1) Do you remember when you first watched it?
Not exactly. Must have been about 19-20 years ago on VHS, definitely a rental. I bought a VHS copy shortly afterwards.
2) Did you get any feedback (from friends or media) prior to watching it?
I read about it a lot. Since my early love for all horror was mostly into ghost stories, I was really pumped to see this ever since I read an article on it in a film mag.
3) How was the viewing experience? How did it affect you?
Boy, it was scary! I remember being grossed out by the chicken leg (maggots) scene and the guy pulling off his facial flesh in front of the mirror. And that floating apparition scene had my jaw hanging open. Not to mention that clown! And all those swimming skeletons in the pool at the climax.
It was scary. Brrrr...
4) How many times have you rewatched it? Memories? Does it still hold good even today for you?
Countless times. It has aged well and still holds up for a repeat viewing, I am glad to admit. Tobe Hooper has made a great film. I remember being quite impressed by this and part 2, although #3 was quite a bit of a disappointment.
5) Anything else you wish to share.
A good, effective scary story is always a fantastic viewing experience. Too bad we don't have such films made these days. Or maybe we have become too jaded to feel the horror of similar films in recent times.
Either way,
Poltergeist ranks right up there with the finest in cinematic ghost story telling for me. A quality, top-notch film.