The people who have the real fun on a horror movie are the special effects crew. They get to come up with creative ways to make the kills look realistic and extra gory. Before the shoot, they are a cross between mad scientists and modern sculptures in their workshop. They know that their work is what makes or breaks a horror film. The first reason you recommend a horror film is to see something that’s just beyond description. Invaluable: The True Story of An Epic Artist gives us the story of how Special FX Artist Tom Sullivan made Evil Dead the film you had to rent. How did Sullivan open your eyes up so wide on such a low budget? The documentary comes out on Blu-ray in August. Here’s the press release from Synapse Films:
| FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Synapse Films Announces the Release of Invaluable: The True Story of an Epic Artist on Blu-ray |
| [Blu-ray]8/1 |
Invaluable: The True Story of An Epic Artist
A Documentary About Special FX Artist Tom Sullivan (The Evil Dead)
is Unleashed on Blu-ray August 1, 2023
Synapse Films announces the release of Invaluable: The True Story Of An Epic Artist, a feature-length documentary, coming to Blu-ray on August 1st.
Sculptor and artist Tom Sullivan first met director Sam Raimi, star Bruce Campbell, and producer Rob Tapert while they were all in college. The trio brought Sullivan on board as they began to make their little horror film THE EVIL DEAD.
Director Ryan Meade’s Invaluable: The True Story of an Epic Artist details the life, times, and art of Sullivan – including a unique look back at the making of THE EVIL DEAD. Using multiple film/video formats and new interviews, Meade creates an emotional tapestry and vibrant look at one of the key figures in making one of the greatest horror franchises of all time. Featuring brand-new interviews with the cast and crew of THE EVIL DEAD, including Bruce Campbell, Ted Raimi, Josh Becker, Danny Hicks, Hal Delrich, Ellen Sandweiss, Betsy Baker, and Theresa Tilly.
Special features include OTHER MEN’S CAREERS – a bonus documentary about the life of filmmaker Josh Becker; a vintage Tom Sullivan “In the Spotlight” interview (1989); an unedited interview with Tim Philo, cinematographer of THE EVIL DEAD; extended interview segments with Josh Becker; INVALUABLE promotional trailers; two Ryan Meade short films: BONG FLY & COSMOS LOCOS; BONG FLY behind-the-scenes; and SNAP SHOTS – a motion stills gallery.
“A must see for any horror fan.” – Horror Society
Invaluable: The True Story Of An Epic Artist
An In Depth Look at EVIL DEAD special FX artist TOM SULLIVAN and how he helped create EVIL DEAD with Sam Raimi and Bruce Campbell.
“A must see for any horror fan.” – Horror Society THIS IS WHERE THE STORY OF “THE EVIL DEAD” BEGINS… Sam Raimi’s 1981 film THE EVIL DEAD is a horror masterpiece that has terrified audiences for over 40 years and spawned sequels, a remake, video games, toys and even a television series. The original film’s iconic special effects and make-up were created by Tom Sullivan, a Michigan artist and sculptor who became friends with Sam Raimi, star Bruce Campbell and producer Rob Tapert when they were in college. Ryan Meade’s INVALUABLE: THE TRUE STORY OF AN EPIC ARTIST is a feature length documentary about the life and art of Tom Sullivan and his involvement with the EVIL DEAD film series. Assembled with amazing archival Super 8mm film footage, Hi8, VHS, and vintage audio tapes and photographs, it’s a unique and sentimental portrait of a man who helped make one of the greatest horror franchises of all time. Also contains amazing behind-the-scenes footage, original location visits, all-new interviews with Bruce Campbell, Ted Raimi, Josh Becker, Danny Hicks, Hal Delrich, Ellen Sandweiss, Betsy Baker, Theresa Tilly and more!
Media
Bonus Materials
- OTHER MEN’S CAREERS – A bonus documentary about the life of filmmaker Josh Becker
- Vintage Tom Sullivan “In the Spotlight” interview (1989)
- Unedited interview with Tim Philo, cinematographer of THE EVIL DEAD
- Extended interview segments with Josh Becker
- INVALUABLE Promotional Trailers
- Ryan Meade short films: BONG FLY & COSMOS LOCOS
- BONG FLY Behind-the-Scenes
- SNAP SHOTS – Motion Stills Gallery
