All cuts waived for the 2002 Anchor Bay DVD release.

The cinema release and the pre-VRA video were also uncut.

• One cut during the scene where Michael dunks a nurse into a boiling Jacuzzi. The final two thrusts under the water have been removed, a close up of her burnt face and then Michael throwing her naked body to the floor.

The latest widescreen version submitted in 2002 seems to be pre-cut. It is missing most of the gore! (the bit in the hospital where the bloke gets his face pulled apart and the insects crawling out of that woman's mouth after she fiddled with the badge are all missing)

2:06s pre-cut

• One scene that seems to come and go depending upon the version is a  close up of a woman's face who's just been blasted in the mouth by an blue energy beam. The next thing we see is a bug crawling out of a large hole in her rather molten looking face. Other versions fade to black before the camera can close in on her face.
• The love scene between the two main characters has been slightly trimmed
• When the old man is killed in the junkyard, you loose the footage of his head being pulled off and the resultant fountain of blood.
• In the scene were the robot man attacks the woman in the laborotory, he reaches for a drill, it starts to spin and in the video version it cuts off. In a showing on Sky we see a shot of the woman being drilled with the head obscured by a hospital trolley, but you can hear the sound of her being drilled and see her legs shaking.
• There are missing scenes during the death of Harry Grimbridge, these are three shots of the assassins fingers in his eyes, the wrenching of the skull and his feet thrashing about.

The film has been shown nearly uncut on BBC1 (with the exception of the removal of one 'Fuck Off').

• Halloween 5 - The Revenge Of Michael Myers

Not cut by the BBFC but US cuts are reported on imdb

Two shots of a naked woman being whipped by a female demon have vanished

The hat pin cut was restored for the 2002 release,

The cinema release from 1971 and this Rank release from 1986 suffered a cut to remove a hat pin in a woman's eye.

Note that for an R rating in the US the murders of Long Liz and the housemaid were trimmed, notably the second stab wound on the latter. I do not know whether the UK release is based upon this cut US release.

Submitted in 2007. 1:15s cut by the BBFC with the following comment: Cuts for category were required to remove explicit sexual detail not permitted in 18 sex works (specifically oral-genital contact). A Compulsory cut was also required to remove sight of breath restriction caused by a woman's nose being pinched during oral penetration by dildo.

The other 73:39s were pre-cut by the distributor as the uncut R18 version runs for 161:46s

The BBFC passed a pre-cut cinema version of the film 15 in 2008 with the following explanation:

THE HAPPENING is a thriller about a couple and a young girl trying to escape a mysterious toxin causing people to commit suicide and murder. The work was passed '15' for frequent images of suicide and moderate bloody injury.

Besides references to terrorism, and a sustained menace from an unseen and uncontrollable threat, the film also features a series of suicides by different methods, including a policeman shooting himself with sight of blood trickling from a bullet wound in his head, sight of another man lying in a pool of blood having shot himself off-screen, a jump moment where several bodies are seen hanging from trees, a scene where a man slits his wrist at a small distance and another scene where two young teenage boys are shot. In each case sight of blood and injury is fairly brief. However the treatment of the suicide theme and the frequency and nature of the injury detail went beyond the bounds of a '12A', but met the BBFC's '15' Guidelines which allow 'strong threat and menace', and state that 'no theme is prohibited, provided that treatment is appropriate for 15 year olds', 'violence may be strong but not dwell on the infliction of pain or injury' and 'dangerous techniques (e.g. combat, hanging, suicide, and self-harming) should not dwell on imitable detail'.

The work also contains moderate language including uses of 'bitch'.

Thanks to Christian: Euro Cut

M. Night Shyamalan has stated in an interview with a German news magazine that the German version has been cut losing shots of:

• the needle piercing the throat during the suicide at the beginning
• a man having his arm bitten off by lions
• a man dying under a lawnmower

Some of these shots do turn up in the Red Band trailer and I strongly suspect that these aren't the only shots that were cut, due to the erratic editing other viewers already mentioned.

You can probably imagine that I was a bit pissed off when I realised that the English-language version of The Happening I was watching was missing the same shots that I knew had been edited out of the German version.

This suggests that this may indeed not be a matter of national censorship but that 20th Century Fox might well have created a Euro-cut and is hoping to cash in on an Unrated Director's Cut DVD later on.

Same version for cinema and 1996 video.

• Cut for strong language

All cuts waived when submitted in 2001. So the DVD will be uncut.

Cut by 5s when submitted in for video including 3s cut for cinema release

An informer (Little Ko) is badly beaten up by a killer.

1. We do not get to see a karate chop to the chest
2. A side kick in the rib cage
3. Ko's head being flung against steel pole railings

Cut when submitted in 2008 with the following BBFC comment: Distributor chose to remove two sequences of clearly unsimulated sexual activity (in this case oral-genital contact during cunnilingus) to secure an 18 certificate. An R18 without cuts was available.

Not cut by the BBFC but it had previously suffered at the hands of the US MPAA.  As outlined at www.imdb.com

• The Director's Cut version is 116 minutes long, including about 20 minutes of graphic footage originally removed to avoid an NC-17 rating. Scenes Included in the 116min Directors Cut Include:
  • Additional dialog at the beginning where Van Cleef tels Lopaki (the guy with the arrows) that he shoots like a buffoon and next time he will charge him double.
  • The ear cutting scene is intact.
  • A three minute scene of dialog between Natasha and Chance which takes place in Chance's apartment. She is patching him up after the beating he got while looking for dog tag, he puts the moves on her, she leaves then comes back saying she has changed her mind. A still from this scene appears on the liftout that comes with the American DVD release.
  • While Fouchon is playing the piano there are several shoots of news or documentary footage showing elephants, deer etc being shot down by hunters. This is probably the most disturbing scene in the film.
  • Before Fouchon drops the letter opener on the floor at the coroners house he has additional dialog that describes what happens when a hunter dies in Africa.
  • When Roper dies he is shot then gets up and is then hit with another volley of bullets.
  • When Chance and Natasha firt meet up with Douvee and Chance jump around and start singing before Chance introduces Natasha.
  • Most of the deaths in the Mardi Gras Graveyard are longer and juicier (people being shot 30 times instead of 10 etc)
  • In the directors cut the final fight between Chance and Fouchon (in which Chance utters the line "Hunting Season Is Over") is missing. Instead Chance does the runnup as Fouchon shoots, kicks him into the garbage pile, throws the grenade and Fouchon is blown up.

• Seven Year Storm

A wide screen version was submitted in 1999. No cuts mentioned by the BBFC and the running time seems to have been extended by 13s it appears that the cuts have been restored for DVD

Shown uncut on Channel 5 in June 2006 adding weight to the fact that this version is uncut.

From Greg: German DVD version

I recently bought the German DVD with English language etc.
This film is a complete travesty. All scenes featuring violence are cut, even some dialog, making the film totally unwatchable, I recommend your readers avoid this at all costs.

From Christian, April 2008: German 16 vs 18

There are two versions of that DVD, one rated 16, which I guess must be the one he saw, and a completely uncut one, which is rated 18. As this version is on the "Index" (A list of media considered particularly harmful to minors), it would not be on open display in most shops, but it does exist and is freely available to adults.

Same cuts apply to the Warner's Pan & Scan video release of 1990 and to the cinema version.

• In the fight at the pool table Mason Storm (Steven Seagal) stabs one of the villains in the neck with a poker cue and then kicks him in the head, but the kick is cut in the UK version.
• When Seagal finds Senator Trent (William Sadler) in the wardrobe, he shoves a shotgun in the senators mouth with bloody results and then leads the senator downstairs. However in the UK video, the sequence in the wardrobe is cut.

Both the Braveworld video of 1989 and the Hollywood DVD of 2003 suffered the same 12s of BBFC cuts.

• Fiona
• Frankly Fiona

Cuts waived when resubmitted in 1997 by Blue Dolphin

Cuts waived when resubmitted in 2003

The uncut region 2 DVD is available at UK Amazon

Thanks to bleach on the Melon Farmers Forum

Both the cinema and the video version from 1992 suffered the same cuts:

• At 8 mins - In pool room fight between Don Johnson and Indian, shots of the latter swivelling a butterfly knife were removed.

• Hated
• Hated: The GG Allin Story

Cut when submitted in 1998

Documentary about a controversial punk performer.

• Someone inserts a carrot into GG Allin's arse and then seemingly eats it. Not to the censor's taste though
• A photo is shown of some guy fellating GG Allin but not in the UK version
• A woman urinates in GG Allin's mouth but yet again not to UK tastes.
• During a show GG Allin squats and shits. The gesture was not appreciated by the BBFC

The uncut region 0 DVD is available at US Amazon

Cut in 2006 with the following BBFC comment: The cuts were Cuts for Category. Distributor chose to cut sight of clearly unsimulated sexual activity (in this case vaginal dildo penetration) to achieve an '18' certificate. An R18 uncut was available to the distributor.

The same BBFC cuts apply to the cinema release of 1988 and also the video releases of 1989 and 1996. The cuts made in the cinema release add up to 18s though).

Cut in 2006 with the following BBFC comment: Cuts for the requested 18 category required to remove explicit sexual detail (cunnilingus and female masturbation) in the context of a sex work. An R18 uncut was available to the distributor.

A scene showing a technique for breaking into a car has been removed.

The 18 rated 2008 HD-DVD version is uncut.

The uncut HD-DVD is available via UK Amazon for release on 4th February 2008

The 2007 cinema release and the 15 rated 2008 DVD versions were cut according to the following BBFC comment: Distributor chose to remove strong visual sex reference, sight of donkey's erect penis in close proximity to woman, to achieve a 15 classification. An 18 uncut was available to the distributor. The distributor chose to cover up the donkey’s erection with a black rectangle on screen.

The BBFC explained further:

THE HEARTBREAK KID is a mix of screwball, farce and sex comedy. It was passed '15' for very strong language and sex references. BBFC Guidelines on language at '15' state that "the strongest terms (eg 'cunt') will only be acceptable where justified by the context". In the context of this film, that is by a woman, in pain, to a man and with obvious comic intent it was felt that the word could be passed at that level. The Guidelines for sex at the same category state that "Sexual activity may be portrayed but without strong detail. There may be strong verbal references to sexual behaviour". The film contains several scenes that portray strong sex play, including sado masochistic acts and bestiality, but all presented in a comic way that avoids strong detail.

THE HEARTBREAK KID also contains hard and soft drug use, again with an obvious comic intent. The film as a whole does not promote drug use, in line with BBFC Guidelines on drug use in films aimed at fifteen year olds and above.

Cut in 2006 with the following BBFC comment: The cuts were Cuts for Category. Distributor chose to cut shots of clearly unsimulated sexual activity - masturbation and dildo penetration of vagina - to gain an '18' classification. An 'R18' without cuts was available to the distributor

Virgin Video version

36s restored from previous video version

Same cut versions for cinema and video

1. Le Ly's (Hiep Thi Le) torture scene loses 3s of head jerking from electric shock and the interrogator's knife threat; "Think about what this can do to your body". Also cut is the dialogue; "How will your baby like you with no nipples or maybe I could cut some skin off your ass and make some sandals".
2. Still suffering Le Ly's feet are coated with honey so as to attract ants. A 9s shot of her bleeding feet has been deleted.
3. Not letting up, Le Ly has snakes let loose amongst her clothing, 11s of Le Ly begging for mercy has been cut.
4. Le Ly next gets raped but this has been reduced to virtually nothing by the removal of 19s of nudity and views of the attacker.

34:54s unofficial pre-cuts

• Slaughterhouse Rock

Cut in 2006 with the following BBFC comment: The cuts were Cuts for Category. Company chose to remove an explicit sexual image (still photo of a woman with semen dripping from her chin and man's penis against her mouth) in order to achieve a 12 classification. An R18 without cuts was available

The uncut region 1 DVD is available at US Amazon

• Clive Barker's Hellraiser

The cuts were waived when resubmitted in 1998.

The uncut region 2 DVD box set is available at UK Amazon

There are also MPAA cuts but it seems that Barker was happy with the result after these cuts and the current version is his preferred cut. (Possibly after a test screening suggested that the audience proved hostile to the Cenobite carnage during the assault on Kirsty's room ).

Review from imdb: Dark Masterpiece

Hellraiser  is a dark masterpiece from the twisted world of Clive Barker. Based upon his novel The Hellbound Heart, Barker takes us on a trip where people desperate for kicks search out for the ultimate thrill. A sleaze ball named Frank manages to get his oily mitts upon a gaudy looking Rubik's cube that he bought at a bizarre bazaar from a greasy moth eating merchant. Frank (never the sharpest tool in the drawer) gets more than he bargain for when he some how manages to open it up.

A great horror flick that'll send legit chills up your spine. This film not only marks Clive Barker's feature length debut but it introduces the world (and pop culture) to Pinhead! If you don't know by now Pinhead is the coldest and coolest fiend to ever come across the screen in years. He only has an an extended cameo in this one but he'll be back in the latter films. I highly recommend this horror classic.

Just one brief cut to the 1988 video release. Julia's (Claire Higgins) first victim pleads "please please" as she hits him with a hammer, but not in the UK release.

The same cuts apply to the 1991 VCI release

• Hellbound: Hellraiser 2

Extended version with all cuts waived when submitted in 2004

The uncut region 2 DVD box set is available at UK Amazon

The UK adopted the US R rated version for cinema release which is cut as follows:

• The opening replay of Frank's (Sean Chapman's) final moments from Hellraiser (11s worth) has been replaced by a close-up of Pinhead saying We'll tear your soul apart.
• The creation of Pinhead loses 7 shots totalling 6s. ie 2 shots of hooks digging into the flesh, 4 shots of a razor slitting his scalp and a shot of the final nail being driven deep into his skull.
• 55s has been deleted from Julia's (Claire Higgins') resurrection; 35s of razor slits, 16s of the victim crawling across the floor and 4s of Julia feeding from the victim's neck.
• The transformation of Channard (Kenneth Cranham) into a cenobite suffers; a 2s loss of an injection of needles, 3s of cheese wire digging into his skin and 4s of a thing forcing its way into his mouth.
• Kirsty's (Ashley Laurence's) encounter with Frank 2 cuts totalling 6s of Frank peeling the skin off his face and a 1s close-up of Julia's hand entering his back to rip his heart out.
• Channard's hospital visit has a 1s cut showing a knife jamming itself into a patients forehead
• Channard's battle with the Cenobites loses 3s of a female cenobite's spear wound in the throat and 8s of Pinhead having his throat cut.
• The climatic scene of Channard's death has 2 cuts totalling 3s, ie a shot of his head being torn in half and his body spurting blood.

From a different source, additional cuts are described

• The maggot-slicing scene on the bed is heavily cut, all slicing is eliminated
• All of Tiffany's hallucinations are cut somewhat

The BBFC then imposed further cuts of 7s for the video release.

The video version loses 2s of a hand being severed in Channard's hospital visit scene.

The Unrated US version is available on the New World label.

Furthermore there is a dream scene in hell that is only available on Laserdisc and that runs 1 min. 41 seconds

Sky showed the completely uncut version of Hellbound, May 2003, on Sky 1. It had the razor scenes in it and all other cuts were restored.  Same as the US unrated version. Either they didn't know what they were screening or they have more balls than Channel 4 which showed a totally butchered version last year.

Passed uncut for cinema in 2003

27s cut by the BBFC and 21s by the distributor

For the forthcoming DVD release, the minor cut to the murder of the TV salesman has been waived. In addition, many of the cuts previously made to the camcorder sequence have been removed, including the re-editing of this scene. Whereas the scene was cut by 24 seconds on film and by a total of 1 minute 11 seconds (plus reordering) on video, it has now been cut by only 10 seconds in all to remove the sexualised image of the woman victim's breasts being mauled. The opening sequence showing the female corpse on the toilet, has, however, once again been deleted as per the previous UK film and video releases.

However, the story is not quite that simple. The BBFC only insisted on 27 seconds of cuts (comprising 10 seconds from the camcorder sequence and 17 seconds from the 'corpse on toilet' scene), but an additional 21 seconds of cuts were in fact made by the distributor. The reason for this lies in the corpse on toilet shot. As stated above, this entire scene was cut from the previous film and video releases. On this occasion, however, the Board agreed that the beginning of the scene could be left in, showing the camera panning across the room to reveal the corpse on the toilet. The scene could then be cut after the corpse is revealed to remove only the zoom into and pan down the woman's blood stained body. However, the distributor chose to remove the entire sequence as per the previous film and video releases, rather than merely edit out the last part of the scene. That is unfortunate in one sense but it is, of course, their choice. In fact, they have probably decided to do it this way because the cut looks too obvious if made in the way we directed, whereas by removing the whole sequence what could have looked rather clumsy actually runs smoothly.

The US version on MPI Home Video is uncut as are the video versions from Germany & the Netherlands.

Henry was originally submitted for cinema release in 1991:

• one sequence near the beginning, totalling 38 seconds, had been voluntarily removed by the film's distributor. This showed the corpse of one of Henry's victims seated on a lavatory with her breast exposed and a broken bottle protruding from her blood streaked face and neck.
• The BBFC required  24 seconds of further cuts. These additional cuts were made to the 'camcorder' sequence. Cuts were made to remove the movement of the killer's hand to the female victim's pubic area and to reduce to a minimum the mauling of her breasts before and after she is killed. In total 1 minute 2 seconds were deleted from the film (including the pre-cut).

For its much delayed 1993 video release, the BBFC maintained all the cuts made for the cinema release, but also required a number of additional cuts:

• A minor cut of 4 seconds was required for video to the killing of the TV warehouse man. A cut was made after the flex was wrapped round his throat to reduce the number of stabbings with the soldering iron, and resuming on shots of Henry's face.
• More significantly, however, additional alterations were required to the camcorder sequence, which had already been cut by 24 seconds for cinema release. Not only were further cuts totalling 47 seconds made to remove violent details of the scene, particularly the on-screen killings of the mother and son, but the sequence of the scene was also notoriously reordered at James Ferman's insistence. James Ferman insisted that part of the concluding reaction shot of Henry and Otis on the sofa should be inserted earlier in the 'camcorder' scene. This was intended to interrupt any 'masturbatory potential'.

In total, an additional 51 seconds of cuts were made for video release, bringing the total cuts, including original film cuts, up to 1 minute 53 seconds.

One cut was waived when resubmitted in 2003. The BBFC still cut 0s with the following statement: Distributor required to cut sight and sound of a wrist break, head butt and double ear clap for 12

• Highlander II: Renegade Version

Same cuts to cinema and video version of 1991. Cut to obtain a 15 rating

From IMDb

• Remove shots of a nude woman being attacked by thugs
• Reduce scenes of bloodied faces during the tube train sequence.

The film was substantially edited down for non-contentious pacing reasons. A directors cut, ie Renegade Version, restored these edits

The uncut region 1 Renegade Version is available at US Amazon

Review from Amazon US: Confusing

My what a confusing film this is! What happened to the concept of the valliant poet warrior introduced in 'Highlander' and why, or better put how has Ramirez returned, head intact? Even worse, what's all this silliness about the alien nature of the Immortals and their home planet Ziest? ABSURD! (I haven't even mentioned that the original film didn't leave an opening for a sequel. MacLeod was the last Immortal left and the prophecy was fulfilled. Well, so much for plot accuracy).

• Highlander III
• Highlander 3: The Final Conflict
• Highlander: The Final Dimension

Cut by the BBFC for video in 1995. Cut o achieve a 15 rating

• When Kane visits the prostitute the UK version ends as she climbs onto the bed, the uncut version has her handing Kane a condom which he chews and spits out before forcing himself upon her.
• Also the love scene between Macleod and Deborah Unger's character has them fully clothed throughout, footage which begins with Macleod removing all her clothing and then an extended sex scene has been removed from the UK video release.

The uncut region 1 DVD is available at US Amazon

Review from IMDb

This is definitely more of a sequel than Highlander 2: The Quickening was. With respect to the first Highlander this film actually follows it pretty well. It's funny though because it totally disregards the existence of Highlander 2. In Highlander 2 they show Brenda Wyatt (the main girl in the first Highlander film) dying from the effects of a depleted ozone layer, but in this film they mention that she was killed in a car accident. Anyhow, if you pretend that Highlander 2 doesn't exist, this actually makes a good deal of sense with regard to the original Highlander. The only qualm I have with the film is how could Connor MacLeod think he has "the prize" when there are still 3 more immortals out there? That doesn't really seem to make sense, but maybe some die-hard Highlander fan can explain it to me.

Anyhow, all in all, I thought this was a really good film. I loved all the actors, Christopher Lambert does a great job as Connor MacLeod as always and I was really impressed with Mario Van Peebles, he did a fantastic job, and looked really menacing throughout the film. Deborah Unger was a nice addition, she's definitely a looker, and not a bad actor either.

The story was pretty good, but it's nothing terribly complicated. The special effects are very nicely done.

• Wes Craven's The Hills Have Eyes

All BBFC cuts waived when resubmitted in 2003

A comment in imdb suggests that the US & UK Anchor Bay DVD is uncut but it seems likely that they are both the original cut R rated version. No mentions of any versions restoring any of the material lost in the original US film release.

The region 2 DVD is available at UK Amazon

Amazon Review: Essential Classics

Hills Have Eyes is up there with other essential classics such as Texas Chainsaw Massacre and Halloween etc. Michael Berryman gives one of the most memorable performances ever in horror history, needing no make-up or special effects to enhance his terrifying but rather cool facial features. What's so good about Hills Have Eyes is how well it portrays primitive savagery without resorting to visceral and pointless violence like Last House On The Left and I Spit On Your Grave does. The Hills Have Eyes is truly a landmark in horror and deserves it's place as a cult classic. Worthy of anyone's horror collection.

The previous BBFC cuts were waived but a further cut was required

• Mmissing a brief shot of Mars sticking his gun (which fails to fire) in Brenda's mouth.

• The sight of a man's ankle after mauling by a dog has been removed.
• The sight of a man being repeatedly stabbedat the end of the film was deleted

Cuts were previously made to achieve an R rating in the States. These seem to include:

• A shot of a gutted dog was deleted
• Cuts seem to have been made to a scene showing Bob's decapitated head. This affects the coherency of Papa Jupiter's speech.

The uncut version was submitted for DVD in 2007 and was duly passed uncut at 18

The uncut region 1 DVD is available at US Amazon
The uncut region 2 DVD is available at UK Amazon

Review from UK Amazon: FAR better than we expected

The remake of this classic psychological horror thriller turned out to be FAR better than we expected. Hitcher (2007) is a good film in its own right; you don't need to refer back to the original or compare the two to get a buzz out of watching the new interpretation.

The theme is the same. A nice young couple stop to help a stranger on a deserted highway, and from that moment on their uneventful, suburban, kids-in-college lives unravel at an horrific pace. Sean Bean play The Hitcher himself with studied menace (and a fair approximation of an American accent). The film clips along at a fair pace -- it is more heavily action-oriented than the old version, and deals out stunning car chase sequences, bloody violence and an understated continual threat of even worse violence to come, all against the magnificent backdrop of the New Mexico landscape.

The 2007 cinema release was originally awarded an uncut 18 certificate. The decision was rapidly reviewed when the distributors took advice, made a few cuts and resubmitted the film.

The BBFC commented:

Following advice by the BBFC the distributor elected to make minor cuts to the strongest moments of violence in order to achieve the required '15' certificate.

And from the 2007 BBFC Annual Report:

Two scenes – one in which blood pumped at some length from the wound of a dying man and another in which blood sprayed from a man whose throat had been fatally cut – fitted the Guideline description of ‘the strongest gory images’ and as such ‘unlikely to be acceptable’ at ‘15’. The distributor wanted a ‘15’ classification and so opted to remove the focus on sadism and copious bloodshed in the wake of wounds in both sequences to secure a ‘15’ classification.

Hindi, widescreen

The DVD was submitted in 2008 and is noted by the BBFC as the extended version, presumably the uncut unrated version. Sold as the 'Extreme Edition'

The uncut region 2 DVD is available at UK Amazon

Review from UK Amazon:

It's not very often you can come away from watching a game-movie and think "well that was pretty damn good!" but this here is one where I did. I'm a pretty big fan of the Hitman games with Blood Money being one of my favourites of all time and when I first heard that Timothy Olyphant had been chosen to play the notorious anti-hero Agent 47, I had pretty much written the film off completely as I really didn't think he fit the part well at all. I've now watched the film after a friend's strong recommendation and have been proved completely wrong by this casting decision as I now think there would be no one better for the role. The character is confident and has no feelings, just like in the games and Olyphant pulls this off perfectly. Dougray Scott also plays an excellent part in his role as the Interpol agent, in fact this is one of the best performances I've ever seen him in.

For once the film sticks close to the style of the games and doesn't try and change anything that didn't need changing. The story isn't too complicated and doesn't require much thinking, which is what you'd expect from this kind of movie. The action is pretty much non stop and there are some really impressive fight scenes all the way through, so there is never a dull moment. Basically, if you take this movie for what it is, it is a very fun, very enjoyable film that is entertaining from start to finish and it actually surprised me at how good it is.

The BBFC passed it uncut with the following comment:

HITMAN is an action thriller about a Hitman being pursued by Interpol and the Russian Military.

The film was classified '15' for frequent strong and bloody violence, strong language and breast nudity. BBFC Guidelines state that "violence may be strong but may not dwell on infliction of pain or injury." The violence in the film is swiftly executed as the Hitman performs his job or defends himself against attackers and does not dwell or focus on the infliction of injuries. Blood spurts onto characters' faces from bullet impacts, and the film only occasionally and briefly shows a bullet impact to body. It was considered that the film's action fell within 15 Guidelines.

The film also contains strong language, and breast nudity in a mild sexual context when Nika tries to seduce the Hitman.

There's a good comparison of the US toned down version with the US unrated version at www.schnittberichte.com. It is German language but plenty of stills showing the differences

• After the Hole
• Secluded Empty Space

From imdb

The film was cut by the distributor to qualify for a "15" rating in the UK. The cuts include the re-dubbing of the word 'cunt'. Ironically, the 'deleted scenes' section on the UK DVD release is rated '18', therefore earning the DVD an '18' overall, even though the film is only a '15'. The same version of the film was released worldwide, so an uncut version/director's cut DVD sadly isn't available anywhere.

It has been suggested that the Dutch release is uncut.

• Mo chun jie

A shot of blood trickling over naked breasts has been removed

Cut in 2006 with the following BBFC comment:
The cuts were Cuts for Category. Company chose to remove sexual detail (in this case, sight of clearly unsimulated masturbation) to gain an 18 classification,

Cut in 2006 with the following BBFC comment: The cuts were Cuts for Category. Company chose to remove sight of liquid resembling semen on woman's face in order to achieve an 18 classification

Cut in 2006 with the following BBFC comment: The cuts were Cuts for Category. Distributor chose to cut shots of clearly unsimulated sexual activity (vaginal penetration by vibrator) to gain an 18 classification. An R18 without cuts was available to the distributor.

Cut in 2006 with the following BBFC comment: The cuts were Compulsory. Distributor was required to remove scene where woman strips in a UK garden which can be overlooked

Cut in 2007 with the following BBFC comment: Distributor chose to cut to remove clear sight of unsimulated oral-genital contact to obtain an 18 classification. An uncut R18 was available to the distributor

Cut in 2007 with the following BBFC comment: Distributor chose to remove one scene of sexual detail (in this case, clearly unsimulated oral - genital contact during cunnilingus). An R18 uncut was available to the distributor

• Crime in the Museum of Horrors

The vide/DVD releases of 1993 & 2004 feature the same cut cinema print and it appears the original footage may now be lost forever.

The original UK cinema version if 1959 was cut heavily by the BBFC to edit scenes of gore including:

• ice tongs stabbing
• sounds of screaming during the binocular murder (a proposed cut to the shot of the bloodstained binoculars was never made)
• shots of a woman's decapitated head being placed into a bag

Cut in 2006 with the following BBFC comment: Distributor chose to cut two instances of clearly unsimulated oral sex in order to achieve the 18 category. An R18 uncut was available to the distributor.

Cut in 2005 with the following BBFC comment: The cuts were Cuts for Category. Distributor chose to remove sight of topless women during nude photo shoots. 18 uncut was available

Cut in 2006 with the following BBFC comment: The cuts were Cuts for Category. Cuts required for 18 to remove sight of unsimulated sex (in this case vaginal penetration with fingers/dildo)

Video versions of 1992 and 2001 were similarly cut for strong language

The uncut region 1 DVD is available at US Amazon

• Hot Shots! 2

The 2001 DVD release was further pre-cut by the distributor in addition to the video cuts that still stand

• UK DVD which includes both Hot Shots and Hot Shots! Part Deux. The latter, the limo bit and the diving board bit have been cut from the film.

The uncut region 1 DVD is available at US Amazon

• The Basic Instinct sex scene is also cut from the European video version.

Sky showed two versions, one of which was completely uncut.

The uncut version was also shown on ITV 2 in April 2008.

 The PG video of 1994 was cut by 1:07s

• The chainsticks and Basic Instinct scenes were also absent from the video version
• also had the sole occurrence of the fuck removed to qualify for a PG rating.

• UK cinema version had a 12 certificate, but was missing the sequence during the Rambo fight parody where chainsticks were used.
• Also deleted the Basic Instinct spoof sex scene with Michelle on top of Topper riding him like a horse and shooting the guns

Same cuts for 1990 cinema version and video/DVDs of 1991 and 2003

• An incendiary device is built to provide a diversion for a bank robbery but we don't see how it is made out of an alarm clock, matches, a shoebox and sandpaper.

• House 4: The Repossession
• House IV: Home Deadly Home

Video/DVD versions of 1991 & 2004 are similarly cut

From WorldwideDVDForums

• A shower scene where water turns to blood is cut to remove blood on her breasts

• The House Outside the Cemetery
• Quella Villa Accanto al Cimitero

The additional video cuts of 1988 were waived in 2001 along with some cinema cuts to the poker murder. The majority of the cinema cuts are retained though.

The BBFC explained:

Cuts required to two sequences of detailed violence against women (stabs to chest and neck with sharp spike, knife cutting throat), in accordance with BBFC policy on violence, and to take into account recent, successful prosecutions of the uncut version under the Obscene Publications Act 1959.

The uncut region 0 DVD is available from US Amazon

Review from US Amazon

This is the third in a loose trilogy of films by Italian master of the macabre Lucio Fulci set in New England that evoke the uncanny and cosmic terrors of H.P. Lovecraft. The other two films City of the Living Dead and The Beyond are quite a bit better than House by the Cemetery, but that doesn't mean this film is totally without merit.

At times Fulci succeeds very well in creating an atmosphere of dread and fear, and the film is not without some subtle moments of terror, due mainly to an eerie soundtrack and a couple of creepy kids.

But fans of Fulci and Italian horror cinema in general are not interested in the type of subtle scares one might find in English ghost stories; instead his films are marked by unusual levels of graphic violence. Although this film is not without its moments (throats ripped out, maggot ridden bodies and decapitation), the violence seems quite muted compared to other Fulci films. Fulci is perhaps aiming too strongly for the atmosphere of Lovecraft, and subsequently forgets to invest in his film the graphic and absurdly violent scenes which have afforded his work a cult following.

The film as is usually the case with Fulci makes little sense and is full of continuity errors, its difficult to know whether this is down to bad editing, or an intentional effort to create an uncanny world in which time and space are confused, personally I prefer the latter possibility. There has always been something dream like and hallucinatory about Italian horror cinema and this film doesn't disappoint on that level.

 A BBFC sanctioned video was finally released by Elephant Video in 1988. But this required a further 4:11s of cuts... ouch!

• Removal of all details of a girl being stabbed through the back of her head through to her mouth and of her body being dragged away.
• The entire poker killing mentioned above has been deleted along with the body being dragged away.
• The killing of a vampire bat and related blood spattering is missing.
• Shots of decomposing bodies in the cellar and the disembowelled man on the table have gone
• Norman having his throat cut by Fraudstein has also been removed

The cinema release in 1982 required 6 cuts totalling 34s

• 3 cuts totalling 16s removed an estate agent being subjected to two stabs with a poker. This included the slow motion gushing of blood from her wounds.
• 3 cuts totalling 18s were imposed on the scene of a nanny having her throat cut.

• The House on Sorrority Row
• The House on Sorority Row
• Seven Sisters

The BBFC passed cinema version, The House on Sorrority Row, uncut but required cuts to the video version titled House of Evil

• Omits a short scene after the attack on Jeanie, in which Katherine goes to look for Peter and finds him standing by the piano.
• The UK version of the film cuts out two shots to Vicki's murder, the cane in the back and the cane in the eye. The UK version shows shots of childrens toys at the end of the film, whereas the US version ends immediately after the killer's eyes open.

• Shi mian mai fu

Same cuts to the cinema and video versions. The BBFC stated: Cuts required to three instances of real animal cruelty (horses made to fall using techniques likely to result in serious injury). 

This Chinese martial arts extravaganza, contained four horsefalls in a chase scene set in a forest. Three of the falls appeared to have been achieved using cruel techniques, including use of trip wires. The production company contended that precautions, such as the placing of mattresses on the forest floor hidden by leaves and sand, the dampness of the land surface and the use of horse trainers and soft ropes, removed any element of cruelty. The sequence was shown to an expert veterinarian, experienced in supervising filmed animal action, who considered and rejected the film maker’s arguments. The three cruel and dangerous horsefalls were therefore removed.

Cut in 2006 with the following BBFC comment: The cuts were Compulsory. Distributor chose to make cuts to the sight of clear unsimulated cunnilingus, anilingus, penetration and ejaculation onto the face and genitals

• Photographer's Models

The cuts were restored for the 1995 Redemption Films video and hence also the 2005 Anchor Bay DVD

The uncut region 2 DVD is available at UK Amazon

Review from IMDb

I'm shocked that this doesn't get mentioned more often! Pete Walker's film is both a sleazy seventies exploitation classic and a striking indictment of the justice system. The film serves as a warning against what would happen if private institutions were given the power to decide what is apt punishment for certain crimes, and the dedication of the film to all those who believe in capital punishment shows Pete Walker's love for controversy. The plot takes place in an old house, which doubles up as a private institution ran by a senile judge, his unforgiving partner; the female warden of the prison and two equally vile female orderlies. They punish girls for crimes committed that weren't, in their eyes, properly punished by the corrupt British courts.

The atmosphere of the film is brilliant; Pete Walker always ensures that the action is sleazy, and yet oddly erotic at the same time. The film is very matriarchal, and it's the female characters that are the protagonists while the men exist in background roles. However, the film isn't feminist; and, in fact, is the exact opposite; as the director ensures that none of the women are portrayed in a favourable light.

The film benefits from a handful of great performances; the best of which coming from Barbara Markham, who gives a powerhouse performance in the role of the head of the institution. Frightmare star Sheila Keith, and Dorothy Gordon are the orderlies, while Patrick Barr is brilliantly understated in his role as the ineffective Justice of the prison. Penny Irving is the young French victim at the centre of the story; but her performance is brought down by her ridiculous French accent!

On the whole, this is a vastly underrated and under seen seventies gem that must be seen by anyone who gets the chance to see it!

• La Casa Speruta Nel Parco
• La Casa al Confini del Parco
• Der Schlitzer

Finally passed with massive cuts in 2002 with the BBFC justification: Cuts required to several sequences of sexual violence, humiliating depictions of female nudity and gross violence

The uncut region 1 DVD is available at US Amazon

Review from US Amazon: Interesting yet Chilling

A couple of trouble making rapists Alex and Ricky( David Hess from "Last House on The Left" and John Morghen from "Cannibal Ferox") who are invited to a rich person's party until they decide to make their own cruel and twisted kind of fun such as murder and rape.

A harsh and unsettling Italian horror thriller from director Ruggero Deodato ( known for the infamous immoral "Cannibal Holocaust") has definitely know how to shock his audience. The acting isn't all that great but the music is good with a funky disco song, some gory violence with torture, nudity, and sleaze abound, this is definitely a interesting yet chilling film.

Cut in 2006 with the following BBFC comment: The cuts were Cuts for Category. Company chose to remove explicit sexual detail (in this case, sight of semen on women's faces)

Cut in 2006 with the following BBFC comment: The cuts were Cuts for Category. Distributor chose to make cuts to clearly unsimulated sexual detail (cunnilingus, fellatio, penetration, sustained or vigorous masturbation, sex toy penetration)

Special Edition

• Howard: A New Breed of Hero

The DVD was resubmitted in 2008 and passed uncut albeit with a 12 certificate and now titled, Howard the Duck

The uncut region 2 DVD is available at UK Amazon

Thanks to Andrew

Two scenes were cut:

• one involving Lea Thompson finding a condom in Howard's wallet
• one where Jeffrey Jones uses a tentacle from his mouth to plug into a cigarette lighter

Both of these scenes were included in a BBC version in 1990 that was screened at 6pm!

The BBFC cut the cinema release in 1991 and the same cut applies to the videos of 1991, 1998 and 1999.

It looks like the DVD was passed uncut in 2006 but I haven't spotted any UK release since this date

• A brief close-up of Bruce Willis picking a lock has been deleted from the Swinging On A Star art gallery theft.

The uncut region 1 DVD is available at US Amazon

Review from US Amazon

Yes, this movie is ridiculous, and it's supposed to be! I have always found it to be a light hearted dark comedy with repeat watching appeal.

If you're looking for anything serious, or that takes itself seriously, this isn't for you. Otherwise I guarantee you will chuckle more than once at the Hawk's quest for a cappuccino.

Cinema version was cut in 2004 with the following BBFC statement: Cut required to remove a sequence of apparently real animal cruelty (cat writhing in pain after being poisoned ) The distributor was unable to provide a satisfactory explanation of how the scene was achieved and a cut was required.

Passed uncut by the BBFC in 2001

Cut by the BBFC for the use of "banned" weaponry:

1. During the night raid on the hospital at which Ravine (Christopher Lambert) is recovering, (3 secs) of a ninja throwing a shuriken (ninja star) into a wall have been removed.
2. Towards the end of the film, the scene on the island in which Kinjo (John Lone) conceals his identity to trap Ravine and his Samurai protectors is missing (3 secs) of him throwing two shurikens at guards - hitting both a chest and a face.
3. At the end of the showdown between Kinjo and Ravine, (5 secs) of Kinjo revealing a shuriken and throwing it at Ravine's chest have been trimmed. This occurs just before the beheading.
4. At the beginning of the train sequence when Takeda first encounters the goup of ninja the Female Ninja says to the others 'Kill Him'. 2 of the ninjas then produce Shurikens and throw them at Takeda. He deflects them with his sword and walks backs into another compartment. Again the Shurikens are not seen

The print shown on Sky is cut even further than the U.K video. Some rare rental editions appear to have been accidently distributed uncut.

Two scenes of sexual violence towards men were cut in addition to cuts already made to the cinema version. These cuts were to further reduce the detailed depiction of sado-masochistic practices.