Tag Archive for: blog

Roundup the Troops It’s Game Time

Whether you are spending more time indoors with family these days, your 60-year-old roommate, or your three cats, we have some fun items in stock to help you pass the time.

1. Puzzles

No matter your pop culture delight of choice, we probably have a puzzle for it. One of my particular favs is the Gremlins Collage puzzle by Aquarius, not pictured (and it may be gone by the time I finish this blog). We have many White Mountain Puzzles for the nostalgic puzzler and other Aquarius puzzles.

2. Board Games

Bring out your dice! These board games will have you rolling (get it!?)! Have fun with 1-5 players with these games based on your ultimate movie favorites like Horrified: a Universal Monsters Strategy Board Game. It allows you to play as the Bride of Frankenstein, Dracula, the Invisible Man, etc. which hits all our classic horror bones. However, keep an eye out because some of these games are recommended for ages 10+.

3. Video Games

While we don’t specialize in retro video games, we do get in a collection from time to time. So, if you are wanting to play an old school game with your roommate or sister, or just ignore everyone in your family all together, then these games are vintage gold. It’s best to call our store directly to see what we still have available in stock.

4. Model Kits

You love your collectibles and you love creating them yourself, or you’ve always wanted to build a model kit but never had the time, and well… now you do. Then these guys are for you! We love model kits ourselves like this Aurora King Kong kit! They are perfect for filling that artsy itch and whittling away some hours. They also look beautiful on the shelf when complete! Check-in with us to see what we still have in stock as our inventory is always shifting on these unique items.

5. Playing Cards

Whether you’re in the mood for playing solitaire or tricking your father out of a few M&Ms in poker (you scallywag), these pop culture cards are sure to add a little twinkle to your smile. We have horror-themed, superhero-themed, or fantasy-themed playing cards just to name a few.

So gather the troops and pass the skittles, it’s time for a little play and relaxation Blast From the Past style.

– Reliably Retro Diane

10 Sci-Fi Shows to Binge Watch

There’s no better time to grab a cozy blanket; prep the munchies; and re-watch, or finally start watching, that Sci Fi tv show you’ve always wanted to watch but didn’t have the time.  Bazinga!  It’s an amazing way to escape and unwind.  “And it’s also a great way to stay in shape! (Family Guy)”  Here are our top 10 picks on binge-worthy Sci Fi series (in no particular order):

10. Lost In Space

This image should be worthiness enough to watch the original Lost in Space but in case you aren’t convinced yet… this 1960s Sci Fi series had 3 Seasons.  It was originally released on CBS and was a mix of the novel The Swiss Family Robinson and Gold Key Comics’ Space Family Robinson. The theme music was also composed by John Williams! And, it. Has. Robots. ‘Nuff said.  Plus once you are done, you can head over to Netflix and watch the remake also titled Lost in Space.

9. SeaQuest DSV

Below the sea, in the mid-90s, there was SeaQuest DSV which originally appeared in 45-minute increments on NBC.  It consisted of 3 Seasons and 57 episodes. It also starred, at least early on, Roy Scheider (he found a bigger boat!) and Jonathan Brandis (pictured above).  Plus, look at that cute lil’ dolphin!? The first 2 Seasons were executive produced by Stephen Spielberg, as well — another connection for you Jaws fans.  The show follows a high-tech submarine in the near future, starting in 2018, and it’s United Nations-like-crew when the earth’s natural resources have been depleted to the point of forcing colonies to form on the ocean floor.

8. Lost

I’m not talking about how most of us probably feel at this moment in time, though I definitely am starting to feel I probably look like a few of these characters, caked in grunge and bewilderment.  I am talking about the ever confusing yet hard-not-too-watch ABC Sci Fi series Lost, which aired 2004-2010.  It follows plane crash survivors on what appears to be an inhabited tropical island.  Which sounds pretty good to me at this point… the tropical island, not the plane crash.  It’s easily one of the best rated Sci Fi shows of all time, though I will say, don’t blame me if you don’t like the very last episode.

7. Highlander

With 6 Seasons and 119 Episodes there’s plenty of Highlander to keep you entertained for a while.  Making a run from 1992 – 1998, this show was actually an alternate sequel to the 1986 feature film by the same name.  It features immortals, swords, time travel, and fun lighting effects. Better yet, if you enjoy Highlander, there’s also several spin-offs which means even more fun time with this sci-fi world.

6. Twilight Zone

There are several Twilight Zones to talk about when mentioning this iconic series.  Let’s start with the original series released in 1959 – 1964.  Hosted by Rod Serling, this show takes you into a different spooky world each episode out of it’s 156 original episodes.  It makes you ponder such things as, am I the only one who sees that beast on the wing of the plane? And, the world can end as long as I have my books, now where are my glasses?  It’s also fun to spot all the young celebrities of that era! Hello, Captain Kirk. If you enjoy the original series, you can also go on to watch The Twilight Zone (1985 – 1989) and Twilight Zone: The Movie (1983).  The ‘80s series has 3 Seasons and 65 Episodes and the movie is an anthology that stars actors like John Lithgow, Dan Aykroyd, and Albert Brooks.  Not enough? The Twilight Zone made a comeback in 2002 -2003 for 1 Season and 43 Episodes.  CBS did it again in 2019, yup, Jordan Peele co-developed it and narrates all 10 Episodes of the First Season.  I cannot comment on how the latest series holds up as of now, but as a huge fan of the original series, it’s worth checking out.

5. Doctor Who

Now this is a big one.  Doctor Who has been produced by BBC since 1963!  Which means that Doctor Who, a time-traveling extraterrestrial being who appears human, can be seen saving civilizations and helping people in 38 Seasons, 861 Episodes, 1 Movie, and numerous Specials.  Excuse me while I pick my jaw off the floor. Who’s in this to watch from the very beginning with me? This show promises to bring fun into any situation from the bubblewrap space suits of the ‘60s to the more advanced technology of the more modern series, but whatever you do… don’t Blink!  You may end up missing something, or even worse, be sent back in time to a gorgeous countryside.

4. Star Trek: The Original Series

There’s certainly an abundance of Star Trek Series, Movies, and Specials to watch if you want to venture further into space after watching the original series.  However, speaking only to Star Trek: The Original Series, which has been remastered and distributed by CBS, this is definitely a must watch.  It has 3 Seasons; 79 Episodes; forged innovative Sci Fi entertainment roads; and more importantly, it shows how no matter what situation, and no matter who you are or where you come from, we can all come together.  Well, unless you are Khan, but then, he also has his buddies.

3. Twin Peaks

Enter the zany world of David Lynch with Twin Peaks.  Though technically labelled as a mystery, drama, horror, I’m adding Twin Peaks to this list because it does contain other worldly elements and demands that the mind stretch its concept of reality.  The original series, released in 1990-1991, aired on ABC and consisted of 30 Episodes. It was followed by a movie, Fire Walk With Me, in 1992, and then with a 3rd Season which was released on Showtime in 2017.  The latest season was made up of 18 Episodes. This series is filled with lovable, crazy characters and a charming odd pulse that may at times be hard to put a finger on, but it’s enthralling nevertheless.  I heart it so!

2. The X-Files

One of my all-time favorites, The X-Files, has 11 Seasons and 218 Episodes!  Created by Breaking Bad’s Chris Carter, this series follows Spooky Mulder (David Duchovny) and his sceptic side-kick Dana Scully (Gillian Anderson) as they navigate through over-looked or possibly secret-on-purpose FBI files bringing them into the world of the weird and unexplained.  The series was followed by 2 Movies, The X-Files (1998) and The X-Files: I Want to Believe (2008).  Personally I recommend watching the TV Series till Season 6, then watch the first movie, finish the series, and then watch I Want to Believe.

1. Battlestar Galactica

Ending our list is Battlestar Galactica!  The ever-engrossing Sci-Fi Channel 2004 Hit Series, Battlestar Galactica will have you wanting to watch the next episode regardless of the hour.  It had 4 Seasons, 76 Episodes, and beyond that was preceded by a 2-part miniseries in 2003 and the original 1978 series Battlestar Galactica and it’s spin-off Galactica 1980.  There’s also an additional episode in between Seasons 3 & 4, called Razor and after Season 4, called The Plan.  You might also be inclined to watch the spin-offs Caprica and Battlestar Galactica: Blood & Chrome.  If you love shows with robots and with a focus on character-driven plots, this one’s for you.  There is plenty of action but the human experience is definitely what makes this show have such an impact.

‘Til next time, friends…  try not to let the Tribbles cause you trouble.