When I was 12 it was the most talked about movie amongst kids my age as the ultimate horror movie to see. Back then (at least in Australia) video stores didn't seem to care if you were under 18 and it was a pretty intense viewing. I had already seen the Thing in the theater (thanks Dad) so wasn't too traumatized. For some reason I remember being grossed out by the pencil in the ankle more than most things in it...lol
Even though I liked the comedy in Ash vs. Evil Dead and grew to like it in AoD, I initially thought AoD was weak sauce compared to the first two. I can appreciate what it is now but felt they pussed out for studio bucks when I saw it in the theater.