening!

Hello, Cassettes!  This week, Frightening February continues with a special episode about the 1980s classic, Poltergeist! Now, it's no secret that our co-host Adam is not a fan of horror. So, we decided that this film was a great step into the genre for him. We cover the making of the film, fun facts, and we even have Adam give his review as a non-horror fan.    Thank you so much for listening, it means the world to us. You can find show notes, sources, and more info on our website: https://www.blackcasediaries.com/blog  Twitter: @blackcasediary Instagram: @blackcasediaries

We're bringing you our monthly audio drama a week early! No Small Parts is our new show that follows the possible backstories of minor film characters. This week's story is about a soldier named Carl.    This is the last episode that we will be publishing on this feed. So if you like what you hear, please subscribe to: BCD Presents No Small Parts wherever you get your podcasts!    This week's sound effects came from freesound.org with music by the following artists:  Klankbeeld, Audio_Dread, Eflexmusic, Hiroki97, Silverman Sound Studios, Cheesepuff Find us on Twitter @BCDNoSmallParts or our website https://www.blackcasediaries.com/  Thanks for listening!

Happy Haunting, Cassettes! We hope your February is as frightening as ours. This week, we took a hard look at the evolution of horror films from the radioactive monsters of the 1950s, to the horror camp of the 1980s!  We sense a part three will be in our future... Check out https://www.blackcasediaries.com/blog for show notes and sources!  And if you're feeling it, check out our other show https://linktr.ee/nosmallparts  Thanks for Listening!!

Hey Cassettes! We're starting our Frightening February with part 1 of our Historical Case of The Horror Film! Ever since there has been life, there has been fear. It’s a constant, a truth, something that unites us all. And when humans gathered together to share their fears, those horrors became stories. Eventually, those stories made their way onto film.  Horror is tricky. It’s a genre that many people love or hate--with no in-between. Some people write off many films belonging in the genre as low-budget and lacking in worthwhile stories or development. Others will simply say that they prefer not to be scared, and leave horror unexplored. Although scary movies are popular, they still sit on the fringe of mainstream filmmaking. Horror films rarely win prestigious awards. It’s a genre built for the masses; born in counterculture, and thriving in social deviance.  Join us this week as we take a look at the history of horror cinema, from its birth through the 1940s.  For show notes and sources: https://www.blackcasediaries.com/ Twitter: @blackcasediary Instagram: @blackcasediariespodcast

Happy Thursday, Cassettes! This week we're bringing you the second episode of our monthly audio drama, No Small Parts! This show explores the possible backstory of minor film characters, highlighting the impact they had on their movies. This episode focuses on a Maintenance Worker named Joffrey.  Each episode of this show will appear in its own feed: https://linktr.ee/nosmallparts This episode includes sound effects gathered from Freesound.org, and features music from the following artists: Eflexmusic, Lemonceme, ShadyDave, Klankbeeld, Neutrin05 Music, Silent Partner, Scott Buckley, Puddle of Infinity, and Alex Mason Twitter: @blackcasediary Instagram: @blackcasediariespodcast

Hey Cassettes and welcome back to another episode of the BCD! This week, we’re doing something a little different. Marci and Robin are stepping out of their comfort zone, and allowing Adam to teach them about something completely new (to them): Bionicle!  Created by Alastair Swinnerton, Bob Thompson, Martin Andersen, and Christian Faber, Bionicle was the toy franchise that lifted LEGO out of the red in the early 2000s. It was a franchise made up of original characters and stories, and ultimately led to four straight-to-DVD films! Today, Adam is introducing Robin and Marci to the first film. So, gathered friends, listen again to our legend, of Bionicle: Mask of Light As always, show notes and sources are available https://www.blackcasediaries.com/blog Twitter: @blackcasediary Instagram: @blackcasediariespodcast

In the late 1970s, Robin Williams burst onto the comedy scene. He soon became a household name as Mork, the alien from Ork on the sitcoms "Happy Days" and "Mork and Mindy." Over the next few decades, Robin Williams entertained and inspired generations of fans. Not only was he one of the greatest comedic minds of all time, he proved to be a remarkable actor as well. He entertained in a way that no one ever has, or likely ever will. He was a shining light despite the darkness lurking in his own world, a chaotic beacon that millions looked to for warmth and a good laugh.  So today, we’re spending our first biography episode of the year on the incomparable Robin Williams.  You will find show notes and sources: https://www.blackcasediaries.com/blog Twitter: @blackcasediary Instagram: @blackcasediariespodcast

Happy New Year, Cassettes! Last year, we started the new year off with an episode about sequels. This year, we’re doing it again, but with a twist! Each of us picked a movie that flopped, bombed, and fizzled out into oblivion after their initial releases. Then, we all thought of the sequels that we would make to “save” those movies; a subsequent film that would give the franchise another chance!  So welcome to 2021, and The Case of 2nd Chance Sequels! You can find show notes and sources here: https://www.blackcasediaries.com/ Here's the link to our new show No Small Parts! Twitter: @blackcasediary Instagram: @blackcasediariespodcast

Hey there, Cassettes! We're continuing Animation April with a biography episode on Don Bluth! Throughout the 80s and 90s, Don Bluth led the animation studio behind classics like The Land Before Time and All Dogs go to Heaven. This week, we took a look into his life and career! For show notes and sources, check out https://www.blackcasediaries.com/

Merry New Year's Eve, Cassettes! For our last episode of 2020, we're bringing you a brief case on the very special Jim Henson made-for-TV movie, "The Christmas Toy"!  Come join us as we discuss this surprisingly dark, yet heartwarming special that scarred one of us (Robin) for life.  Thank you so much for joining us this year!    Please consider checking out our new audio drama here: https://linktr.ee/nosmallparts Twitter: @blackcasediary Instagram: @blackcasediariespodcast

Merry Christmas, Cassettes! On this Christmas Eve, we bring you the first episode of our new audio drama! No Small Parts will be a monthly drama, following the stories of minor characters in major films. All episodes will be released on its own feed, so be sure to subscribe here You can also check out more info on our website https://www.blackcasediaries.com/   Thanks for listening!

Happy Anniversary, Cassettes! Two years ago today, we released our first episode about the various versions of “A Christmas Carol.” Things were different back then, in podcasting and in life. Our only goal back then, was to make each episode better than the last. We still strive for that, putting as much work into the show as our schedules will allow. We love podcasting, and we’re incredibly blessed to have listeners like you.  So, we’re closing out the month with an exciting episode about one of the biggest pieces of the Christmas season: Christmas Music! Chestnuts roasting on an open fire, Jack Frost nipping at your nose, Yule-tide carols being sung by a choir--and Bing Crosby--and Mariah Carey--and literally every artist ever--yes, these are the signs that it’s Christmas! There are thousands of Christmas songs, but every year we tend to hear the same few, covered by different artists. Some of these compositions were written specifically for the screen, and made such an impact on audiences, that they became instant Christmas classics. So today, we are taking a look at the film and TV origins of popular Christmas songs!  Here is a an accompanying playlist for this episode! Show notes and sources here Thanks for listening!

Hey Cassettes! This week, another podcast bravely took on the task of hosting our show for a super fun Secret Santa gift exchange! So settle in with your cocoa, and get swept up in this episode about the 1996 classic, Twister! We don't have show notes and sources on the blog this week, but make sure to follow/subscribe our special guest hosts!

Welcome back to the Christmas Case Diaries! ;) Well, Christmas is a-coming and bells begin to ring! Wreaths are on front doors, stores are crowded (though they really shouldn’t be) and Christmas music is assaulting our eardrums once more (just kidding...) But most of all, it’s that time again to watch the Rankin and Bass Christmas specials!  There are so many, we couldn't possibly talk about them all. So, come join us as we RANK our favorites! Be sure to visit: https://www.blackcasediaries.com/blog for show notes and sources! As always, thanks for listening!

Happy Holidays, Cassettes! We're starting off season 5 with an episode on one of our all-time favorite Christmas movies: The Muppet Christmas Carol! This faithful adaptation of Charles Dickens' classic story is fun and heart-warming.  After the death of Jim Henson in 1990, the future of The Muppets went into question. But, Henson's 28-year-old son Brian stepped up (with the help of the Muppet cast and crew) and made this masterpiece.  Join us as we talk about the making of this beautiful film! As always, you can find show notes and sources at: https://www.blackcasediaries.com/blog Twitter: @blackcasediary Instagram: @blackcasediariespodcast

Hello, Cassettes! We have been taking a break from our regularly scheduled educational programming, and today we're bringing you a bonus episode! Come join us for a short episode where we hang out and talk about our favorite Christmas programming.    We hope this is enough to tide you over until our season 5 premiere this Thursday!    Thanks for listening! Instagram: @blackcasediariespodcast Twitter: @blackcasediary  Deck the Halls B Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 Licensehttp://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

Happy Thursday, Cassettes!  Well, our season four finale has arrived, and now that we're at the end, we decided to Psych you out! This week we discussed the history of the hit USA TV show Psych, its influence, and why we love Shawn and Gus.  Thank you so much for tuning in this season, we will see you again soon! Check out our website for more info!  https://www.blackcasediaries.com/blog Twitter: @blackcasediary Instagram: @blackcasediariespodcast

HAPPY HALLOWEEN! In honor of this the spookiest of all days, here is a special bonus episode, recorded around a campfire.  This episode is a follow-up to our original "Brief Case Around the Campfire" that we released in the spring of 2019. We decided to gather (safely) again to tell spooky stories and release it on Halloween.  So, have a spectacularly spooky Halloween!

Welcome back to the BOO Case Diaries! This week we're wrapping up spooky month with an episode on one of the most beloved "creature" movies of all time: ET!  Come join us as we discuss this classic that embodies the magic and wonder of childhood (with a little Halloween mixed in)!    Thanks for Listening, and Happy Halloween!  Check out show notes and sources (with some extras!) on our website: https://www.blackcasediaries.com/blog

Hey there, Cassettes! We're continuing to celebrate Animation April with another one of our famous "prompt" episodes! This week, we each came to the studio with an animated show that we think deserves a bit more love and attention. Here are our picks for Animated Hidden Gems (TV edition)! Check out our website for show notes, sources, and other episodes here: https://www.blackcasediaries.com/

In the summer of 1985, Walt Disney studios released a sequel to one of Hollywood’s most iconic films. Except--it wasn’t really a sequel. There were some characters with the same names, and it was based on the same source material, but the setting and tone were completely different. The director of this new movie, Walter Murch, called it “dark” and “bleak,” and audiences would agree. Disney itself didn’t know how to market the movie, with a dreaded PG rating that was sure to keep parents from taking their children. Their biggest challenge was to shatter the expectations set by the original film, the brightly-colored musical, “The Wizard of Oz.”  Come join us as we take a look at possibly the darkest and strangest Disney movie: Return to Oz!  Instagram: @blackcasediariespodcast Twitter: @blackcasediary

Hello and welcome back to the BOO Case Diaries! This week we're continuing the month of Halloween by tackling the ghostly mid-90s classic, Casper!  Come join us as we take a look at the history of everyone's favorite friendly ghost, and the making of his full-length feature film! As always, check out our website for show notes and sources! Thank you so much for listening!  https://www.blackcasediaries.com/blog-page-1/casper-the-friendly-case Twitter: @blackcasediary Instagram: @blackcasediariespodcast

Welcome back to the BOO Case Diaries! It's the second Thursday in October and we are diving deep into the Halloween season with the history of Tim Burton's The Nightmare Before Christmas!  Released on October 13th, 1993, this film gleefully celebrates everything strange and wonderful about Halloween. Brought to life by a powerhouse team, led by Tim Burton, Henry Selick, and Danny Elfman, the story follows Jack Skellington, the pumpkin king of Halloweentown, as he faces issues with burnout and his own identity. This stop-motion masterpiece has been inspiring audiences for almost 30 years! So, grab your pumpkins and costumes, because THIS IS HALLOWEEN! Show notes and sources are available on our website: https://www.blackcasediaries.com/ Twitter: @Blackcasediary Instagram: @Blackcasediariespodcast