Retro Blood 170: The Lift (1985)

James Kline and J.H. Alison continue their exploration of Killer Objects in 1980s Horror Movies: Part 2 with the Dutch cult classic, The Lift. Get ready for a wild ride as they break down elevator malfunctions, microchip conspiracies, and the unique vision of filmmaker Dick Maas.

The episode kicks off with quick thoughts on The Lift, including whether people really get stuck in elevators that often, and the surprisingly forward-thinking concept of protein-based microchips in the 1980s.

Next, it’s time for the Retro Blood Weekly History Segment. Using the U.S. release date of July 4, 1985, James highlights WCCW’s Star Wars supercard, including the Independence Star Wars event, and its impact on wrestling history. Meanwhile, Alison dives into the world of metal, discussing Aerosmith's mid-1980s comeback and their place in the music scene at the time.

The boys then dive into the production history of The Lift, covering the exploits of writer/director Dick Maas—yes, that’s his real name. They talk about his infamous firing (and rehiring) by producer Matthijs van Heijningen, his decision to compose the film’s soundtrack himself to save money, and his unique inspirations for the movie’s memorable opening scene (hint: it involves Star Wars). They even touch on Maas’s career in music videos and how his signature style shaped The Lift.

Finally, the full review takes center stage. They discuss Felix, the mechanic-turned-reluctant hero, who seems more interested in beer his reporter sidekick than his own family. The conversation dives into the film’s bizarre mix of corporate conspiracy, foreign villains (hello, Rising Sun Corporation), and microchip mayhem. And, of course, there’s plenty to say about the horny elevator shenanigans and the strange yet iconic tone of this one-of-a-kind horror flick.

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Hop in and hold on—this episode will take you straight to the top of retro horror greatness! #RetroBlood #80sHorror #TheLift #ProWrestlingHistory #MetalMusic