Synapse Films wins court case against Dark Force Entertainment for home video distribution rights for 1981 Backwoods Slasher Just Before Dawn.
“FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Federal Jury Verdict Confirms Ownership of Cult Horror Classic Just Before Dawn lies solely with Redoak
Communications; Rules Against David DeFalco/Dark Force Entertainment and Accesses Damages; Release of
Definitive 4K Restoration.
WEST PALM BEACH, FLORIDA — Following an extensive federal copyright infringement and title dispute spanning
over four years, on October 19, 2026, Redoak Communications, Inc. has achieved a total legal victory in Federal court
against David DeFalco/Dark Force Entertainment, permanently clarifying and establishing full, undisputed
ownership of the acclaimed 1981 cult horror masterpiece, Just Before Dawn. The Federal court jury determination
fully vindicates Redoak Communications, finding that David DeFalco/Dark Force Entertainment illegally, unlawfully
and without permission, asserted rights over the film and infringed upon the title’s valid copyrights. In addition to
confirming Redoak Communications as the sole legal copyright holder, the jury’s verdict requires DeFalco to pay
significant damages to Redoak Communications.
A Clean Chain of Title and a 4K Future
With all legal clouds removed and the chain of title officially secured through the Federal courts, Redoak
Communications has engaged premier boutique physical media label Synapse Films to restore the film back to its
ultimate form. After a four year wait for the courts to clear up the misguided false statements by David DeFalco,
Synapse Films has now been instructed by Redoak to begin the new 4K restoration of Just Before Dawn from the
original 35mm archived elements, which include a recently discovered internegative. The expected 2027 release will
offer horror fans the ultimate presentation of this wilderness slasher classic.”
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