Archive notes
The UK pre-cert VHS release of The Evil Dead by Palace Video is a notable item in the realm of home video collecting, particularly for fans of horror and exploitation cinema. Here are some key details:
Background
- Release Date and Context:
- The Evil Dead was initially released in the UK on VHS by Palace Video in 1982. This release was prior to the implementation of the Video Recordings Act 1984, which required all videos to be classified by the British Board of Film Classification (BBFC).
- Significance:
- The pre-certification (pre-cert) era refers to a time when videos were distributed without mandatory classification or censorship. This allowed for the release of many horror and exploitation films in their uncensored forms.
- The Evil Dead gained infamy during the “video nasty” moral panic in the UK, where certain films were accused of being obscene and harmful. It was one of the titles prosecuted under the Obscene Publications Act.
Collectibility
- Rarity and Value:
- The Palace Video pre-cert VHS of The Evil Dead is highly sought after by collectors due to its historical context and rarity. Copies in good condition can fetch significant sums in the collector’s market.
- Factors affecting value include the condition of the tape and cover, whether it includes original packaging, and if it has the original uncut content.
Legal and Cultural Impact
- Video Nasties List:
- The Evil Dead was among the first films to be listed as a video nasty. This led to its removal from shelves and subsequent prosecution.
- The controversy surrounding the film contributed to the tightening of video censorship laws in the UK.
- Legacy:
- Despite the controversy, or perhaps because of it, The Evil Dead gained a cult following. The pre-cert VHS release is a significant artifact for fans of the series and scholars studying the history of film censorship.
In summary, the UK pre-cert VHS of The Evil Dead from Palace Video is a piece of cinematic history that holds great value both as a collectible item and as a symbol of the debates over film censorship in the 1980s.
Cover Art by Graham Humphreys
