Once Upon A VHS - 80s and 90s Fantasy

"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 acast.com/privacy for more information.

"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 acast.com/privacy for more information.

"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 acast.com/privacy for more information.

"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 acast.com/privacy for more information.

"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 acast.com/privacy for more information.

"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 acast.com/privacy for more information.

"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 acast.com/privacy for more information.

"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.

"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.

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.

"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.

"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.

"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.

"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.

"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.

"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.

"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.

"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.

"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.

"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.