ZOMBIE FLESH EATERS UK VIPCO PRE CERT VHS VIDEO

The VIPCO (Video Instant Picture Company) pre-cert release of “Zombie Flesh Eaters” is a notable piece of home video history, especially in the context of the UK’s “video nasties” era. Here are the key points regarding this release:

1. Film Background:
   • “Zombie Flesh Eaters” is the UK title for Lucio Fulci’s 1979 film “Zombie” (originally “Zombi 2”).
   • The film gained notoriety for its graphic depictions of violence and gore, which were extreme for the time.
2. VIPCO:
   • VIPCO was a UK-based video distribution company founded by Mike Lee in the late 1970s.
   • VIPCO became infamous for distributing controversial horror films, particularly those that ended up on the “video nasties” list.
3. Pre-Cert Era:
   • The pre-certification era in the UK refers to the period before the Video Recordings Act 1984, during which videos were released without formal classification or censorship.
   • This era allowed distributors like VIPCO to release films that might not have passed the British Board of Film Classification (BBFC) standards.
4. Cover Art and Packaging:
   • The VIPCO pre-cert release of “Zombie Flesh Eaters” featured distinctive cover art designed to attract attention. This packaging typically emphasized the film’s shocking and sensational content.
   • The cover art for “Zombie Flesh Eaters” likely included graphic images and bold lettering, which contributed to its notoriety and collectible status.
5. Video Nasties List:
   • “Zombie Flesh Eaters” was one of the films that ended up on the Director of Public Prosecutions’ (DPP) list of “video nasties.”
   • The film was prosecuted under the Obscene Publications Act and was banned in the UK. It remained banned until it was later released with cuts.
6. Collectibility and Legacy:
   • The VIPCO pre-cert release of “Zombie Flesh Eaters” is highly sought after by collectors due to its rarity and historical significance.
   • These pre-cert tapes have become valuable collectibles, particularly among horror enthusiasts and those interested in the history of home video.
7. Censorship and Subsequent Releases:
   • After the Video Recordings Act 1984, “Zombie Flesh Eaters” was re-released in the UK with significant cuts to comply with BBFC regulations.
   • Over the years, the film has been released in various formats, including uncut versions on DVD and Blu-ray, reflecting changing attitudes towards film censorship.
8. Impact on Popular Culture:
   • The film, and its pre-cert release, have had a lasting impact on the horror genre and popular culture.
   • It is often cited as an influential work in the zombie sub-genre and is remembered for its groundbreaking special effects and atmospheric tension.

In summary, the VIPCO pre-cert release of “Zombie Flesh Eaters” is a significant artifact from the UK’s pre-certification era. Its association with the video nasties controversy, distinctive packaging, and rarity make it a noteworthy and collectible item in the history of horror cinema and home video.