Horror film fans from around the tri-state area descended upon Poughkeepsie, NY for the twelfth installment of Hudson Horror Show on Saturday, December 12th. Similar to the eleven festivals before it, Hudson Horror XII delivered big time for the capacity crowd with both an impressive selection of horror films (shown on 35 MM film, as always) and a killer array of vendors. This marked the festival’s first time spreading into two theatres, both showing the same slate of movies but at alternating times to allow the film reel to be moved to the other theatre’s projector. As has become customary with Chris Alo and his awesome group of helpers that volunteer countless hours and days to Hudson Horror’s success, the wild selection of vintage trailers, trivia contests and overall upbeat atmosphere made for an absolutely brilliant experience. The lineup included Demonoid (presented by Vingar Syndrome), festival favorite Stunt Rock, the underrated Friday the 13th Part 2, Halloween 2 (dubbed one of the best slasher movies ever by Mr. Alo), along with a 35-year(ish) anniversary screening of massive cult hit The Warriors. There was also a mystery movie, continuing with the Hudson Horror tradition. However, any who attend are sworn to secrecy (though I will say that this particular movie would please the fans of a certain HBO horror series from the early ’90s).
HNN’s Larry Dwyer and Sean McLaughlin were again in attendance at Hudson Horror XII. The vendors, films and theatre conditions (hello new, comfortable seats!) were top-notch. We eagerly await Hudson Horror XIII, which should be announced in the next few months. In the meantime, the Hudson Horror gang will once again be invading the Alamo Drafthouse in Yonkers, NY for a horror triple bill on March 5th!
Until Hudson Horror Show XIII……
