The world of horror cinema has a new treasure trove of lost media, and it's a thrilling find for fans of the iconic slasher franchise, Friday the 13th. A dedicated collector, known as corterax on Reddit, has stumbled upon a trove of rare VHS workprint tapes belonging to the uncut version of Friday the 13th Part VII: The New Blood. This discovery is a dream come true for enthusiasts who have longed to witness the raw, unedited version of the film, which was heavily trimmed by the MPAA due to its graphic violence.
The tapes, once owned by composer Fred Mollin, offer a behind-the-scenes glimpse into the film's post-production process. One tape, dubbed a 'window dub', showcases rough cuts of various reels, accompanied by temporary music cues from Harry Manfredini's scores for earlier Friday the 13th installments. The other tape is even more intriguing, presenting an early, unscored rough cut of the entire movie, devoid of any completed sound effects. This version promises to reveal alternate takes, extended scenes, and the infamous uncut gore effects that were trimmed from the final release.
Among the treasures on these tapes are the original death scene of Robin and an alternate ending, which have been eagerly awaited by fans for nearly four decades. However, the collector is bound by a non-disclosure agreement, preventing them from sharing the footage publicly. This agreement was likely imposed by Paramount, who could take legal action if the contents are made public.
Friday the 13th Part VII: The New Blood, directed by John Carl Buechler, has always been a subject of fascination for fans, especially regarding the director's original vision. The film's original concept featured elaborate makeup effects created by Buechler and his team, but the MPAA's cuts significantly toned down the on-screen gore. The existence of these workprints confirms that the original, uncut material still exists, even if it remains hidden from public view.
This discovery raises an intriguing question: what other lost media might be out there, waiting to be uncovered? The horror genre, in particular, is ripe with potential hidden gems, and the dedication of collectors and fans alike ensures that these treasures will eventually see the light of day. As for the uncut version of Friday the 13th Part VII: The New Blood, it remains a tantalizing 'what if' for fans, who can only speculate about the impact it could have had on the franchise's legacy.
