Horroretc Podcast

Down in front and pass the popcorn, let's hit the cinema to take in some box office shattering horror films as we discuss Blockbuster Horror. We are using an unoffical list of the top 25 grossing (domestic) horror films of all time adjusted to 2008 dollars as a crutch to drive a conversation about the impact of revenue on the industry. It becomes evident that box office returns do not necessarily reflect quality of product, however the standing of many widely respected titles gives us some reassurance that even mainstream 'non-horror' audiences can buy in from time to time. You can find the list we are referring to (HERE) but we suggest listening to the show first to play along. Thanks again to Doug for pitching in to what became a very fun discussion. Yet again the show runs long so Schlock Corner makes way for a quick dip into the mailbag and some brief thoughts about The Ruins. Please send us your comments to: horroretc@gmail.com WWW.HORRORETC.COM

He's scared you...he's surprised you...he's frustrated you...M Night Shyamalan. The Horroretc Podcast gives you a director's spotlight special for our silver 25th episode. Disclaimer: we are unabashed fans of M Night and his work so be warned 'thar be slurping up here'. All the titles are covered with attention paid to recurring themes and style in what has proven to be a tumultuous yet still very short career. From the meteoric rise to Hollywood A-list with The Sixth Sense to the critically and commercially reviled The Lady In The Water, there is a lot to praise (and also a lot to criticise). Join us in a conversation about one of the industry's elite, we hope you will enjoy the talk whether you drink the M Night kool-aid or have venomous disdain for his work. Disclaimer #2: all the films are thoroughly spoiled to allow open and honest discussion about the successes and failures of the ideas presented. If there is a title you have yet to see, please be sure to hit fast-forward when appropriate and watch the film before listening. Schlock Corner brings us back to the horror genre proper with a listener submitted clip that is sure to entertain - Arsenio Hall meets Jason Voorhees! A short discussion of an independant film sent to us rounds out the show. Please send us your comments to: horroretc@gmail.com WWW.HORRORETC.COM

Truth is stranger than fiction. Based on true events or based on a true story or inspired by true events are all pretty vague statements which films like to employ to broaden interest in their audiences. The real question always seems to be how faithful the fictional narrative is being to the source. There are examples of extreme sensationalism posing as factual information while others attempt to present the story in an honest way. We are joined by a special guest to discuss the genre of horror films which throw that enticing claim out as a tagline. The best known examples are touched on as well as some duds, but stick around for a thought provoking discussion of a recent entry that is a powerful film on any level. It's an extra long episode this week but in closing we respond to some audio feedback received which opens the floor for fast and furious round table talk (Ted especially becomes furious when things somehow turn to Oliver Stone's Alexander). We want to thank friend of the show James Strite for his input and recommend checking out his show The Dried Blood Podcast (link). Please send us your comments to: horroretc@gmail.com WWW.HORRORETC.COM

The Horroretc Podcast takes another trip through time to yesteryear to revisit what is possibly the most famour horror icon of all time....Frankenstein's monster. From Mary Shelley's landmark 1818 novel through the Universal era of Frankenstein films to present day adaptations, there may be no other image as instantly recognizable in the genre than "the creature". We walk through the classic Universal franchise and attempt to identify what it is about the tale that makes it so beloved and timeless. One of the most well known contemporary adaptations (Branagh's 1994 Robert Deniro version) is also discussed (and criticised) posing the question: will we ever get another big screen Hollywood production or have Frankenstein films become obsolete? In Schlock Corner, we continue our theme with a commentary over the 1910 Edison silent version of Frankenstein. A history lesson of the 12 minute "lost" film is ordered up and we encourage everyone to watch along (link here). Finally, closing out this feature length episode a few comments about listenership and thoughts on the recent Shutter remake. Please send us your comments to: horroretc@gmail.com WWW.HORRORETC.COM

Time to kick back with another casual from the hip episode, it's the Q&A show. Questions, answers, we throw 'em out, toss 'em around and just generally have fun with another 'from the hip' show. A wide range of banter about best/worst theatre experiences, worst mis-castings, guilty pleasure selections, Buffy, cannibalism and everything in between (well maybe not everything). We hope you enjoy a non-themed show this week and please let us know your thoughts on periodic 'from the hip' shows - do you have some questions to throw into the hat? And, ok a bit of fessing up to do here: the topic of worst (as in best) birthing scenes in a horror flick comes up. We will just come out and admit we dropped the ball and did not mention Cronenberg's The Fly! Oops. Trust me, that one is an all-timer. So with an extended STS segment in the books we squeeze in a Star Trek themed Schlock corner video called "Kirk kisses hot chicks in bikinis - shocking". The name says it all and if you were ever unsure about the level of misogyny rampant in that old show, watch along (link here). Please send us your comments to: horroretc@gmail.com WWW.HORRORETC.COM

"Well there's something strange...in your neighbourhood. Who ya gonna call...Anthony & Ted" Time to talk about Ghosts! Tales of hauntings and spirits from beyond seem to have been prominent throughout cinematic history. What is it about the power of the subject which captivates audiences and stirs the imagination? We give our thoughts from the perspective of a believer and a skeptic (can you guess who's who?), as well as discuss several titles in the genre. Now with a category that has literally thousands of films to choose from, there is no effort made to create a 'best of' or 'top ten' list, simply personal favorites and some suggestions of lesser known titles to check out. Whether you are a wannabe ghost hunter or you think the whole idea is pure hokum, we think you will enjoy the conversation. Continuing with our otherworldly theme, Schlock corner finds your hosts studying several 'ghosts caught on film' clips to get to the bottom of the whole affair. Follow the links on the site to follow along and let know your thoughts. Finally, the show wraps up with a lot of ranting about disappointing movies, studio intervention and everybody's favorite pet-peeve double-dipping. Please send us your comments to: horroretc@gmail.com WWW.HORRORETC.COM

The Horroretc Podcast for Dummies. Ahhh, the ventriloquist dummy. Who has not conjured up nightmarish visions of these freakish inanimate objects coming alive to end you life? We certainly have and thus this episode of the show is dedicated to ventriloquist doll horror in films and television (with a few cheats here and there to include other favorite dolls). While it may certainly be a relatively niche sub-genre of horror, there is a long history of the concept on film. The moral of the story may be to never keep such abominations in your home (or at least steer clear of ventriloquists). True schlock this week in Schlock Corner as we revisit a famous dream sequence of Gilligan's Island where Gilligan is Count Dracula and the Professor is Sherlock Holmes?). Watch along with us (link here). A pretty random closing discussion which includes thoughts on 11:14, Spooked, Michael Bay, Survivorman and more. Please send us your comments to: horroretc@gmail.com WWW.HORRORETC.COM

"I am Dracula.........I bid you....welcome" In a very special edition of the Horroretc Podcast the dawn of Hollywood horror is explored as we discuss the classic Universal era of Dracula, beginning with the pillar of horror classics 1931 Dracula. The work of the great Bela Lugosi is detailed with anecdotes aplenty. For those with an appreciation of classic horror, the great character of Dracula, Hollywood history, or the Universal actor stable we hope to provide some informative entertainment. The concurrent Spanish version of Dracula (1931), Dracula's Daughter (1936), Son of Dracula (1943), House of Dracula (1945) and many other screen versions round out the classic era conversation. Francis Ford Coppola's epic Bram Stoker's Dracula (1992) is also discussed at length pointing out the strengths and weaknesses of that ambitious project. Ted pulls no punches with his thoughts on Coppola's directorial style which was front and centre in the film. Schlock Corner continues the Dracula theme as Anthony reminisces about a classic Hasbro game 'I Vant To Bite Your Finger'. Finally, we return to the podcast mailbag to do some catching up. Many email comments are responded to and we thank everyone for taking the time to write in. Please send us your comments to: horroretc@gmail.com WWW.HORRORETC

Welcome to our first 'non-horror' episode. We take a step back from the pools of blood and check the soles of our shoes before stepping into a discussion of the 'prestigious' Acadamy Awards. In honour of the recent Oscar show we discuss some non-horror films we have seen and enjoyed recently and try to shoehorn them into a general talk about the Acadamy Awards (and awards shows in general). No Country For Old Men, 3:10 To Yuma, The Assassination of Jesse James..., Sweeney Todd, King of Kong and many others are discussed (including Enchanted?). If you have an opinion for or against the Oscars or self-congratulating Hollywood in general we think you will enjoy the talk. Don't worry, we get back to the roots of horror with an extra-special episode next week. In Schlock Corner, the rehashing of classic monster and horror toys continues with a selection of vintage commercial clips. Check out a great blog link here to join in on the fun. We close out with a somewhat rambling chat about current affairs. Don't forget to visit and join in on the Forum discussions (thanks again Mudoogal). Please send us your comments to: horroretc@gmail.com WWW.HORRORETC.COM

"Sanguis bibimus, corpus edimus, tolle corpus Satani" The Omen series with cursory remake are examined in depth for Episode 17. Familiar with the Gregory Peck original? Maybe it's release date gimick remake we were served in 2006? Has anyone even seen Omen IV? Regardless of your exposure to The Omen movies, we hope you get some level of entertainment out of our discussion of the franchise highs and lows but please take note...Thar Be Spoilers Here! The Omen talk ran long so the remainder of the episode is dedicated to dropping the big announcement - the horroretc podcast now has a Forum! We encourage everyone to come on over and join in the discussion to help get the board off the ground. Special thanks to listener Mudoogal Mudslinger for all his help. Please send us your comments to: horroretc@gmail.com WWW.HORRORETC.COM

You can check in but you may not check out of our Motel Horror discussion where the theme of road motel settings in horror films is visited. The elements of isolation, surrender of security and unfamiliar surroundings combine to create an unsettling sense in the audience when horror occurs in the road motel. A continuation of our previous road horror episode was warranted due to a glaring oversight Ted just could not let go. The popularity of horror movie montage videos warranted commentary as we select a particularily good example named 'Horror Movie Montage - Ultimate Video' in Schlock Corner. Find the link here. We also shoot the shit about The Eye remake, Rambo and comic book movies. Please send us your comments to: horroretc@gmail.com WWW.HORRORETC.COM

Time to pack up and hit the road as we explore the road horror theme. What is it about the idea of removal from the safety of home surroundings when traveling that stirs that inner unease? There are many horror films built upon the road trip concept with many more relying on the car breakdown or loss of direction providing the catalyst for the horror that follows. A selection of films are discussed which fall into this sub-category of horror with special attention paid to the enigmatic hitchhiker figure. Anthony's Friday the 13th odyssey has begun and we kick things off with a revist to the climactic battle between two horror icons Freddy vs Jason in Schlock Corner. Let's set aside the comments and opinions of the movie for a moment and enjoy the vicious one-on-one action horror fans waited a decade to see. Finally, Ted discusses a listener recommended title Session 9 while Anthony talks about the importance of lesbians in horror...errr, no wait, In A Dark Place. Please send us your comments to: horroretc@gmail.com WWW.HORRORETC.COM

Settle in under a warm blanket with a steaming hot cup of toddy to enjoy our discussion of horror films with a winter theme. The elements as a story element provide a distinct danger in addition to whatever life theatening crisis is presented be it otherworldly or human. There are many examples of films where the elements of ice, snow, wind and freezing temperatures are integrated successfully into the narrative (not the least being the all time classic film The Thing). Join us as we talk about some favorite selections from this sub(zero) genre as well as provide warning to avoid a particular misstep. In Shlock Corner we catch up with Arnold Schwarzenegger attending Carnival in Rio in the (in)famous promotion video from 1983. This video is an absolute must see for those who have not had the pleasure. Finally, we toss our two cents in on Cloverfield. WWW.HORRORETC.COM

And now for something a little different...it's the From The Hip episode. Anthony and Ted throw random topics at each other in addition to giving some thoughts on some recent watches - Going To Pieces: the rise and fall of the slasher film as well as Deadwood Park are discussed. Topics include 1931 Dracula, period horror films, the forthcoming Romero zombie film Diary of the Dead, Friday The 13th (specifically Anthony's procrastination in getting caught up), the evil ladies of horror we love, the arrival of virtual home cinema and more. We catch up with Rockwell to re-visit the 1984 music video for Somebody's Watching Me in schlock corner. A surprising amount of horror imagery in a video for 80's pop music. Finally, Anthony tells us about his nearly complete short film Canucula - Midnight over Kingston. Stay tuned for more information on how you can experience it for yourself. Anthony needs Friday the 13th film recommendations.Let us know what you consider the essential viewing selections for the series and send your comments to: horroretc@gmail.com WWW.HORRORETC.COM

The horroretc podcast takes an up close and in depth look at the career and filmography of Tim Burton. Described by critics as everything from a visionary artist to a self-indulgent glorified set designed. There is little question Burton possesses a singular artistic eye, a true auteur with his strong personal style. Join us as we revisit the films of Tim Burton and discuss the trademark styles and techniques he has employed including the well known collaborations with Johnny Depp and Danny Elfman. The conversation culminates with our thoughts on the latest Burton release Sweeney Todd. We also briefly give our thoughts on some media distractions occupying our time this week...Ted talks about a missed opportunity with the Christmas horror/thriller P2, and Anthony describes a fun little time waster Touch The Dead, a Nintendo DS game. WWW.HORRORETC.COM