Gregory Peck’s Atticus Finch persona lends seriousness to the horror premise.
Richard Donner’s run is traced from The Omen through Superman and the Lethal Weapon films.
The cinematographer is corrected from the mistaken Don Gilbert to Gilbert Taylor.
The film is reported to have won Jerry Goldsmith his only Oscar, for original score.
A $2.8 million budget and $61 million gross are reported; the small-budget success is compared with Blumhouse.
The baboons reportedly attacked after the alpha baboon was put in the car, following failed attempts using food and a baby baboon.

Ebert gave the film two and a half stars and emphasized its solemn approach.

In the discussion (2)

Approx. transcript time · 00:21:21Read transcript

Ebert gave the film two and a half stars and emphasized its solemn approach.
The hosts speculate that Ebert found the movie too serious or insufficiently story-driven.

Oliver Reed and William Holden were possibilities; Charlton Heston reportedly received an offer.

In the discussion (3)

Approx. transcript time · 00:58:09Read transcript

Oliver Reed and William Holden were possibilities; Charlton Heston reportedly received an offer.
Heston reportedly declined because of the European winter and concerns about exploitation.
Roy Scheider is proposed as a good alternative.

A 2023 version could cast Taylor Swift as the ambassador and the football player transcribed as Travis Kelsey in the Lee Remick role.

In the discussion (1)

Approx. transcript time · 01:01:03Read transcript

A 2023 version could cast Taylor Swift as the ambassador and the football player transcribed as Travis Kelsey in the Lee Remick role.

An advertising executive’s reaction to The Late Great Planet Earth reportedly led to David Seltzer’s screenplay.

In the discussion (3)

Approx. transcript time · 01:01:38Read transcript

An advertising executive’s reaction to The Late Great Planet Earth reportedly led to David Seltzer’s screenplay.
Billy Whitelaw’s work with Samuel Beckett is discussed; Donner reportedly worried her obvious menace undermined ambiguity.
The hosts recount a supposedly cursed production: a hotel bombing, a canceled flight that crashed, lightning striking a plane, and a special-effects worker’s car accident.

Damien shows no earlier toddler evil before his fifth birthday; gradual maturation is offered as an explanation.

In the discussion (5)

Approx. transcript time · 01:07:42Read transcript

Damien shows no earlier toddler evil before his fifth birthday; gradual maturation is offered as an explanation.
Mrs. Baylock’s interview and references receive insufficient scrutiny.
Peck rapidly recovers from a rusty cemetery spike through his shoulder despite the expected damage and infection.
The name Damien seems unusually sinister; ordinary alternatives would not have the same impact.
Brennan should explain the danger plainly instead of using biblical riddles and poems.

Would the mother instinctively recognize that the replacement baby was not hers?

In the discussion (5)

Approx. transcript time · 01:12:25Read transcript

Would the mother instinctively recognize that the replacement baby was not hers?
Spiletto’s killing and baby substitution make him a candidate for the most evil person in the film.
How does a jackal become pregnant with the Antichrist, and where would they find one?
Where did Mrs. Baylock come from?
Is the film about abortion? The hosts discuss Roe v. Wade timing, the father opposing abortion, and whether the mother was meant to have a child.

In the discussion (2)

Approx. transcript time · 01:14:45Read transcript

Omen 2 is selected for several strong scenes, its creepy teenage Damien and twist, despite being inferior to the first film.
The sequel repeats the first film with the uncle; Seltzer’s proposed sequel placing Damien with the president is considered a missed opportunity.

The producer prefers older horror’s message and filmmaking to modern shock horror, and praises the music.

In the discussion (2)

Approx. transcript time · 01:18:05Read transcript

The producer prefers older horror’s message and filmmaking to modern shock horror, and praises the music.
The nanny hanging is the scariest scene; Damien’s Angus Young-like clothes are also praised.