The Movies I Will Never Forget: 'Friday the 13th'

For as long as I can remember, the "Friday the 13^th" blockbuster series of movies have haunted my every waking moment. The first time I ever saw the original Friday the 13^th movie, I was about five years old and scared so badly that I could not sleep for months. I remember waking in the middle of the night-every night-and going to my mom's bedroom because I was scared that the "hockey mask guy" was going to get me. I would lay my head on the bed next to her while she was sleeping and it was just enough for me to drift...

The Obsession Began...

Ever since then, I have been obsessed with the movies, seeing every last one until I have memorized almost every word. I have since collected every DVD available and most are still unopened. Remastered DVDs from the original series, Deluxe editions, uncut editions, and others line my every available bookshelf and bureau space. From "Friday the 13^th Uncut Deluxe Edition" and "Jason X" to "Friday the 13^th, From Crystal Lake to Manhattan" and a Two Disc "Splatter Edition" of "His Name was Jason," I have them all. Blood stained hockey masks? Yes, I have them too and they are hanging all over my walls.

Extra Special DVD & Jacket

The Splatter Edition is extra special, though. Not only does it cover a retrospective of the entire 30-year "Friday the 13^th" franchise, but it also covers 30 years of interviews and even a Camp Crystal Lake Survival Guide. This is the DVD I finally was able to get "Jason Voorhees" himself to sign. When I attended a Chiller Theatre Convention on April 17, 18 and 19 of 2009, I will never forget the way "Jason" took my hand and said, "I Know where you live..." Well, Kane Hodder took my hand, but that voice was creepy enough that I didn't sleep that night either. Mr. Hodder played Jason from "Friday the 13^th Part VII: The New Blood" until "Jason X," and it was Mr. Hodder who signed my DVD, but he played a great Jason and is still my favorite.

While I still cringe when I see hockey masks and I still cannot watch scary movies alone, one thing is for sure; the "Friday the 13^th" experience is not one I would ever want to change. If I never spend time on a lake or never watch hockey again, it will be worth it just to keep building my DVD collection signed by "Jason" himself.

*Note: This was written by an Associated Content contributor. Sign up here to start publishing your own movie articles.