The Vipco Thread - Page 73

Wes · #**721** 25th October 2011, 11:07 AM

Anyone remember the Zombie Flesh Eaters controversy in the early 90's when VIPCO released the cut "uncut" version on VHS - I remember for months afterwards, Dark Side's letters column was bombarded with folks bitching about VIPCO's delicately worded notice on the back sleeve about the cuts...

Pete · #**722** 25th October 2011, 11:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wes

Anyone remember the Zombie Flesh Eaters controversy in the early 90's when VIPCO released the cut "uncut" version on VHS - I remember for months afterwards, Dark Side's letters column was bombarded with folks bitching about VIPCO's delicately worded notice on the back sleeve about the cuts...

I think that's the real reason why people hate Vipco so much.

This is what it said on the back cover:

Quote:

'Zombie Flesh Eaters' has been listed as a banned video and been unavailable since 1984. This is the original cinema version and has NOT been cut by the British Board of Film Classification for home video use. It has now been passed as suitable for persons over the age of eighteen. However, some may still consider the content to be unsuitable viewing material, and find scenes to be disturbing or offensive. IF IN DOUBT, DO NOT VIEW

Wes · #**723** 25th October 2011, 11:22 AM

That's the one Pete, many thanks....

This is the original cinema version and has NOT been cut by the British Board of Film Classification for home video use

What a spin !

Pete · #**724** 25th October 2011, 11:30 AM

They changed it slightly for the later W/S release:

Quote:

'Zombie Flesh Eaters' has been listed as a banned video and been unavailable since 1984. This is the original cinema version and has NOT been further cut by the British Board of Film Classification for home video use. It has now been passed as suitable for persons over the age of eighteen. However, some may still consider the content to be unsuitable viewing material, and find scenes to be disturbing or offensive. IF IN DOUBT, DO NOT VIEW

On the back of the Widescreen tape it claims it's the first ever fully widescreen release of a horror film!

Quote:

For the first time ever you can enjoy the full atmosphere and excitement of Lucio Fulci's classic zombie movie, ZOMBIE FLESH EATERS - shot in super wide Cinemascope and presented here in it's original screen ratio. There's never been a fully 'widescreen' version of a horror movie, let alone one previously banned! Here for the first time is ZOMBIE FLESH EATERS in all it's widescreen glory.

Wes · #**725** 25th October 2011, 11:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pete

On the back of the Widescreen tape it claims it's the first ever fully widescreen release of a horror film!

I wouldn't swear to it, but I think Brent Walker Video put out a widescreen Inseminoid back in 1980s...

Rik · #**726** 25th October 2011, 11:40 AM

I've still got that on VHS, complete with the booklet showing all the other titles. I remember all the controversy in DS over it, but at the time nobody else were releasing genre titles so we made do with them

Sometimes, dead is better

Wes · #**727** 25th October 2011, 11:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rik

I've still got that on VHS, complete with the booklet showing all the other titles. I remember all the controversy in DS over it, but at the time nobody else were releasing genre titles so we made do with them

Agreed... before VIPCO put out The Beyond on tape, the only alternative (besides finding a pre-cert or importing a Dutch copy) was the Elephant Video version which were pre-cut to allow a smooth ride through the offices of the BBFC, so Rik's point is well made... I would even say the 90's VIPCO revival paved the way for Redemption (if I have my chronology right?)

Pete · #**728** 25th October 2011, 11:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wes

I wouldn't swear to it, but I think Brent Walker Video put out a widescreen Inseminoid back in 1980s...

I think you're right. Redemption were also releasing a lot of stuff in widescreen around that time too.

Incidently, Vipco later released a W/S tape of INSEMINOID.

Pete · #**729** 25th October 2011, 11:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rik

I've still got that on VHS, complete with the booklet showing all the other titles. I remember all the controversy in DS over it, but at the time nobody else were releasing genre titles so we made do with them

Sometimes, dead is better

Mine never came with a booklet

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wes

Agreed... before VIPCO put out The Beyond on tape, the only alternative (besides finding a pre-cert or importing a Dutch copy) was the Elephant Video version which were pre-cut to allow a smooth ride through the offices of the BBFC, so Rik's point is well made... I would even say the 90's VIPCO revival paved the way for Redemption (if I have my chronology right?)

They were the only option for me as I never saw any Redemption titles in my local video shop, it was all Vipco stuff. They were my horror 'education' and introduced me to so many brilliant films - I owe my love of Italian horror to them. It's why I have such a soft spot for the company.

Wes · #**730** 25th October 2011, 11:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pete

They were my horror 'education'.

Oh absolutely... The VIPCO tape of Zombie Flesh Eaters was my jumping off point into European Cult Cinema, and life was never quite the same after that. It was was a BC / AD moment in my early film watching life...

By the way, I used to love the trailer on the ZFE tape of Psychic Killer - it was just a fantastic cut-together trailer... And Shogun Assassin has a great trailer too...