Back in Action is a 1994 US action film by Steve DiMarco & Paul Ziller. With Billy Blanks, Roddy Piper and Bobbie Phillips.
Originally banned by the BBFC for 1984 VHS but later rated 18 after
massive cuts. The BBFC waived its cuts for 2004 DVD. Uncut and MPAA R rated in the US,
The BBFC rejected the Guild Home Video uncut version submitted in 1994. The BBFC commented:
Two of the rejected
videos in 1994 (the other is Kickboxer 4: The Aggressor ) featured karate but each went beyond acceptable standards in the quantity and intensity of potentially lethal kicks to the head and bone-crunching blows and twists to the limbs, back and
neck. Since this form of macho heroics is likely to appeal to teenagers with a record of violent offending, cuts did not seem a practical proposition. The Board has always been concerned about films in which heroes meet viciousness with viciousness,
inflicting pain and injury on others as if it were the only remedy for villainy.
The pre-cut Guild Home Video version resubmitted in 1994 was passed 18 by the BBFC after 1:28s of further cuts. The BBFC commented:
The distributors resubmitted the video shorn of 7.5 minutes of the most brutal violence, after which a further 1.5 minutes was cut by the Board, removing most of the remaining kicks to the head and face, the smashing of heads against
walls, floors and pillars, the biting of ears and glamorising of weaponry.
Summary Review: A definite winner
The sister of a former US Green Beret, is involved in a love affair with a mobster,
endangering seriously her life. His brother will make his best efforts to save her from her boyfriend and his friends. But perhaps tough cop Rossi could help him... or stop him.
Good chemistry between the two leads, Lots of
action. A definite winner.
This is an excellent "B" movie. Blanks and Piper work really well together. The story is decent. But story doesn't count, action does. And there is more than enough action to keep people happy. Blanks and
Piper are good in the numerous fight scenes.
Overall a really good movie that any action fan should check out.
Availability
Current UK Status: Passed 18 uncut
UK: Passed 18 uncut with previous BBFC cuts waived for:
Scenes
range from an undercover police video at a strip club to a shark attack on a student, from a collapsing tower at a Deep Purple concert in Chile to several scenes of police brutality in South America. The most
gruesome scene involves a woman who, in a hurry to get wherever she needed to go, accidentally jogs into a speeding train.
The main consideration for the Board was the question of harm referred to above. In short, does the work have the potential for anti-
social influence?
In the Board's view it does. It is a compilation of scenes of extremely violent death, injury and mutilation, many of which are repeated in
slow-motion. The commentary draws attention to the grislier aspects and in effect invites enjoyment at human suffering. The inclusion also of sex scenes reinforces the impression that the purpose of the video is to provide entertainment. There is no
attempt to justify the images by placing the incidents in any other journalistic or educational context. Whatever current relevance the images might have had when they were originally photographed has been lost in the general compilation of horrors. The
Board is conscious that a particular genre that has always been identified as entirely unacceptable is that of so-called 'snuff movies'. Their main identifying feature is that at least one of the participants is actually killed. Banned from
Television is only different in that, instead of a death being created for the work, actual death and injury is collated from a wide range of pre-existing sources to create the work.
The Board has concluded that the video is potentially harmful because of the influence it may have on the attitudes and behaviour of a significant proportion of likely viewers. The instinct of concern and compassion for the
suffering of others is a basic social necessity. So is respect for the dignity of real human life. By presenting actual human death and mutilation as entertainment, the work, in the Board's view, has the potential to erode these instincts. There is a
danger of it falling into the hands of young and impressionable persons (whatever its classification) and of some significant brutalising effect on their attitude to human life and pain.
The Board has considered the possibility of cuts as a remedy for these difficulties. It has concluded, however, that they would be unlikely to modify the tone and effect of the work acceptably.
Bare Behind Bars is a 1980 Brazil Women in Prison film by Oswaldo de Oliveira. With Maria Stella Splendore, Marta Anderson and Danielle Ferrite. UK: A short version was banned by the BBFC for:
UK 1994 Redemption VHS
The BBFC commented:
A Women's prison video in which the female prisoners were coerced, degraded and brutalised. Bare Behind Bars was more insidious (than Sadomania
) in its degradation, since inmates were portrayed as a herd, indistinguishable in their nakedness like animals in a cage. Imprisoned physically and psychologically, they were sexual objects, not subjects, instinctual
creatures for whom sex remained the only release. Its appeal rested primarily on the spectacle of naked women en masse, at the mercy of cruel authority, the meagre narrative moving through image after image of violation - by sex, by medical examination,
by crude sex toys, by razor blades, by rats. If the film lacks the peaks of evil or atrocity that characterise Sadomania , it substitutes a relentless
reduction of all that is human or valuable in these woman as individuals. It distorts the way women are thought of by the male viewer in his search for sexual gratification, reinforcing myths about female sexuality which must be damaging to the viewers,
to their future sexual partners, and, by extension therefore to society. The Board will continue to apply the harm test to material of this sort.
An unsuccessful appeal against this decision was heard by Video Appeals Committee in 1995.
UK: Passed 18 after 1:35s of BBFC cuts for:
UK 2010 Arrow R0 DVD
The BBFC commented:
Company chose to make cuts to remove explicit sight of unsimulated sexual activity (in this case, sight of fellatio and vaginal penetration by penis and dildo) in order to achieve an 18 classification. An uncut R18
classification was available.
The BBFC further commented in the 2010 Annual Report:
Bare Behind Bars is a Brazilian sexploitation film set in a women's prison run by a sadistic female warden. Under current Guidelines the scenes of sexual violence are no
longer considered a harm risk. The film does not endorse sexual violence. Bare Behind Bars is a film which is showing its age, and the representations lack credibility by contemporary standards.
Scenes of real sex,
however, were not contextually justified and cuts were required to those scenes before the film could be passed at the 18 classification.
Summary Review: Tongue-in-cheek
It is more laugh-out-loud funny
than erotic. It is very tongue-in-cheek and doesn't take itself seriously for an instant. The acting is deliberately bad, over-the-top and cartoonish. And that is actually its saving grace, because it makes you laugh at the silliness of it all.
Just sample the scene of the horny inmates using a makeshift pulley to slowly winch a dildo in between their cells at night. Then there's the infamous pineapple dildo.
Thankfully the women in this
prison are almost all deliciously hot and spend most of the time happily naked. And that includes the guards.
To top it off, this version comes with hardcore elements fully integrated into the whole. The X-rating is
justified. We are treated to blowjobs, dildo insertions, strap-on action, and full penetrative sex.
Availability
Current UK Status: Passed 18 after 1:35s of cuts
US: Uncut and MPAA
Unrated for:
US 2013 Blue Underground Bad Girls Behind Bars Collection R0 DVD at US Amazon
US
2008 Alternative Cinema/Blue Underground R1 DVD via US Amazon
Bare Fist: The Sport that Wouldn't Die is a 1997 UK documentary by David Monaghan. With Jamie McLean, Lenny McLean.
Banned twice by the BBFC for 1996 and 1999 VHS.
UK: Banned by the BBFC for:
1999 Media Systems Data VHS
The BBFC commented :
A documentary about the illegal sport of bare-fist fighting was felt to devote far too much of its time to selling and demonstrating the pleasures of gross violence.
UK: Banned by the BBFC for:
1996 NTV Entertainment VHS
The BBFC commented :
The main consideration for the Board was the question of harm. In short, does the work have the potential for anti- social influence?
The
video is concerned with the illegal sport of bare-knuckle fighting. To the extent that it sets out to make a reasoned case for legalising the sport, the Board has in principle no basis for concern. However, the video also includes a number of lengthy
sequences of illegal fighting as well as instruction in achieving lethal effects (notably how to lace bandaged fists with glass fragments and other sharp material). These have the effect of promoting gross violence and selling its pleasures. The extent
of the use of the illegal fighting sequences also far outstrips any reasonable justification based on the need to make a case for legalisation.
Over a period of time, the Board has made a number of recommendations
to the video's producer. These have been designed to allow the work to make a legitimate argument on behalf of bare-knuckle fighting, while reducing (and in extreme cases, removing) those elements which are directly promotional of illegal or harmful
activity. The producer has been unable to accept the Board's proposals. The video, in its present form, is therefore not suitable for classification.
Betty Page: Bondage Queen is a 1998 US documentary by Irving Klaw Starring Bettie Page, Lili Dawn and Shirley Maitland
Banned by the BBFC for 1999 VHS release but was later passed 18 uncut for 2010 DVD.
Review: Queen of Curves
The new DVD : Betty Page Bondage Queen will be a desirable addition to any Bettie Page fan but I suppose that I was expecting the whole disk to be unpublished
shots of the Queen of Curves as the title suggests. The several short movies presented are black and white films taken of some of Irving Klaw's models in their undies, being bound and gagged by Klaw's sister.
Betty appears
in a few and in many stills. The exclusive commentary by Bettie Page is a short written page or two, not the audio file I hoped for. I enjoyed the movies of the models in their bras and panties, dark nylons and ultra high heels as they tried to
walk in them but a more truthful title for the DVD would have been Irving Klaw's Bondage and Fetish models, Featuring Bettie Page.
Summary Notes
Betty Page famous for
her pin up modeling and other glamour girls appear in bondage photos and short films. These unique classics are the first film sources of today's fetish and SM scene and appear nowadays surreal, tender and joyful.
Versions
uncut
run:
114:38s
pal:
110:03s
UK: Uncut and BBFC 18 rated for sexualised images and bondage scenes:
2010 Digital Classics DVD DVD (THE CLASSIC FILMS OF IRVING KLAW - VOLUME ONE & TWO rated 22/01/2010)
banned
UK: Banned by the BBFC for:
1999 Visual Entertainment video title The Classic Films of Irving Klaw Vol 1 (of 2), which forms part of Betty Page: Bondage Queen
T he BBFC stated:
T he Board's guidelines state that mild fetishism may be represented, but in Irving Klaw we have scenes of women trussed, bound, gagged, spanked, shackled, handcuffed, slapped, tethered and
suspended. Such sequences of bondage, restraint and gagging (proffered as masturbation material) are very extensive and unacceptable. The distributor of this material has decided to re-edit two versions of Betty page's work by photographer Irving Klaw
that will not breach our guidelines. We are awaiting their resubmission.
v Boarding House
- 1982 USA comedy horror by John Wintergate (as Johnn Wintergate).
Boarding House is a 1982 USA comedy horror by John Wintergate (as Johnn Wintergate). Starring John Wintergate, Kalassu and Lindsay Freeman.
Noted as the first horror film shot on video. The original video release from 1982 was a spoof comedy horror. This version was rejected by the BBFC for 1983 UK VHS release. The video was re-edited to create a more serious horror for
an MPAA R rated Theatrical Version. An alternative version was created in 1984 titled Psycho Killer. A much longer fan based creation from 2013 has been labelled the Director's Cut
Summary Notes
Resembling a cross between "The Amityville Horror" and a Playboy Playmates video, this film tells the terrifying tale of a cheesy video special effect that stalks bikini-clad women. In between scenes of them playfully splashing each other and wrestling with each other's bathing suit tops, they're murdered and/or terrorized by horrific hallucinations. These hallucinations include seeing blood in the shower stalls (while they're trying to lather up), having giant monsters jump out of the hall closet, and seeing their faces temporarily turn into rubber halloween masks.
Fan Created Director's Cut
Director's Cut
run:
156:48s
pal:
150:32s
US: The Director's Cut is MPAA Unrated for:
2015 Olive Films DVD [Director's Cut + Original Video Version] R1 DVD at US Amazon
Psycho Killer Version
Psycho Killer
run:
98:08s
pal:
94:12s
US: The Psycho Killer Version is MPAA Unrated for:
2021 American Genre Film [Original Version + Theatrical Version + Psycho Killer] R0 Blu-ray at
US Amazon #ad
Theatrical Serious Horror Version
Theatrical Version
run:
87:57s
pal:
84:26s
US: The Theatrical Version is MPAA R rated for:
2021 American Genre Film [Original Version + Theatrical Version + Psycho Killer] R0 Blu-ray at
US Amazon #ad
2015 Olive Films DVD [Director's Cut + Original Video Version] R1 DVD at
US Amazon
Original Spoof Horror Video Version
Original Version
run:
98:46s
pal:
94:49s
US: The Original Version is MPAA Unrated for:
2021 American Genre Film [Original Version + Theatrical Version + Psycho Killer] R0 Blu-ray at
US Amazon #ad
2015 Olive Films DVD [Director's Cut + Original Video Version] R1 DVD at
US Amazon
banned
UK: The Original Version was rejected by the BBFC for:
1983 Intervision VHS
The BBFC were operating a voluntary censorship scheme for videos at this time and so had no legal power to ban films. Maybe the film was released anyway in 1983 on the Terrorvision label. This release only ran 89m though.
Boy Meets Girl is a 1994 UK drama by Ray Brady. With Tim
Poole, Danielle Sanderson and Margot Steinberg.
Passed 18 for 1995 cinema release but was banned by the BBFC for the follow up VHS. Passed 18 uncut for 2001 DVD. Uncut and MPAA Unrated in the US.
The
BBFC banned the 1995 Kino-Eye video because of its constant focus on the details of torture. See article
from independent.co.uk . BBFC Director James Ferman explained in a letter to Brady:
This video focuses unrelentingly on the process of torture,
mental as well as physical, including mutilation, sexual violation and evisceration, all in full view of the camera.
Ferman's letter continues tha the film-maker has refused to provide a coherent moral justification or context , therefore
there is the risk of confirming sadistic tastes or reinforcing sadistic impulses , and this, says Ferman in a reference to the Criminal Justice Act, is crucial to any consideration of harm to potential viewers or, through their behaviour to
society.
From Dark Star magazine: Banned
Boy Meets Girl is a bold and important film. It is full of subtle and controversial arguments. To dismiss it because of its
bondage/sadistic trappings (as some have already done) is to miss the point entirely. How else could the director have approached the subject matter? Possibly as a documentary, but then that would loose the frisson of making the viewer an active
participant in the debate. It is a film of violent ideas but it is not a barrage of graphic images.
The BBFC has passed countless numbers of films more violent than Boy Meets Girl, yet refuses to give it a
certificate. As the director of the BBFC, James Ferman must take the responsibility for denying you, the public, the chance to see a film which, for once, has a totally violent subject matter but does not glamorise it. Which is more than can be said of
so many Hollywood studio pictures Mr Ferman has gladly issued certificates. Explicit violence has always been a contentious issue in cinema, but never, in a so-called democracy, should honesty about violence be treated like the glorification of violence.
Shame on you Mr Ferman. For all its minor faults (most often due to the low budget) a film like Boy Meets Girl does not deserve to be treated in the manner it has been in Britain.
Boys Just Wanna Have Fun
is a unknown gay video by G Guhert
Banned by the BBFC for a 1999 Load Video. Later passed R18 uncut for 2000 Load Video
Censorship History
The video was caught up the
battle between the porn makers and the censors to legalise hardcore on video . It was submitted in 1999 as a hardcore film with the intention of appealing the inevitable ban, so adding to the challenge
of the UK hardcore ban at the time. The battle was won and the film was passed R18 uncut the following year.
Brave, Bashed, Battered and Bruised is a 1997 UK extreme martial arts documentary by Tim Eyrl
Banned by the BBFC for 1997 video release.
Promotional Material
A collection
of unpleasant moments when professional fighters mis-time moves and end up doing horrible injuries to themselves or their opponents. Amongst the injuries and casualties are enough broken bones, blood and bruising to keep and A+E department busy for a
month. There is also a bonus feature which shows a man taking on 40 men in a row in a bare-knuckle contest.
Versions
banned
run:
59:14s
pal:
56:52s
UK: Banned by the BBFC for:
1997 Visual Corporation VHS
The BBFC commented:
A film in the guise of a sporting documentary about karate, was actually selling the pleasures of gross violence through its unrelenting focus on the infliction of injury and pain.
A Brief Encounter is a 1982 UK short spanking video by Harold
Weller.
The video was rejected in February 1993.
The BBFC commented:
Refused on grounds of sexual violence since it consisted almost exclusively of the spanking of a female
victim in an erotic context. The House of Lords ruled that the consent of the victim was no defence to a charge of actual bodily harm. Thus videos that consist primarily of the spanking or beating of female victims, even where the script purports to
demonstrate the willing consent of the victim are unacceptable where these are intended for the sole purpose of inducing a state of arousal in the male viewer. BBFC policy holds that a work which sells the idea that the infliction of pain or injury on
women is likely to be pleasurable is depraving and corrupting in itself.
Bumfights: Cause for Concern Volume 1 is a 2002 US reality Video by Mickey, Ryan & Jamon McOckner. With Donald Brennan, Donny and Rufus Hannah.
Banned by the BBFC for 2003 DVD.
Versions
uncut
US:
Released uncut
banned
run:
58:30s
pal:
56:10s
UK: Banned by the BBFC for:
2003 Fabulous Films DVD
The BBFC commented:
Bumfights - Cause for Concern consists substantially of camcorder footage of homeless people ('bums') being abused, assaulted, and humiliated. These scenes are intercut with
footage of street brawls and soft pornography.
Under the Video Recordings Act 1984 the Board must have special regard to any harm to those likely to view a video and to any harm to society through the behaviour of those viewers afterwards. The
Act singles out particular elements as being potentially harmful including criminal behaviour and violent behaviour or incidents. The BBFC guidelines for '18' rated works state that the Board may "cut or reject... any detailed portrayal of violent
or dangerous acts which is likely to promote the activity" (page 16). The Board's guidelines for violence also state as particular concerns "callousness towards victims, encouraging aggressive attitudes [and] taking pleasure in pain and
humiliation" (page 9). In the Board's view, the video breaches these guidelines by exploiting the physical and other vulnerabilities of homeless people.
The Board considered the possibility of cuts. However, given the extent of the
unacceptable material, cuts were not considered a viable option on this occasion.
The Bunny Game is a 2010 US crime horror by Adam Rehmeier. With Rodleen
Getsic, Norwood Fisher and Gregg Gilmore.
Banned by the BBFC for UK 2011 Trinity DVD
The BBFC explained in a press release:
The BBFC has rejected the sexually violent DVD The Bunny Game . The film follows a female prostitute
who hitches a lift with a truck driver. The truck driver kidnaps the woman, restrains and forcibly strips her, and proceeds to physically and sexually abuse and humiliate her. The abuse of the kidnapped woman takes up the greater part of the film.
The Board's Guidelines state A strict policy on sexual violence and rape is applied. Content which might eroticise or endorse sexual violence may require cuts at any classification level. This is more likely with video works than
film because of the potential for replaying scenes out of context. Any association of sex with non-consensual restraint, pain or humiliation may be cut . The principal focus of The Bunny Game is the unremitting sexual and physical abuse of a helpless
woman, as well as the sadistic and sexual pleasure the man derives from this. The emphasis on the woman's nudity tends to eroticise what is shown, while aspects of the work such as the lack of explanation of the events depicted, and the stylistic
treatment, may encourage some viewers to enjoy and share in the man's callousness and the pleasure he takes in the woman's pain and humiliation.
David Cooke, Director of the BBFC said:
It is
the Board's carefully considered view that to issue a certificate to this work, even if confined to adults, would be inconsistent with the Board's Guidelines, would risk potential harm within the terms of the Video Recordings Act, and would accordingly
be unacceptable to the public.
The Board considered whether its concerns could be dealt with through cuts. However, the pervasiveness of the abuse makes it very difficult to deal with The Bunny Game by means of
cuts. If the company would like to attempt to cut this work in order to submit it in a reduced form, they are entitled to do so, but the Board can offer no assurances that such re-editing would be successful.
The decision to
reject The Bunny Game was taken by the Director, David Cooke and the Presidential Team of Sir Quentin Thomas, Alison Hastings and Gerard Lemos.
The decision means that the film cannot be legally supplied anywhere in the UK.
Caged Women is a 1991 Italy action crime adventure by Leandro Lucchetti. With Pilar Orive, Isabel Libossart and Elena Wiedermann.
Banned by the BBFC for 1992 video. Unbanned after massive cuts for 18
rated VHS. Uncut and MPAA Unrated in the US.
Summary Notes
Beautiful young American tourist Janet Cooper goes on vacation to a remote South American country. After being arrested by a corrupt cop and
subsequently found guilty of a trumped-up charge involving possession of narcotics, Janet finds herself incarcerated at an isolated castle located deep in the jungle that serves as a hellish women's penitentiary. The brutal staff at said prison not only
treat the inmates as their own sexual playthings, but also force the ladies into prostitution and even let decadent rich folks hunt them down like animals in the wild.
UK: A pre-cut version was passed 18 after 3:43s of further BBFC cuts for:
2001 MIA R2 DVD
1992 New Age VHS
A heavily pre-cut was resubmitted by New Age in 1992 and the BBFC cut a further 3:43s. The total cuts add up to something around the 17:33s mark
banned
run:
89:52s
pal:
86:16s
UK: Banned by the BBFC for:
1992 New Age VHS
The BBFC commented:
Rejected because of its exploitative treatment of the sexual abuse of women. An Italian women's prison film in which the prisoners were raped and
abused by their gaolers, was redolent of the video nasty era in that the abuse was offered not for condemnation but as an erotic spectacle.
Caligula: The Untold Story is a 1981 Italy adult drama by Joe D'Amato With David Brandon, Laura Gemser and Luciano Bartoli.
The Original Version features hardcore footage not involving the lead players. A softcore US Version was also produced which was extensively cut by the BBFC for 18 rated UK cinema release in 1984. This version was later banned by the
BBFC for 1987 VHS. The Italian Version is longer than the US Softcore Version but still excludes the hardcore footage.
Summary Review: The Other Caligula
The mad Roman emperor Caligula romances a young
Moor woman ploting to kill him while he continues his debauched lifestyle of sex and murder.
A fair Italian rip off of Bob Guccione's Caligula. David Brandon is good as the demented Emperor of Rome. Ornate costumes and
sets, as well as a lush film score help as well,
As per the original there is a long hardcore orgy. The lead actors don't get to feature in the naughty stuff.
The cuts for hardcore footage include a scene
involving a horse.
Fans of cult cinema, and of the 1979 version should appreciate this one.
Original Hardcore Version
Original Hardcore Version
run:
121:07s
pal:
116:16s
US: The Original Hardcore Version is uncut and MPAA Unrated for:
2022 Severin [Hardcore + US Softcore Versions] (RA) Blu-ray at US Amazon #ad
2022
Severin [Hardcore + US Softcore Versions] R1 DVD at US Amazon #ad
Germany: The Extended Explicit Version is uncut for:
Kult DVD [Hardcore + Italian Softcore Version] R2 DVD via UK Amazon
Italy: Uncut for:
Cine Storm [Hardcore + Italian Softcore Version] R0 DVD via UK Amazon
Italian Softcore Version
Italian Softcore Version
cut:
~14m
run:
106:33s
pal:
102:17s
Germany: The Extended Explicit Version is uncut for:
Kult DVD [Hardcore + Italian Softcore Version] R2 DVD via UK Amazon
Italy: Uncut for:
Cine Storm [Hardcore + Italian Softcore Version] R0 DVD via UK Amazon
US Softcore Version
US Softcore Version
cut:
run:
94:47s
pal:
91:00s
US: The US Softcore Version is cut and MPAA Unrated for:
2022 Severin [Hardcore + US Softcore Versions] (RA) Blu-ray at US Amazon #ad
2022
Severin [Hardcore + US Softcore Versions] R1 DVD at US Amazon #ad
Soft Touch R0 DVD
banned
run:
94:08s
pal:
90:22s
UK: The US Softcore Version was banned by the BBFC for:
1987 VTC VHS
cut
cut:
8:42s
run:
85:55s
pal:
82:29s
UK: The US softcore Version was passed 18 after a further 8:42s of BBFC cuts for:
The submitted film that had been pre-cut by the distributors to remove 14 minutes of
hardcore footage and a bestiality scene featuring a horse, and then cut by a further 8:42s by the BBFC. These included:
A Caning for Miss Granger
is a 2000 UK spanking adult video by F St John North
Banned by the BBFC for 2000 DVD.
Versions
banned
run:
40:50s
pal:
39:12s
UK: Banned by the BBFC for :
2000 Gatisle/British Spanking DVD
The BBFC justified their decision as follows:
A Caning for Miss Granger was unacceptable because the use of a model dressed as a young schoolgirl in a sexual punishment scenario was in
conflict with the R18 Guidelines constraint on depictions involving adults role playing as non-adults. Also unacceptable under the Guidelines is the portrayal of any sexual activity, whether real or simulated, which involves lack of consent. In this case
'Miss Granger' was forced to submit to a series of "degrading or dehumanising" acts in order to save her job.
The Board's Guidelines prohibit the infliction of pain or physical harm, real (or in a
sexual context) simulated... The Board concluded that the work both promotes the idea that pleasure may be taken from inflicting pain upon another person and clearly shows, with some relish, actual pain and physical harm. In doing so it goes some way
beyond what might be regarded as "mild consensual activity".
The Board does not feel that the problems can be usefully addressed by cutting since the difficulty with this work lies not only in the great
number of specific visual images, but with the overall theme of sexual pleasure being derived from imposing pain on a coerced victim. The work is therefore not suitable for classification.
A Cat in the Brain is a 1990 Italy horror by Lucio Fulci. With Lucio Fulci, David L Thompson and Malisa Longo.
Banned by the BBFC for 1999 VHS. Passed 18 uncut for the 2001 DVD. Uncut
and MPAA Unrated in the US.
The Tartan Video was banned by the BBFC in February 1999 with the following justification:
The Board carefully considered this low-budget Italian horror video in the
light of the usual tests. It has over the years, in this context, expressed concern about images which bring sex and violence together. The BBFC Draft Guidelines for Classifying Films and Videos (published in July 1998 in the BBFC's last Annual Report)
identify sexually violent material as potentially harmful. The Guidelines explain that the Board is stricter with scenes of sexual violence on video than film, because of their potential to be played over and over at home. Sexual violence may only be
shown providing the scenes do not offer sexual thrills.
A Cat in the Brain contains many sequences involving gross violence committed against women, often in a context with clear
sexual overtones. It invites the viewer to relish the detail of the violence and killings. Women are even presented as enjoying the violence visited on them. The work switches between the three levels of "actual" film-making, the
"Director's" own nightmares and the murderous attacks of the villain. However, the Board found that the main effect of this device was to enable the frequent portrayal of brutal and detailed violence, particularly towards women.
The Board concluded that the video was potentially harmful because of the influence it may have on the attitudes and behaviour of a significant proportion of its likely viewers, whatever classification it
was given. The Board considered the possibility of cuts as an acceptable remedy. It concluded, however, that the sheer quantity of the violence rendered such an approach ultimately fruitless since it would be unlikely to change the general tone or
approach of the work.
Summary Review: Nasty gore-fest
A horror film director is stalked by a mad psychiatrist/serial killer bent on killing people to model the killings after the director's
gory death scenes from his movies.
Cat in the Brain is one of the goriest horror movies ever made. There is a lot of blood and gore, including chainsaw butchery, bloody stabbings and numerous decapitations.
The film is also interesting as "self parody" of Fulci, but the gore and violence is the key element in it. Some of the gore FX were taken from own Fulci's movies.
Highly recommended, especially if
you like extreme cinema!
Chained is a 1979 US adult film Starring: Stephanie Boyd, Serena and Jamie Gillis.
A cut down softcore version was banned by the BBFC for 1986 VHS. Uncut and MPAA UNrated in the US.
Promotional Material
Bra buster Stephanie Bonds in bondage and whipping
scenarios mixed with lesbian hot-tub action! Also starring power couple Jamie Gillis and Serena in juicy master slave explorations!
Versions
uncut
run:
70m
pal:
67m
US: Uncut and MPAA Unrated for:
2019 Alpha Blue Archives VoD
banned
cut:
run:
pal:
sub:
49:15s
UK: A cut down softcore version was rejected by the BBFC for:
1986 Gold Star Publications VHS
cut
UK: A cut down softcore version was released on pre-cert video:
Changing Room Exposed is a 1998 release gay adult video by Video Voyeur
Banned by the BBFC for 1998 VHS and 2003 DVD
Versions
banned
UK: Banned by the BBFC for:
2003 Meridien DVD
1998 Pride VHS
The BBFC commented:
In recent years, the video industry has traded increasingly in the use of hidden cameras to capture the private behaviour of ordinary people in situations in which they had the right to
assume that their privacy would be respected. The pleasures offered by such videos are those of voyeurism since they purport to be, and frequently are, filmed without the knowledge or consent of those whose intimate behaviour is being captured on film.
An instance of such videos is an American series filmed in a men's changing/shower room in which men are recorded going through the commonplace but private rituals of washing, drying and changing. They are, in effect, 'Peeping Tom' videos. One of this
series was classified '18' a year ago at a time when the Board had been advised that there was no law of privacy in Britain. Since that decision, it has become increasingly clear that the exploitation of such material in this country could in fact
constitute a breach of confidence if the privacy of a British subject were being invaded without his consent, since no defence based on the public interest would be relevant. Article 8 of the European Convention on Human Rights, to which Britain is a
signatory, guarantees a right to privacy, and the Convention is now being incorporated into British law. Given these developments, the BBFC has decided to take a stand on the issue of voyeurism and human rights, in consequence of which the Board has
refused a certificate to another in the same American series, CHANGING ROOM EXPOSED, in which a hidden camera is used to film unsuspecting men as they change, shower, walk around without their clothes on and dress. BBFC policy will no longer accept the
classification of works which breach people's privacy without there being a public interest in so doing. It is one thing for individuals to choose to participate in the making of such videos, but it is entirely another when their private life has been
unknowingly and covertly filmed solely for purposes of voyeuristic curiosity.
The decision was referred to the Video Appeals Committee but the distributors withdrew this before it was heard.
The video was resubmitted as Video Voyeur by Meridien Entertainment and was again rejected in 2003 with the following statement:
Despite the relatively recent rejection of the work, and the withdrawal of an appeal against the Board's decision, Changing Room Exposed was resubmitted under a different title (Video Voyeur) towards the end of
2001. At the time of resubmission no mention was made of the fact that Video Voyeur was in fact a retitled version of Changing Room Exposed. The distributor claimed that "all the footage contained within the programme was staged, and that the scenes
were shot using actors". No documentary evidence was offered to support this claim.
Given that this assurance contradicted the clear statements made during 1998, the Board asked for written evidence that the persons involved in the video
knew that they were being filmed and had given their consent to their appearance in the video. However, the distributors have been unable to provide this. They have also been unable to demonstrate where the work was filmed or under what circumstances. No
evidence, therefore, has been offered that would allow us to over-ride the information provided at the time of the work's original submission. In the absence of any such evidence the Board has no alternative but to confirm its original rejection of the
work.
Class of 1984 is a 1982 Canada crime thriller by Mark L. Lester. With Perry King, Merrie Lynn Ross, Timothy Van Patten.
The cut MPAA R rated version has the director's seal of approval. This was further cut by the BBFC for UK cinema release and banned for 1987 VHS. The BBFC cuts were waived when the R rated version was resubmitted for 2005 DVD. The
uncut version is available in Germany. See further details at Melon Farmers Film Cuts: Class of 1984
Summary Review: Thought-provoking
Andy is a new teacher and an inner city high school that is like nothing he has ever seen before. The students have to go through a metal detector when they go through the front door and everything is basically run by a tough kid named Peter Stegman. Soon, Andy and Stegman become enemies and Stegman will stop at nothing to protect his turf and drug dealing business.
Class of 1984 is an entertaining and thought-provoking combination of the Vigilante and High School Drama flick. The film describes the punks as the next generation of important people. It was done as a reworking of
Blackboard Jungle (it is much better than Cruel Intentions and more gutsy). Class of 1984 is an eerie movie because the depiction of unsafe Urban high schools, metal detectors at schools, and security guards would be a reality eight years later in
many high school cities. It is a courageous movie that isn't afraid to deal with important issues.
Availability
Current UK Status: The cut but director approved R rated version was passed 18
without cuts
UK: The cut US R Rated Version/Director Approved Cut was passed 18 with previous BBFC cuts waived for:
2005 Home Entertainment Corporation/Mosaic/Warner R2 DVD via UK
Amazon
A Clockwork Orange is a 1971 UK/USA crime Sci-Fi drama by Stanley Kubrick. Starring Malcolm McDowell, Patrick Magee and Michael Bates.
Never cut or officially banned by the BBFC but withdrawn from distribution
in the UK by Kubrik. It appeared on home video after his death. The film was originally released MPAA X uncut in the US but was cut a year later for an MPAA R rating. The film was re-rated as R uncut for US home video releases.
Summary
Notes
Protagonist Alex is an "ultraviolent" youth in futuristic Britain. As with all luck, his eventually runs out and he's arrested and convicted of murder and rape. While in prison, Alex learns of an
experimental program in which convicts are programed to detest violence. If he goes through the program his sentence will be reduced and he will be back on the streets sooner than expected. But Alex's ordeals are far from over once he hits the mean
streets of Britain that he had a hand in creating.
Versions
uncut
run:
136:21s
pal:
130:54s
UK: Passed 18 uncut for sexual violence:
2019 cinema release
UK: Passed 18 uncut for strong violence and sexual violence for:
2021 Warner Bros Titans of Cult Steelbook R0 4K Blu-ray/R0 Blu-ray Combo at UK Amazon #ad
The script was submitted to the BBFC for advice and the BBFC said that the film would be banned if made as scripted. However changes were made and the film was passed uncut.
Prior to the complete ban in 1973 Kubrick only allowed one London
cinema to screen the film for the first year of its release. The film was restored to UK distribution after Kubrick's death in 1999.
US: From IMDb: Note that US cinema release was originally X uncut but after a year this was replaced by a cut R Rated version.
The cut version removes about a total of 30s from two sex scenes, one an orgy, another a rape scene.
banned
with- drawn
UK: In 1973 Stanley Kubrick withdrew the film
from release in the UK due to his concerns about the (ultra) violence. However his concern does not appear to have spread elsewhere as it is readily available in the US and most European countries. I've since heard rumours that he withdrew the film for
reasons of his own safety after receiving death threats from nutters. The film was restored to UK distribution after Kubrick's death in 1999.
Anthony Burgess, the author of A Clockwork Orange , said in 1973 that he thought Stanley Kubrick's controversial film based on his novel was boring in places and should have been more violent.
Burgess
said that in the film Kubrick projected violence for its own sake, and that was damnable . He added: It was a good film, though boring in places, but it should have been more violent, because only by piling on the violence could the absurdity
of violence be shown.
We should have been able to reach a stage in violence where we were just laughing at it. This is what I tried to do in the book.
See
extract from thewrap.com which outlines
some of the background to Kubrik's decision to withdraw the film from distribution:
Watching the completed film, Burgess didn't hold it against Kubrick when his wife, repulsed by its choreographed sex and violence, asked
to leave the screening room after a mere ten minutes. Initially, he even managed to tell the press, This is one of the great books that has been made into a great film.
Maybe he meant what he said. Or maybe he simply wanted
to persuade Kubrick to direct his screenplay Napoleon Symphony. In the following weeks, as well as years, Burgess would radically reassess his opinion of A Clockwork Orange the movie.
A Coming of Angels is a 1979 US adult video by Joel
Scott. With Lesllie Bovee, Abigail Clayton and Annette Haven.
The softcore version was banned by the BBFC for:
UK 1988 Sheptonhurst VHS
The promotional material reads:
It's the erotic classic! You're in for a hot and juicy joyride of steamy, sizzling sex when you witness the amorous adventures of three gorgeous angels . [think Charlie's Angels].
When one of their own is kidnapped by an insidious white-slaver, Heavenly Annette Haven leads the passionate pack on a randy rampage of undercover activity. These naughty nymphs have a shocking arsenal of torrid tricks to get what they want...and if they
don't, watch out! From girl-girl encounters to the tenderest torture ever, you'll find these angels use their bodies just as well as their minds.
Presumably it was the white-slaver and 'tenderest torture' BDSM elements that got the film banned by
the BBFC.
Curfew is a 1989 USA action horror by Gary Winick. With Kyle Richards, Wendell Wellman
and John Putch.
Banned by the BBFC for 1988 VHS. Passed 18 uncut in 2002.
Summary Notes
Two escaped brothers track down the people who sentenced them to death row, including a doctor and the judge.
But when they get to the D.A. and his family they have an especially lengthy revenge plot in mind for them.
A pretty tasteless film packed with assorted moments of gratuitous nastiness (and a little bit of nudity for good
measure), Curfew might not be to everyone's taste, but if you like exploitation, then you could certainly do a lot worse. Admittedly, the story is occasionally too clichéd (Stephanie working her womanly charms on younger brother Bob was very
predictable) and some moments are rather questionable (the victims are locked in a cellar full of tools, yet fail to arm themselves), but as low-budget trash goes, this one's really not that bad.
Deadbeat at Dawn is a 1988 USA action crime film by Jim Van Bebber. Starring Paul Harper, Jim Van Bebber and Megan Murphy.
Banned by the BBFC for 1998 VHS. Set for an uncut UK Blu-ray release in 2018. Uncut and MPAA Unrated in the US.
Dave Gregory explains
The video was submitted by Dave Gregory from the Exploited VHS label in 1998 and he made it absolutely clear that Whittam Smith was personally responsible for the ban. The story goes like this:
I submitted Deadbeat at Dawn back in July hoping to release it alongside Vigilante . The BBFC sent me a not entirely unexpected cuts list for Deadbeat totalling two minutes of footage. I made around fifty
cuts to remove all sight of chain sticks and throwing stars exactly as they requested. Most of the gore in the film passed unnoticed.
I resubmitted the film and started sending out preview copies, printed the
sleeves, and ran a couple of ads, under the foolish assumption that because I had cut what they asked the film would be approved. Not so. Ferman watched it and through his secretary informed me that there was a problem with the violence in the film. A
discussion was to be staged on the matter two days after the original release date: Oct. 26th. According to Ferman, opinions were split among the examiners.
Then Whittam Smith entered the room, overruled all
discussion and declared that the film was to be rejected. Democratic discussion! Anyway, Ferman said they didn't want to issue another cuts list and that I could submit a toned down version if I wanted to. He had this impression of the film reaching a
massive audience of impressionable. I told him that he ought to consider, in future, the actual market for a film of this type. 1500 units max! Not a huge blockbuster by any account, but a healthy specialist market.
Summary Review
After one too many encounters with The Spiders (a rival gang), The Ravens' leader's girlfriend tells him to quit the gang or it's Splitsville. He does so, but the leader of The Spiders is hellbent on
revenge and arranges the murder of the girlfriend. That ticks off the boyfriend, who wreaks havoc with the two gangs, who have joined forces in order to pull off a security truck heist.
The last twenty or so minutes of Deadbeat at Dawn
consists of one slam-bang scene after another, scenes guaranteed to warm the heart of the most fervent action film aficionados.
few of the performances go over the top, especially Bone Crusher's misanthropic soliloquy on murder, but most of
these amateur actors do a competent job. Yep, Deadbeat at Dawn is a worthwhile experience for the lover of low budget cinema.
Death Wish is a 1974 USA crime thriller by Michael Winner.
With Charles Bronson, Hope Lange and Vincent Gardenia.
Uncut by the BBFC for 1974 cinema release but banned (or rather 'delayed') for 13 years on VHS. Eventually released with cuts for 18 rated VHS in 2000. The BBFC later waived its cuts for 18 rated DVD in 2006. Uncut and MPAA R rated in
the US.
Summary Review: The thrill of revenge
A New York City architect becomes a one-man vigilante squad after his wife is murdered by street punks in which he randomly goes out and kills would-be
muggers on the mean streets after dark.
We know that vigilanteism is wrong, but the 'thrill' of revenge and harsh punishment dealt out to criminals sure carries a hell of a punch. You may be surprised just how relevant and fresh
the issues are to modern Britain now. Time to remind yourself just how important a film this is
Versions
uncut
run:
93:21s
pal:
89:37s
UK: Passed 18 uncut for strong sexual violence
and very strong language with previous cuts waived for:
2018 Final Cut [Death Wish 1-5] (RB) Blu-ray at UK Amazon
Although the rape scene was still considered offensive and disturbing, the comparative lack of detail and the brevity and discretion with which the nudity is shown, convinced the Board that the
overall effect of the rape scene was to repel and disgust rather than to arouse.
Given that the only real issue with the scene was offensiveness, it was agreed that the scene could be passed at '18'.
cut
cut:
29s
run:
92:50s
pal:
89:07s
UK: Passed 18 after 29s of BBFC cuts for:
2000 CIC/Paramount VHS
The cuts were:
Rape sequence has been cut to remove clear nudity, fondling and a bit where Kersey's daughter has her rear spray painted.
From BBFC case study:
On this occasion the Board was inclined to grant a video certificate on the understanding that a few brief cuts, totalling 29 seconds, were made to remove elements of nudity, including the spray
painting of the buttocks, that had been problematic in the past and which were felt to raise concerns under the Board's strict sexual violence guidelines.
UK:
The video was submitted to the BBFC in 1987. James Ferman wanted cuts but could not see how they could be made without destroying the important scene.
The impasse ended up with the video being withdrawn from the BBFC rather than receiving a formal
ban. But it ended up being unavailable for 13 years anyway.
Richard Falcom of the BBFC said:
It was felt that it would be impossible to allow this kind of exploitative sexual violence to be released on video under the
terms of the video recordings act and the company CIC felt it best in the wake of Hungerford not to distribute it in any form.
uncut
run:
93:41s
pal:
89:56s
UK: Released uncut on pre-cert video for:
1982 CIC VHS
UK: Passed X (18) uncut for:
1974 cinema release
From BBFC case study:
The censor at the time, Stephen Murphy was concerned about the repeated use of the 'cunt' during the early rape scene and also the aerosol spraying in the same scene. Robust defence from director Michael Winner
convinced the BBFC to leave the film uncut.
v Demoniac
- 1979 Spanish/French horror by Jess Franco.
Demoniac is a 1979 Spanish/French horror by Jess Franco. With Lina Romay, Catherine Lafferière and Jesus Franco.
Banned by the BBFC from 1985 until 2003 when it was passed 18 after 2:25s of cuts. The BBFC cuts were waived for 2017 DVD. The film started out as Sexorcism/Exorcism and was significantly reworked reworked with new material to become
El Sadico de Notre-Dame. The legacy is that there are now multiple versions with different mixes of sex and violence including a hardcore version.
Summary Review : Good but Not Great
Exorcism
is a good but not great film. Like so many of Franco's films EXORCISM is at once brilliant and amateurish.
Franco stars as a kinky priest who serves GOD by ridding the world of sinners with his Sword of the Lord.
His best moments are shared with his lover/partner Lina Romay. It's always interesting to watch the couple interact together especially during sadistic scenes.
Despite it's strong scenes of violence EXORCISM is not a
gory film. The bloodiest scenes involve the beheading of a pigeon and the removal of a woman's entrails. Franco claims (on the commentary track) that the pigeon is a special effect. I seriously doubt that what Franco says is true.
Versions
Exorcism Version uncut
run:
93:42s
pal:
89:57s
UK: Passed 18 uncut for strong sexualised violence, sex, nudity, with all previous BBFC cuts waived for:
2017 Screenbound/Black House Films R2 DVD at UK Amazon
Thanks to Mark. The budget DVD label Boulevard Entertainment accidentally released the full uncut version. The release was a port of the Synapse R1 DVD including alternate footage and a commentary. The UK DVD is actually supposed to be a
release of another film under the same title on a double bill with 976-Evil 2
US: Uncut and MPAA Unrated for:
2018 Severin [The Sadist of Notre Dame] (RA) Blu-ray at US Amazon released on 3rd April
2018
2018 Severin [The Sadist of Notre Dame] R1 DVD at US Amazon released on 3rd April
2018
Exorcism (Synapse's
version) is entirely new 94 min transfer from available materials from Eurocine of Paris . It's considered the most coherent of all possible versions. It contains none of the hardcore footage and does not use any of the footage added in 1979-80
for the reworked El Sadico de Notre-Dame -version. However, there are gore scenes and explanatory scenes that are missing from all other versions. So this is the complete gore version, with some softcore.
cut
cut:
2:25s
run:
89:58s
pal:
86:22s
UK: Passed 18 after BBFC cuts of 2:25s for:
2003 Arrow R2 DVD titled Demoniac
The cuts were for sexual violence:
2 mins: cuts to shot of naked woman stabbed and having a knife run over her body
29 mins: cuts to shot of naked woman who has been stabbed
39 mins: cuts to the evisceration of one of Vogel's victims
48 mins: cut to shot of
naked woman being slapped by Vogel
80 mins: cut to woman being bitten and threatened with a knife.
banned
run:
89:58s
pal:
86:22s
UK: Banned by the BBFC for:
1994 Redemption VHS titled Demoniac
The BBFC commented :
This was another shocker from the 70s, from a film-maker most of whose cinematic work appeared to revel in the tying up and abusing of naked women. Here their bodies were liberally
splashed with blood, stage blood, in rituals acted out as a turn-on for audiences in search of sexual arousal. Later each evening, we see the rituals re-enacted sadistically and homicidally by a criminal psychopath (played by the film-maker himself),
whose deeds perform the same function as the video viewer. The Board considered whether cuts could make such a work acceptable, but given its multifarious images of women stripped, inverted, bound, gagged, manacled at ankles and wrists, with blood
smeared on bodies, especially breasts, and with blades driven into flesh, we concluded that cuts would have been so extensive as to leave little of the misogynistic framework intact. This might have been no loss on artistic or social grounds, but it
would have left an unviable video commercially.
Twenty years ago Redemption Films released Succubus
and I received a written warning from the British Board of Film Classification, that Jess Franco was a director whose films the BBFC regarded as bordering on criminal. I was told that were I to attempt to release other films by him or to bring them into
the country there would be consequences... A year later I submitted Demoniacs and Sadomania and both were categorically banned with the implicit threat that by pushing the work of Jess Franco I was, indirectly, championing criminal sexual material and
that if I continued I too would face not civil, but criminal proceedings.
The BBFC said of DEMONIAC:
... The Board has never granted a BBFC certificate to any film or video which seeks to encourage
sexual sadism, and this film is clearly sadistic in that it seems 'to have no purpose or justification other than to reinforce or sell the idea that it can be highly pleasurable to inflict injury, pain or humiliation (often in a sexual context) on
others' (Home Office Report on Obscenity and Film Censorship, Williams, HMSO, 1979)....|
...The work of this particular film maker has often fallen well outside the parameters of BBFC standards because of the manner in
which it presents scenes of vicious sexual violence or of violence to women in a sexually arousing context, offering little pleasure to the viewer other than a conscious vicarious gratification of misogyny. Where such emotions focus on the harming of
others, the Board must always consider drawing a line, as we have in refusing a video certificate to DEMONIAC .
Redemption Films challenged the banning of these films, along with Bare Behind Bars legally, and lost. We then
sought and won leave to judicially review the BBFC's entire operation, a massive undertaking and one which would, had we pursued it, opened up all the machinations of the BBFC's internal workings to public scrutiny, however, we ran out of money and had
to wait until our battle over pornography several years later to finally oust the BBFC chairman James Ferman which in turn heralded in a period of more liberal censorship.
Evil Protege is a 1982 USA horror by William Asher. With Jimmy McNichol, Susan Tyrrell and Bo Svenson.
Banned as Video Nasty in 1983. Banned again by the BBFC for video in 1987. Uncut and MPAA R rated in the US.
Summery Review: Gripping
An orphaned teenager finds himself being
dominated by his aunt who's hell-bent on keeping him with her...at all costs.
It seems rather strange that the the director of the I Love Lucy TV series could ever make something on the DPP's list of banned movies, but that's
exactly what happened to William Asher's 1981 feature. Despite several undoubtedly shocking scenes this seems particularly unfair, as it is actually a gripping and well made horror thriller, which was even nominated for a Saturn Award as Best Low Budget
Film of the Year.
UK: A short version was passed 18 without BBFC cuts (in a pre-cert voluntary submission scheme) for:
1983 Atlantis VHS
uncut
run:
96:16s
pal:
92:25s
UK: Released on pre-cert video for
1983 Atlantis VHS
The film was released in April 1983. It made the list of banned video nasties by November of the same year. It was dropped from the list in December 1985
The Exorcist is a 1973 US horror by William Friedkin. With Ellen Burstyn, Max von Sydow and Linda Blair.
Passed 18 uncut for 1974 cinema release. A video release was informally
banned by the BBFC for many years. Later released uncut. A Director's Cut turned up for DVD.
Actress Chris MacNeil (Ellen Burstyn) has every reason to be content, having just completed a film with director Burke Dennings (Jack MacGowran). However, she becomes disturbed by the
changes taking place in her 12-year-old daughter, Regan (Linda Blair). At first sullen and withdrawn, Regan becomes aggressive and blasphemous, and ugly welts appear on her face and body. No medical cure is forthcoming, and after Burke is killed by being
thrown from Regan's window, Chris turns to local Jesuit priest Father Damien Karras (Jason Miller) for help. Karras then calls in exorcist Father Lankester Merrin (Max von Sydow), who confirms that Regan is possessed by the devil. William Peter Blatty's
screenplay, based on his own novel inspired by actual events, won an Oscar, and the film was deemed so powerful that it was refused a BBFC certificate for fifteen years.
Versions
Altered Director's Cut
run:
132:02s
pal:
126:45s
UK: The Altered Director's Cut was passed 18
uncut for:
2023 Warner Bros 50th Anniversary Edition [Theatrical Version + Director's Cut] R0 4K Blu-ray
at UK Amazon #ad
From IMDb. The Director's Cut includes the following additions and changes:
A slightly different opening, which shows the MacNeil's home in Georgetown, then cuts to the opening titles.
The scene where Chris MacNeil screams on the phone includes a new music cue and omits the line "I've been on this fucking line
for 20 minutes!" and simply cuts to the next scene.
A new scene with Regan at the hospital receiving treatment to diagnose her "unusual" behavior. The doctor tells Chris MacNeil that Regan told him to "keep his hands away
from her Goddamn cunt." This scene sets up her bizarre behavior earlier and clarifies the scene where Chris tells Regan "it's just like the doctor said, it's just nerves. You just take your pills and you'll be fine"
The party
scene removes the shot of Regan lauging with the guests, obviously because of her "unusual" behavior in the previous scene.
In the scene where Chris returns home and the lights go out, new digital effects including satanic faces and
images of the statue, new sound effects, and music have been added to the scene.
The "spider-walk" scene has been restored and digitally altered from the original scene. Here, crude wires from the scene have been digitally removed, she
comes down the stairs much faster, and her mouth is full of blood. It then cuts to black, and the next scene opens.
Before she grabs the psychiatrist's crotch, a new digital effect of her face morphing into the devil(which is seen in subliminal
cuts throughout)including a new growl has been added.
A new music cue has been added to the scene with Lt. Kinderman and Father Karras.
After Father Karras leaves for the night, a new scene of him examining a tape of Regan trying to
talk to her dad has been added and a new music cues ties the new scene and the scene of Father Karras at the mass together.
New scenes with Sharon trying to tune out the devil groans and a short moment with Chris MacNeil and Father Merrin(which
hints his vulnerability and weakness) have been added.
A new music cue has been added to the scene with Father Karras and Father Merrin going up the stairs to perform the exorcism, and a short scene has been added before they enter the room.
Father Damien asks Chris MacNeil what Regan's middle name is. She tells him it's Theresa, and he says "what a lovely name."
The scene with Father Karras and Father Merrin talking on the stairs (which was included on the 25th
Anniversary DVD) has been restored.
When Father Karras looks up at the window when he's possessed, a new digital effect with Karras' mother's face has been added, and the scene includes the "subtle morph effect" that was included on
the 25th anniversary edition DVD.
When Chris MacNeil gives Father Dyer Father Karras' medal, he gives it back to her and says "I think you should keep it", instead of simply keeping it as in the original version. A new short scene of
Regan smiling and waving at Father Dyer as they drive away and Father Dyer waving back has been added.
The original ending with Father Dyer and Lt. Kinderman has been restored. The 'tubular bells' music cue plays over them walking away, and it
ends before Lt. Kinderman can say quote "Casablanca", "I think this is the beginning of a beautiful friendship".
uncut Theatrical Version
run:
121:33s
pal:
116:41s
UK: The Theatrical Version was passed 18 without BBFC cuts for:
2010 Warner [Theatrical + Altered Director's Cut] R0 Blu-ray at UK Amazon
1999 Warner R2 DVD
1999 Harbottle & Lewis VHS
1990 cinema release
1974 cinema release
UK: The Theatrical Version was released on pre-cert video for:
1982 Warner Rental VHS
1980 Warner Rental VHS
US: The Theatrical Version is MPAA R Rated for:
2023 Warner 50th Anniversary Edition [Extended + Theatrical Versions] R0 4K Blu-ray at US
Amazon #ad
2014 Warner
[Theatrical + Altered Director's Cut] Exorcist Complete Anthology RA Blu-ray at US Amazon
2013 Warner [Theatrical + Altered Director's Cut] 40th Anniversary Edition RA Blu-ray
at US Amazon
2010 Warner [Theatrical + Altered Director's Cut] R0 Blu-ray
at US Amazon
By the time Ferman had been replaced as director by Duval the video was passed with the following justification:
The film version was originally given an 'X' certificate in 1974 and has been widely
shown since then. In the 1970s, however, incidents of hysteria involving young women led to some concern that the film might cause severe emotional problems particularly among those who believed in the reality of demonic possession. It was with this
concern in mind that the BBFC in the 1980s and early 1990s concluded that a video classification - even with an '18' rating (which could not entirely exclude the possibility of the work being seen by younger and susceptible viewers) - was inappropriate.
It must be acknowledged, however, that there is little if any hard evidence known to the BBFC that The Exorcist has, in its video form, caused actual harm to its viewers. The video
version was in fact widely available for many years before the Video Recordings Act 1984 introduced the requirement of BBFC classification. The recent re-release of the film version by Warner Brothers has, moreover, been accompanied by none of the
hysteria or audience disturbance which occurred in the mid-1970s.
The Exorcist has been available on video uncut for many years in other European countries, notably Germany (rated
for 16 year olds) and Sweden (rated for 14 year olds) where the protection of the young is considered particularly important.
The Video Recordings Act places on the BBFC a duty to have special
regard (among other relevant factors) to any harm that may be caused to potential viewers or, through their behaviour, to society by the manner in which the work deals with, for example, violent or horrific behaviour or incidents or human sexual
activity. The Board must consider as a potential viewer any person (including a child or young person) who is likely to view the video.
The BBFC must also apply the requirements of Article 10 of
the European Convention of Human Rights, now accepted as British law. Inter alia, these impose a duty to preserve freedom of expression, with the relevant restrictions being "for the prevention of disorder or crime (or) for the protection of health
or morals". Alongside these, there is a duty to observe the principle of proportionality: any restriction on the basic duty of freedom of expression should have a proportional justification.
The BBFC concluded that
The Exorcist , while still a powerful and compelling work, no longer has the same impact as it did 25 years ago. Film technique and special effects have moved on a long way since then, and audiences - including (or especially) teenagers
brought up on a range of modern multi- media output - are less likely to be affected. Correspondingly, the potential of The Exorcist to disturb a small, impressionable minority must be significantly diminished.
The BBFC has also considered the likely effects of The Exorcist 's current reputation. We cannot discount the possibility that, however restrictive its classification, under-age persons may seek ways to
view it. On the other hand, both the name and the nature of this film are familiar to most people: its reputation should prompt many parents and guardians to be more alert to that possibility than would normally be the case.
On balance, therefore, and after careful consideration, the Board has concluded that the video version of The Exorcist should be classified - but at a level which minimises the likelihood of the work being viewed by young
and impressionable persons.
banned
banned
UK: Banned by a few local authorities, notably Bradford, Worthing and Torbay for:
1974 cinema release
UK: The film was unofficially banned by the BBFC from the time the VRA became effective for already released videos in 1988 until it was finally released on home video in 1999.
The BBFC website in December 1998 noted the absence of video
releases:
The film itself still shows quite regularly in cinemas but we have not yet classified the video, nor has it ever been shown on television, including subscription television. The problem is not
the frightening nature of the story but the combination of the themes with which it deals and the very powerful treatment it is given in this version.
Showings of this film have resulted in severe emotional
problems among a small but worrying number of adults who do believe in the reality of demonic possession and satanic practices. A video or television showing would inevitably attract many young teenagers, some of whom would be, more even than adults,
susceptible to this sort of material, since they might well identify with the central character, a 12-year-old girl. Newspaper reports and letters in our files indicate the very real and serious disturbance that can result and we feel uneasy about being
a party to this sort of psychological damage. It is partly because the film is so convincing and effective that it can be so disturbing for some.
It is hard for those of us who do not give credence to the
possibility of possession to appreciate how powerful an influence this can evidently exert on those who do. At a time when charges of satanic abuse appear fairly regularly in the press and alleged instances have been reported and when an Act was passed
in Parliament, the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act (1994), which specifically requires the Board "to have special regard to any harm that may be caused to potential viewers, or, through their behaviour, to society by the manner in which the
work deals with, for example, horrific incidents", there are added reasons to be cautious. Eventually, perhaps the time will come to release THE EXORCIST on video, but we are not convinced that this is that moment, particularly at a time when many
parents allow their children to see videos unsupervised, according to the latest research.
UK : Banned from Sky TV
In the 1990s,, Sky TV wanted to show The Exorcist on TV. The idea was championed by future BBFC
director, Robin Duval, working at the time at Sky. However James Ferman petitioned that it would be odd that it could be shown on TV whilst being banned on video, and Sky backed down.
Frisk is a 1995 US thriller by Todd Verow Starring Michael Gunther, Craig Chester and
Michael Stock
Banned by the BBFC for 1998 VHS.
Summary Notes
A first person narrative of the exploits of a gay serial killer in deeply disturbing, controversial drama
about violence, sexuality, and the imagination. Dennis, the main character, whose lead we follow on this path between what is real and what we can only hope is surreal.
The BBFC explained:
The Board has also refused a certificate to FRISK, a first person narrative of the exploits of a gay serial killer. The work is set in an erotic world of sado-masochism and portrays the sexual appetites of a young man for whom killing and engorging the
victim become the ultimate thrill. The treatment is cold, lacking remorse, deliberately without moral standpoint. It plays with the idea that these killings are a part of the fantasy world of the protagonist, but the viewer is invited to share that world
by experiencing the killings as both realistic and the peak of sado-masochistic pleasure. The harmful effect of the video derives from its repeated juxtaposition of sex and gross physical assault, which could have a disturbing and dangerous impact on
vulnerable viewers.
Versions
banned
UK: Banned by the BBFC for:
1998 VHS
Still nominally banned by the BBFC but was shown without a certificate at London's ICA cinema.
Slaughter in the South Bronx Tenement: Game of Survival
Game of Survival is a 1985 US action horror by Roberta Findlay Starring Joe Lynn, Mina Bern and Walter Bryant
Banned by the BBFC for 1987 VHS. Later passed 18 uncut for 2005 DVD.. Uncut and X rated in the US.
Summary Review
A drug selling and violent street-gang terrorize the
renters of a big trashy apartment-house.
Tenement's TOO VIOLENT TO BE RATED! tagline lives up to its name as well: people are dropped off windows, electrocuted, impaled, castrated, raped with broomstick handles,
sliced on the jugular, etc. It's definitely one of the most violent 70s/80s grindhouse/exploitation flicks I've seen, but it was definitely entertaining if also brutal. Recommended.
Versions
uncut
run:
94:07s
pal:
90:21s
UK: Passed 18 uncut for:
2005 Blackhorse R0 DVD at UK Amazon titled
Tenement: Game of Survival
The Gestapo's Last Orgy is a 1977 Italian prison film by Cesare Canevari. With Adriano Micantoni, Daniela Poggi and Maristella Greco.
Banned in the UK as a Video Nasty. Banned by the BBFC for video release in 2021. Available uncut in the US but there is also a cut version.
Bannable scenes include girls being dunked in quick-lime, girls fellating pistols and
sodomising the commandant with the butt of a whip.
Summary Review: Way Better than Expected
In the tradition of THE NIGHT PORTER, SALON KITTY and SALO only far more depraved comes perhaps the most
notorious Nazisploitation epic of them all: Daniela Levy stars as a beautiful young death camp prisoner forced into a nightmare of brutality, torment and sexual degradation. But will a Commandant's vilest urge trigger her ultimate vengeance? Marc Loud
co-stars in this fetid slice of filth-strudel
Caligula Reincarnated as Hitler was way better than what I expected. The young blonde star of the film is gorgeous and someone both men and women would find
attractive to sleep with. There are some five star sexual violence scenes that are unfortunately too brief. Beatings, whippings, gang raping of women prisoners, dipping naked women into vats of lime, hanging the young blonde star nude and upside down
over a box of live rats! I mean, hey you "sicko" Nazi fans, is this something or what?
There are no actual hardcore sex scenes, however, there are multiple simulated sex scenes that are quite hot to watch.
Versions
banned
run:
96m
pal:
92m
UK: Banned by the BBFC for:
2021 88 Films Blu-ray
The BBFC commented:
THE GESTAPO'S LAST ORGY is an Italian exploitation film, from 1977, in which a Jewish woman revisits the site of a concentration camp in which she was formerly imprisoned and subjected to
torture, terrorisation, humiliation and sexual violence.
BBFC Guidelines state that: As a last resort, the BBFC may refuse to classify a work --.where a central concept of the work is unacceptable, such as a sustained focus on
rape, other non-consensual sexually violent behaviour or sadistic violence.
THE GESTAPO'S LAST ORGY is largely composed of scenes of strong sadistic violence, humiliation, degradation and non-consensual sexual activity, including
rape, all of which occurs within a clearly anti-Semitic context. Its central concept is therefore unacceptable, and the sadistic and sexually abusive material it contains is too pervasive to be effectively addressed by cuts.
Accordingly, the BBFC has refused classification to this work.
At approximately 47:00s the sight of a penis has been darkened
cut
cut:
10:48s
run:
84:18s
pal:
80:56s
UK: Pre-cut for Pre-cert video release for:
1984 Videoshack VHS
1983 VFP VHS
The video was released in 1983 by VFP with a missing 10:48s scene of an Aryan fantasy and a feast of human flesh. The video was re-released in 1984 by
Videoshack.
It was added to the DPP list of banned video nasties in March 1984 and stayed listed throughout the panic and so became one of the collectable DPP39s. The Videoshack version is
particularly rare.
v Grotesque
- 2009 Japan crime horror thriller by Kôji Shiraishi.
Grotesque is a 2009 Japan crime horror thriller by Kôji Shiraishi. With Tsugumi Nagasawa, Hiroaki Kawatsure and Shigeo Ôsako.
Banned by the BBFC for 2009 DVD. Uncut in the US. Also banned in Norway.
Summary Notes
An unnamed doctor has always had everything he's ever wanted, but that has only made him develop
more extreme and depraved needs. He kidnaps a young couple in the prime of their life together and forces them into a game of torment that slowly extinguishes their hopes for survival.
Very tame! Yes the film
has pointless torture, but it has very little nudity and any sexual humiliation is implied and is never in the view of the camera. Very hard to see why this was banned.
This movie is a prime example of pointless
torture movies, While in context the aspect of torture in a horror film i.e. Saw, Hellraiser, Texas chainsaw (the original) etc... works great because it's bad people getting their come uppance or just a cautionary of the cruelty of man but this film is
just a fictionalized snuff film with no story what so ever. Watching people getting brutally killed (particularly those who were just there) for the bulk of the movie then.... "the end" after some silly f/x does nothing for me except feeling a
little dirty for watching this piece of trash.
UK: The Unrated Version was banned by the BBFC for
2009 4Digital Media DVD
The BBFC explained their ban:
The BBFC has rejected the DVD Grotesque. This means that it cannot be legally supplied anywhere in the UK. The decision was taken by the Director, David Cooke and the Presidential Team of
Sir Quentin Thomas, Alison Hastings and Gerard Lemos.
Grotesque is a feature that focuses for the majority of its running time on the sexual assault, humiliation and extreme torture of a male and female victim. The central character abducts,
restrains, strips and masturbates both the man and the woman. After this he inflicts grave injuries on the restrained couple, including amputation, eye gouging, castration and evisceration. The torture becomes even more extreme, leading to the gory and
violent death of both hostages. The film ends with the killer choosing his next victims.
David Cooke, Director of the BBFC said: "Unlike other recent 'torture' themed horror works, such as the Saw and Hostel series, Grotesque features minimal
narrative or character development and presents the audience with little more than an unrelenting and escalating scenario of humiliation, brutality and sadism. The chief pleasure on offer seems to be in the spectacle of sadism (including sexual sadism)
for its own sake.
"It is the Board's carefully considered view that to issue a certificate to Grotesque, even if statutorily confined to adults, would involve risk of harm within the terms of the Video Recordings Act, would be inconsistent with
the Board's Guidelines, and would be unacceptable to the public. The BBFC has a strict policy on sexual violence. With portrayals of sexual violence which might eroticise or endorse sexual assault the Board may require cuts at any classification level.
"Rejecting a work outright is a serious matter and the Board considered whether the issue could be dealt with through cuts. However, given the unacceptable content featured throughout cutting the work is not a viable option in this case and the
work is therefore refused a classification."
"Rejecting a work outright is a serious matter and the Board considered whether the issue could be dealt with through cuts. However, given the unacceptable content featured throughout cutting the work
is not a viable option in this case and the work is therefore refused a classification."
The Hash Man is a one-hour video work offering the viewer clear and detailed guidance on the cultivation of cannabis plants. Under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971, the cultivation of
cannabis plants is illegal in the UK (without a license or other authority from the Secretary of State for research purposes), as is the ownership, use and supply of cannabis. Indeed, although apparently produced in the US, it is made clear during the
video that the growing of cannabis is illegal in many parts of the word and advice and tips are offered on how to avoid detection. The intention of the work is clearly to assist people in breaking the law by giving detailed advice on how to cultivate an
illegal drug. The work both constitutes an incitement to commit a criminal offence and, in contravention of the BBFC's Guidelines, promotes and encourages the use of illegal drugs.
The BBFC's Guidelines clearly set out the Board's serious
concerns about the portrayal of illegal drugs, particularly when the work in question promotes or encourages their use. The Board's Guidelines clearly state that "No work taken as a whole may promote or encourage the use of illegal drugs".
Furthermore, under the terms of the Video Recordings Act 1984, the BBFC is required, when making a determination as to whether a video work is suitable for classification, to "have special regard (among the other relevant factors) to any harm that
may be caused to potential viewers or, through their behaviour to society, by the manner in which the work deals with [...] illegal drugs" [Video Recordings Act 1984 section 4A(1)].
The Board considered whether cutting the work would be a
viable alternative to refusing a classification certificate but found that, because the entire purpose of the video is to assist and encourage in breaking the law, this was not a viable option.
It is our conclusion therefore that this video work
is in conflict with the Board's published Guidelines and the requirements of the Video Recordings Act. In line with its specific duties under the Video Recordings Act, the Board is required to treat material of this kind very carefully indeed and the
Board therefore finds this to be unacceptable for a classification certificate to be issued to it.
v Hate Crime
- 2013 USA action horror thriller by James Cullen Bressack.
Hate Crime is a 2013 USA action horror thriller by James Cullen Bressack.
Starring Jody Barton, Nicholas Clark and Greg Depetro.
Banned by the BBFC for 2015 VoD. Uncut and MPAA Unrated in the US.
Summery Notes
A Jewish family, that just arrived in a new neighborhood, are recording their youngest son's birthday
celebrations on video when their home is suddenly invaded by a bunch of crystal-meth-crazed Neo-Nazi lunatics.
HATE CRIME focuses on the terrorisation, mutilation, physical and sexual abuse and murder of the members of a Jewish family by the Neo Nazi thugs who invade their home. The physical and sexual abuse
and violence are accompanied by constant strong verbal racist abuse. Little context is provided for the violence beyond an on-screen statement at the end of the film that the two attackers who escaped were subsequently apprehended and that the one
surviving family member was released from captivity. It is the Board's carefully considered conclusion that the unremitting manner in which HATE CRIME focuses on physical and sexual abuse, aggravated by racist invective, means that to issue a
classification to this work, even if confined to adults, would be inconsistent with the Board's Guidelines, would risk potential harm, and would be unacceptable to broad public opinion. The Board considered whether its concerns could be dealt with
through cuts. However, given that the fact that unacceptable content runs throughout the work, cuts are not a viable option in this case and the work is therefore refused a classification.
I am honoured to know that my mind is officially too twisted for the UK. So it goes...I find it unbelievable that a film that shows little to no on screen violence and no nudity was actually
banned. it just shows the power of what is implied and peoples imagination; and is a testament to the fact that the same crimes that happen in the world are truly horrifying.
As a Jewish man, and a victim of anti -Semitic hate, I made a horror film that depicts the very thing that haunts my dreams. As an artist I wanted to tell a story to remind us that we live in a
dangerous world; a world where racial violence is on the rise. It saddens me to learn that censorship is still alive and well.
Despite the lurid language used by the BBFC, reviewers have concurred that the violence and sexual violence
is not explicitly portrayed. For example, see review from
realmofhorror-blog.blogspot.co.uk
Clocking in at just over an hour, its not an exceptionally long feature film and with it being a low
budget production, not all the acting is up to the standards of the Royal Shakespeare Company (so to speak). Also, some of the more brutal scenes are perhaps more implied than shown (the wife and daughter get to keep their underwear on for the most part
whilst being sexually assaulted). But then, many might argue that's a good thing and in any case, does not detract from the extremely uncomfortable nature of it all.
The film as described in 'outrageous' language by the BBFC doesn't
quite tally with even mainstream film reviews. Well known US film critic Roger Ebert was quoted in an article from
en.wikipedia.org saying that he gave the film 2.5 stars, saying of the film:
Actually more of a thriller than a social commentary. the film holds our
attention and contains surprises right until the end and raises complex moral issues that makes the movie more thought-provoking than we could possibly have expected.
So it would seem that the ban is more about the racist
invective, than the portrayal of the violence. And of course there's also the ever important political correctness aspect, that the the film would be unacceptable to broad public opinion .
Perhaps it is also relevant to note here that the
BBFC has been lobbied by a political group on the subject of the censorship of racism. From an article from
sputniknews.com :
Danny Stone the director of the All-Party Parliamentary Group Against Antisemitism told the Jewish Chronicle:
We welcome this decision [to ban Hate Crime]. We have worked closely with the BBFC over a number of years and are confident they not only have the right systems in place for certification, but a robust position on
anti-Semitism and racism .
Could it be that the job of film censor is becoming a little 'political'. The BBFC now has to determine if it is acceptable to depict crimes that are PC sensitive, regardless of the
director wanting to highlight the abhorrence of the racist crime portrayed.
Head Girl at St
Winifred's is a 1981 UK short spanking video Starring Lucy Palmer
Banned by the BBFC for 1987 VHS.
Versions
banned
run:
21m
pal:
20m
UK: Banned by the BBFC for:
1987 Janus VHS
S&M and spanking is not popular with the BBFC. See A Brief Encounter for details about policy. Films in the same series also failed to get a cinema release, see
Lesson at St. Winifred's
Hidden Rage is a 1988 USA horror thriller by Shuki Levy. Starring Deborah Shelton, Lyman Ward and Tom Dug:an.
Banned by the BBFC for 1988 VHS release. Uncut and MPAA R rated in the US.
Also banned by the Australian film censor.
Summary Notes
A psycho who has contracted AIDS blames women for his disease, and begins to stalk and kill beautiful girls.
Versions
uncut
run:
99m
pal:
95m
US: MPAA R rated but only released in VHS:
1988 Academy VHS titled Perfect Victims
banned
run:
98:57s
pal:
95:00s
banned
UK: Banned by the BBFC for:
1988 Braveworld VHS
The BBFC commented:
HIDDEN RAGE was submitted on video in August 1988 and rejected after numerous viewings of it including one involving the president and vice presidents of the BBFC. This video, with its portrait of an
AIDS victim as a twisted and sadistic monster, seemed to the board to be contrived so as to provide titillatory rape sequences for male audiences and cutting was therefore not an option.
High-Yield Hydroponic Systems is a one-hour video work offering the viewer clear and detailed guidance on the cultivation of cannabis plants. Under the Misuse of
Drugs Act 1971, the cultivation of cannabis plants is illegal in the UK (without a license or other authority from the Secretary of State for research purposes), as is the ownership, use and supply of cannabis. Indeed, although apparently produced in the
US, it is made clear during the video that the growing of cannabis is illegal in many parts of the word and advice and tips are offered on how to avoid detection. The intention of the work is clearly to assist people in breaking the law by giving
detailed advice on how to cultivate an illegal drug. The work both constitutes an incitement to commit a criminal offence and, in contravention of the BBFC's Guidelines, promotes and encourages the use of illegal drugs.
The BBFC's Guidelines
clearly set out the Board's serious concerns about the portrayal of illegal drugs, particularly when the work in question promotes or encourages their use. The Board's Guidelines clearly state that "No work taken as a whole may promote or encourage
the use of illegal drugs". Furthermore, under the terms of the Video Recordings Act 1984, the BBFC is required, when making a determination as to whether a video work is suitable for classification, to "have special regard (among the other
relevant factors) to any harm that may be caused to potential viewers or, through their behaviour to society, by the manner in which the work deals with [...] illegal drugs" [Video Recordings Act 1984 section 4A(1)].
The Board considered
whether cutting the work would be a viable alternative to refusing a classification certificate but found that, because the entire purpose of the video is to assist and encourage in breaking the law, this was not a viable option.
It is our
conclusion therefore that this video work is in conflict with the Board's published Guidelines and the requirements of the Video Recordings Act. In line with its specific duties under the Video Recordings Act, the Board is required to treat material of
this kind very carefully indeed and the Board therefore finds this to be unacceptable for a classification certificate to be issued to it.
v Hooligan
- UK documentary video about football hooligans
Hooligan is a UK documentary video about football hooligans
Banned by
the BBFC for 2002 video release.
Versions
banned
UK:
Banned by the BBFC for:
2002 video
The BBFC commented:
Hooligans is a video compilation of actual football hooliganism, which it endorses and celebrates. The Board has concluded that the work has potential to cause harm within the meaning
of the Video Recordings Act and is therefore not suitable for classification.
While the Board accepts that some of the material contained in Hooligans has previously appeared in the public domain, its concern lies in the manner in which the
material is presented. Hooliganism is an entirely valid subject for critical documentary treatment, and in that context illustrative news footage has a legitimate function. That, however, is not what is on offer here. Hooligans presents a series of
violent and antisocial acts in an exciting and exhilarating manner. Such material may appeal to and validate the behaviour of real life hooligans, confirming them further in their violence. It may also assist in encouraging others who are attracted to
such antisocial activities.
The impact of the repetitive and brutal acts of violence is further compounded by the driving musical soundtrack, with its potential to raise the level of viewer excitement. No alternative option to the violence is
offered and police efforts to control hooliganism are even criticised by the commentary.
The lack of any real contextualisation or analysis of the behaviour shown leaves the clear impression that the video merely seeks to exploit the phenomenon
of hooliganism for the purposes of entertainment. The commentary is supportive of what it refers to as the 'so-called' hooligans and the vox pops provide no alternative critical dimension. Indeed they are proud of their violence. The Board was also
concerned by an apparent racist and xenophobic dimension in the video.
It is the Board's conclusion that the video is likely to be widely viewed by the people whose behaviour it celebrates. It may well have the effect of reinforcing and
validating their behaviour or of encouraging those on the fringes to join in next time.
The Board did not feel that the problems could be usefully addressed by the provision of a cuts list. The issue is not only the great number of specific
visual images, but the overall tone and construction of the tape.
Hotline is a 1980 US adult film by Anthony Spinelli Starring Jesie St. James, John
Leslie and Pat Manning
Banned by the BBFC for 1986 video release
Summary Notes
Jessie St. James is a
phone sex artist who drives men to distraction with her exquisite powers of description, magnificently sensual voice and very, very dirty mind. But what does a phone sex queen do when the day is over?
House of Hookers (aka Hot Skin, Cold Cash) is a 1965 US drama by Barry Mahon Starring Charles Howard, Victoria Astor and John Connant
A night in the life of a Time's Square hooker.
House of Hookers (aka A Touch of the Other) is a 1970 UK crime drama by Arnold L. Miller Starring Kenneth Cope, Shirley Anne Field and Hélène
Françoise
Delger, "the man who gets things done", finds himself involved in London's vice world, in between sleeping with his two neighbours Elaine and Wendy, a masseuse who "can't give a man a massage without turning
him on".
This film was passed X uncut for cinema release in 1970.
The Howling: Fake Porn
Movie is a DVD Extra for The Howling a 1981 US film by Joe Dante
Banned by the BBFC for 2004 video release.
The BBFC commented:
A bonus feature intended for use on the DVD
release of THE HOWLING. It consists of two silent sequences showing women being sexually assaulted. Brief extracts from these sequences, avoiding the most explicit and graphic elements, were employed in the film THE HOWLING during a scene set in a sex
shop. In the context of the film the clips served to illustrate the degenerate nature of one of the characters. The sequences (which were specially created for the film) are presented here in their entirety and divorced from their original context. In
the first sequence, a woman is assaulted by three men on top of a car bonnet. In the second sequence a woman is tied to a bed, stripped and raped by one of the men and sexually assaulted with a wooden handle. Both sequences exploit sexual violence in a
titillatory and pornographic fashion.
The Human Centipede II is a 2011 Netherlands/UK horror by Tom Six. With Laurence R Harvey and Ashlynn Yennie.
Famously banned in the UK for 2011 DVD but later passed 18 after heavy cuts. Also temporarily banned in Australia before later being passed R18+ with cuts. A cut version was released in the US Unrated by the MPAA. Later it was released
in the uncut version which is now cheekily tagged as the Director's Cut, still MPAA Unrated. Banned in New Zealand.
Summary Review: Sick Fantasy
Inspired by the fictional Dr. Heiter, disturbed loner
Martin dreams of creating a 12-person centipede and sets out to realize his sick fantasy.
This is the type of movie you will either like or hate, I doubt there will be much in between. The film is quite shocking, but not the most
outrageous of the genre.
Actor Laurence R Harvey is masterful as Martin yet doesn't utter a single word of dialogue.
Versions
Director's Cut
run:
90:50s
pal:
87:12s
US: The Uncut Version/Director's Cut is MPAA Unrated for:
Missing shots of Martin's penis wrapped in sandpaper whilst masturbating
Missing scene of Martin wrapping barbed wire around his penis and then raping the last girl in the chain.
cut
cut:
30s
run:
90m
pal:
86m
Australia: Passed R18+ after 30s of Classification Board cuts for:
Au 2011 Bounty R4 DVD
cut
cut:
2:37s
run:
87:50s
pal:
84:19s
UK: Unbanned and passed 18 for very strong bloody violence and gore, and sexual violence after 2:37s of BBFC cuts for:
2017 Eureka Steelbook Edition RB Blu-ray
2016 Eureka [colour version] home video
2012 Monster Films [Human Centipede 1+2] Steelbook Blu-ray/R2 DVD Combo
2012 Monster Films [Human Centipede 1+2] R2 DVD
2011 Bounty Blu-ray
2011 Bounty R2 DVD
2011 cinema release
The BBFC commented on their cuts:
Company was required to make 32 individual cuts to scenes of sexual and sexualised violence, sadistic violence and humiliation, and a child presented in an abusive and violent context.
In this case, cuts included:
a man masturbating with sandpaper around his penis
graphic sight of a man's teeth being removed with a hammer
graphic sight of lips being stapled to naked buttocks
graphic sight of forced defecation into and around other people's mouths
a man with barbed wire wrapped around his penis raping a woman
a newborn baby being killed
graphic sight of injury as staples are torn away from individuals' mouth and buttocks.
The film also contains scenes of sexual and sexualised violence, most notably a sequence in which Martin rapes the woman at the end of his centipede . He is shown thrusting into the naked woman, although in
the classified version the duration of the scene and the emphasis on both male and female nudity has been significantly reduced.
Elsewhere in the film, it is implied that Martin is masturbating with sandpaper whilst viewing a DVD
of THE HUMAN CENTIPEDE (FIRST SEQUENCE). However, the classified version of the film is significantly less explicit.
These cuts enabled the ban to be rescinded as explained by the BBFC:
The DVD of The Human Centipede II (Full Sequence)
has been passed with an 18 classification following 32 cuts made across 8 separate sequences. The cuts total 2 minutes 37 seconds and address all the concerns raised when the Board refused a classification on 6 June 2011, including those
relating to sexual violence, graphic gore and the possibility of breach of the law relating to obscenity.
The President, Sir Quentin Thomas, said
When we first examined this work earlier this
year we judged that, as submitted, it was unsuitable for classification; and, as we explained to the company, we could not ourselves see how cuts could produce a viable and classifiable work. That remains the view of one of our Vice Presidents, Gerard
Lemos, who is therefore abstaining from the Board's collective decision.
The company lodged an appeal against our decision to refuse classification. In the course of preparations for that appeal, the company proposed a number of
cuts which it was right for us to consider. In response, after further examination, we proposed a more extensive series of cuts. These cuts produce a work which many will find difficult but which I believe can properly be classified at the adult level.
The company has now accepted these cuts, withdrawn its appeal and the work has been classified, as cut, at 18.
In its original letter of 6 June refusing classification, the Board made clear that it was open to the
distributor to attempt cuts. The cuts which have now been made are, in the Board's judgement, necessary if the film is to be classified.
Originally passed R18+ uncut by the Classification Board
Banned on appeal by the Review Board in November 2011. The appeal was requested by NSW Attorney General, Greg Smith
Unbanned by the Classification Board after 30s of cuts in
December 2011.
New Zealand: Banned
Banned as 'objectionable' in April 2012
UK: Temporarily banned by the BBFC for:
2011 Bounty R2 DVD
The BBFC explained:
The BBFC has rejected the sexually violent, and potentially obscene DVD, The Human Centipede II (Full Sequence) This means that it cannot be legally supplied anywhere in the UK. The decision was
taken by the Director, David Cooke and the Presidential Team of Sir Quentin Thomas, Alison Hastings and Gerard Lemos.
The Human Centipede II (Full Sequence) is a sequel to the film The Human Centipede (First Sequence),
which was classified 18 uncut for cinema and DVD release by the BBFC in 2010. The first film dealt with a mad doctor who sews together three kidnapped people in order to produce the human centipede'of the title. Although the concept of the film
was undoubtedly tasteless and disgusting it was a relatively traditional and conventional horror film and the Board concluded that it was not in breach of our Guidelines at '18 . This new work, The Human Centipede II (Full Sequence), tells the story
of a man who becomes sexually obsessed with a DVD recording of the first film and who imagines putting the centipede idea into practice. Unlike the first film, the sequel presents graphic images of sexual violence, forced defecation, and
mutilation, and the viewer is invited to witness events from the perspective of the protagonist. Whereas in the first film the centipede idea is presented as a revolting medical experiment, with the focus on whether the victims will be able to
escape, this sequel presents the centipede idea as the object of the protagonist's depraved sexual fantasy.
The principal focus of The Human Centipede II (Full Sequence) is the sexual arousal of the central
character at both the idea and the spectacle of the total degradation, humiliation, mutilation, torture, and murder of his naked victims. Examples of this include a scene early in the film in which he masturbates whilst he watches a DVD of the original
Human Centipede film, with sandpaper wrapped around his penis, and a sequence later in the film in which he becomes aroused at the sight of the members of the centipede being forced to defecate into one another's mouths, culminating in sight of
the man wrapping barbed wire around his penis and raping the woman at the rear of the centipede . There is little attempt to portray any of the victims in the film as anything other than objects to be brutalised, degraded and mutilated for the
amusement and arousal of the central character, as well as for the pleasure of the audience. There is a strong focus throughout on the link between sexual arousal and sexual violence and a clear association between pain, perversity and sexual pleasure.
It is the Board's conclusion that the explicit presentation of the central character's obsessive sexually violent fantasies is in breach of its Classification Guidelines and poses a real, as opposed to a fanciful, risk that harm is likely to be caused to
potential viewers.
David Cooke, Director of the BBFC said:
It is the Board's carefully considered view that to issue a certificate to this work, even if confined to adults, would be
inconsistent with the Board's Guidelines, would risk potential harm within the terms of the VRA, and would be unacceptable to the public.
The Board also seeks to avoid classifying material that may be in breach of
the Obscene Publications Acts 1959 and 1964 (OPA) or any other relevant legislation. The OPA prohibits the publication of works that have a tendency to deprave or corrupt a significant proportion of those likely to see them. In order to avoid classifying
potentially obscene material, the Board engages in regular discussions with the relevant enforcement agencies, including the CPS, the police, and the Ministry of Justice. It is the Board's view that there is a genuine risk that this video work, The Human
Centipede II (Full Sequence), may be considered obscene within the terms of the OPA, for the reasons given above.
The Board considered whether its concerns could be dealt with through cuts. However, given that the
unacceptable content runs throughout the work, cuts are not a viable option in this case and the work is therefore refused a classification.
Introduction to Indoor Growing is a one-hour video work offering the viewer clear and detailed guidance on the cultivation of cannabis plants. Under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971,
the cultivation of cannabis plants is illegal in the UK (without a license or other authority from the Secretary of State for research purposes), as is the ownership, use and supply of cannabis. Indeed, although apparently produced in the US, it is made
clear during the video that the growing of cannabis is illegal in many parts of the word and advice and tips are offered on how to avoid detection. The intention of the work is clearly to assist people in breaking the law by giving detailed advice on how
to cultivate an illegal drug. The work both constitutes an incitement to commit a criminal offence and, in contravention of the BBFC's Guidelines, promotes and encourages the use of illegal drugs.
The BBFC's Guidelines clearly set out the Board's
serious concerns about the portrayal of illegal drugs, particularly when the work in question promotes or encourages their use. The Board's Guidelines clearly state that "No work taken as a whole may promote or encourage the use of illegal
drugs". Furthermore, under the terms of the Video Recordings Act 1984, the BBFC is required, when making a determination as to whether a video work is suitable for classification, to "have special regard (among the other relevant factors) to
any harm that may be caused to potential viewers or, through their behaviour to society, by the manner in which the work deals with [...] illegal drugs" [Video Recordings Act 1984 section 4A(1)].
The Board considered whether cutting the work
would be a viable alternative to refusing a classification certificate but found that, because the entire purpose of the video is to assist and encourage in breaking the law, this was not a viable option.
It is our conclusion therefore that this
video work is in conflict with the Board's published Guidelines and the requirements of the Video Recordings Act. In line with its specific duties under the Video Recordings Act, the Board is required to treat material of this kind very carefully indeed
and the Board therefore finds this to be unacceptable for a classification certificate to be issued to it.
Island of Death is a 1972 US/Greek horror by Nico Mastorakis. With Robert Behling, Jane Lyle and Jessica Dublin.
Heavily cut for 1976 X rated cinema release. Banned as a very famous video nasty in 1983. Even a heavily cut version was banned for official BBFC approved release in 1987. Less cut for 2003 DVD and finally uncut for 2010 DVD.
Summary Review: Rough Diamond
Island of Perversion is a rough diamond from the deep seas of sickness, another gem from 1970s - the golden age of Grindhouse and exploitation! A film where you
can still smell the dirt from the backyard and railway station cinemas it was shown in! But it´' a great one, I enjoyed every second of it!
The story is about two totally weird siblings who travel to Mykonos to free the
peaceful Greek island from all those who are perverted scum in their eyes: gays, lesbians, nymphomaniacs, hippies... Unfortunately, the version that I watched was cut, so I didn't have the chance to see the notorious goat-rape!
Even though the violence is not that graphic in this film, the director seemed to be possessed by the ambition to make one of the most depraved movies ever! Loved the bad surprise ending!
Versions
uncut
run:
105:57s
pal:
101:43s
UK: Passed 18 uncut after previous
BBFC cuts waived for:
The distributor was required to make several compulsory cuts to scenes of sexual violence, sexualised violence and a dehumanising sexual activity (urolagnia)
The urination sequence was cut showing Christopher urinating on the naked Patricia
Cut scene showing Christopher kicking Patricia and then banging her head on the floor
A bathroom rape is mostly deleted showing two hippies trying to
rape Jane.
Significant amounts cut from Chris using a blazing spray can to burn the face of Lesley
Cut scene showing Chris trying to rape a naked woman in the shower and then killing her with a sickle into her back that protrudes from
her chest
Significant cuts to a shepherd raping Jane in a bar with Chris watching. And later the shepherd raping Chris
banned
pre-cut
cut:
13:00s
run:
93:26s
pal:
89:42s
UK: A short version, presumably the cut UK cinema was banned by the BBFC for:
1987 Hologram VHS titled Psychic Killer 2
uncut
run:
106:56s
pal:
102:39s
UK: Released uncut on pre-cert video for:
1982 AVI VHS titled Island of Death
Island of Death was released in November 1982 and briefly appeared on the video nasties list in November 1983 but was deleted by the next issue. There may have been a confusion with
another film with the same name by Narcisco Ibanez Serrador. The video returned to the list in October 1985 and remained on the list throughout so becoming one of the collectable DPP39s
Kickboxer 4: The
Aggressor is a 1994 USA action film by Albert Pyun. Starring Sasha Mitchell, Kamel Krifa and Brad Thornton.
The film was cut in the US for an MPAA R rating. Both the uncut version and
the R rated version were submitted to the BBFC for 1994 VHS but BBFC banned both of the. The BBFC relented by 2004 when the uncut version was passed 18 for DVD.
Summary Review: Entertaining
Sasha
Mitchell ("Kickboxer 2&3") triumphantly returns to the ring as David Sloan, fighting not just for his survival, but for his beautiful wife, who has become the sexual captive of the despicable world champion, Tong Po. Framed, forgotten and
furious, Sloan has been wasting away in prison, but the Feds agree to release him if he will get inside Tong Po's impenetrable Mexican fortress, protected by its deadly guards and adorned by its sexual slaves. Sloan has no choice but to enter into Po's
tournament of champions, a savage battle where winner takes all - and to Sloan - that means everything! Reluctantly, alliances form with a few others to help him out.
Kickboxer 4 is better than a lot
of American martial art movies. No, its not a classic like the first 2 Kickboxers or Bloodsport . But overall, Kickboxer 4 delivers (as a good B-rated movie in the genre of American martial arts). The action is a plenty, there is a
tournament, good-looking locales, and acting that isn't terrible along with a story that has a decent plot. Kickboxer 4 has its flaws, but is still entertaining from start to finish.
La Blue Girl is a 1992 Japan action animation short film Starring Yumi Takada, Mari Akutsu and Mirei Asaoka
Banned by the BBFC for 1996 VHS
Summary Notes
Sex Ninjas Must Die! Miko Mido answers the call of the wild, to become a mistress of martial arts sexcraft! In these erotic episodes, Miko discovers that she is the last in a line of supernatural sex ninjas.
Versions
banned
UK: Banned by the BBFC for:
1996 Manga VHS
The BBFC commented:
Rejected on grounds of its pornographic treatment of sexual violence. Warrior tribes demonstrate the art of gang rape as a martial technique. Monsters with penile tentacles subject
female captives to multiple penetration, while a victim responds lasciviously under the influence of an aphrodisiac. Verbal abuse compounds images of sexual victimisation and male power, and the message that rape is the ultimate source of sexual pleasure
is overwhelming.
The Last House on the Left is a 1972 USA horror by Wes Craven. Starring Sandra Peabody, Lucy Grantham and David Hess.
In the US the Original Theatrical Version was uncut and X rated but was
soon heavily cut for local censorship requirements and then for a series of attempts made in attaining an R rating. Much of the material cut for an R rating has now been declared lost. In 1986 director Wes Craven assembled his best remaining material
previously cut from the film and declared that this version was his Director's Cut. It was released in the US Unrated by the MPAA.
The R rated version was banned from 1974 UK cinema release by the BBFC and the Greater London Council. The film,
presumably still in the R rated version was released in the UK when BBFC certificates were not required but it was soon banned as a 'video nasty'. The BBFC continued its ban with the Unrated version being banned from cinema release in 2000.
In 2001
the DVD was resubmitted and was again banned, but this time cuts were being discussed. A resubmission in 2002 resulted in a BBFC offer of an 18 rating after cuts. The distributors appealed against the cuts but lost their case, and ended up with even more
cuts than requested by the BBFC. The film was released in the following year with the same BBFC cuts but in two versions, including an alternative cut called Krug & Co.
By 2008 the BBFC had relented and the film was released without BBFC cuts in
both the Unrated Version and the alternative Krug & Company.
While I think that people tend to get a bit hyperbolic when they talk about The Last House on the Left , I do think it's a fairly good film, especially given what the filmmakers were trying to do and
considering their lack of experience, the era and the budget. Also, despite a filmic precursor, it just may be the earliest example of the horror subgenre of brutal, realist tragedy . However, it has flaws that would be difficult to overlook in a
distanced assessment of the film.
But again, focusing on that amounts to hype now, and shouldn't be taken too seriously, lest it lead to inflated expectations. Just as surprising on a first viewing is that The
Last House on the Left has an intermittent goofy sense of humor and a groovy attitude that is firmly mired in the early 1970s. The two policemen are really comic relief characters (and very funny at that), but there is also a lot of humor
surrounding the criminal quartet--this almost becomes a black comedy at times. These sensibilities even extend to the music, which has a frequent hillbilly edge and lyrics that supply ex-positional material. Surprisingly, Hess, who plays Krug,
wrote the music.
Availability
Current UK Status: Passed 18 uncut
UK: The Krug & Co Version was passed 18 uncut for:
2018 Arrow Limited Edition [Unrated Version + Krugg & Co + R rated Version] RB Blu-ray at
UK Amazon
2010 Metrodome/In2film Ultimate Edition [Unrated Version + Krug & Co Version] R2 DVD
at UK Amazon
UK: The Unrated Version was passed 18 uncut with previous BBFC cuts waived for:
Lolita: DVD Extras: is a US DVD Extras for Lolita by Adrian Lynn
DVD Extras were banned from being included with the 2000 DVD release of Adrian Lynn's Lolita
Banned by the BBFC
Though Dawn Mauer
was used as a body double for all nude scemes featuring Lolita (Dominique Swain), director Adrian Lyne bowed to public pressure and cut all of them from the film for its U.S. release. Two scenes involving nudity from the body double were originally
intended to be included as supplemental footage in the UK DVD release but were banned by the BBFC in 2000.
The BBFC explained their ban:
After careful consideration the Board has determined that these two
scenes, which are more explicit versions of scenes present in the feature version of Lolita, are not suitable for classification at any category. They are NOT present on the Region 1 DVD.
The Comic Book and The
Lake Point Cottages both contain strong depictions of sexual conduct between the adult Humbert Humbert and the 14 year old Lolita. In the case of the feature version of Lolita, the lack of specific sexual detail within the overall context of the film
allowed the Board to classify Lolita in the adult category. In the case of these two works, however, we are presented with out-of-context sexualised images of an underaged girl. These scenes both contain images of sexual nudity and behaviour which were
not present in the feature version and which are made even more problematic when presented in isolation or out of context as here.
In The Comic Book, we see a brief shot of Lolita's bare breasts (not present in
the feature version) as well as lingering close up shots of Lolita's legs, caressed by Humbert. The atmosphere of the scene is highly sexually charged. In The Lake Point Cottages, we once again have an extended version of a scene passed in the feature
version of the film. As with The Comic Book, we are presented with shots of Lolita's breasts and torso and a brief shot of pubis as her knickers are pulled down. These shots were not present in the version of the film presented to the Board for
classification and would not have been passed had they been included.
Our main concern with these highly eroticised scenes is that they mightinvite feelings of arousal towards a child. We have a particular concern
in the context of DVD extras where the scenes in question can be readily accessed and replayed at any speed. The obvious sexualisation of a 14 year old girl with the use of such provocative detail must raise concerns about the potential misuse of this
material by those predisposed to seek illegal sexual encounters. There is, in the Board's view, a serious possibility of 'harm' being caused to some individuals, and potentially through their actions, to society more widely.
The Board has therefore refused cetificates to these two works.
Love Camp 7 is a 1969 USA war horror thriller by Lee Frost. With Bob Cresse, Maria Lease and Kathy Williams.
Banned as a video nasty in 1985, then banned by the BBFC in 2002. The film
was banned again by the BBFC for 2020 VoD. Uncut elsewhere but there have only been a few obscure releases until the 2017 US DVD/Blu-ray Combo.
Summary Review: Don't Take Seriously
Set in a Nazi "Love Camp" that services the needs of front line officers. The video packaging claims that this film is based on fact, but the plot is so far fetched you would have a hard time believing that. Two young WAC
officers go undercover as POW's in the prison camp hoping to get some information from a scientist that's being held there. Unfortunately things go wrong and they end up overstaying their welcome and being subjected to the same indignities as the other
inmates.
The violence and sexploitation are best taken as tongue-in-cheek. By enjoying the exploits of the two WAC officers, Maria Lease and Kathy Williams, the movie is quite entertaining.
Both Lease and Williams could pass as Playboy Playmates. Both girls have no less than four scenes each were their wares are sampled - talk about copping a feel, these horny Nazis devour these two toothsome actresses!
Love Camp 7 is a US film, from 1969, in which female agents are sent undercover into a Nazi prison camp where female prisoners are sexually abused, raped and tortured by soldiers. It
was previously refused a classification for DVD release in 2002. The present submission is for distribution on VOD.
The BBFC's Classification Guidelines state that We may refuse to classify content which makes rape or other
non-consensual sexually violent behaviour look appealing or acceptable, reinforces the suggestion that victims enjoy such behaviour, or invites viewer complicity in such behaviour. They also state that As a last resort, the BBFC may refuse to classify a
work, in line with the objective of preventing non-trivial harm risks to potential viewers and, through their behaviour, to society. We may do so, for example, where a central concept of the work is unacceptable, such as a sustained focus on sexual rape,
other non-consensual sexually violent behaviour or sadistic violence.
Because LOVE CAMP 7 is largely comprised of scenes of non consensual sexual activity, including rape, presented in a manner that is intended to arouse viewers,
its central concept is unacceptable and the sexually abusive material it contains too pervasive for cuts to be an effective solution.
Accordingly, the BBFC has refused classification to this work.
The film was recently submitted for
classification for VOD release. Given its status as a previously rejected work it was viewed by the entire Compliance team and certain members of the Policy team before referral to the Board.
The Board noted that there are a
number of prolonged scenes of non-consensual sexual activity, including rape, in Love Camp 7 , in many cases featuring a focus on female nudity. Such scenes are frequently gratuitous, both in terms of length and detail, going some way beyond what is
required by the narrative, and in some cases perpetuating harmful rape myths. These issues were considered in relation to the BBFC's 2019 Guidelines consultation, which found depictions of sexual violence to be of particular concern to the public.
The Board discussed the extent to which the film's datedness and risibility limits its impact, and considered the film's likely appeal and audience. It was observed that, while aspects of the film are dated, the sequences of sexual
violence and abuse are not. It was also noted that while the film is different in many respects to modern pornography, its close and repeated focus on nudity means the sequences of sexual violence and abuse still have the potential to arouse.
The Board concluded that because that as Love Camp 7 is largely comprised non-consensual sexual activity, including rape, presented in a manner that is intended to arouse viewers, its central concept is unacceptable and the sexually
abusive material too pervasive for cuts to be an effective solution. Accordingly, the Board agreed that the BBFC should refuse to classify Love Camp 7 .
UK: Banned by the BBFC for:
2002 Film 2000 DVD
The BBFC commented:
Love Camp 7 is an exploitation film set in a Nazi 'love camp' during the second World War. The film contains numerous scenes of women prisoners being abused, tortured and
humiliated by their Nazi captors. Indeed the whole purpose of the work is to invite male viewers to relish the spectacle of naked women being humiliated for their titillation. Love Camp 7 contains both eroticised depictions of sexual violence and
repeated association of sex with restraint, pain, and humiliation. These sequences were in clear contravention of the Board's strict policy on depictions of sexual violence, which prohibits scenes that eroticise or endorse sexual assault. The possibility
of cuts was considered. However, because the sexual violence runs throughout the work cutting was not considered to be a viable option.
banned
run:
95:41s
pal:
91:51s
UK: Released on pre-cert video for:
1983 Market VHS
The video was listed as a video nasty in April 1985 and stayed on the list throughout the panic so became one of the collectible DPP39s
v Maniac
- 1980 US serial killer horror by William Lustig.
Maniac is a 1980 US serial killer horror by William Lustig. With
Joe Spinell, Caroline Munro and Abigail Clayton.
The Uncut Unrated Theatrical Version is preferred over the shortened Director's Cut. Once Banned by the BBFC, then released later with cuts in 2002 and then uncut in 2022. The film was also cut in the US for an R Rating.
Summary review:
Shocking
This is definitely a film that will leave you thinking. The main reason being the main character Frank Zito aka Joe Spinell plays the most realistic psycho/deranged person I've ever seen on film. The
whole time I was thinking is this guy really insane? Either this guy is a genius actor or he's really nuts. That's how real he is in this role. His presence will creep you out. He's the biggest weirdo I've ever seen on film.
The story focuses on frank the serial killer and his killings and insanity. Some of the scenes are gruesome, but they will keep you on the edge of your seat. You will be able to put yourself in both franks shoes and feel the victims
terror as she is stalked and hides from Frank... Especially the subway bathroom scene. That's an intense scene. Frank keeps on killing till the end when his own demons finally come back to haunt him.
Any horror fan should
have this in their collection.
UK: The Theatrical Version was banned by the BBFC for:
1998 Exploited VHS
1981 cinema release
The BBFC explained the 1998 ban:
Two (of the videos rejected so far in 1998) were serial killer films in which sex is linked with the pleasure of
killing. In one of those films, Maniac, a series of defenceless women are stalked, terrorised, attacked and murdered, while being photographed in a deliberately sexualised way. The film is one of a genre known as 'stalk and slash', and here each stalking
and killing is protracted, sometimes ending with the scalping of the victim. When the police eventually catch up with the killer, he survives, leaving us to anticipate that the stalking and mutilation will begin again. The pleasures on offer here seem to
the Board to be unhealthy and dangerous because of the way that the killing of women is linked with the sexual arousal of men.
Gossip has it that Maniac was initially viewed by four censors; three men and one woman. The three men said the
film should be rejected because of its anti-women depictions. The woman thought the film was cut-able.
Director's Cut
Director's Cut
US: There is also a shortened Director's Cut that is missing plot scenes the director wasn't happy with. But this version hasn't made much impact. From IMDB:
a scene depicting Joe Spinell in a hotel room with a prostitute has been shortened.
Another scene showing Joe and the photographer in a restaurant has been completely removed,
US Version
cut
US: There is also a cut US R rated version to avoid.
v Mikey
- 1992 USA horror thriller by Dennis Dimster (as Dennis Dimster-Denk).
Mikey is a 1992 USA horror thriller by Dennis Dimster (as Dennis Dimster-Denk). Starring Brian Bonsall, Josie Bissett and Ashley Laurence.
Withdrawn from cinema release in 1993 and banned by the BBFC from 1996 VHS release. Uncut and MPAA R rated in the US.
Summary Notes
A strong thriller directed by Dennis
Dimster-Denk. Brain Bonsall is extraordinary good as the young smart psycho.
The film received some controversy, because of Mikey's age in the film, when it's came out in the Spring of 1992.
Versions
uncut
run:
90m
pal:
86m
Amazon
Germany
Spain
Ireland
UK: Available on Amazon Prime
Note that BBFC bans do not apply to online video. However BBFC bans do
apply to TV broadcasts although TV companies can get the nod from the BBFC that if a film were to be submitted it would no longer be banned.
Ireland: Available on Irish video with the boast that it is banned in the UK
banned
run:
91:29s
pal:
87:49s
UK: Banned by the BBFC in 1996 (in the fallout from
the James Bulger killing) for:
1996 VPD VHS
The BBFC explained their ban:
A 9 year old boy kills his foster family one by one, including the realistic drowning of his 3 year old sister. It was argued that this was a fantasy horror film and not to be taken literally, but three distinguished
child psychiatrists advised us that the video was sufficiently realistic to have a dangerous impact on a significant proportion of vulnerable children.
UK: Passed 18 uncut for:
1992 cinema release
However the certificate was withdrawn in the fallout of the James Bulger killing. See article from en.wikipedia.org , (thanks to Jonathan)
The film was withdrawn from release in the United Kingdom following the James Bulger murder in Liverpool in 1993. It had been classified with an 18 certificate for cinema in November 1992, but head censor James Ferman
demanded the certificate be returned.
The BBFC cinema certificate is no longer in the BBFC database.
v Murder Set Pieces
- 2004 US horror film by Nick Palumbo with Sven Garrett and Cerina Vincent.
Murder Set Pieces is a 2004 US horror film by Nick Palumbo with Sven
Garrett and Cerina Vincent. With Sven Garrett, Cerina Vincent and Tony Todd.
Banned by the BBFC in 2008. Heavily cut for an MPAA R rating but there is
also an Unrated Director's Cut
Summary Review: Overrated
Very, very overrated serial killer flick that has been compared to Maniac , Last House on Dead End Street and
New York Ripper . Some reviewers have claimed that it is better than these three films.
It is not. It is gory in a juvenile, over-the-top kind of way and the coverage of some of the murders is adequate, but it is incredibly fragmented,
totally devoid of characterization and plot development and, overall, amateurish in its execution.
Director's Cut
uncut
run:
90:41s
pal:
87:03s
Denmark: The Director's Cut is locally rated 15 for:
From IMDb. The original theatrical version of this film ran roughly 15 minutes longer than the new "Director's Cut" DVD of the film. Some of the scenes missing from the new Director's Cut include:
A different beginning. The theatrical version began with The Photographer taking shots of a bloody corpse. The Director's Cut begins with a new credit montage featuring images of characters that will be murdered later in the film.
Phone
Argument between Jade's sister and The Photographer while at work.
The Psychic Reading/Killing: The photographer visits a psychic who won't reveal "what the cards say", thus upsetting him and leading to the psychic's strangulation.
The Photographer watching a bizarre film strip of a girl tied on a bed wearing a pig's mask.
A scene where the Photographer is shown picking up the first prostitutes.
Missing establishment scene when the "bathtub"
girl/stripper arrives late, she apologizes, and The Photographer asks her to take off her clothes. She does, then smacks her own butt and says something like 'these are my best ASSets'.
Extended scenes of The Photographer driving the strip.
A rather artistic shot of The Photographer running towards the screen barefoot on a road, bleeding at the mouth
Theatrical Version
cut
cut:
23m
run:
83:38s
pal:
80:17s
US: The Theatrical Version was cut for an MPAA R rating
From IMDb:
The Lion's Gate Films "R" rated version of "Murder-Set-Pieces" was released on January 9th, 2007, and it is cut and edited by 23 minutes. No other film in the history of cinema has had to have that many minutes cut to avoid the "NC-17" rating.
UK: The Original Theatrical Version was banned by the BBFC for:
2008 TLA DVD
The BBFC commented:
Murder Set Pieces is a US made feature focussing on the activities of a psychopathic sexual serial killer, who, throughout the film, is seen raping, torturing and murdering his victims.
There is a clear focus on sex or sexual behaviour accompanied by non-consensual pain, injury and humiliation. Young children are among those terrorised and killed.
In making a decision as to whether a video work is suitable for classification,
the Board applies the criteria set out in its current Classification Guidelines, published in 2005. These are the result of an extensive process of public consultation and research and reflect the balance of media effects research, the requirements of UK
law and the attitudes of the UK public. The Board's Guidelines clearly set out the Board's serious concerns about the portrayal of violence, most especially when the violence is sexual or sexualised, but also when depictions portray or encourage:
callousness towards victims, aggressive attitudes, or taking pleasure in pain or humiliation.
The Guidelines for the '18' category requested for this video work state that such concerns 'will not normally override the wish that adults should be
free to choose their own entertainment' but make clear that exceptions to this general rule may be made in certain areas, including 'where material or treatment appears to the Board to risk harm to individuals or, through their behaviour, to society
– eg any detailed portrayal of violent or dangerous acts… [and that the Board] may intervene with portrayals of sexual violence which might, eg eroticise or endorse sexual assault'. Under the heading of 'Rejects', the Guidelines identify as
of particular concern 'graphic rape or torture', 'portrayals of children in a sexualised or abusive context' and 'sex accompanied by non-consensual pain, injury or humiliation'.
The Board's position that scenes of violence with the potential to
trigger sexual arousal may encourage a harmful association between violence and sexual gratification is reflected in research and consistent with public opinion. It is the Board's carefully considered view that to issue a certificate to
MURDER-SET-PIECES, even if statutorily confined to adults, would involve risk of harm within the terms of the Video Recordings Act 1984, would be inconsistent with the Board's Guidelines, and would be unacceptable to the public.
The Board
considered whether the issue could be dealt with through cuts. However, given the unacceptable content features throughout, and that what remains is essentially preparatory and set-up material for the unacceptable scenes, cuts are not a viable option in
this case and the work is therefore refused a classification.
Mushroom Growing Made Easy is a one-hour video work offering the viewer clear and detailed guidance on the cultivation of 'magic mushrooms'. At present, the
cultivation and possession of fresh and untreated psilocybe mushrooms is not apparently an offence under UK law. Nonetheless, the Board is conscious that the Drugs Bill currently passing through Parliament will have the effect of making the cultivation
and possession of such mushrooms, even in their fresh state, illegal. It would be premature for the Board to classify this video work when it is likely that, within a short period of time, it will become a clear incitement to a criminal offence involving
a Class A drug. Regardless of the current legal situation, the video in any case shows how to cultivate an organism that contains what is undoubtedly a Class A drug (psilocin) and which, if altered or treated in any way (for example by drying), would
even now result in the commission of a serious criminal offence.
The BBFC's Guidelines clearly set out the Board's serious concerns about the portrayal of illegal drugs, particularly when the work in question promotes or encourages their use. The
Board's Guidelines clearly state that "No work taken as a whole may promote or encourage the use of illegal drugs". Furthermore, under the terms of the Video Recordings Act 1984, the BBFC is required, when making a determination as to whether a
video work is suitable for classification, to "have special regard (among the other relevant factors) to any harm that may be caused to potential viewers or, through their behaviour to society, by the manner in which the work deals with [...]
illegal drugs" [Video Recordings Act 1984 section 4A(1)].
The Board considered whether cutting the work would be a viable alternative to refusing a classification certificate but found that, because the entire purpose of the video is to
assist and encourage in cultivating an organism which contains a Class A drug, this was not a viable option.
It is our conclusion therefore that this video work is in conflict with the Board's published Guidelines and the requirements of the
Video Recordings Act. In line with its specific duties under the Video Recordings Act, the Board is required to treat material of this kind very carefully indeed and the Board therefore finds this to be unacceptable for a classification certificate to be
issued to it.
The video was released in 1983 by VFP with a missing 10:48s scene of an Aryan fantasy and a feast of human flesh. The video was re-released in 1984 by
Videoshack. 
Norway 
