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Retroist Die Hard Podcast
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Retroist Die Hard Podcast

In this episode of the Retroist Podcast, I discuss the 1988 action classic, Die Hard. This film has become iconic since its release in 1988 and is almost universally beloved. I have attempted to cover the film correctly a few times and I am happy to finally release this episode.

I begin the episode by talking about when I saw the film in the theater and how much it suspended my disbelief. I have only had a handful of movie-going experiences like this in my life and I will treasure it forever.

After the story, I move onto the film itself. I talk about the people in front of and behind the camera, the music, the book, the Christmas “controversy” and much more.

Die Hard was a genre-changing film, that is worth your time. Hopefully, you find the stuff I talk about in this super-sized episode interesting.

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Production Notes

  • This is episode 243 of the Retroist Podcast.

  • Music on the show is, as always, by Peachy.

  • This is one of the longest episodes I have put out in a while at almost 40 minutes. It was originally 77 minutes, so I cut it down a lot.

  • I removed a lot about the cast and crew. I was very glad metagirl was involved with the show to bring some attention to that area in a fresher way than my standard delivery.

  • I had done the Christmas section originally as a point/counterpoint. That was terrible. So I switched it to a standard breakdown. I personally believe that it IS a Christmas film, but it doesn’t bother me that other people do not.

  • This is one of those shows I have tried to record several times. I think the first time was about a decade ago. I am glad to finally release one, it was very overdue.

  • I had a section about the art direction in the film. Mostly around Nakatomi Plaza. It didn’t add anything to the show.

  • I had a section that discussed tv edits. It was short and felt inserted. It was less funny than I thought it would be. So I cut it out.

  • It might not sound possible, but I praised Alan Rickman for another 90 seconds before I cut it down.

  • I talked about sequels a bit more. I think I will eventually cover Die Hard 2 at some point. So I cut it down.

  • I cut out a section about Alexander Gudonoff’s defection to the US.

  • I removed a few mentions of improvisation in the film.

  • I removed a section that talked about who lived and dies in the film.

  • The touch screens at Nakatomi Plaza really do bother me.

  • Had more info about the architects of Fox Plaza. Was only 70 seconds or so, but I cut it out.

  • Does anyone read these notes? It is unclear to me. I will keep adding them though.

  • This might be my last episode of 2020. If so, I look forward to being back in 2021.

Thanks for listening to the show and I hope you have a great weekend.

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