If you’re a horror movie fan from Michigan, you’re most likely a massive Evil Dead fan. If you’re a massive Evil Dead fan, you most likely follow not just the prominent names like Sam Raimi or Bruce Campbell but their other pals like Scott Spiegel or Josh Becker. If you dig a little deeper, the name Tom Sullivan will stand out, and you realize he’s just as important to the equation as the rest. Sullivan was responsible for the special effects and stop-motion animation that helped to make it so memorable. Ryan Meade’s Invaluable: The True Story of an Epic Artist (2014) is a must-see, and Synapse Films has just released it on Blu-ray.
Invaluable: The True Story of an Epic Artist tells Sullivan’s story from childhood to adulthood, to meeting Sam Raimi and the crew and their epic journey to making a horror classic. The whole gang contributes to interviews, including Bruce Campbell, Josh Becker, Ted Raimi, Rob Tapert, and many more. The only person missing is Sam Raimi, but there are some archival audio interviews with him praising Sullivan for his countless contributions to the film.
They tour many filming locations from the original Evil Dead, and Sullivan explains how many of the effects were achieved. Much of the film is light-hearted and informative but takes a dark and emotional turn during the final moments. Maybe Invaluable: The True Story of an Epic Artist is a niche film that only appeals to a select group of people. However, that select group is a rabid fanbase that will walk the ends of the Earth for their fandom. It’s a wonderfully fun, informative, and moving documentary, and Synapse treats it with the same respect as a film like Suspiria.
The disc is loaded with special features like extended or unedited interviews with Tom Sullivan and Tim Philo (cinematographer on The Evil Dead), Ryan Meade’s short films Bong Fly and Cosmos Locos, a behind-the-scenes look at Bong Fly, a still gallery, trailers, and more. For me, the best bonus on this disc is the inclusion of a second documentary, Other Men’s Careers, that focuses on Josh Becker.
Becker has directed Thou Shalt Not Kill….Except, Alien Apocalypse, Running Time, and several episodes of Hercules: The Legendary Journeys, Xena: Warrior Princess, and Jack of All Trades. This doc looks at his life and career, much like Invaluable: The True Story of an Epic Artist does, but Becker is the complete opposite of Sullivan. Many of the same people also show up in this feature. As much fun as the film is, it also has a dark, tragic side.
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This disc is a must-own, and I loved everything about it. Maybe I’m a bit biased since I’m from Michigan, and these guys have been heroes of mine since I was a teenager (I’m in my forties now). Plus, I have spoken to Becker several times, researching my book Sheldon Lettich: From Vietnam to Van Damme. I found him to be a fascinating character, which shines through in the film. Sheldon Lettich (Lionheart) also appears in the documentary since he and Josh Becker are longtime friends. I’ve grown to know Lettich and his wife, so it was a real pleasure seeing him speak about Becker.
Tom Sullivan was and is Invaluable to the legacy of The Evil Dead. If you get the chance to meet him and see his Evil Dead museum, with which he travels to conventions, don’t miss out. He’s a real gentleman and a talented artist who certainly deserves this loving tribute.
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 is a must-see for Evil Dead fans, and it's now Blu-ray. Here's our review!){kind=link}