The VIPCO UK video release of “Death Trap,” also known as “Eaten Alive,” is a significant entry in the catalog of this infamous video distribution company. Here are the key details about this release:

Film Background

  1. Title and Alternative Names:
    • The film “Death Trap” is more widely known in the U.S. as “Eaten Alive.”
    • It was directed by Tobe Hooper, who is best known for his work on “The Texas Chain Saw Massacre.”
  2. Plot Summary:
    • The story revolves around a decrepit hotel in rural Texas where the proprietor, Judd (played by Neville Brand), kills his guests with a scythe and feeds them to a giant crocodile he keeps in a swamp beside the hotel.
  3. Cast:
    • The film features performances by Neville Brand, Mel Ferrer, Carolyn Jones, Marilyn Burns, and a young Robert Englund, who would later gain fame as Freddy Krueger in the “Nightmare on Elm Street” series.

VIPCO Release

  1. Pre-Certification Era:
    • VIPCO released “Death Trap” during the pre-certification era in the UK, which lasted until the Video Recordings Act 1984 required all home video releases to be classified by the BBFC (British Board of Film Classification).
    • As with other VIPCO releases, “Death Trap” was marketed with sensational cover art and emphasized its horror elements.
  2. Cover Art and Packaging:
    • The VIPCO release likely featured lurid and eye-catching cover art designed to attract horror fans. This artwork often highlighted the film’s most shocking and gruesome scenes.
    • The packaging would have been typical of VIPCO’s style, focusing on graphic imagery and bold text.
  3. Controversy and Censorship:
    • “Death Trap,” like many other films released by VIPCO, faced scrutiny and controversy due to its violent content.
    • It was one of the many films that fell under the radar of the “video nasties” moral panic, although it did not make the official list of prosecuted films.

Collectibility and Legacy

  1. Cult Status:
    • Over the years, “Death Trap” has gained a cult following, partly due to Tobe Hooper’s involvement and the film’s bizarre, surreal atmosphere.
    • The VIPCO release is particularly collectible among fans of the video nasties era and those who appreciate vintage VHS tapes.
  2. Home Video Market:
    • The original VIPCO VHS tape has become a sought-after item for collectors, valued for its historical context and the distinctive VIPCO branding.
    • The film has since been released on DVD and Blu-ray, often with restored picture quality and additional features

In summary, the VIPCO UK video release of “Death Trap” (aka “Eaten Alive”) is a noteworthy piece of home video history. Its connection to the controversial pre-certification era, Tobe Hooper’s directorial prowess, and its status as a collectible item make it significant to horror enthusiasts and collectors alike.