R.J. Kizer Tribute: Death Ring (1992)

We were saddened to discover that R.J. Kizer, a longtime editor and director for New World Pictures, passed away earlier this month. We were fortunate to be able to speak with R.J. several times about his incredible and long career, starting with editing 1979's UP FROM THE DEPTHS, 1980's BATTLE BEYOND THE STARS, and 1981's GALAXY OF TERROR before moving on to directing the English-language sections of GODZILLA 1985 and co-directing 1988's HELL COMES TO FROGTOWN. R.J. transitioned to sound editing, working on movies like FIRE BIRDS and ARACHNAPHOBIA before getting a chance to finally direct his own feature, 1992's DEATH RING.

The film, a take on THE MOST DANGEROUS GAME, brings huge starpower, well familial starpower, in Mike Norris (son of Chuck), Chad McQueen (son of Steve), and Don Swayze (brother of Patrick), who star as a trio fighting for their lives in a hunt designed by wealthy manhunt organizer played by Billy Drago. R.J. may not have believed us when we told him, but we really enjoyed the movie, as you'll hear in the episode, which is our tribute to R.J.'s memory.

For one, the film took Marc and Ryan back to their San Diego roots, where the infamous Survival of the Fittest competition takes place, a  contest Mike Norris easily wins only to become Drago's number one target. As we discuss, we will challenge you on your knowledge of 1980's local San Diego newscasters, the power of Sun-In, and the exact time it takes for chloroform to work its magic. Plus, snake blood!

Thank you to R.J. for an amazing career, we were honored to have met you and been able to discuss so much of your New World history. We'll never forget your incredible stories, sense of humor, and spot-on impression of Roger Corman. It was a singular pleasure to have interviewed you!

R.J. wrote a book! It's all about ADR recording, and there's truly no one better you could learn from, so you should definitely buy it! Go here.

For all the shows in Someone’s Favorite Productions Podcast Network, head here:  https://www.someonesfavoriteproductions.com/