This week on The Wasteland Retrospective, host Shane Conto (The Wasteland Reviewer) is joined by film blogger and SPDM Crew podcaster Luke Burian for a deep dive into two essential entries in one of Japanese horror cinema’s most iconic franchises — the Ringu series:

🎬 Films Discussed:

• Ringu 2 (1999) — directed by Hideo Nakata — the direct sequel to the original Ring film that deepened the mythology of Sadako and the cursed videotape
• Ringu 0: Birthday (2000) — directed by Norio Tsuruta — the haunting Sadako origin story that reveals the tragic backstory behind one of horror cinema’s most iconic villains

If you’re a fan of Japanese horror, J-horror, Sadako, Hideo Nakata, the Ring franchise, supernatural horror, or Halloween season horror viewing — this is essential listening!

Shane Conto — film critic, writer & YouTuber: 🌐 Website | ▶️ YouTube | 📸 Instagram | 🎵 TikTok | 🎥 Letterboxd

Also hosts Wasteland Watchlist, Cinematic Wasteland, and Wasteland Spotlight on the SPDM Crew network.

Luke Burian — film writer, blogger & podcaster: 🌐 Lost in Movies | ✍️ SiftPop | 🎙️ Flix and Chill | 🎙️ The Cinematic Wasteland | 🎙️ SiftPop Writers' Room

Have a film pairing suggestion or want to join the SPDM Crew? Email spdmcrew@gmail.com

📲 Follow SPDM Crew: Facebook | X | Instagram | YouTube | Bluesky 🌐 www.spdmcrew.com

🎵 Theme music by Kristofer Twadell | Logo by Jason Wilbur @ HiFlyer Creative

Leave a review and rate us ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ on your favorite podcast app!