Quote from: Shaun on May 27, 2018, 11:30:21 PM
I remember watching the movies when I was 5 or 6 and being absolutely terrified. I'd check under my bed and in the wardrobe for monsters. I'd then go sleep in my parents bed. Yet, in saying that I was always fascinated by it. I remember going to the video store with my parents as they'd rent new releases etc and more often than not, I'd go and find Alien and Aliens just to look at the cover.
Growing up, I always found it challenge to watch the movies (Alien and Aliens) right through. Typically with Alien, I'd struggle to watch the Chest burster scene and Lambert/Parkers demise. In Aliens, I'd always seem to watch until Vasquez death scene.
The fascination with the fear is very much my story too. I first saw Aliens when I was 5 after going on the Aliens: Ride at the Speed of Fright ride. We made it up until the chestburster scene and I just cacked my pants and my Dad had to turn the film off. I tried again when I was 7 but same result. But I was still fascinated and obsessed with what little I knew. I slept facedown for 5 years - logic being the chestburster wouldn't be able to come out if my chest was against the mattress.
It wasn't until I was 10 when I walked in on my Dad watching the film that I finally saw it all the way through. I saw what he was just putting on, about-faced and tried to leave the room. He made me stay and face my fears. We watched it in bits over a few days but I remember really wanted to get home from football practice and finish watching it. Then we watched Alien 3(despite Dad's warnings) that night.
For the next few years until I got the Alien Legacy boxset, I would check the TV times every week so I could try and catch any showings on Sky. I eventually managed to record Aliens: Special Edition and Alien on VHS.
QuoteNow as an adult, I watch the movies (all of them) every 2 or 3 months. Find myself on various Facebook groups, listening to podcasts, playing the games, reading the books and generally ensconcing myself with anything Alien related.
Oh, it's the best way! I just wish I had more time to still revisit Alien and Predator really often but still check out all the new stuff! What groups are you part of, if you don't mind me asking?
QuoteTo me, this series is everything. From being terrified to it now being my happy place. I'm just glad that there are communities of fans that I can relate to.
I really enjoyed your story, Shaun. Thanks for sharing.
QuoteI'd get Alien tattoos if I could, but I have psoriasis (skin condition) so I don't think I can.
Ah, that's a shame mate! I'd really like one too but I'm too much of a wuss. Don't think I could cope with the pain of getting one done.
Quote from: Dean Learner on May 27, 2018, 12:04:22 PM
After seeing Alien 3 on VHS at eleven, I spent most of my teenage years obsessed with the franchise. While my passion dipped slightly since there's other stuff in life, I'm still quietly obsessed with the films and extended universe. Two years ago I gave my daughter the middle name of Ripley and my wife talks me out of getting a tattoo of Mike Mignola's art of the Alien.
I love hearing stories like that! One of my buddies gave his daughter the middle name Ellen after Ripley. I've gotta try and swing something like that when the time comes. I'm not sure I'll get away with it as I'm quite insistent of being able to name my son after me and my Dad so I can nickname him Trip (for Enterprise).