In 1997, we saw the UK release of the film Scream. I look back at the film that rejuvenated the horror genre.
I still vividly remember going to watch Scream at the cinema. It blew my mind. I also remember the man who was sat in front of me, who before the film started was all loud and cocky but once the films terrifying opening with Drew Barrymore got going, he quickly sank down in his seat.
The film also introduced us to a new horror icon called Ghost Face. The mask was brilliant and very, very scary and it is now one of the most famous and best selling Halloween costumes ever.
Not bad considering the mask was found by accident by Scream Executive producer Marianne Maddalena, who saw it whilst looking round a house that was being considered for the shoot.
The mask went on to be licensed via owners Fun World Licensing and named by Director R.J. Torbert, who decided on "GhostFace" with the blessing of Fun World owners Stanley and Allan Geller.
Scream is a film that has it all. Frights, comedy, a fresh new cast and a killer script that was wrote by Kevin Williamson and executed perfectly by Wes Craven
The film also introduced to new characters, Sidney Prescott (Neve Campbell), Gale Weathers (Courteney Cox) and Dewey Riley (David Arquette) and who can forget the 'Rules' speech by Randy Meeks (Jamie Kennedy)
It completely regenerated the horror genre and others soon followed like I Know What You Did Last Summer, Urban legend and Halloween H20.
Even now, Scream is still one of my favourite films and although three more followed, they never quite lived up to the original.
Tim Wagstaff owner of Ghostface.co.uk said about Scream "Scary Mask! , Scary Director! , A Tuned in' Writer and a Fabulous cast! All deliciously mixed up to make a Horror movie exactly as it should be! Scream is what audiences Die for and what GhostFace kills for! Simply Brilliant!"
So tonight, turn the lights off, shut the curtains and celebrate it's UK anniversary by watching Scream...if you dare.