Enjoy Stuff: A TechnoRetro Podcast

Not very scary Halloween specials were a staple as we enjoyed our retro candy choices. Do they stack up against today's sweets?

 

We really enjoyed the “not very scary” Halloween specials that would show up on TV every October. What were some of your favorites? We discuss them as we indulge in a variety of popular 80’s candy and pit them up against today’s choices. 

 

In the NEWS

  • Willow comes to Disney+ as a series with director Jon M. Chu
  •  The Witches gets a remake thanks to HBO Max and Robert Zemeckis, plus some big named stars



TechnoRetro Cereal -News

The Roving Spoonster has shared cereal news that’s good for all!  Minnesota Vikings’ Kirk Cousins launches a cereal for charity. Kellogg’s has cereal boxes for the visually impaired. General Mills held a contest with free artistic renderings of our favorite Monster Cereal mascots for anyone that entered. And for those that need a little boost in their taste buds, you’ll soon get a chance to use SpoonTEK. Cereal is the great uniter! 



Saturday Mornings - Not Very Scary Halloween Specials

You know the hype was building in October when the TV stations started playing the Halloween specials. Every episode of Scooby Doo made it seem like Halloween. In 1985 Garfield gave us his first Halloween adventure. And who could forget It’s the Great Pumpkin Charlie Brown? But only the Simpsons has given us more than 30 years of special episodes every year. We remember our favorite Treehouse of Horror episodes, plus Earbud ideas too. 



Halloween Candy TechnoRetro Taste Test

We know we loved candy in the 80’s (yes, even Bit-O-Honey). But does it stack up against the candy we have to choose from today? Are the new, fancy ones worth getting in your Trick-or-Treat bag? Jay and Shua push through the sugar sweats as they sample a plethora of sweet treats from the past and present.

Direct download: TechnoRetro_Dads_8-24.mp3
Category:TechnoRetro Dads -- posted at: 5:58am EDT

As Halloween approaches, get ready for some spooky games in the arcade! Plus, learn a lot about life on the 30th anniversary of Edward Scissorhands.

 

30 years ago, director Tim Burton presented a story of love and acceptance in the way only he can with the classic Johnny Depp movie Edward Scissorhands. And while you prepare yourself for a Halloween like no other, why not revisit some spooky games in the arcade? 

 

In the NEWS

  • Jeff Bridges and his daughter have written a great picture book about their relationship
  • The synopsis for Ready Player Two has been released
  • Alice Cooper is planning a fun Halloween for all the kids!
  • Our Life Day present came early when Disney+ announced the Lego Star Wars Holiday Special 



TechnoRetro Cereal -News

The Roving Spoonster has shared his insight once again! Do you live in Massachusetts? You may be interested in Pixels and Pints where they are beginning to host all you can eat cereal and Saturday Morning Cartoon events. Check it out and let us know! And Post will be releasing some cereal infused bunnies for Easter this year. We can’t wait to try them out! 



TechnoRetro Arcade - Spooky Games for Halloween

Video games have had a rich history when it comes to games featuring scary monsters and situations. From all the way back in 1972 when Killer Shark appeared, the genre has been one of the most popular. We look at featured games such as Atari’s Haunted House, movie-based games like The Evil Dead, Halloween, Rocky Horror Picture Show, Friday the 13th, and Nightmare on Elm Street. Plus, gory additions such as Splatterhouse and Doom. Do you like the Horror genre of games? Let us know! 



Let’s all go to the movies! - Edward Scissorhands

In 1990 Winona Ryder and Johnny Depp were just beginning their illustrious careers. And when now legendary director Tim Burton cast them in his surreal classic Edward Scissorhands, they ended up being the perfect pair to teach us all lessons about kindness, inclusion, and how to treat people that are different from us. We take a close look at the movie on its 30th anniversary and share what it’s meant for us. 

Direct download: TechnoRetro_Dads_8-23.mp3
Category:TechnoRetro Dads -- posted at: 5:58am EDT

There is a fifth dimension beyond that which is known to Dads. We look at Twilight Zone: The Movie, the classic show, and the Golden Earring song and misheard lyrics of 80’s songs. 

 

For more than 60 years the Twilight Zone has given us a ton of stories to fill us with dread and make us think about the world. Jay and Shua look back on the classic TV show, the Movie, and the Golden Earring. But are we hearing those lyrics correctly?

 

In the NEWS

  • Cobra Kai returns in January and it’s been renewed for a season 4!
  • We recommend some great new books featuring art from video games
  • Would you try pumpkin spice Mac and Cheese?
  • We honor the memory of Eddie Van Halen 



Let’s All Go to the Movies - Twilight Zone: The Movie

In 1983 four legendary directors put together some Rod Serling-esque stories to give us Twilight Zone - The Movie. We look back at the origins of Rod Serling’s creation and how it evolved into the movie and future versions of the show. 



TechnoRetro Dads - Vinyl Scratchback

Twilight Zone also inspired (sorta) a classic 80’s song by Golden Earring. This song was a definite product of the 80’s but we may not have been hearing all the lyrics correctly. We figure out what they really said and also share some other wacky misinterpretations of lyrics. 

Direct download: TechnoRetro_Dads_8-22.mp3
Category:TechnoRetro Dads -- posted at: 5:58am EDT

October is here! And who better to usher in the spooky month than the Godfather of Spooky himself, Vincent Price!

 

Vincent Price became a legend in all things Halloween. We look back at some of his great roles and appearances in classic movies, TV shows, and songs.  Plus, the TechnoRetro Dads Magazine Rack features the October 1980 issue of Starlog and the dwindling Sci-Fi options on TV.

 

In the NEWS

  • Some very cool stylized Back to the Future figures are now available online and in stores. Just in time for Christmas!
  • Artist Travis Falligant has made some very TechnoRetro Scooby Doo prints featuring classic horror movie villains. 



TechnoRetro Cereal -News

The Roving Spoonster has done it again! Great cereal news. Holiday cereals will be hitting the shelves soon. The newest this year is Elf cereal, based on the Will Ferrell Classic. ARe our cereals going back to basics? General Mills is, even with their recipes straight from the 80’s. And if you’re looking for a new video game, why not check out Cereal Killaz?



TechnoRetro Dads - Vinyl Scratchback

Danny Elfman’s genius has given us a ton of classic music over the years, but one of their biggest mainstream hits was Dead Man’s Party. We look back at the history and influence of the classic whether it’s October or any other month. 



Let’s All Go to the Movies

Vincent Price has hundreds of acting credits to his name over his career. But in 1953 he began developing his trademark type of character in House of Wax. From there he starred in a variety of spooky movies, often parodying himself. Plus, he made appearances in TV shows from Love Boat to the Muppet Show. We talk about our favorites, what are yours?

 

Toys in the Attic - Shrunken Head Apple Sculpture

Vincent Price didn’t stop at the movies. He also endorsed some creepy toys too. All you need is an apple. This would be perfect for Halloween, so get your twisted Mr. Potato Head knockoff now!

Direct download: TechnoRetro_Dads_8-21.mp3
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Don't look now, but Michael Keaton is moving into your house. We look back at Pacific Heights and movie-based video games that never were.

 

In 1990 Michael Keaton terrified any yuppie that was looking to become a landlord. We look at Pacific Heights. And we think about movies that didn’t get their own video games in the TechnoRetro Arcade.   

 

In the NEWS

  • The Dark Crystal will not be having a season 2 and we’re not very happy about it. 



Let’s All Go To The Movies - Pacific Heights

Suspenseful thrillers were all the rage in 1990. Michael Keaton, in his next movie after Batman, gets into the game with Melanie Griffith and Matthew Modine as he channels his not-so-inner sociopath. He is Carter Hayes and he’s making the young couple’s life miserable as he rents out their apartment and proceeds to torment them in a complex scam that threatens to ruin their life. 



31 Days of Horror

Jovial Jay continues his tradition of watching a scary movie a day in October. This year’s RetroZap posts will be a plethora of “H-origins”. With movies like Dracula, The Invisible Man, and Psycho, the month looks to be a promising fright-fest. He tells us some of the movies he’ll be sharing as we prepare for 31 Days of Horror. 

 

TechnoRetro Arcade - 1990 movies that would be horrible video games

James Bond, Batman, Jurassic Park...these movies all got great video games. Why not other 1990 movies. Wouldn’t you love to play a Pretty Woman video game? Or how about showing off your gaming skills as Mel Gibson’s Hamlet? The obscure (and fictitious) Obscure Games room gets some imaginary additions as we wonder what could have been. 

Direct download: TechnoRetro_Dads_8-20.mp3
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Slide on those knee pads and pile up the cardboard boxes! The TechnoRetro Dads are preparing movie stunts and look at Lee Majors’s 80’s macho show, The Fall Guy.

 

We might fall from a tall building, we might roll a brand new car. But we should probably leave that up to the professional stuntmen. 

 

In the NEWS

  • The Mandalorian Season 2 trailer is here! We are very excited about the upcoming show. 



TechnoRetro Cereal - News

Are you ready for gingerbread? If so, it’s making its way to your breakfast as Kelloggs introduces gingerbread toaster pancakes. And what is the greatest spinoff in history? We’d say Honey Nut Cheerios. 



TechnoRetro TV

Lee Majors is known for his macho roles. And he got to show off about as much machismo as anyone could handle back in the 80’s with his stuntman-turned-bounty-hunter Colt Seavers. He would catch those fugitives with his partners Howie and Jody and use his Hollywood stunt skills to do it for our dramatic entertainment. Jay and Josh look back at the retro ABC show The Fall Guy. 

 

Let’s All Go To The Movies - Classic Movie Stunts

Hollywood has a rich history of movie stunts. From Buster Keaton to Jackie Chan, the stunt people risk their lives for our pleasure. We take a look at some of the classic, memorable stunts from movies we love. First, Jackie Chan tops our list with some of the craziest stunts you’ve ever seen. And who could forget how many times James Bond has thrown his body all over the place. Plus, we remember the incredible thrills of Speed and Raiders of the Lost Ark. 

Direct download: TechnoRetro_Dads_8-19.mp3
Category:TechnoRetro Dads -- posted at: 5:58am EDT

Sports are back! We commemorate the return by looking back at some fantastic sport video games. Plus, we lay out our ideal Saturday Morning Cartoon lineup would be. 

 

We. Could. Go. All. The. Way! ….back to the beginning of video games to look at the sports that kicked all of them off, and how they evolved. Plus, we try to figure out what our ideal Saturday morning cartoon lineup might be. 

 

In the NEWS

  • An update on the progress of the TRON coaster
  • The Princess Bride cast to reunite for a table reading
  • You can get a really cool Sid Krofft jigsaw puzzle, signed by the man himself
  • They Live gets an impressive box set
  • Do you have a golden ticket? If so, you could win your very own candy store!



TechnoRetro Cereal - News

The Roving Spoonster has been working overtime this week. General Mills and Champion team up for some cerealicious clothing. Are you trying to eat healthy? There are some sugar free options out there. Buffalo, New York gets their very own cereal restaurant. And Little Debbie decides to get into the cereal game with a version of their oatmeal cream pies. 



TechnoRetro Arcade - Sport Games

The very first video game was inspired by the real sport of tennis. From their, the games evolved into more and more realistic games. Which is good, because they’ve been the only sports we’ve really had access to lately. Pong, soccer, boxing, baseball, football, hockey, racing...the list goes on. Jay and Shua share some of their favorites from their childhood while looking at some of the history as well. 

 

Magazine Rack - Starlog September 1980

This month’s Starlog had a cover story about a legendary, cinematic special edition. Nope. Even before Star Wars, Close Encounters of the Third Kind returned to theaters with never before scenes, but not digitally-added Jabba the Hutt. There were also some great features about Space 1999, Clash of the Titans, and Galaxina. Empire Strikes Back had been out for several months when this issue came out. What was the reaction after it had successfully woven it’s way into the new decade? It may not be what you think. 

 

Saturday Mornings

If you had your own TV station and access to all the cartoons, what would you schedule for your Saturday Mornings? Jay and Shua try to come up with a good 5 hour lineup and find it more difficult than expected. But there’s just so many to choose from!  What would be included in your lineup?

Direct download: TechnoRetro_Dads_8-18.mp3
Category:TechnoRetro Dads -- posted at: 5:58am EDT

No matter what school looks like this year, we can always make memories that last a lifetime. The TechnoRetro Dads take a look back at their edu-macation and maybe give you a few ideas for using all the retro memories to help today’s kids. 

 

It’s time to head back to some form of learning!  But let’s pause and take a look back at what it was like back in the day. 

 

In the NEWS

  • Our first impressions of Bill and Ted 3
  • And Cobra Kai is making impressions with us
  • Jay is looking forward to a new Star Trek book
  • And there may be a possibility of a movie in your future...



TechnoRetro Cereal - News

A newly graduated student is using cereal to help with some unfortunate circumstances. And was the classic cereal mascot Quisp inspired by a comic book character. Plus, where can you find a bag of just Lucky Charms marshmallows?



TechnoRetro Arcade - The Tech of our Schools 

When did you go to school? The 80’s? The 90’s? No matter what decade you found yourself learning the basics, it is always a big deal when your school gets some new technology. Even having that freshly mimeographed worksheet passed out to you was a sign of modern times. We take a look at some of our early tech exposure such as the Apple ][ computer, or the TRS-80. And who could forget those wonderful filmstrip projectors?

 

Magazine Rack - Starlog September 1980

This month’s Starlog had a cover story about a legendary, cinematic special edition. Nope. Even before Star Wars, Close Encounters of the Third Kind returned to theaters with never before scenes, but not digitally-added Jabba the Hutt. There were also some great features about Space 1999, Clash of the Titans, and Galaxina. Empire Strikes Back had been out for several months when this issue came out. What was the reaction after it had successfully woven it’s way into the new decade? It may not be what you think. 

 

TechnoRetro School Supplies

Do you remember getting the chance to go to the store and pick out your new supplies for the upcoming school year? Even today it’s a memorable experience, but we take a look back at some of the more iconic items such as cardboard pencil boxes, Pee Chees, and Trapper Keepers. And then we get ready for lunch by grabbing our legendary tin lunch boxes with a wide variety of pop culture characters. Can we help make this school year memorable in a positive way for today’s generation? Let’s hope so 

Direct download: TechnoRetro_Dads_8-17.mp3
Category:TechnoRetro Dads -- posted at: 5:58am EDT

Who is Darkman? He's everywhere and nowhere, but mostly he's Liam Neeson. 30 years ago we witnessed the birth of a new kind of hero and launched Neeson's career. The TechnoRetro Dads look back at Sam Raimi's classic.

Darkman stepped into the light 30 years ago and helped make Liam Neeson a star. We review the finer aspects of the 1990 film.

In the NEWS
Wil Weaton returns for the audio version of Ready Player Two


TechnoRetro Cereal - Coffee for Breakfast
Hostess introduces the world to two new coffee possibilities. Ding Dongs and Twinkie flavored Latte. Shua thinks it sounds intriguing. But what do you think? Let us know at podcast@technoretrodads.com

Let’s All Go to the Movies - Darkman
In 1990, Sam Raimi wanted to make a superhero movie. Not being able to gain the rights of some of his beloved classic heroes, he decided to create his own. Enter Darkman; the tragic antihero who was viciously attacked and left for dead. His recovery included severing his pain receptors, loss of emotional control, and liquid skin. This movie was Liam Neeson’s first leading role and while it is a product of its time, it is chock full of cinematic history. We take a deeper look at the movie and revisit some of our favorite Neeson films.


TechnoRetro Arcade - Games inspired by Liam Neeson movies.
If you’re going to be a big action star, you better expect a slew of video games featuring your characters. Liam Neeson’s long career gave us some good ones. Krull may be a cult movie, but it inspired a really great, underrated game full of action, rolling rocks, and glaves. Our featured movie, Darkman could be played at home in a variety of versions, Batman Begins was a hit in the cinemas and a stunning cinematic game with Neeson as the main antagonist. And of course we couldn’t leave out Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace. Grab your quarters and come join us in the arcade.

Direct download: TechnoRetro_Dads_8-16.mp3
Category:TechnoRetro Dads -- posted at: 5:58am EDT

Tech is everywhere! But in the 80’s we looked at it with a little wonder, a little excitement, and a lot of neon. We look at the technology our heroes used to save the day and the toys that helped us grow. 

 

Technology in our favorite TV shows and the tech toys that kept us entertained and edumacated.

 

In the NEWS

  • The Princess Bride is coming to a board game near you
  • A Knight Rider movie is in the works! 
  • TRON 3 gets a new director
  • The last Blockbuster Video is available for a sleepover! Pack those PJs
  • Space Camp may just be around for a bit longer!



TechnoRetro Cereal - Junior Spoonster

Jay brings us news of a new type of breakfast; Mac and Cheese...wait, that can’t be right. Mac and Cheese?!?!?! Would you indulge in this traditional kiddie meal as a morning feast? Let us know. And you’ve gotta check out the Teachable Machine Lucky Charms Marshmallow extractor.  It’s sure to change your late night snacking habits.

 

Saturday Mornings - Retro TV with Tech-Centered Stories

We loved our TV heroes! In the 80’s those heroes often got to use cool new tech to save the day. Automan was a hero straight out of TRON. He is a complex computer construct that partners up with a police computer expert. And he’s got a sweet glowy car! Max Headroom was a one of a kind piece of technology that helped shape the 80’s without ever leaving a TV screen (or having a body). The Street Hawk was a super fast, super cool motorcycle. And Airwolf saved the day from the sky while Stringfellow Hawke piloted the powerful helicopter. Finally, Michael Knight was a faithful partner to KITT, the computer powered super car whose legacy lives on to this day. How cool were they? And how much did they influence the future? 



Toys in the Attic - Tech Toys

Was there anything more exciting for a kid to get a toy that needed batteries? Electronic toys became more accessible to kids in the 80’s. They kept us entertained and helped us learn. The Little Professor calculator was where Shua learned his numbers and the Speak and Spell built his words. Most kids enjoyed their Mattel Electronic sports games, even though it was really just a few little red LED lights. But blinking lights could be fun, and be the basis of games like Merlin and Simon. The Microvision was the granddaddy of the handheld games we love today. And if you like games of fantasy, Dark Tower and Dungeons & Dragons Computer Labyrinth Game sparked our imagination.

Direct download: TechnoRetro_Dads_8-15.mp3
Category:TechnoRetro Dads -- posted at: 5:58am EDT