This July, Hot Summer Camp becomes a double feature of sun, sweat, and cinematic carnage. As part of Sleepover Trading Co.’s Video Visions Series, we’re pulling deep from the tape shelf to bring you two summer camp classics that deliver magnetic memories, analog oddities, and that unmistakable grainy glow of golden-age VHS.

First up: we head into the woods—and straight into danger—with The Burning (1981), a brutal and blood-soaked entry in the early slasher canon. Inspired by the urban legend of Cropsey, this cult favorite follows a disfigured camp caretaker who returns to Camp Blackfoot armed with a vendetta, a pair of oversized garden shears, and absolutely zero chill.

Shot in upstate New York and drenched in the kind of summer haze only low-budget horror can deliver, The Burning features the film debuts of Jason Alexander, Fisher Stevens, and Holly Hunter. But the real stars here are Tom Savini’s gooey, inventive practical effects (coming hot off Friday the 13th) and a pulsing synth score courtesy of Yes keyboardist Rick Wakeman.

We’ll be screening it on glorious VHS—warped edges, analog fuzz, and all—complete with a brand-new, custom-built pre-show assembled from vintage tapes, deep cuts, and campfire-worthy oddities.This isn’t your parents’ summer camp. Unless your parents went to camp with hedge clippers and a vendetta.
 
Directed by Tony Maylam
R ‧ 1981 ‧ Horror/Slasher ‧ 1h 31m
Watch the Trailer

Theater Info: Doors at 6:30 pm / Screening at 7:00 pm
Tickets are limited, so buy yours now!
Once you've completed your purchase, your name will be added to the admissions list. You can arrive at the theater once doors have opened to claim your ticket.