Everything 80s

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Spielberg in the 80s Nov 15, 2023

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If you're checking out this podcast about the 1980s, there's also a good chance that the movies of Steven Spielberg probably had a major impact on you.

Between directing, writing, and producing; Steven Spielberg was involved with 24 different movies throughout the 1980s. Many of those are not just some of the best films of the decade--but ever. Today, we look back on all of Steven Spielberg's work in the 80s, the joy and entertainment he brought millions, and how he forever influenced movie making.

The Everything 80s Movie Review Podcast: Patreon.com/80s

Super Mario Bros. 2: The 'Borrowed' Video Game Nov 08, 2023

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Hold on, something doesn't seem right here... Did you have that same reaction back in 1988 the first time you got to play Super Mario Brothers 2?

For a new generation familiar with the original Mario Brothers game for the NES, the follow-up felt like quite a departure. But there was a reason for this, and today, we look back on the story behind the creation of Super Mario Bros. 2.

An early version of Super Mario 2 was created, then abandoned, and it was a pre-existing Japanese game that allowed for its North American release. Time restraints, computer chip shortages, and high expectations--it was the game that had everything going against it...

Support the show and get bonus 1980s content: Patreon.com/80s

A Trip to One of the Last Video Stores Nov 01, 2023

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Have you ever dreamt about traveling back in time? Well, I got to experience that when I visited one of the last fully functioning video rental stores--and you're coming along for the trip.

Today, I'm in Southwestern Ontario to visit Jumbo Video, a video store that's continued to run since the late 80s. We meet the owners who have been there since day one, learn more about the days when video rental was white-hot, and find out what video rental looks like in our modern age.

Support the show and get bonus audio content: Patreon.com/80s

Friday the 13th: The Decade of Jason Oct 25, 2023

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It's Spooky Season, and what better way to pay tribute to it than to look back on the definitive 1980s horror movie franchise: Friday the 13th.

Freddy and Michael Myers were big in the 1980s, but when it came to dominating the silver screen: it was all about Jason. Today, we look back on the movies that, except for two years, had a new release for every other year in the 80s. It's a look back on how these movies came together, why Jason wore a hockey mask, and the legacy of this iconic franchise.

The Everything 80s Movie Review Podcast: Patreon.com/80s

The California Raisins: The Grapes of Cash Oct 18, 2023

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Well, that sure escalated quickly... What started out as a new marketing campaign to sell more dried fruit, quickly grew into a bona fide pop culture phenomenon.

This is the story of The California Raisins, the Claymation hit from the 80s that not only sold a lot of raisins but became a moneymaking sensation in the process. Toys, albums, and TV specials: let's look back at how The California Raisins quickly cemented themselves as a huge part of the 1980s.

Bonus 1980s content: Patreon.com/80s

10 of the Biggest Sporting Moments of the 80s Oct 11, 2023

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Some were epic. Others were devastating. But they were all unforgettable... There is no better way to sum up the big sporting moments of the 1980s.

Today we look back on ten of the biggest moments in sports that best define the decade. Joy, upsets, and heartbreak; in the 80s we witnessed moments that transcended sports. From basketball and hockey to soccer, tennis, baseball--and numerous Olympic games--the 1980s gave us sporting memories to last a lifetime.

Support the show and get bonus audio content: Patreon.com/80s

The Final Days of 8-Track Oct 04, 2023

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You may have thought that 8-track faded away in the 70s along with disco and bell bottoms. But in actuality, 8-track continued into the 80s—and well into the 80s, lasting much longer than many people realize.

This is the story of the final days of 8-track, the music format that was able to hang in there because of cars, toys, and a certain record and tape club. Cassette tapes would eventually rule the landscape, but 8-track laid the groundwork, and this is a tale that includes Private Jets, Dick Clark, the Sears Wishbook, and even Vincent Price...

Bonus 80s content: Patreon.com/80s

Nintendo Power Magazine Sep 27, 2023

Show notes

What do you get when you combine customer feedback cards, a phone hotline, and a free newsletter? You get Nintendo Power Magazine, the must-have companion to the NES.

But this magazine did more than just help us beat Zelda 2. It also served as a strategic form of marketing to not only advertise upcoming games but also gather invaluable customer insights in the process. Today, it's the story of Nintendo Power Magazine, its origins, incredible success, and long-lasting legacy.

Bonus 1980s Content: Patreon.com/80s

Live Aid 1985 Sep 20, 2023

Show notes

It should have been impossible... Based on the limits of broadcast and satellite technology in 1985, it was a miracle it even happened. But what took place on Saturday, July 13 was nothing short of astounding; a benefit concert featuring the biggest musical acts in the world, held in two countries, and beamed around the world.

This is the story of Live Aid, the event that was both an organizational–and technological–wonder. It’s the event that created awareness of the famine in Ethiopia, gave us iconic imagery, and featured one of the most legendary performances in music history…

Support the show & get bonus audio content: Patreon.com/80s

The Black Cauldron: Did it Almost Sink Disney Animation? Sep 13, 2023

Show notes

The 1980s weren't exactly a golden age for Disney animated features. Maybe a new cartoon film based on a series of books could usher in an exciting new era of Disney animation.

That film was The Black Cauldron; a movie that took a long time to make, cost a fortune, and created a lot of backlash. And it almost sunk Disney animation for good...

Bonus 1980s audio content: Patreon.com/80s

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