I was lucky enough to receive passes from no less than four sources--the record store I worked at, the comic store I shopped at, a movie screenings mailing list I was on and through working on the staff of the aforementioned Horror Con...and thusly, the screening was STOCKED with goths, freaks, geeks, comic book and record store types, etc--the perfect audience.

Man...what a vibe. It was electric. You KNEW this was Something Special (even if the local liason, Phoenix sci-fi "a&r man" Barry Bard, called it a "low budget b movie the studio expected little from"). There were tears and applause at the end. Especially from me, as I had almost know knowledge of the film or its nature beforehand. It stands today as one of the greatest cinema experiences I have ever had. Sadly, the theatre has since been essentially destroyed and replaced with another so there's no going back..but I have those memories. I remember my comment card said something to the effect of "This is an example of what all movies SHOULD be".

It was also the "workprint", and included the black tape scenes (I don't remember if the second funboy fight was there or not but i think it was). NO skull cowboy stuff. I'm sure there were other odds, ends and trims here and there....I'm assuming the workprint mentioned in your FAQ is the same one I saw. I'd love to see it if I can find one.

So...there's that. I bought the graphic novel and was addicted. I was a convert. And remain so to this day. Which is why, in my position as producer of the local Rocky Horror cast, I decided to try and get the CROW (along with a couple other classic "goth" movies) to show on friday nights this October in addition to our Saturday showings of Rocky. Happily, our theatre is willing to give it a shot...

Matteo M. Yenkala (azrockyfans@yahoo.com)

www.azrocky.com