Ok, I'm barely awake but I figured I'd at least get my initial thoughts up to the Tubes ...
Overall, very pleased with the crowd, attendance was about on-par with last year, and the lineup was overall fantastic. Had a great time, although still very tired, and loved seeing everybody again.
Although how is it that EVERY YEAR we manage to double-up with that Columbus Marathon? Are they following us or something?
Anyway, on to the films ...
THE CABINET OF DR CALIGARI - Fantastic opportunity to see a long-lost classic. Not as impacting as some others we've shown, but still wonderful to see on the big screen, and Sue Harshe did a phenomenal job with the score. Definite winner.
THE PIT AND THE PENDULUM - Would have been a much better experience with the MGM print. I love the film, but this print was so badly red-shifted that I had real trouble getting excited over it. Still, the Vincent Price trailers were another huge score.
THE HOUSE OF THE DEVIL - Friend of mine dropped by and wanted to get coffee, so I missed most of this one. What I saw I really liked, though, so I'm going to need to re-visit soon.
BRIDE OF FRANKENSTEIN - BluRay. Meh. Looked good, though, very clear presentation, but for a film I've seen a million times anyway I could have passed on it. Should have had trailers for WEIRD SCIENCE and YOUNG FRANKENSTEIN (and probably would have if it had been on 35mm.)
FLESH FOR FRANKENSTEIN - Even with the heavy cuts, this film is really fun to watch with an audience. I still enjoyed it despite its condition. One of the highlights of the marathon for me.
A SERBIAN FILM - Wow. Well, it is what it is. Frankly, having seen it now, I wouldn't have booked it. I'll go into more depth later about the content, but for now I'll just say that it was just such a heavy, exhausting, ultimate downer of a movie that it completely wiped out any enthusiasm I had left at a point midway through the marathon.
MIDNIGHT SON - A bit more mainstream horror, but I thought it was very well done. Enjoyed it thoroughly and probably one of the better premieres we've had at a horror marathon. Not sure if there's enough there to warrant a purchase, but I'll definitely consider it.
GOKE: BODY SNATCHER FROM HELL - As predicted, with this running so much later than expected (and after being pretty drained from SERBIAN), I totally zonked out midway through. This really annoyed me, as this has become a habit with late-night 70's goofball films, and this print was AMAZING. Really missed an opportunity by not being better awake.
THE HITCHER - Missed about the first 10-15 minutes of this one, but I'd seen it many times before. Great print, and I've always loved this movie. Highly underrated and one of Rutger Hauer's most fun performances. Was glad to at least to get to see the rest.
THE BEYOND - Good movie, and good Gonzo Italian Horror, but I was already just so worn out at this point I kinda floated in and out through the duration. It's Fulci, so there's always something to see, but it didn't leap out at me like it might have some other years. Meh.
HELLRAISER - Gave up. Went home. Just needed to get out of there at that point and get some sleep. This is an all-time classic and a big favorite of mine, but I've seen it (on the big screen) several times. I could afford to skip, so I did.
That's the gist of my overall impressions. Once I'm better rested, I'll probably come online again and give some more details (especially about SERBIAN FILM) and I'm looking forward to seeing what other people thought of the lineup. I think it's one of the best we've had in years.
And of course, fantastic to see all of you again, and really hope you enjoyed the experience ... especially the new folks.
EDIT: D'OH! And apparently I'm too tired to afford the courtesy to thank our benevolent hosts (Dave and Jen) and our fearless leaders (Bruce and Joe) for putting on such a fine and festive event. Plus a big shout out to all the volunteers, sponsors, decorating committee, and whoever else I'm forgetting to thank. Sorry, long night.
FURTHER UPDATE: The Hall of Marathonia and the Horror Marathon Archives are updated with some pictures and the basic film information and such. Feel free to stop by. As always, if people have more pictures they want to donate, just let me know and I can see about getting them up on the site.
http://www.vitruvianzeke.com/Marathonia/Marathonia.html#GH3
http://www.scifimarathon.com/Horror/horrorgallery/index.php?cat=44