Podcast

Once Upon A VHS - 80s and 90s Fantasy

Film History, Film Reviews, TV & Film

On a queer and neverending quest through the fantasy films of the 80s & 90s, and all the memories and feelings they conjure up. From animated adventures and sword and sorcery epics to magical romcoms and fairytale horror, we will journey through the big blockbusters and cult classics.

https://linktr.ee/onceuponavhs

Join our Clamshell Club on Patreon to support the show and gain access to exclusive Once Upon A VHS bonus episodes updated monthly:

• Boxset - reviewing 80s and 90s fantasy TV (including Jim Henson's The Storyteller)
• Rewind - looking back at fantasy films from before 1980 (including Star Wars)
• Fast Forward - our thoughts on fantasy movies from 2000 onwards (including The Lord of the Rings)

https://patreon.com/onceuponavhs

Hosted on Acast. See https://acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episodes
90
Releases
Weekly
Typical length
1 hr 21 min
On air since
2024
Latest episode
5 days ago

Episodes

90 episodes, newest first

  1. Buffy the Vampire Slayer - Halloween - BONUS Patreon Preview Bonus

    Show notes

    A preview of our Buffy the Vampire Slayer Halloween Specials Halloween Special on Patreon, discussing Season 2 episode Halloween. To hear the whole thing where we also cover Season 4's Fear Itself and Season 6's All the Way, check out our Patreon: https://patreon.com/onceuponavhs

    Join our Clamshell Club to gain access to three strands of exclusive bonus episodes:

    Boxset - reviewing 80s and 90s fantasy TV (including Jim Henson's The Storyteller, The Chronicles of Narnia, Fraggle Rock and Merlin)

    Rewind - looking back at fantasy films from before 1980 (including Star Wars, The Wizard of Oz, Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory and Sleeping Beauty)

    Fast Forward - our thoughts on fantasy movies from 2000 onwards (including The Lord of the Rings, Peter Pan, Twilight and Monkeybone)

    A new episode will be added to one of these strands each month. Clamshell Club members get a shoutout on main feed episodes. Thank you!

    https://linktr.ee/onceuponavhs

    Hosted on Acast. See https://acast.com/privacy for more information.

    1 hr 5 min
  2. Bram Stoker's Dracula (1992) with Joe Black

    Season 10, Episode 13

    Show notes

    Welcome to the inaugural meeting of the Lucy Westenra fan club! To discuss Francis Ford Coppola's sumptuous and spectacular take on Dracula starring Gary Oldman, Winona Ryder and Anthony Hopkins, we have called upon the forces of darkness in the form of cabaret singer, musician, artist and star of stage and screen Joe Black!

    As part of this Halloween special, we also touch on the variations on the character as portrayed by Max Shreck, Bela Lugosi, Frank Langella, Bill Skarsgard and Cynthia Erivo. After all, Dracula has crossed oceans of time to find you...

    Eiko Ishioka's incredible costumes, Whitby tourism, the questionable accent work of Keanu Reeves, shadow puppets, Tom Waits giving steampunk, Penny Dreadful, Mina Harker in The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen and a sphynx cat with a possible aversion to Monica Bellucci await.

    We share our thoughts on the movie and its themes, some behind the scenes gossip, delve into the nightmarish moments and dream up some ridiculous merch.

    Do we have good... taste? Listen and find out!

    Art by Ashleigh Jane Cosgrove. Music by Karl Casey at White Bat Audio.

    https://linktr.ee/onceuponavhs

    Join our Clamshell Club on Patreon to support the show and gain access to exclusive Once Upon A VHS bonus episodes updated monthly:

    • Boxset - reviewing 80s and 90s fantasy TV (including Jim Henson's The Storyteller)
    • Rewind - looking back at fantasy films from before 1980 (including Star Wars)
    • Fast Forward - our thoughts on fantasy movies from 2000 onwards (including The Lord of the Rings)

    https://patreon.com/onceuponavhs

    Hosted on Acast. See https://acast.com/privacy for more information.

    1 hr 22 min
  3. Interview with the Vampire (1994) with Claire Biddles

    Season 10, Episode 12

    Show notes

    Long before the hit TV show, Neil Jordan's opulent adaptation of the bestselling novel by Anne Rice gave the world a big gay gothic vampire blockbuster with Hollywood superstars Tom Cruise and Brad Pitt, not to mention the electrifying breakthrough performance of Kirsten Dunst.

    Our pal Claire Biddles - music, film and arts writer, Overinvested podcaster and Lestat superfan - joins us to break down this very peculiar pop culture phenomenon, with plenty of discussion about all the various iterations of The Vampire Chronicles.

    Bisexual maximalist divas, unfilmable head transplants, complex relationships with religion, bad wigs, Anne's gender, camp poodles and the questionable decisions of Queen of the Damned await.

    We share our thoughts on the movie and its themes, some behind the scenes gossip, delve into the nightmarish moments and dream up some ridiculous merch.

    How many different ways can we pronounce Théâtre des Vampires? Listen and find out!

    Art by Ashleigh Jane Cosgrove. Music by Karl Casey at White Bat Audio.

    https://linktr.ee/onceuponavhs

    Join our Clamshell Club on Patreon to support the show and gain access to exclusive Once Upon A VHS bonus episodes updated monthly:

    • Boxset - reviewing 80s and 90s fantasy TV (including Jim Henson's The Storyteller)
    • Rewind - looking back at fantasy films from before 1980 (including Star Wars)
    • Fast Forward - our thoughts on fantasy movies from 2000 onwards (including The Lord of the Rings)

    https://patreon.com/onceuponavhs

    Hosted on Acast. See https://acast.com/privacy for more information.

    1 hr 43 min
  4. An American Werewolf in London (1981) with Robert Berg

    Season 10, Episode 11

    Show notes

    "Beware the moon, lads."

    We're serving up an all-time classic comedy horror banger for Halloween with returning guest Rob Berg!

    Rick Baker's groundbreaking special effects makeup, sex and regret, werewolf mythology, David Naughton's nudity, an unlikely journey around London's geography, Griffin Dunne's family connections, surprise Muppets, taking Jenny Agutter out for a pub lunch, queer and Jewish readings of this movie and The Wolf Man from Universal Studios await.

    We share our thoughts on the movie and its themes, some behind the scenes gossip, delve into the nightmarish moments and dream up some ridiculous merch.

    Why is Doctor Hirsch an unexpected for both the Nightmare Nail and the Treasures segments? Listen and find out!

    Art by Ashleigh Jane Cosgrove. Music by Karl Casey at White Bat Audio.

    https://linktr.ee/onceuponavhs

    Join our Clamshell Club on Patreon to support the show and gain access to exclusive Once Upon A VHS bonus episodes updated monthly:

    • Boxset - reviewing 80s and 90s fantasy TV (including Jim Henson's The Storyteller)
    • Rewind - looking back at fantasy films from before 1980 (including Star Wars)
    • Fast Forward - our thoughts on fantasy movies from 2000 onwards (including The Lord of the Rings)

    https://patreon.com/onceuponavhs

    Hosted on Acast. See https://acast.com/privacy for more information.

    1 hr 19 min
  5. Elvira: Mistress of the Dark (1988)

    Season 6, Episode 10

    Show notes

    "If I want your opinion I'll beat it out of you!"

    We're slinking into October with the Queen of Halloween herself, Elvira! From Vegas showgirl to horror hostess with the mostess, we discuss the big screen debut of this bonafide gay icon in a loving tribute to the brilliant Cassandra Peterson.

    Nipple tassels, Knott's Berry Farm, a monster casserole, corny jokes, Bob's big himbo energy, a poodle with an attitude, Edie McClurg sitting on a man's face and edrazeeba await.

    We share our thoughts on the movie and its themes, some behind the scenes gossip, delve into the nightmarish moments and dream up some ridiculous merch.

    Does Elvira smoke? Guess we'll find out soon enough!

    Art by Ashleigh Jane Cosgrove. Music by Karl Casey at White Bat Audio.

    https://linktr.ee/onceuponavhs

    Join our Clamshell Club on Patreon to support the show and gain access to exclusive Once Upon A VHS bonus episodes updated monthly:

    • Boxset - reviewing 80s and 90s fantasy TV (including Jim Henson's The Storyteller)
    • Rewind - looking back at fantasy films from before 1980 (including Star Wars)
    • Fast Forward - our thoughts on fantasy movies from 2000 onwards (including The Lord of the Rings)

    https://patreon.com/onceuponavhs

    Hosted on Acast. See https://acast.com/privacy for more information.

    1 hr 16 min
  6. Pee-wee's Big Adventure (1985) with Jules Scheele

    Season 6, Episode 9

    Show notes

    "Be sure and tell 'em Large Marge sent ya!"

    Joined by our super-talented friend, illustrator and comics artist Jules Scheele, we chart the rise, fall and comeback of Pee-wee Herman - the pop culture phenomenon and alter ego of Paul Reubens - focusing in on this wild road trip movie which was also Tim Burton's feature debut.

    Getting goofy with the Groundlings, Saturday Night Live disappointment, Frankenweenie, fruit salad marriage, THAT stop motion jump scare, the utopian chaos of Pee-wee's Playhouse, going in and out of the closet, mythologised Americana, E.G. Daily's pop career, clown surgeons and beautiful dinosaurs await.

    We share our thoughts on the movie and its themes, some behind the scenes gossip, delve into the nightmarish moments and dream up some ridiculous merch.

    Is this something you'd like to share with the rest of us, Amazing Larry? Listen and find out!

    Art by Ashleigh Jane Cosgrove. Music by Karl Casey at White Bat Audio.

    https://linktr.ee/onceuponavhs

    Join our Clamshell Club on Patreon to support the show and gain access to exclusive Once Upon A VHS bonus episodes updated monthly:

    • Boxset - reviewing 80s and 90s fantasy TV (including Jim Henson's The Storyteller)
    • Rewind - looking back at fantasy films from before 1980 (including Star Wars)
    • Fast Forward - our thoughts on fantasy movies from 2000 onwards (including The Lord of the Rings)

    https://patreon.com/onceuponavhs

    Hosted on Acast. See https://acast.com/privacy for more information.

    1 hr 40 min
  7. The Great Muppet Caper (1981) with Jonathan North (Joncast Media)

    Season 6, Episode 8

    Show notes

    "It's plot exposition, it has to go somewhere."

    Hey, a movie! Jim Henson's feature directorial debut, following up The Muppet Show and The Muppet Movie with a madcap jewel heist comedy set in London. Jonathan North of the Joncast Media multiverse of podcasts joins us for a fun chat about this old favourite and the legendary love affair between Kermit the Frog and Miss Piggy.

    The rat bellhops of the Happiness Hotel, screen icon Diana Rigg, an unsettling father of identical twins, bicycle puppetry, Busby Berkeley style synchronized swimming, and Gonzo's feelings towards chickens await.

    We share our thoughts on the movie and its themes, some behind the scenes gossip, delve into the nightmarish moments and dream up some ridiculous merch.

    What does "BSC" stand for? British Society of Cinematographers! And I'm sure 8/10 British cinematographers would recommend you listen to this episode! Miss Piggy crashes through a stained glass window on a motorbike looking fabulous! What more do you want?

    Art by Ashleigh Jane Cosgrove. Music by Karl Casey at White Bat Audio.

    https://linktr.ee/onceuponavhs

    Join our Clamshell Club on Patreon to support the show and gain access to exclusive Once Upon A VHS bonus episodes updated monthly:

    • Boxset - reviewing 80s and 90s fantasy TV (including Jim Henson's The Storyteller)
    • Rewind - looking back at fantasy films from before 1980 (including Star Wars)
    • Fast Forward - our thoughts on fantasy movies from 2000 onwards (including The Lord of the Rings)

    https://patreon.com/onceuponavhs

    Hosted on Acast. See https://acast.com/privacy for more information.

    1 hr 16 min
  8. Orlando (1992)

    Season 6, Episode 7

    Show notes

    "Nothing thicker than a knife's blade separates melancholy from happiness."

    Queer temporality, gender expression and sexual fluidity - we are nourished by Sally Potter's beautiful reworking of the "unfilmable" 1928 novel by Virginia Woolf, starring Tilda Swinton as the title character who experiences an extended life as both a man and a woman.

    A Bronski Beat angel, gorgeous production design and costumes, Billy Zane on a horse, precocious library-lending, colour-shifting eyes, that maze sequence and trans icon Quentin Crisp, the true Queen of England, await.

    We share our thoughts on the movie and its themes, some behind the scenes gossip, delve into the nightmarish moments and dream up some ridiculous merch.

    This future of yours, when it's gonna begin? Today? Or, is it always tomorrow? Listen and find out!

    Art by Ashleigh Jane Cosgrove. Music by Karl Casey at White Bat Audio.

    https://linktr.ee/onceuponavhs

    Join our Clamshell Club on Patreon to support the show and gain access to exclusive Once Upon A VHS bonus episodes updated monthly:

    • Boxset - reviewing 80s and 90s fantasy TV (including Jim Henson's The Storyteller)
    • Rewind - looking back at fantasy films from before 1980 (including Star Wars)
    • Fast Forward - our thoughts on fantasy movies from 2000 onwards (including The Lord of the Rings)

    https://patreon.com/onceuponavhs

    Hosted on Acast. See https://acast.com/privacy for more information.

    1 hr 30 min
  9. Splash (1984) with Christian Garcia (That Ol' Gay Classic Cinema)

    Season 6, Episode 6

    Show notes

    "What ya looking at? Never seen a guy who slept with a fish before?"

    Ahoy! We're joined by Christian Garcia from That Ol' Gay Classic Cinema podcast to discuss Ron Howard's smash hit mermaid romcom that launched Tom Hanks into superstardom and gave us an unforgettable underwater performance from Daryl Hannah.

    The symbolic power of mermaids, queer-coded secrets, consumerist satire, a koi-inspired tail, 80s comedy yelling, a scary sea hag deleted scene and the Touchstone Pictures of it all await.

    We share our thoughts on the movie and its themes, some behind the scenes gossip, delve into the nightmarish moments and dream up some ridiculous merch.

    Would we trade a fountain for a necklace? Listen and find out!

    Art by Ashleigh Jane Cosgrove. Music by Karl Casey at White Bat Audio.

    https://linktr.ee/onceuponavhs

    Join our Clamshell Club on Patreon to support the show and gain access to exclusive Once Upon A VHS bonus episodes updated monthly:

    • Boxset - reviewing 80s and 90s fantasy TV (including Jim Henson's The Storyteller)
    • Rewind - looking back at fantasy films from before 1980 (including Star Wars)
    • Fast Forward - our thoughts on fantasy movies from 2000 onwards (including The Lord of the Rings)

    https://patreon.com/onceuponavhs

    Hosted on Acast. See https://acast.com/privacy for more information.

    1 hr 27 min
  10. Simply Irresistible (1999)

    Season 6, Episode 5

    Show notes

    "I just wanted to eat."

    We're going off-menu and off-piste for this little slice of late 90s Cosmopolitan culture NYC romcom ridiculousness. It's less Sex and the City and more Crabs in the Kitchen as Sarah Michelle Gellar gets some culinary help from a magic crustacean.

    Emotionally-imbued food, public orgasms, special effect failures, Betty Buckley and our dream restaurant pairings of dishes with SMG projects await.

    We share our thoughts on the movie and its themes, some behind the scenes gossip, delve into the nightmarish moments and dream up some ridiculous merch.

    Poppadoms or bread? Listen and find out!

    Art by Ashleigh Jane Cosgrove. Music by Karl Casey at White Bat Audio.

    https://linktr.ee/onceuponavhs

    Join our Clamshell Club on Patreon to support the show and gain access to exclusive Once Upon A VHS bonus episodes updated monthly:

    • Boxset - reviewing 80s and 90s fantasy TV (including Jim Henson's The Storyteller)
    • Rewind - looking back at fantasy films from before 1980 (including Star Wars)
    • Fast Forward - our thoughts on fantasy movies from 2000 onwards (including The Lord of the Rings)

    https://patreon.com/onceuponavhs

    Hosted on Acast. See https://acast.com/privacy for more information.

    1 hr 14 min
  11. The Swan Princess (1994) with Sophie B (Monstrous Productions)

    Season 6, Episode 4

    Show notes

    "Animals, assemble!"

    Loosely adapted from the Tchaikovsky ballet Swan Lake, this animated feature from ex-Disney director Richard Rich spawned a surprising legacy. Our friend Sophie B of audio fiction team Monstrous Productions joins us for an enchanting chat, with a special contribution from Cullen of Not My Fantasy podcast explaining the significance of this film for homeschoolers.

    Princesses on parade, raiding the fanfiction archive, the queer resonance of a transformation sequence, Queen Uberta's lewks, too many talking animal companions, Rothbart's book of Swan Spells, a prince named Derek, hag faces, an Odette AI chatbot and branded strawberry CBD lipgloss await.

    We share our thoughts on the movie and its themes, some behind the scenes gossip, delve into the nightmarish moments and dream up some ridiculous merch.

    What else is there? Listen and find out!

    Art by Ashleigh Jane Cosgrove. Music by Karl Casey at White Bat Audio.

    https://linktr.ee/onceuponavhs

    Join our Clamshell Club on Patreon to support the show and gain access to exclusive Once Upon A VHS bonus episodes updated monthly:

    • Boxset - reviewing 80s and 90s fantasy TV (including Jim Henson's The Storyteller)
    • Rewind - looking back at fantasy films from before 1980 (including Star Wars)
    • Fast Forward - our thoughts on fantasy movies from 2000 onwards (including The Lord of the Rings)

    https://patreon.com/onceuponavhs

    Hosted on Acast. See https://acast.com/privacy for more information.

    1 hr 45 min
  12. Highlander (1986)

    Season 6, Episode 3

    Show notes

    "There can be only one."

    We had a gay old time with Russell Mulcahy's big, bold, beautiful and SILLY film about immortals fighting a fateful battle over centuries, from 16th century Scotland to 1980s New York City.

    Christopher Lambert's accent, Clancy Brown's command of camp, Sean Connery's everything, ridiculous scene transitions, the stunning landscapes of our home country, that memorable Queen score and Michael's book about the incredible life of Freddie Mercury await.

    We share our thoughts on the movie and its themes, some behind the scenes gossip, delve into the nightmarish moments and dream up some ridiculous merch.

    Who wants to live forever? Listen and find out!

    Art by Ashleigh Jane Cosgrove. Music by Karl Casey at White Bat Audio.

    https://linktr.ee/onceuponavhs

    Join our Clamshell Club on Patreon to support the show and gain access to exclusive Once Upon A VHS bonus episodes updated monthly:

    • Boxset - reviewing 80s and 90s fantasy TV (including Jim Henson's The Storyteller)
    • Rewind - looking back at fantasy films from before 1980 (including Star Wars)
    • Fast Forward - our thoughts on fantasy movies from 2000 onwards (including The Lord of the Rings)

    https://patreon.com/onceuponavhs

    Hosted on Acast. See https://acast.com/privacy for more information.

    1 hr 18 min
  13. Pleasantville (1998)

    Season 6, Episode 2

    Show notes

    "TV Time - remember, you're soaking in it."

    We got more than we bargained for in revisiting this odd allegorical fable about a couple of 90s teens stuck in a 50s sitcom, introducing self-discovery, sexuality and colour to the residents of the greyscale television world.

    Reese Witherspoon discovering the joy of reading, Tobey Maguire being a little creep, that Fiona Apple cover of Across the Universe, that iconic bathtub scene, and discussion of the well-intentioned but rough central metaphor for bigotry and discrimination await.

    We share our thoughts on the movie and its themes, some behind the scenes gossip, delve into the nightmarish moments and dream up some ridiculous merch.

    What's the deal with Don Knotts? Listen and find out!

    Art by Ashleigh Jane Cosgrove. Music by Karl Casey at White Bat Audio.

    https://linktr.ee/onceuponavhs

    Join our Clamshell Club on Patreon to support the show and gain access to exclusive Once Upon A VHS bonus episodes updated monthly:

    • Boxset - reviewing 80s and 90s fantasy TV (including Jim Henson's The Storyteller)
    • Rewind - looking back at fantasy films from before 1980 (including Star Wars)
    • Fast Forward - our thoughts on fantasy movies from 2000 onwards (including The Lord of the Rings)

    https://patreon.com/onceuponavhs

    Hosted on Acast. See https://acast.com/privacy for more information.

    1 hr 21 min
  14. Mannequin (1987)

    Season 6, Episode 1

    Show notes

    "Oh my God, he's in love with a... dummy!"

    Kicking off our new Romantasy season, it's time for the diva dummy herself: Mannequin!

    The scat stylings of Liverpool's answer to Cleopatra Kim Cattrall, the glorious gayness of Meshach Taylor's turn as Hollywood Montrose, the dawn of market research, department store delirium, Brat Pack credentials, a pink Cadillac, hang glider ridiculousness, an extended fancy dress montage and a massive organ await.

    We share our thoughts on the movie and its themes, some behind the scenes gossip, delve into the nightmarish moments and dream up some ridiculous merch.

    Is anything going to stop us now? Listen and find out!

    Art by Ashleigh Jane Cosgrove. Music by Karl Casey at White Bat Audio.

    https://linktr.ee/onceuponavhs

    Join our Clamshell Club on Patreon to support the show and gain access to exclusive Once Upon A VHS bonus episodes updated monthly:

    • Boxset - reviewing 80s and 90s fantasy TV (including Jim Henson's The Storyteller)
    • Rewind - looking back at fantasy films from before 1980 (including Star Wars)
    • Fast Forward - our thoughts on fantasy movies from 2000 onwards (including The Lord of the Rings)

    https://patreon.com/onceuponavhs

    Hosted on Acast. See https://acast.com/privacy for more information.

    1 hr 4 min
  15. Labyrinth (1986) - Special Edition

    Show notes

    "Dance, magic dance!"

    To celebrate the 40 year anniversary of Labyrinth, here's our epic new standalone episode revisiting this truly iconic 80s dark fantasy musical masterpiece from Muppet maestro Jim Henson, starring Jennifer Connelly and David Bowie.

    We share our thoughts on the movie and its themes, some behind the scenes gossip, delve into the nightmarish moments and conjure up personal memories of the film and its impact.

    Responding to guest contributions from listeners and friends of the pod as well as snippets of our previous review back on the first season, it's time to reconsider our rating and discover the reasons why this film continues to cast a captivating spell over generation after generation.

    Thank you so much to all our guest contributors on this special episode: Raisah, Pete, Scott, Alice, Liam, Lena, Byron, Courtney, Connor, Kate, Rachel and Rob.

    Who are the Venerable Beadles? Have we changed our mind about Sir Didymus? What babe? What power? Who do? Do what? Why are Shirley Temple and Cary Grant here? Listen and find out!

    Art by Ashleigh Jane Cosgrove. Music by Karl Casey at White Bat Audio.

    https://linktr.ee/onceuponavhs

    Join our Clamshell Club on Patreon to support the show and gain access to exclusive Once Upon A VHS bonus episodes updated monthly:

    • Boxset - reviewing 80s and 90s fantasy TV (including Jim Henson's The Storyteller)
    • Rewind - looking back at fantasy films from before 1980 (including Star Wars)
    • Fast Forward - our thoughts on fantasy movies from 2000 onwards (including The Lord of the Rings)

    https://patreon.com/onceuponavhs

    Hosted on Acast. See https://acast.com/privacy for more information.

    3 hr 18 min
  16. Snack Pack - Season Finale and Mailbag

    Season 5, Episode 19

    Show notes

    We wrap up our Size Matters season by bursting open a bag full of listener questions, reflections on the movies we've covered and three brand-spanking-new mini-reviews of The Elm-Chanted Forest (1986), The Indian in the Cupboard (1995) and The Return of the King (1980) as well as our thoughts on mystical British comedy-drama TV series Small Prophets (2026). Lots of delicious little snacks to share!

    Thematic resonance, homunculi, Monster In My Pocket, the origins of our rating system, Australasian kids' TV, Serendipity the Pink Dragon/Dinosaur, some favourite non-fantasy films, the Ernest series, the fairies from Sleeping Beauty, remake potential and more Buffy the Vampire Slayer references await.

    What's the theme of our next season, coming later this summer? Listen and find out!

    Art by Ashleigh Jane Cosgrove. Music by Karl Casey at White Bat Audio.

    https://linktr.ee/onceuponavhs

    Hosted on Acast. See https://acast.com/privacy for more information.

    1 hr 47 min
  17. FairyTale: A True Story (1997) with Michael Valvo

    Season 5, Episode 18

    Show notes

    "Masters of illusion never reveal their secrets."

    The scandalous story of the Cottingley Fairies hoax that captivated Britain in the early 20th century is magically transformed into a prestige fantasy drama - one of two major motion pictures adapting these events. We chat with the delightful actor and memorabilia collector Michael Valvo about this hidden gem.

    Skydancers, spiritualism, Harvey Keitel as Harry Houdini with a noticeable prosthetic nose, Radical Faeries, Doctor Who connections, high end production design, grief and growing up await.

    We share our thoughts on the movie and its themes, some behind the scenes gossip, delve into the nightmarish moments and dream up some ridiculous merch.

    Are there fairies at the bottom of the garden, or are we faking it in the campest way possible with hat pins and Princess Mary's Gift Book? Listen and find out!

    Art by Ashleigh Jane Cosgrove. Music by Karl Casey at White Bat Audio.

    https://linktr.ee/onceuponavhs

    Join our Clamshell Club on Patreon to support the show and gain access to exclusive Once Upon A VHS bonus episodes updated monthly:

    • Boxset - reviewing 80s and 90s fantasy TV (including Jim Henson's The Storyteller)
    • Rewind - looking back at fantasy films from before 1980 (including Star Wars)
    • Fast Forward - our thoughts on fantasy movies from 2000 onwards (including The Lord of the Rings)

    https://patreon.com/onceuponavhs

    Hosted on Acast. See https://acast.com/privacy for more information.

    1 hr 31 min
  18. Dolls (1987) with Bright Light Bright Light

    Season 5, Episode 17

    Show notes

    "The girl was right. The little people, they're f***ing dolls!"

    We're thrilled to be joined by pop legend Bright Light Bright Light to discuss a favourite cult classic midnight movie directed by Stuart Gordon - the whimsical horror comedy dark fairytale Dolls!

    That iconic poster image, Charles Band going from Empire Pictures to Full Moon Features, a BOYTOY belt, filming back-to-back with the absolutely wild From Beyond, Hilary's soup recipe, the evil toys of Barbarella, gruesome gore, Madonna cosplay, being a hairdresser having to cut mouldy dollies' hair on It's A Small World, a descendant of Pocahontas, the Sean Astin timeline, Puppet Master facial inspiration, Camden Market girls, a giant killer teddy bear, the joy of vinyl and Kim Cattrall not wanting to be in a situation for even an hour where she's not enjoying herself await.

    We share our thoughts on the movie and its themes, some behind the scenes gossip, delve into the nightmarish moments and dream up some ridiculous merch.

    Which cast member also features in a truly iconic music video? Listen and find out!

    Art by Ashleigh Jane Cosgrove. Music by Karl Casey at White Bat Audio.

    https://linktr.ee/onceuponavhs

    Join our Clamshell Club on Patreon to support the show and gain access to exclusive Once Upon A VHS bonus episodes updated monthly:

    • Boxset - reviewing 80s and 90s fantasy TV (including Jim Henson's The Storyteller)
    • Rewind - looking back at fantasy films from before 1980 (including Star Wars)
    • Fast Forward - our thoughts on fantasy movies from 2000 onwards (including The Lord of the Rings)

    https://patreon.com/onceuponavhs

    Hosted on Acast. See https://acast.com/privacy for more information.

    1 hr 8 min
  19. The BFG (1989) with Dr Liam Casey

    Season 5, Episode 16

    Show notes

    "Whizzpop, whizzbang, feel the bubbles go down!"

    Our friend, clinical psychologist and mental health researcher Dr Liam Casey joins us to discuss this animated Roald Dahl adaptation, originally made for UK TV by Cosgrove Hall productions.

    A song about farting, The Delicious Miss (Sophie) Dahl, World Book Day, the 2016 Spielberg film being dragged through the mud, Mrs. Slocombe's you-know-what, grandpa feelings, making Frobscottle with a Berocca, Liam's library of dreams, the Kate Bush Fruitopia commercials, retro British children's TV including Rainbow and The Dreamstone, a terrifying monstrous giant rising from the sea, I Don't Know How To Love Him from Jesus Christ Superstar, and the concept of replacing Queen Elizabeth II with Kylie Minogue await.

    We share our thoughts on the movie and its themes, some behind the scenes gossip, delve into the nightmarish moments and dream up some ridiculous merch.

    What do human beans from Sweden taste like? Sweden sour!

    Art by Ashleigh Jane Cosgrove. Music by Karl Casey at White Bat Audio.

    https://linktr.ee/onceuponavhs

    Join our Clamshell Club on Patreon to support the show and gain access to exclusive Once Upon A VHS bonus episodes updated monthly:

    • Boxset - reviewing 80s and 90s fantasy TV (including Jim Henson's The Storyteller)
    • Rewind - looking back at fantasy films from before 1980 (including Star Wars)
    • Fast Forward - our thoughts on fantasy movies from 2000 onwards (including The Lord of the Rings)

    https://patreon.com/onceuponavhs

    Hosted on Acast. See https://acast.com/privacy for more information.

    1 hr 13 min
  20. Harry and the Hendersons (1987) with Antonio Palacios

    Season 5, Episode 15

    Show notes

    "No, no, no Bigfoot here, Sergeant. I was just joking."

    Joining us on the trail of a very special sasquatch is a connoisseur of cult movies, Antonio Palacios from The Cultworthy Cinema Podcast and Back 2 The Balcony. It's time for a family comedy that became a real VHS staple - initially known in the UK as "Bigfoot and the Hendersons"!

    Rick Baker providing stunning makeup effects and having beef with Spielberg, a surprising connection to The Monkees, cryptid chat including Sam the Sandown Clown, and a wood-panelled station wagon await.

    We share our thoughts on the movie and its themes, some behind the scenes gossip, delve into the nightmarish moments and dream up some ridiculous merch.

    Is this our most "dad stuff" episode so far? Listen and find out!

    Art by Ashleigh Jane Cosgrove. Music by Karl Casey at White Bat Audio.

    https://linktr.ee/onceuponavhs

    Join our Clamshell Club on Patreon to support the show and gain access to exclusive Once Upon A VHS bonus episodes updated monthly:

    • Boxset - reviewing 80s and 90s fantasy TV (including Jim Henson's The Storyteller)
    • Rewind - looking back at fantasy films from before 1980 (including Star Wars)
    • Fast Forward - our thoughts on fantasy movies from 2000 onwards (including The Lord of the Rings)

    https://patreon.com/onceuponavhs

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    1 hr 9 min