Archive notes
Evilspeak
The UK pre-cert (pre-certification) video of Evilspeak released on the Videospace label in the early 1980s is quite notable among collectors, particularly for its connection to the infamous “Video Nasties” era.
- Label and Release: The video was released by Videospace, a lesser-known label in the UK home video market at the time.
- Video Nasty Status: Evilspeak was one of the films that ended up on the UK’s “Video Nasty” list. It was prosecuted under the Obscene Publications Act in 1984, which means the original Videospace release was withdrawn, distributing it could have lead to legal repercussions.
- Rarity and Value: Due to its withdrawal and subsequent banning, this particular pre-cert release became quite rare and is now a sought-after item among collectors of horror VHS tapes, especially those interested in the Video Nasties. Copies can fetch a decent price, particularly if the tape and its clamshell case are in good condition.
- Cover Art: The cover of the Videospace release is relatively simple, showing a menacing face, and a computer screen displaying a pentagram, evoking a sense of occult horror. It’s an iconic image for collectors who appreciate the retro aesthetic of VHS cover art.
Given its status as a video nasty and now rare collectible, it holds a special place in UK horror film history.