Discover the Horror Podcast

Splinter (2008), Thanatomorphose (2012), and Contracted (2013) When discussing films that deal with body horror, David Cronenberg and his work usually come up in the conversation. How can he not, when so many of his earlier films all dealt with some sort of body horror, mutations, and transformations? But there are plenty of films that go above and beyond (and even below) Cronenberg's impressive genre efforts... sometimes even making us wonder why we're watching them in the first place! Could it be that we just want to see how much grossness we can stomach? Or is there more to it? Body horror is one of the most horrific of horror's subgenres, tossing heaping handfuls of disgust into the usual bag of scares. And maybe it's the hangover from the recent global pandemic, maybe it's the fact that by a certain age all of us have watched someone close to us fight a serious illness, or maybe it's just built into us by Mother Nature, but there's something especially horrific about body horror from infection.  But what do we get from watching it? Disgust, discomfort, and maybe a deeper understanding of human experience and anxieties? We can for sure guarantee the first two- so let's dig in! Disclaimer: by the end of the episode, you will be forgiven if you catch yourself looking at your body in a full-length mirror thinking "well, at least no maggots fell out of there." Movies mentioned in this episode: Abigail (2024), Beyond the Darkness (1979), Body Melt (1993), Carcinoma (2014), Contracted (2013), Creepshow (1982), The Fly (1986), Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire (2024), The Grudge 3 (2009), House of Wax (2005), Immaculate (2024), The Machinist (2004), Slime City (1988), Splinter (2008), Street Trash (1987), Thanatomorphose (2012), The Thing (1982), Toxic Avenger (1984)  

Creature from the Black Lagoon (1954), Revenge of the Creature (1955), The Creature Walks Among Us (1956). And now, we come to the end of our Universal Monster episodes, having made our way through all the Dracula, Frankenstein, Invisible Man, Mummy, and the Wolf Man films, we now take a dive into the Black Lagoon! Coming out a little less than a decade after the last Universal Monster film (no, I'm not counting A&C Meet Frankenstein), it gave birth to a whole new generation of monster fans that might not have been around for the first cycle. And it did make quite the splash amongst fans, enough to permanently give its spot in the Universal Monster class. And there is a reason for that. Join us while we take a deep dive into these films, maybe pushing you into the deep end of some of them, discussing some things you maybe didn't know about them, and hopefully, if we're doing our jobs, make you revisit them and think about them a little differently, or at least a little more. That's the beauty of films, that no matter how many times you may have seen it, you never know what the next viewing experience will bring you. Films mentioned in this episode: Creature from the Black Lagoon (1954), The Creature Walks Among Us (1956), Curse of the Werewolf (1961), The Deadly Mantis (1957), Demon of Paradise (1987), Dracula (1931), Frankenstein (1931), Friday the 13th Part 3 (1982), The Giant Claw (1957), House of Dracula (1945), House of Frankenstein (1944), Humanoids from the Deep (1980), The Incredible Shrinking Man (1957), It Came from Outer Space (1953), Jaws 3-D (1983), King Kong (1933), Mad Monster Party? (1967), The Mole People (1956), The Mummy (1932), Octaman (1971), Revenge of the Creature (1955), The Shape of Water (2017), She-Wolf of London (1946), Son of Frankenstein (1939), Tarantula (1955), The Thing from Another World (1951), This Island Earth (1955), The Wolf Man (1941)

Obviously, many of us film fans see movies in theaters througout the year, whether it be at a national chain or at an independent, arthouse theater - or both. Some of us are even hitting film festivals, special screenings, and for the truly unhinged cinephiles, film marathons. For these kind of events to happen though, there have to be some mad geniuses behind the scenes. Those people are film programmers, and they do so much for our the culture of our fandom; from tracking down film the best quality prints available, to figuring out who owns the rights, to actually making the screenings happen. A lot of times their success comes down to the sheer passion they have for these offbeat, awkward, or just downright strange and fucked up motion pictures that makes them want to pass that along to new viewers. In other words, helping new fans Discover the Horror! One of those mad geniuses is Will Morris, who is one of the programmers for the world-famous Music Box Theatre in Chicago. Will has been programming The Music Box of Horrors a 24-hour horror marathon for close to a decade now, as well as programming their yearly January Giallo festival, and much, much more. We invited Will to come on the show to not only explain a little of what he does, but why. Get ready for a fun and wild ride. Movies mentioned in the episode: 964 Pinocchio (1991), Abby (1974), Alleluia (2014), Aswang (1994), The Beyond (1981), Blood of Ghastly Horror (1967), Blue Eyes of the Broken Doll (1974), Café Flesh, Calvaire (2004), The Carrier (1988), The Children (2008), Child’s Play 2 (1990), Class of Nuke ‘Em High Part II: Subhumanoid Meltdown (1991), Corruption (1983), Curucu, Beast of the Amazon (1956), The Demons (1973), Dracula, Prisoner of Frankenstein (1972), Dr. Caligari (1989), Emaneulle and the Last Cannibal (1977), Ernest Scared Stupid (1991), Evil Dead (1981), Evil Dead 2 (1987), The Exorcist (1973), Fiend with the Electronic Brain (1967), Fuck the Devil (1990), Fuck the Devil 2: Return of the Fucker (1991), Ganja & Hess (1973), Ginger Snaps (2000), The Granny (1995), Halloween III: Season of the Witch (1982), The House on Haunted Hill (1959), Last House on Dead End Street (1973), Mystics in Bali (1981), Nekromantik (1988), Jaws (1975), Jurassic Park (1993), Meet the Feebles (1989), Mirror Mirror (1990), Organ (1996), A Patch of Blue (1965), Possession (1981), Psycho a Go Go (1965), Of Unknown Origin (1983), [REC] (2007), Repulsion (1965), Roman Holiday (1953), Santet (1988), Sex Demon (2019), Shaun of the Dead (2004), The Snorkel (1958), The Tenant (1976), Tetsuo: The Iron Man (1989), The Thing (1982), Torso (1973), Vaya luna de miel (1980), When a Stranger Calls Back (1993), Witch with the Flying Head (1982), A Woman’s Torment (1977) Show Notes:  THe Mondo fanzine mentioned: https://www.instagram.com/themondomaniac The Music Box Theatre - https://www.musicboxtheatre.com

The Ghost of Sierra de Cobre (1964), Crowhaven Farm (1970), and Cruise into Terror (1978) With this being our 3rd episode covering these little television terrors, one would get the idea that there is a lot of teleplays, or TV-movies, out there that deserve our attention. And you would be correct! From the '60s into the early '80s, there was a plethora of amazing features being made for the little boob tube, not to mention a wide variety to talent behind them too! Unfortunately, a lot of these titles still wander in limbo, never getting a legitimate release, some never even seeing a VHS release. While you can find a lot on YouTube, we're all hoping for a real legitmate release at some point. Until then, we do what we must to see some incredible films! So grab your notepad because we're going to discuss 3 titles that are definitely worth your time, and hope to spark you to take a little further adventure into Made-for-TV Terrors!  Titles Mentioned in this Episode: American Beauty (1999), Are You in the House Alone (1978), Bad Ronald (1974), Blue Velvet (1986), Bog (1979), Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid (1969), A Cold Night’s Death (1973), Cool Hand Luke (1967), Crowhaven Farm (1970), Cruise into Terror (1978), Cult of the Cobra (1955), Day of the Animals (1977), Devil Dog: The Hound of Hell (1978), The Disembodied (1957), Fiend without a Face (1958), The Ghost of Sierra de Cobre (1965), Grave of the Vampire (1972), It! The Terror from Beyond Space (1958), Marnie (1964), Nightmare on Elm Street 2: Freddy’s Revenge (1985), North By Northwest (1959), The Night Stalker (1972), Psycho (1960), Rebecca (1940), Red Dawn (1984), Rosemary’s Baby (1968), Salem’s Lot (1979), Satan’s School for Girls (1973), Shanks (1974), Simon King of the Witches (1971), Slumber Party Massacre 2 (1987)

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)