Once Upon A VHS - 80s and 90s Fantasy

Once Upon A VHS

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 acast.com/privacy for more information.

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76 episodes
Updated Thursday
Explicit

Episodes76

Newest first

Thursday · 1 hr 3 min
Mannequin (1987)
"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 acast.com/privacy for more information.
June 23 · 3 hr 17 min
Labyrinth (1986) - Special Edition
"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 acast.com/privacy for more information.
June 4 · 1 hr 46 min
Snack Pack - Season Finale and Mailbag
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 acast.com/privacy for more information.
May 21 · 1 hr 31 min
FairyTale: A True Story (1997) with Michael Valvo
"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 acast.com/privacy for more information.
May 14 · 1 hr 7 min
Dolls (1987) with Bright Light Bright Light
"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 acast.com/privacy for more information.
May 7 · 1 hr 13 min
The BFG (1989) with Dr Liam Casey
"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 acast.com/privacy for more information.
April 30 · 1 hr 8 min
Harry and the Hendersons (1987) with Antonio Palacios
"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 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
April 23 · 54 min
Pinocchio and the Emperor of the Night (1987)
"Only you can choose your fate." In the second part of our double bill of peculiar Pinocchio movies, we revisit one of Callum's childhood favourites - Filmation's ill-fated cartoon pseudo-sequel which provoked the wrath of Disney - fitting for a film that flits between saccharine sweetness and a dark carnival of deeply disturbing imagery. Surreal animation, an absolutely wild voice cast including James Earl Jones, Rickie Lee Jones, Ed Asner, Tom Bosley, Don Knotts and Scott Grimes, the respective puppet provenance of Twinkle and Puppetino, glittering green grog at the Neon Cabaret, the Blue Fairy aka Fairy Godmother giving us a zooted musical number then skedaddling, the cosmic horror of a great big eldritch villain, L'Oreal putting the kibosh on the spinoff TV series nobody wanted, a raccoon with a breastplate and a problematic monkey 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 we make of Gee Whillickers and Grumblebee? 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 acast.com/privacy for more information.
April 16 · 1 hr 7 min
The Adventures of Pinocchio (1996)
"Miracles are made in the heart, papa." It's time for our double bill of peculiar Pinocchio movies - first up is this lavish live action international co-production with memorably uncanny puppet practical effects provided by Jim Henson's Creature Shop. We also dive deep into our relationship with Carlo Collodi's story and its legacy including the Disney adaptation(s), Guillermo del Toro's stunning stopmotion passion project, the Spielberg-Kubrick collaboration AI: Artificial Intelligence and the excellent, book-faithful 2019 film from Matteo Garrone. Jonathan Taylor Thomas, a nightmarish donkey transformation on a rollercoaster, opera pastiche, the fairytale charm of Prague, Bebe Neuwirth serving puss, a sea monster with human eyes and teeth, Sacro Bosco, a truly hideous CGI cricket and Dawn French's cream cakes 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 rock star provides Pinocchio's singing voice? 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 acast.com/privacy for more information.
April 9 · 1 hr 12 min
Thumbelina (1994)
"After the rain goes, there are rainbows - I'll find my rainbow soon." We return to the Don Bluth oeuvre with a Hans Christian Andersen fairytale adaptation starring Jodi Benson, hot on the heels of The Little Mermaid and the Disney renaissance at large. An amphibious Charo's cuchi-cuchi, Bluth's preoccupation with both death and sparkles, Barry Manilow, fairy headgear, Thumbling stories, Carol Channing chatting to Betty White on the phone, the Danny Kaye movie musical, dark undercurrents and some distinctive vocal stylings 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 Andersen's penpal have to do with any of this? 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 acast.com/privacy for more information.
March 27 · 1 hr 21 min
Gremlins (1984) with Movie Oubliette
"To understand, one has only to listen." We've called upon Conrad and Dan of the brilliant Movie Oubliette podcast to help us tackle this Christmassy classic, throwing outlandish comedy, B-movie horror and Spielbergian schmaltz into a blender and making a real mess of the kitchen. The origins of Amblin, Joe Dante's Looney Tunes leanings, the commodification of nostalgia, Zach Galligan getting his thunder stolen by a puppet, Scottish post-rock band Mogwai, cookies representing the nuclear family, Phoebe Cates' delivery of THAT monologue, a reported Furby lawsuit, shocking scenes in the YMCA pool, the movie magic behind Gizmo's expressive face, Mrs Deagle being catapulted, an unhinged deleted sequence from Chris Columbus' darker original spec script and Jerry Goldsmith's pitch-perfect score 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 character's name does Michael keep getting wrong? 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 acast.com/privacy for more information.
March 20 · 1 hr 50 min
Pokémon: The First Movie (1998) with Duncan Lindsay
"You mean, we don't have to fight with each other?" Our friend and resident Pokémon professor Duncan Lindsay pops by to chat all things Pocket Monsters with us - the franchise in general, the video games, the trading card game, the anime TV series and the many, many movies - focusing in on this hugely commercially successful theatrical release in which Mewtwo Strikes Back. Pondering why gays love Pokémon, existential crises, an iconic pop soundtrack album, Pikachu's expressive voice, Team Rocket's dubious disguises, Mewtwo giving us Frankenstein's Monster and Cher, Dragonite flopping and Chansey being a f** p*** wh** 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. Were 4Kids cooking with their adaptational choices for the dub? 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 acast.com/privacy for more information.
March 6 · 1 hr 21 min
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (1990) with Tranna Wintour
"Help each other, draw upon one another, and always remember the power that binds you." We're joined by comedian, writer, broadcaster, Faithful and all-round icon Tranna Wintour to discuss the totally tubular TMNT phenomenon - from comics to cartoons to tons of toys - focusing in on the Turtles' 1990 big screen debut. Fun fact - in the UK we originally knew them as "Teenage Mutant Hero Turtles"! April O'Neil's yellow raincoat, soft masculinity, the grounding effect of pop culture references, Krang, Henson family dynamics, kung fu, Tranna's frozen pizza tips, malfunctioning animatronic faces, Pleasure Island, the questionable presence of Casey Jones, dad feelings, Shredder's sparkly jumpsuit, video nasties, and an emotive giant rat puppet 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’s our favourite Turtle? 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 acast.com/privacy for more information.
February 20 · 1 hr 11 min
Beetlejuice (1988)
"Paranormal? Is that what they're calling your kind these days?" In honour of the late, great Catherine O'Hara and her brilliant turn as Delia Deetz, we're finally covering a Tim Burton film - and it's a goofy, ghoulish game changer that will rattle your funny bones. An outsider's found family, nods to B-movie horror, Michael Keaton's bonkers energy, some delightfully absurd special effects, the Usborne Book of Ghosts, queer film lighting, Winona Ryder as goth icon Lydia Deetz, spontaneous human combustion, Sammy Davis Jr, a sweet love story, the camp of Miss Argentina, the Cathouse rock club, Alec Baldwin's chinos, ghost photography, the many careers and gay supernatural talents of Otho, and a truly memorable lipsync extravaganza 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 was the originally scripted ending that would have made this the perfect fit for our Size Matters season? 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 acast.com/privacy for more information.
February 13 · 1 hr 10 min
FernGully: The Last Rainforest (1992)
"We have too long forgotten the magic powers of nature. The time has come to call on them again." We're going down under to dance with some fairies who conspicuously lack Australian accents in this gorgeously green animated eco-fable. Tim Curry as a malevolent spirit singing about acid rain pouring down like egg chow mein, Crocodile Dundee, changing sociocultural perceptions of enviromentalism, Robin Williams improvising for 14 hours, Kath and Kim, a cyborg artist's antenna, Magi Lune serving so hard she crystallizes, a goanna voiced by Tone Loc, climate anxiety, Steve Irwin, a Walkman, romance, a Sheena Easton performance debacle, the influence of The Little Mermaid, the power of collective action and some wild deleted lyrics 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. Exactly how much of the Batty Rap do we feature? 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 acast.com/privacy for more information.
February 6 · 1 hr 19 min
Small Soldiers (1998)
"Don't call it violence, call it action. Kids love action! It sells!" Bustin' out of the box, we're prepared to defeat the Commando Elite in this sanded down but still bitingly satirical romp about AI toy warfare. Life in plastic? It's fantastic. Joe Dante giving us Susan Sontag camp sensibility, the Everything Is Terrible Jerry Maguire video pyramid, transmascs loving shark movies, Action Man vs G.I. Joe, corporate synergy, Aladdin's nipples, Martika's Kitchen, the Toy Story of it all, Spinal Tap turning it up to 11 as assorted Gorgonites, the Frankenstein throwback of the Gwendy doll conversion, Sarah Michelle Gellar being sued by Burger King, contraband Furbies, the pronunciation of Kirsten Dunst, the Barbie Liberation Organisation, surprise Spice Girls connections, the diva doll herself Dead Meat's James A Janisse, Phil Hartman's big TV, loving Archer loving Encarta, Gremlins comparisons, putting away childish things, Led Zeppelin, the Creatures life simulator PC games and Titanic references 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 did we decide to cover this when there's no magical or supernatural element involved? 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 acast.com/privacy for more information.
January 30 · 33 min
Alice - Něco z Alenky (1988)
"Now you will see a film made for children... perhaps." An experimental little solo episode from Callum, exploring this Czech surrealist stop motion dark fantasy from Jan Švankmajer. It's an extra weird one, but that's what happens when you talk to yourself... 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 acast.com/privacy for more information.
January 9 · 1 hr 13 min
James and the Giant Peach (1996)
We're off on a fruity adventure with stop-motion animated insects in yet another dark delight discarded by Disney, an adaptation of the Roald Dahl novel helmed by Henry Selick, director of The Nightmare Before Christmas. The Stinky Cheese Man, a very c***y spider, Tim Burton drama, suprisingly sobering themes, Revolting Recipes, the power of Pete Postlethwaite, a mechanical shark, Andy Partridge from XTC vs Randy Newman, a fabric rhino puppet in a tank, Joanna Lumley, the New York City set looking like a pop-up book, Microsoap and Callum's Miriam Margolyes story 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. If we were bugs, what kind of bugs would we be? 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 acast.com/privacy for more information.
January 2 · 1 hr 31 min
The Gate (1987)
A real horror show aimed at a younger audience, this very 80s Canadian kindertrauma classic opens a portal to Hell in the backyard - and demons both fun-size and massive are coming to disrupt the pizza party with disturbing visions of death! We're not "f***ing off"! The Satanic Panic, supernatural experiences, Stephen Dorff in his debut, swear words, spectacular stopmotion animation and special effects, and the Stranger Things 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. What's tres uncool? 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 acast.com/privacy for more information.
Dec 26, 2025 · 1 hr 34 min
Spice World (1997)
"Will you turn that bloody racket down?" Time for some Girl Power! Who said anything about Space Ghettos? We celebrate the British pop phenomenon with a great big episode about their smash hit turned cult classic feature film Spiceworld and the Lynchian video for their single Viva Forever in which two children are spirited away by Aardman animated tin-toy fairies resembling Scary, Sporty, Ginger, Baby and Posh Spice. Our renditions of notable ad libs, Michael's pitch for a biopic centred on Geri Halliwell, the presence of literal aliens, Spice Force 5, Trap Door, the socialist community in Liverpool, Rupert the Bear annuals, the Playstation game, Robb Stark getting his bum out, A Hard Day's Night vs The Monkees' Head, Chupa Chups lollipops, the clones of S Club Seeing Double, the coolness of Richard E. Grant and hot twink Alan Cumming, turbulent times on The Island of Doctor Moreau, deciding which Spice Girl would play various roles in Doctor Who, dreamfasting, the French and Saunders Mamma Mia sketch, high femme drag, toilet horror, the comedic timing of Victoria Beckham, buying the VHS tins in Woolworths, and a camera sticking out of a cow 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 the double bill with The Borrowers? 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 acast.com/privacy for more information.