For the first official article I think it would be appropriate to talk a little about where my enjoyment of horror movies and the like started. How my imagination was captured and brought into, what was to me, a new world of entertainment possibility. I want to talk about the humble and nearly extinct video store.

The death of the video store really is in a way the end of a golden age in movie fandom. There was a certain amount of excitement you felt walking into a video store (which for me was Movie Gallery) on a Tuesday when the new releases dropped and seeing rows and rows of VHS tapes just waiting to be discovered.  Now yes, today we have Netflix, Amazon, Hulu and many other services that put nearly any movie you want right in the palm of your hand, literally. For me though, it doesn't compare to walking those aforementioned rows looking for nightly entertainment.

Each step was a world of new genres and my only guide was how awesome the box wrapped around that movie was and if it enticed me to pick it up, the short description on the back. That's right, no stars, no, "suggested for you" or reviews at the speed of your smartphone. You either had word of mouth or how bad ass that box cover was. The other great thing was that no two video stores had the same stuff. Sure, sure. Your usual place had C.H.U.D. But the one a few miles away? Those guys had C.H.U.D. 2! Until then you may not have even known about that!

While availability  and accessibility are so much better than they ever were then and I don't feel nearly as pissed when I accidentally watch something beyond redemption, that certain kind of magic really isn't there for me. I wish there was some way I could share it with people who never felt it. I sit here and wax nostalgic for the movie experiences of my much younger years, but I still love all the streaming goodness. It's way cheaper than renting multiple titles at a time and no one misses those outrageous late fees. Mystery may be gone from your selections, all the reviews and ratings can save you valuable time you could use on a more appealing and entertaining experience.

So to close this article about, "The good ol' days." I'll just say this.  The past was grand, but the future is bright. So bright in fact, I might have to wear some shades.

Very soon I'll be putting up a review article, I just have to decide about what. Of course I'm always open to suggestions. Until then, don't be afraid to be a little scary.