Friday the 13th fan owns the uncut Part VII workprint but can’t share

For die-hard fans of the horror icon Friday the 13th, there is always a holy grail: the truly uncut version of the film. Decades after the MPAA mandated significant trims to tame the graphic violence, collectors have held out hope that an unspoiled masterpiece still exists, ideally in better quality than the battered VHS clips we’ve all seen.

Well, rumor has turned into reality. A dedicated collector has recently revealed they possess rare workprint tapes from the post-production of Friday the 13th Part VII: The New Blood, material that has long been considered lost media. These aren’t just simple copies; they are artifacts offering a raw glimpse behind the curtain of filmmaking.

The treasure trove belongs to a fan known as corterax on Reddit, who uncovered two VHS workprint tapes used during the film’s creation. These tapes were reportedly handled by composer Fred Mollin, the maestro responsible for scoring the franchise.

What makes these tapes so coveted is that they contain not the final cut, but the process itself. One tape serves as a window dub, showcasing rough cuts of various reels accompanied by temporary music cues from Harry Manfredini’s earlier scores. The second reel is even more tantalizing: an early rough cut of the entire movie, complete with no finished score or sound effects.

This raw footage offers horror enthusiasts everything they have ever dreamed of: alternate takes, extended sequences, original scenes that were altered during reshoots, and the infamous uncut gore effects that fans have longed to see in high definition for nearly forty years. Among the material found are legendary moments like Robin’s original death scene and an alternative ending.

Unfortunately, while these historical documents of film production survive, they remain locked away from public view. The collector noted that they had to sign a legal agreement to prevent public screening, citing concerns over potential litigation with Paramount.

Despite the physical existence of these behind-the-scenes treasures, the workprints stay private. Yet, their mere existence confirms that the raw material for Friday the 13th Part VII remains in some form, a testament to the enduring, passionate devotion of horror fans.

The film itself, directed by John Carl Buechler, follows Tina Shepard as she returns to Crystal Lake after her father’s mysterious death. Her developing psychic powers lead her into conflict with Dr. Crews, ultimately unleashing the vengeful spirit of Jason Voorhees from the depths of the water.