“Absurd” (also known as “Anthropophagus 2” and “Horrible”) is an Italian horror film directed by Joe D’Amato. In the UK, it was released on VHS by Medusa Home Video during the pre-certification era, which is the period before the introduction of the Video Recordings Act 1984 that required all video releases to be classified by the British Board of Film Classification (BBFC).

Key Points about “Absurd” UK Medusa Pre-Cert VHS:

  1. Release and Distribution:
    • “Absurd” was released by Medusa Home Video, a distributor known for its array of horror and exploitation films during the pre-cert era.
    • The VHS cover often featured graphic and lurid artwork, which was typical of the era and aimed at attracting a niche audience interested in extreme horror.
  2. Content and Controversy:
    • The film is notorious for its graphic violence and gore, traits that led to its inclusion in the list of “video nasties.”
    • It shares thematic elements with other Italian horror films of the time, emphasizing gruesome special effects and a macabre atmosphere.
    • “Absurd” was one of the films prosecuted under the Obscene Publications Act, making it a significant part of the video nasties moral panic in the UK.
  3. Censorship and Legal Issues:
    • The UK release of “Absurd” by Medusa Home Video became controversial due to the lack of certification and the extreme content, which led to it being banned and seized during police raids.
    • It was placed on the DPP’s list of video nasties and was subject to censorship and legal challenges.
  4. Legacy and Collectability:
    • The Medusa pre-cert VHS of “Absurd” has since become a collector’s item, valued for its rarity and its place in the history of the video nasties phenomenon.
    • Collectors seek out original copies due to the historical significance and the cult status of the film.
  5. Reputation:
    • “Absurd” is remembered not only for its content but also for its role in the broader context of 1980s UK video censorship.
    • It remains a noteworthy example of the types of films that sparked debates about media violence and censorship.

Overall, “Absurd” on Medusa Home Video exemplifies the era of the video nasties in the UK, reflecting both the appeal of extreme horror to niche audiences and the subsequent backlash from authorities and censors.