Until the Summer of 1993, my parents allowed me to watch horror films. For instance, I remember watching the Edited for Television version of Friday the 13th (1980) on Commander USA’s Groovie Movies.

Later, I visited the neighborhood video store. I was mesmerized by the VHS cover art of the R-rated theatrical cut on the shelf.

In the Autumn of 1999, I discovered there was a Japanese Video Laserdisc released by Warner Brothers with extra footage. The International Cut was the unedited version of the film with 11 seconds of gory special effects.

This information sparked my obsession with alternate cuts of films. Soon, I located an unauthorized LD>VHS copy from a Canadian tape trader.

On September 18, 2021, I met Ari Lehman (First Jason) at a horror convention in Quincy, Illinois. Lehman was very friendly. I asked him if he would personalize my copy of the Scream Factory Blu-Ray release to “Jason.” Also, Lehman insisted on signing one of the photos he provided at the table for no extra charge.

On October 7, 2023, my family met Warrington Gillette (Second Jason – Unmasked) at a horror convention in Hannibal, Missouri.

After we exchanged pleasant introductions, Gillette talked about his journey from Florida. He was deeply concerned about how the United States was becoming a dangerous place to raise a family. I thought Gillette was going to share a story about something that happened during his trip to Missouri. Instead, his concerns were fixated on a general worry about violence and criminal activity in the United States. I acknowledged his concerns and reassured him that the Tri-State area has been a wonderful place to raise my family. But I did not know how to continue the conversation.

Instead, I changed the topic and mentioned Part 2 was my favorite film in the series. I asked him if he would personalize my copy of the Scream Factory Blu-Ray release. Enthusiastically, Gillette took a group selfie with my family, and he invited us to follow him on social media.

Overall, it was a pleasant but unusual interaction.

Yes, Friday the 13th Part 3 (1982) introduced the iconic hockey mask disguise for Jason Voorhees. But I am not a huge fan of the third installment. The movie includes too many campy elements like the “Tommy Chong” doppelganger and Harry Manfredini’s ’70s-inspired disco theme.

Yet, I am intrigued by one of the early drafts for Part 3. The female survivor from the earlier film is confined to a psychiatric hospital while Jason hunts her down. Still, the plot sounded way too close to Halloween II (1981).