FIRST OFF-it is nice seeing the poster I created for my book, "The Rakashi File: Fear No Evil" (BearManor media) being used here!
This outstanding television pilot was feared for many years to be a lost film. There was a fire, some years ago, in the Universal vaults, and it was thought all original materials were lost.
Some years ago, I wrote a piece on this gem for "Films In Review" (online), and felt there was so much more to be said.
I had planned writing a book on this film while working with the very impressive and talented Philip J. Riley on getting film novelization adaptions back in print from BearManor media.
The both of us contacted Universal on requesting all information in regard to the negative and IP on this title, as this movie was NEVER released on vhs, laserdisc or dvd/Bluray.
Universal responded to us both they had NO information on this film or the location of printing materials or if they existed. Filmmaker Gary Gerani ("Pumpkinhead", "Trading Paint") was working on a film documentary on composer William Goldenberg when he joined us on the book and in turn, to the delight of us all, located the "Fear No Evil" materials in the vault. After the book ("The Rakashi File: Fear No Evil"-BearManor media) was published, we decided to explore the possibility of getting this, and the sequel ("Ritual Of Evil") back in circulation. Gary had funded restoring "Ritual Of Evil"-the IP-out of pocket so we were set there.
I first contacted Robert Blair of VCI for getting the Rights but Universal wanted too high a price. Gary then contacted Frank Tarzi of Kino-Lorber who decided to release it. The dvd/Bluray was released in a restored 2k transfer with commentary by Gary himself. Actress Lynda Day George, who had in the meantime, became a friend of mine, praised the final product as beautiful.
I hope this gives a idea the road to how "Fear No Evil" & "Ritual Of Evil" found their way back to be enjoyed!
This outstanding television pilot was feared for many years to be a lost film. There was a fire, some years ago, in the Universal vaults, and it was thought all original materials were lost.
Some years ago, I wrote a piece on this gem for "Films In Review" (online), and felt there was so much more to be said.
I had planned writing a book on this film while working with the very impressive and talented Philip J. Riley on getting film novelization adaptions back in print from BearManor media.
The both of us contacted Universal on requesting all information in regard to the negative and IP on this title, as this movie was NEVER released on vhs, laserdisc or dvd/Bluray.
Universal responded to us both they had NO information on this film or the location of printing materials or if they existed. Filmmaker Gary Gerani ("Pumpkinhead", "Trading Paint") was working on a film documentary on composer William Goldenberg when he joined us on the book and in turn, to the delight of us all, located the "Fear No Evil" materials in the vault. After the book ("The Rakashi File: Fear No Evil"-BearManor media) was published, we decided to explore the possibility of getting this, and the sequel ("Ritual Of Evil") back in circulation. Gary had funded restoring "Ritual Of Evil"-the IP-out of pocket so we were set there.
I first contacted Robert Blair of VCI for getting the Rights but Universal wanted too high a price. Gary then contacted Frank Tarzi of Kino-Lorber who decided to release it. The dvd/Bluray was released in a restored 2k transfer with commentary by Gary himself. Actress Lynda Day George, who had in the meantime, became a friend of mine, praised the final product as beautiful.
I hope this gives a idea the road to how "Fear No Evil" & "Ritual Of Evil" found their way back to be enjoyed!