Mike Vraney, a pioneering entrepreneur, established Something Weird Video in 1990 in the vibrant city of Seattle, Washington. This venture was born out of his formative experiences as a theater projectionist during his teenage years. The exposure to a diverse range of films, including those that never gained mainstream popularity, kindled a deep fascination within him. He was particularly drawn to the obscure and underappreciated cinematic gems that had been relegated to the dusty shelves of film history. With a vision to share these hidden treasures with a wider audience, Vraney embarked on a mission to meticulously transfer hundreds of ancient reels of film onto VHS videotape and DVD, thereby preserving and presenting these forgotten masterpieces for a new generation of film enthusiasts.
The conception of the label was set in motion by Vraney's profound observation that a staggering number of exploitation and sexploitation films, dating back to the 1920s and spanning nearly seven decades, remained undiscovered. This epiphany served as the catalyst for his ambitious undertaking, which commenced with the procurement of a substantial collection of 16 mm girlie arcade loops.
It was during this pivotal period that Vraney received a most unexpected phone call from none other than the illustrious and renowned sexploitation filmmaker, Dave Friedman, a call that would mark the beginning of a long and enduring friendship between the two individuals.
Mike Vraney, a prominent figure in the world of Something Weird Video, met his untimely demise on January 2, 2014, succumbing to a prolonged and arduous struggle with lung cancer.
In the aftermath of his passing, his widow, Lisa Petrucci, stepped forward to assume the reins of leadership at Something Weird Video, thereby guaranteeing the company's continued prosperity and growth.
Under Lisa's guidance, the organization has not only persevered but has also thrived, a testament to her unwavering dedication and commitment to the legacy of her late husband.
Lisa Petrucci's remarkable leadership has been instrumental in ensuring the continued success of Something Weird Video, a company that has long been synonymous with its unique and eclectic approach to film preservation and distribution.
As a result, the company's rich cultural heritage and vast library of cinematic treasures continue to be safeguarded and shared with new generations of film enthusiasts, a true tribute to the tireless efforts of Mike Vraney and his widow, Lisa Petrucci.
