THE EVIL DEAD (1981) from VHS + Season Launch

• Director: Sam Raimi
• Producer: Robert G. Tapert
• Cast: Bruce Campbell, Ellen Sandweiss, Richard DeManincor (as Hal Delrich), Betsy Baker
• 1981 | Film: 85mins | USA | Event: 20:45 – 23:10 [18+]

“THE ULTIMATE EXPERIENCE IN GRUELLING TERROR”

Whilst holidaying in the Tennessee woodlands, five innocent teenagers unwittingly unleash the spirit of the evil dead.

Join me for the launch of my sixth sensational season of Bar Trash!

VHS USA celebrates 1980s video culture, from shot-on-video ‘trashterpieces’, to legendary rentals, and screenings from vintage VHS. The new season starts with THE EVIL DEAD (1981) which we’re  showing from a rare, pre-certificate VHS tape, right out of my personal collection.

This is the legendary 1983 Palace Video release of THE EVIL DEAD that was banned and withdrawn after The Video Recordings Act 1984 which followed the ‘Video Nasties’ hysteria. The original UK home video release features 49 seconds of cuts, the same version as the BBFC’s X-rated 1982 cinema release of the film. As well as discussing the censorship of Sam Raimi’s controversial cult classic, I’ll introduce the full VHS USA film programme (January to April 2024).

Warning: THE EVIL DEAD contains graphic scenes of violence and sexual assault. Our Bar Trash VHS titles do not have subtitles or captions and may encounter technical problems during playback (we have backup discs if needed).

Bar Trash is a celebration of cult and curious cinema, hosted by queer film fanatic, Token Homo. Films served with themed drinks, introductions, intermissions, prize giveaways, and subtitles/captions (where possible). Tickets £3.