Practical-effects horror anthology arrives on Blu-ray and DVD Oct. 31; pre-orders open now
Big Damn Films Will Plant a Tree for Every Copy of Arbor Day: The Root of Evil Sold
MAYS LANDING, N.J., Sept. 16, 2026 -- Independent studio Big Damn Films will plant a tree through the Arbor Day Foundation for every Blu-ray and DVD of its practical-effects horror anthology Arbor Day: The Root of Evil sold through the company's online store. Pre-orders open today and close Oct. 23 at 11:59 p.m., with both editions shipping Oct. 31 — putting The Arborist in living rooms in time for Halloween.
The pledge is the first step toward the company's goal of planting one million trees, one horror film at a time.
"From the beginning, we wanted Arbor Day: The Root of Evil to be more than a movie," said Michael Jayne, co-owner of Big Damn Films and the film's writer/director. "The roadshow lets us bring the movie to audiences. The disc lets people take a piece of it home. And every copy puts something back into the forest."
Two editions
The Blu-ray ($20) carries an exclusive cover commissioned from Chris Butler Designs, the artist behind officially licensed artwork for Terrifier, Terrifier 2, Terrifier 3 and Late Night with the Devil. The DVD ($15) features the film's original retro theatrical poster art.
Both editions include:
Two audio commentaries with the Big Damn Podcast crew and the film's segment directors
Making The Arborist, a behind-the-scenes look at the practical makeup effects
SModcastle premiere and roadshow Q&A footage
A roadshow photo gallery
A "Special Thanks" scroll honoring VIP attendees from the SModcastle premiere
An exclusive first look at John Johnson's RIFTERS and Big Damn Films productions planned for 2027 and 2028
The Blu-ray adds:
That Final Kill, a Blu-ray-exclusive documentary on the practical effects, production and history behind one of the film's biggest moments
1 Million Trees, a Blu-ray-exclusive featurette on the tree-planting campaign
1080p high-definition presentation and lossless 5.1 surround sound
About the film
Each Arbor Day, a New Jersey campground shuts its gates as locals whisper about disappearances and eerie sightings in the woods. When a curious visitor hears five chilling tales of the deadly force stalking the trees, she learns some legends are true.
Arbor Day: The Root of Evil is a blood-soaked love letter to 1980s slasher cinema and practical monster effects, built from the ground up by an independent filmmaking team.
"I watched audiences react to these kills in a packed room, and now that same cut is going on people's shelves," said Logan Liskovec, co-owner of Big Damn Films and star of the film. "Every effect in it was built, worn or bled on by somebody in this crew. If buying it also puts a tree in the ground, even better."
Specifications and availability
Runtime: 79 Min | Rating: UNRATED
Both editions are available exclusively through the Big Damn Films store at bigdamnentertainment.com/store/arbor-day-the-root-of-evil. The tree-planting pledge applies to direct store purchases only.
Press assets
Cover art, stills and production photos: PRESS KIT
Screeners available to credentialed press on request.
About Big Damn Films
Big Damn Films, a division of Big Damn Entertainment LLC, is an independent production and distribution company based in Mays Landing, New Jersey, founded by Michael Jayne and Logan Liskovec. The company focuses on genre-defying cinema, particularly horror and science fiction, with an emphasis on practical filmmaking, direct-to-fan distribution, physical media and creator-led audience engagement.
Media Contact
Michael Jayne
Big Damn Films
bigdamnfilms@gmail.com
https://www.bigdamnentertainment.com/
@bigdamnfilms | @thearbordaymovie
