There are many films that have been released on video and DVD over the years that have had a relatively high level of availability and exposure in the collector's market. Among these, however, exist a number of films that are difficult to find in their uncut form. The Severed Arm (1973) is one such example.

For synopsis, review and commentary, click HERE.

Released by Video Gems during the pioneering days of home video in 1981, The Severed Arm was the R-rated version that played theatrically during its run in the 1970s. Every subsequent VHS and DVD release, from the Congress Video and Star Classics VHS to every public domain label DVD available in the past ten years, were sourced from the television version. Cuts included brief footage removed from a scene just before the six miners were rescued and a considerable amount of gore. All of these cuts were abrupt with no attempt to cover them with music.

The Video Gems release of The Severed Arm is housed in a large clamshell case on the standard design template. The Video Gems logo across the right side of a yellow band at the top of the front cover. The image from the theatrical poster (in solarized form) stretches across from the back cover to the front cover: the main character holding out his hand and screaming in bloody horror. Two action stills are displayed on the back cover with a short synopsis. A lot of hype about the uncut nature of this version is prominently displayed on the back. It seems very fitting since this was the only time since 1973 that The Severed Arm has been available uncensored.

If the viewer is used to jump cuts and sloppy splicing that plagues the television version, then they are in for a major revelation. In one gory setpiece, blaring music plays out in full as one of the aggressor's victims swims in a pool of blood at the bottom of the stairs with his arm several feet away - then dissolves into the next scene (unlike the choppy cut to the next scene with undesirable unsynchronized sound)! The full fate of "Madman Herman" is revealed, complete with eerie music. Lingering shots of severed arms are also included.

If you are a collector of rare videotapes, The Severed Arm from Video Gems is a definite must. However, be sure to hold out for a fair price. On the other hand, such an item would be roughly 30 years old......it's time for an ambitious label to begin a search for some uncut film elements......