 Released on 10th March 2025
|
 New Religion / Neu Mirrors is a 2022 Japan horror drama by Keishi
Kondo
Starring Kaho Seto, Satoshi Oka and Saionji Ryuseigun
 There are no censorship issues with this release
Summary Notes Miyabi, a call girl, meets clients who photograph parts of her body. She realizes each photo brings her daughter's spirit closer. As only her eyes remain to be captured, it leads to societal collapse in
this fantasy film.
UK: Uncut and BBFC 15 rated for brief strong gore, nudity:
Promotional Material After her daughter's death in an accident, Miyabi gets a divorce, starts working as a call girl and moves in with her new boyfriend. In a meeting with a new customer, he asks to take
a picture of her body -- first her spine, then, her feet, and after that, he begins to photograph her every time they meet. One day, while at home, Miyabi feels a small hand touching her leg and soon realizes that every time she allows her body to be
photographed she can feel her daughter's spirit reaching closer and closer. Neu Mirrors is a spin-off short film that attempts to answer certain unanswered questions of New Religion and begins just after a scene in the previous film. Aizawa
wakes up in a strange hotel room. A voice calls him from his earphone. Aizawa notices a man in a white shirt in the room and a photo book at his feet. There are the faces of many strangers and his own face printed on it. Then, Aizawa's reality
dissolves into a nightmare world. EXTRAS:
- - Neu Mirrors - Short Film (30 mins)
- - Director Interview (30 mins)
- - Behind the Scenes (30 mins)
- - Outtakes (11 mins)
- - Director Feature Length Audio Commentary
- - Early Concept Movie
- -
Crowdfunding Teaser
- - Theatrical Trailer
- - International Trailer
- - Slipcase and Reversible Sleeves with original artwork for both films
|
St Patrick's Day Massacre is a 2025 UK horror by Steve Lawson
Starring Marta Svetek, Ayvianna Snow and Manoj Anand
There are no censorship issues with this release Summary Notes On a trip to Dublin to celebrate St.
Patrick's Day, four friends agree to spend the night in an abandoned tavern, where they are stalked by an undead killer in search of revenge for a tragedy that occurred centuries before.
UK: Uncut and BBFC 15 rated for strong
violence, injury detail, horror, language:
Promotional Material On a trip to Dublin to celebrate St. Patrick's Day, four college friends are lured to an abandoned tavern by a mysterious Irishman named O'Reilly. After agreeing to stay the night,
the four young women learn that the tavern is also home to a hideous undead killer, Darragh O'Donoghue, who stalks the corridors with his rusty scythe, seeking bloody revenge for a tragedy that occurred two centuries before.
|
Die Alone is a 2024 Canada/US horror thriller by Lowell Dean
Starring Carrie-Anne Moss, Douglas Smith and Frank Grillo
There are no censorship issues with this release Summary Notes Tells the story of a young man who has amnesia. He bands together with a rugged survivalist in a zombie-like
outbreak to find his girlfriend.
UK: Uncut and BBFC 15 rated with a trigger warning for strong bloody violence, gore, language, suicide:
- 2025 Lightbulb Film Distribution (RB) Blu-ray at UK Amazon #ad released
on 10th March 2025
- 2025 Lightbulb Film Distribution R2 DVD at UK Amazon
#ad released on 10th March 2025
| | |
Released on 24th March 2025 |
Full Body Massage is a 1995 US TV movie by Nicolas Roeg
Starring
Mimi Rogers, Bryan Brown and Christopher Burgard
There are no censorship issues with this release Summary Notes A successful but world-weary art dealer finds out that her usual masseur has sent a substitute for her
regular weekly massage at her home. They find that they are both mutually attracted, and annoy one another a great deal.
UK: Uncut and BBFC 15 rated for strong nudity, sex:
Promotional Material Mimi Rogers (Austin Powers, Bosch) and Bryan Brown (Cocktail, F/X) sizzle in this highly provocative drama from acclaimed director Nicolas Roeg (Walkabout, The Man Who Fell to
Earth). Nina (Rogers), a successful but world-weary art dealer, is surprised to find that her regular masseur has sent a substitute, Fitch (Brown), to continue her weekly massage sessions. Fitchs therapeutic caresses, while charged with sexual tension,
gain emotional significance as the opinionated pair first clash, and then bond while relaying thoughtful meditations on intimacy and human relationships. Free to discuss her life, hopes and failures, Nina is liberated from her confused world, indulging
in a strange, erotic mysticism with her handy muse. Brilliantly helmed by British director Roeg, Full Body Massage is an exhilarating and sophisticated portrait of sensual love. SPECIAL FEATURES:
- - HIGH-DEFINITION BLU-RAY PRESENTATION
- - English SDH
- - Full Frame Version [SD]
- - Painting by Numbers - Gareth Williams on Full body Massage
- - Original Trailer
| |
An Amorous Woman Of Tang Dynasty An Amorous Woman Of Tang Dynasty is a 1984 Hong Kong action romance by Eddie Ling-Ching Fong
Starring Patricia Ha, Alex Man and Kuo-Chu Chang
There are no censorship issues with this release Summary Notes Rebellious Yu Yuan-gi becomes a Taoist priestess in order to avoid traditional roles designated to her as a
woman by the society and focus on her studies and poetry. However, her trysts with both her maid and a ronin lead to trouble.
UK: Uncut and BBFC 18 rated for sexual violence, strong sex:
Promotional Material One of the last films produced at Hong Kong's legendary Shaw Brothers studio, and absolutely one of their finest -- a visually ravishing and erotically charged story of a
free-spirited female poet Yu (Patricia Ha, Nomad) who, frustrated by the conservative times in which she lives, refuses to behave in the ways nice young ladies are supposed to. Despite plentiful clothes-off action, this is so much more than a
soft-core 'romp,' boasting an artistic ambition that Shaw Brothers didn't always show in their kung fu movies. Directed with intelligence and real style by Eddie Fong Ling-ching, this is one of the major films from Hong Kong's Golden Age. 88 Films are
proud to present this sensual masterpiece in the UK for the first time on Blu-ray. SPECIAL FEATURES:
- - HIGH-DEFINITION BLU-RAY PRESENTATION
- - 2.0 Mandarin with English Subtitles
- - Audio Commentary by Journalist David West
- - Alex Man on An Amorous Woman of Tang Dynasty by Fred Ambroisine
- - Trailer
- - Stills
Gallery
- - Presented in a slipcase featuring new artwork by Justin Coffee and including a double-sided foldout poster
| |
Yumeno KyusakuS Girl Hell Yumeno KyusakuS Girl Hell is a 1977 Japan horror mystery drama by Masaru Konuma
Starring Asami Ogawa, Yûko Asuka and Eimei Esumi
There are no censorship issues with this release Summary Notes Utae and Aiko attend an all-girl private school where the devoutly religious principal seems to be raping
some of the students, including Utae.
UK: Uncut and BBFC 18 rated for sexual violence, strong sex, threat:
Promotional Material Passions are inflamed in an elite school for girls in 1930s Japan in Yumeno Kyusakus Girl Hell, as two of its students find solace away from the crowd in each others company. But can
their love flourish amongst the corrupting influence of their parents and the schools sinister principal, whose actions transform their lives into a living hell on earth? Directed by one of the most-regarded directors of Nikkatsus Roman Porno
erotic line, Masaru Konuma (Flower and Snake, Wife to be Sacrified), this Gothic-styled erotic nightmare adapted from a story by the 'unfilmable' literary maestro Yumeno Kyusaku (Dogra Magra) is by turns sensual, surreal, horrific and otherworldly, and
counts among the studios boldest works. SPECIAL FEATURES:
- HIGH DEFINITION BLU-RAY PRESENTATION IN 2.35:1 ASPECT RATIO
- ORIGINAL MONO 2.0 AUDIO WITH NEW ENGLISH SUBTITLES
- AUDIO COMMENTARY BY ANNE MCKNIGHT AND JASPER SHARP
- PLANET GIRL: INTRODUCTION BY KEI CHIBA
- LIFE ON MARS:
INTRODUCTION BY KEN TERAWAKI
- STILLS GALLERY
- TRAILER
| |
Pinocchio 964 964 PINOCCIO is a 1991 Japan Sci-Fi horror by Shozin Fukui
Starring Haji Suzuki, Onn-chan and Kôji Ôtsubo
There are no censorship issues with this release. UK: Uncut and BBFC 15 rated for strong violence, injury detail, sex, sex references:
Promotional Material Pinocchio 964, a lobotomised cyborg sex slave, is abandoned by his owners due to his inability to maintain an erection, while the corporate entity plans to kill him.
| |
Rulers of the City Rulers of the City is a 1976 Italy / West Germany crime thriller by Fernando Di Leo.
Starring Jack Palance and Al Cliver and Harry Baer.
There are no censorship issues with this release Summary Notes Tony, a mob loan collector, is dissatisfied with his station in life. Though he dreams of one day being
rich, he is stuck with the dead-end job of beating up borrowers who fall behind in their payments. After meeting up with Napoli, another mob enforcer who's just been fired from his job, the two hatch a plan. Together, they will con mob boss Manzari out
of a fortune, after which they can retire and live in luxury. Manzari, however, is not about to let them go so easily.
UK: Uncut and BBFC 15 rated for strong violence, nudity, drug misuse:
Promotional Material Tony (Harry Baer, Fox and His Friends), a debt collector for a small-time Roman boss, dreams of making it big. He meets Rick (Al Cliver, Zombie Flesh Eaters) and decides to back him
up in order to screw over an American gangster, called Scarface Manzari (Jack Palance, Batman), who monopolizes all the crime in the city. But Rick is driven by revenge on Manzari because he had treacherously killed his father after a robbery years
earlier. An Italian crime classic from Fernando Di Leo (The Boss), Rulers of the City features his trademark violence and action with a strain of dark humour producing one of the filmmaker's most enjoyable slices of Eurocrime. Newly restored in 4K it is
presented on Blu-ray in the UK for the first time. LIMITED EDITION BLU-RAY FEATURES
- 2020 4K restoration of the original negative, presented with both original Italian and English audio options, available on Blu-ray for the first time in the UK
- Uncompressed mono PCM audio
- Violent City - an archival featurette
including interviews with Fernando Di Leo, Al Cliver, editor Amedeo Giomini, and weapons expert Gilberto Galimberti
- A new interview with Eurocrime authority Mike Malloy on the childhood revenge theme in poliziotteschi
- Reversible sleeve
featuring artwork based on original posters
- New and improved English subtitle translation
- Limited edition booklet with new writing by Francesco Massaccesi
| |
Duel Duel is a 1971 USA action thriller by steven spielberg
Starring Dennis Weaver, Jacqueline Scott and Eddie Firestone
Originally made as a TV movie. Recognising the director's talent, producers commissioned extra material to bring the film to feature length for a theatrical release. This theatrical version was later shortened for DVD and Blu-ray
Summary Notes While traveling through the desert for an appointment with a client, the businessman David Mann from California passes a slow and old tanker truck. The psychotic truck driver feels
offended and chases David along the empty highway trying to kill him.
UK: Uncut and BBFC 12 rated for moderate threat:
Promotional Material TERROR IN YOUR REAR-VIEW MIRROR!! Steven Spielberg directs this high-velocity thriller about a motorist terrorised by an evil truck.
Spielbergs first full-length movie, Duel, helped jumpstart the directors big-screen career, with a gripping, action-packed story hailed by critics as a film that 'belongs on the classics shelf reserved for top suspensers' (Daily Variety). Dennis
Weaver stars as the travelling salesman waging a desperate battle for survival after he is mysteriously singled out. Praised for its deft use of relentlessly mounting psychological tension, Duel features one of the most uniquely terrifying 'characters'
in movie history: a massive, roaring, 40-ton truck with sheer menace. A few years later, the action of Spielbergs blockbuster hit Jaws would echo Duels tale of a lone hero in a heart-stopping fight to the finish against a monstrous, inhuman foe.
Bonus Features:
Original TV Movie Version of Duel in 1.33:1 Aspect Ratio (HD)
A Conversation with Director Steven Spielberg
Steven Spielberg and the Small Screen
Richard Matheson: The Writing of Duel
Photograph & Poster Gallery
| | |
 Released on 31st March 2025
| |
Short Night Of Glass Dolls Short Night Of Glass Dolls is a 2025 film by Aldo Lado
Starring Ingrid Thulin, Jean Sorel and Mario Adorf There are no censorship issues with this release.
US: Uncut and MPAA Unrated for:
Promotional Material When the body of American journalist Gregory Moore (Jean Sorel, Perversion Story) is discovered in the beautiful Malá Strana area of Prague, the body is moved to the morgue for an
autopsy. Only thing is, Gregory is still alive and has been paralyzed in a death-like state. As the ultimate deadline draws near, Gregorys mind races to recall why this happened to him and who is behind a spat of kidnappings of gorgeous local women,
including his girlfriend Mira (Barbara Bach, The Unseen). Aldo Lados remarkable film is an atmospheric delight that boasts an incredible score from the maestro himself, Ennio Morricone (The Good, The Bad & The Ugly), and more than deserves its
reputation as one of the finest examples of the giallo genre. EXTRAS
- - ITALIAN COLLECTION #21
- - 2.0 English Dual Mono
- - 2.0 Italian Dual Mono with English Subtitles
- - Audio Commentary with Italian Cinema Experts Troy Howarth, Nathaniel Thompson and Eugenio Ercolani
- - When
Butterflies Turned to Glass - Interview with Director Aldo Lado
- - Glass Doll Theories - A Video Essay by Pier Maria Bocchi
- - Lados Trilogy of Terror - A Video Essay by Mike Foster
- - Interview with Expert Stephen Thrower
- - The Need to Sing - Interview with Singer Edda DellOrso
- - Cutting Glass Dolls - Interview with Editor Mario Morra
- - Czech Mate - Feature Length Retrospective Documentary with Aldo Lado and Jean Sorel
- - Einmal Italien und
Zurück [Once to Italy and Back] - Interview with Co-Producer Dieter Geissler
- - English Trailer
- - Italian Trailer
| |
Released on 7th April 2025 |
Nosferatu is a 2024 US/UK/Hungary horror mystery by Robert Eggers
Starring Lily-Rose Depp, Nicholas Hoult and Bill Skarsgård
Exists as a Theatrical Version and an Extended Version.
Summary Notes A gothic tale of obsession between a haunted young woman and the terrifying vampire infatuated
with her, causing untold horror in its wake.
UK: The Theatrical Version is uncut and BBFC 15 rated for strong horror, injury detail, violence, sex:
- 2025 Universal [Theatrical + Extended Versions] R0 4K Blu-ray at UK Amazon
#ad released on 7th April 2025
- 2025 Universal [Theatrical + Extended Versions] R0 Blu-ray
at UK Amazon #ad released on 7th April 2025
- 2025 Universal
[Theatrical + Extended Versions] R2 DVD at UK Amazon #ad released on 7th April 2025
Promotional Material Robert Egger's Nosferatu is a gothic tale of obsession between a haunted young woman and the terrifying vampire infatuated with her, causing untold horror in its wake. Starring Bill Skarsgård, Nicholas Hoult, Lily-Rose Depp, Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Emma Corrin and Willem Dafoe.
Special Features
- Deleted Scenes
- Nosferatu: A Modern Masterpiece
- Feature Commentary with Writer/director Robert Eggers
| |
Black Cab Black Cab is a 2024 US horror thriller by Bruce Goodison
Starring George Bukhari, Nick Frost and Synnove Karlsen
There are no censorship issues with this release Summary Notes A couple who find their jovial cab driver diverts them to a remote, haunted road, revealing disturbing
motives and his true intentions.
Australia: Uncut and ACB MA 15+ rated for strong horror themes, violence and coarse language:
Promotional Material When Anne and Patrick hail a black cab after a night out, their driver is chatty, jovial even, but they are in no mood to talk. In fact, the
couple is barely on speaking terms. That is, until they realize the driver has no intention of taking them home. Locked in the cab with no means of escape, the driver transports the couple to a stretch of deserted and supposedly haunted road. But what is
his purpose? Is he mad or just plain evil? And why has he selected Anne and Patrick as his victims? Bonus Feature:
Behind-the-Scenes Picture Gallery
|
| |
Released on 15th April 2025 | |
Blue Sunshine Blue Sunshine is a 1977 US horror thriller by Jeff Lieberman
Starring Zalman King, Deborah Winters and Mark Goddard
There are no censorship issues with this release Summary Notes A bizarre series of murders begins in Los Angeles, where people start going bald and then become homicidal
maniacs. But could the blame rest on a particularly dangerous form of LSD called Blue Sunshine the murderers took ten years before?
US: Uncut and MPAA R rated for:
Promotional Material Falsely accused of some violent killings, Jerry Zipkin (Red Shoe Diaries' Zalman King) uncovers the shocking truth about BLUE SUNSHINE! It starts off as a great party--just eight people in a secluded
lodge. One of the guests suddenly goes on a shockingly violent, murderous rampage. There is something wrong with his hair, and pure evil in his eyes. What he does to three of the girls there is too hideous to describe. Falsely accused of the brutal
killings, Jerry Zipkin (Red Shoe Diaries' Zalman King) goes on the run. More bizarre murders occur, and while trying to clear his name, Jerry discovers the shocking truth: The people losing their hair and turning into violent psychopaths may be connected
to a drug each killer took a decade before. A drug known as "Blue Sunshine."
Synapse Films is proud to present Jeff Lieberman's 1977 cult-classic horror film Blue Sunshine in an all-new 4K restoration presented in Dolby Vision (HDR10
compatible) and loaded with hours of supplemental material. This three-disc set contains one 4K (2160p) UHD Blu-ray, one Blu-ray (1080p) and a CD soundtrack album.
This Synapse Films limited edition features hard chipboard slipcase packaging with
stunning new artwork by artist Wes Benscoter. Inside is a dual-wall o-card wrapped around a clear three disc Criterion-style case. Bonus Materials
- 4K restoration of the original 35mm camera negative mastered in Dolby Vision (HDR10 compatible)
- Lossless English DTS-HD Master Audio original theatrical mono and a 5.1 surround sound mix supervised by director Jeff Lieberman
- Two
audio commentaries featuring director Jeff Lieberman
- New introduction to the film by director Jeff Lieberman
- Archival 2003 interview with director Jeff Lieberman
- 'Lieberman on Lieberman' video interview
- Channel Z
'Fantasy Film Festival' interview with Mick Garris and Jeff Lieberman
- Fantasia Film Festival 4K Premiere Q&A with moderator Michael Gingold and director Jeff Lieberman
- Anti-drug 'scare films': LSD-25 (1967) and LSD: Insight or Insanity?
(1968), courtesy of the American Genre Film Archive
- Jeff Liebermans first film The Ringer (Remastered in 4K by Synapse Films from the original camera negative)
- Theatrical trailers
- Still gallery
- Liner notes booklet by
Jeff Lieberman, featuring a chapter on the making of Blue Sunshine from his book Day of the Living Me: Adventures of a Subversive Cult Filmmaker from the Golden Age
- Limited edition fold-out poster
- Limited edition remastered CD
soundtrack (13 tracks)
| |
The Barghest The Barghest is a 2001 US horror by Kate Kaminski
Starring Tameson Duffy, Buffy Miller and Scott Mullenberg
There are no censorship issues with this release Summary Notes Following the unexpected death of their wealthy father, two estranged sisters return home to sort out the
estate. But the women share a dark secret from their childhood, one that will lead to a confrontation with the ghastly supernatural creature known as The Barghest. Camp meets...
US: Uncut and MPAA Unrated for:
- 2025 Gemini Entertainment (RA) Blu-ray at US Amazon #ad released on 15th April 2025
- 2025 Gemini Entertainment R1 DVD at US Amazon #ad released on 15th April 2025
Promotional Material After the sudden death of their wealthy father, two estranged sisters reunite to sort out the family estate. To her shock, conservative Billie inherits nearly everything, while
rebellious Harriet is left with a meager trust fund payment. As jealousy and scheming erupt, Billie begins hearing eerie, unearthly noises. With her sanity unraveling, she must confront a buried childhood secret shared with Harriet one tied to the
terrifying supernatural force known as The Barghest.
| |
Released on 21st April 2025 | |
Lady With A Sword Lady With A Sword is a 1971 Hong Kong action drama by Pao-Shu Kao
Starring Lily Ho, Seok-hoon Nam and Hsieh Wang
There are no censorship issues with this release Summary Notes A young woman tries to find a group of villains responsible for her eldest sister's death, but is shocked to
discover that her fiancé is one of them.
UK: Uncut and BBFC 15 rated for strong violence, bloody images:
Promotional Material When her sister is attacked and murdered, swordswoman Feng Fei-fei (Lily Ho, Intimate Confessions of a Chinese Courtesan) knows just what to do -- find the culprits and slice 'em up.
But her righteous vengeance is compromised when she learns just who her target is: the man her parents have arranged for her to marry... Strikingly directed by Kao Pao-shu -- notable as one of the few women who handled martial arts movies -- Lady
With a Sword has an emotional power to match its outstanding fight scenes, as justice, family loyalties and inflexible tradition all collide. 88 Films are proud to present the UK Blu-ray premier of a true feminist classic. EXTRAS:
- HIGH DEFINITION BLU-RAY PRESENTATION IN 2.35:1 ASPECT RATIO
- ORIGINAL MANDARIN MONO 2.0 AUDIO WITH NEW ENGLISH SUBTITLES
- AUDIO COMMENTARY BY DAVID WEST
- TRAILER
- STILLS GALLERY
- FOLDED POSTER
- ORIGINAL
AND NEWLY COMMISSIONED ARTWORK BY 'KUNG FU' BOB OBRIEN
| |
Released on 19th May 2025 | |
Lady Of The Law Lady Of The Law is a 1975 Hong Kong action drama by Chiang Shen, Stanley Wing Siu
Starring Lo Lieh, Szu Shih and Shen Chan
There are no censorship issues with this release Summary Notes Jiao is framed for rape and murder (and, later, two more murders) by Chen and his son - the same people who
framed Jiao's father and left him orphaned. Into the mix comes The Lady of the Law, Miss Leng, whose job it is to find the guilty. This she does, and she and Jiao find them...
UK: Uncut and BBFC 18 rated for sexual violence:
Promotional Material A dangerous criminal escapes captivity -- but luckily crime-busting super-swordswoman Leng Rushuang (Shih Szu, Legend of the 7 Golden Vampires) is on his trail. However, she has
doubts about his guilt, and she's not going to stop fighting until she's sure the right man is being punished. Co-starring Lo Lieh (Dragons Forever) and the unmistakable Dean Shek (Drunken Master), Lady of the Law is a choice cut from the golden
age of Hong Kong swordplay. 88 Films are proud to present this slice-and-dice classic on Blu-ray for the first time in the UK. EXTRAS:
- HIGH DEFINITION BLU-RAY PRESENTATION IN 2.35:1 ASPECT RATIO
- ORIGINAL MANDARIN MONO 2.0 AUDIO WITH NEW ENGLISH SUBTITLES
- AUDIO COMMENTARY BY DAVID WEST
- STILLS GALLERY
- FOLDED POSTER
- ORIGINAL AND NEWLY
COMMISSIONED ARTWORK BY ROB BRUNO
| |
Released on 10th June 2025 |
Reality Killers is a 2005 Italy horror by Alessandro Capone, Pablo
Dammicco, Volfango De Biasi
Starring Valter D'Errico and Cristina Puccinelli
Banned by the BBFC for 2024 video. The US release is uncut and MPA Unrated.
The BBFC commented: Reality Killers is a horror film in which a man obsessed with violent snuff videos, featuring people being abused, tortured and killed, goes on to commit his own similar crimes.
Reality Killers consists of a series of short vignettes in which people, including women and children, are killed. In some cases, acts of sadistic violence follow or involve sexual behaviour and nudity. The protagonist acts as a
narrator, relishing in the violence and endorsing the actions of the killers. Women, in particular, are portrayed as either sexual objects to be abused or as predatory killers themselves. Potentially harmful attitudes, such as the suggestion that victims
and perpetrators enjoy violence, and that women are presented primarily as sex objects or predatory killers, are not clearly challenged, nor is there a narrative counterbalance to the sustained focus on sadism. As a last resort,
the BBFC may find content unsuitable for classification, in line with the objective of preventing non-trivial harm risks to potential viewers and, through their behaviour, to society. In our Classification Guidelines we state that this may occur where a
central concept is unacceptable, such as a sustained focus on rape, other non-consensual sexually violent behaviour or sadistic violence. The guidelines also state that we consider whether the availability of the material to the age group concerned would
run contrary to broad public opinion. The BBFC considered whether the film's issues could be adequately addressed through intervention such as cuts. As Reality Killers consists almost entirely of scenes of sadistic violence and
abuse, we determined that cuts would not effectively address these issues. The film, when taken as a whole, transgresses BBFC Classification Guidelines and policy, and we believe that its classification even at 18 would run contrary to broad public
opinion. The BBFC therefore found Reality Killers to be unsuitable for classification. :
Mike Commented: Reality Killers has been made available in the UK via import from the US. I got mine today
and watched it, so here are a few comments: Most importantly, this is the tamest film the BBFC have rejected in a very long time. I'm struggling to remember a single shot which, on the face of it, would breach BBFC guidelines.
Quite a lot of characters get killed but none of them in an especially gruesome way, and the special effects aren't up to much so it's hard to take seriously. The BBFC rejection statement mentions child killings, but there's only one and it's totally
non-sexualised and non-sadistic. The killings of women have less effect than they might in that they're often shot in low light or with shaky camerawork, and usually we see the aftermath rather than the act itself. One puzzling
aspect is that several of the sexually-motivated killings are committed by women against men. The BBFC line on this has long been that such scenes don't pose a meaningful harm risk because there is no research evidence that such scenes are harmful to
viewers, even if sexualised. The last time such a scene was cut was in Neighbour (2009). So we might have expected the BBFC to go easy on those scenes at least. Not so - the rejection statement says that women are presented primarily as sex objects or
predatory killers. So even when women are committing murders the BBFC still condemns the filmmakers. Very strange. The BBFC have often had problems in the past with films which fail to include enough narrative to tie together
their scenes of sexual and non-sexual violence. Films in which we just see the killer murdering people with no wider narrative, explanation of why they kill, whether they get punished for their crimes, etc. are often viewed with suspicion. (Hate Crime
and Grotesque are good examples of that). The problem that Reality Killers has is that it's a film almost without narrative. We assumed initially that it was directed by Alessandro Capone, but it turns out that although he did
shoot one section, his role was basically as chaperone to some inexperienced young directors who were being given their first chance in the industry. So several people shot different parts of this film, and the only connection between them was that they
featured snuff killers. Hence there is no single killer who committs all the murders. In many scenes it's not even clear which of the murderers we've met so far is doing the killing. The film's producer tried to introduce an element of continuity by
filming some scenes with a fat man in a mask and interspersing them with the rest of the footage to make it look like he is the killer. But it doesn't really work, and there are just several killers none of whom we get to know. I think it's the lack of
context and narrative that was the BBFC's main problem. If you go in to this film having read that you're about to see a depraved snuff killer's home video collection and assume it must be like the August Underground Trilogy or
Murder Set Pieces, you're going to be extremely disappointed.
Summary Notes We follow perverse serial killer 'The Sculptor' as he parades the viewer through his extensive
collection of snuff videotapes. What follows is a series of candid vignettes of horrific intensity which will test the nerves of even the most hardened of horror fans.
US: Uncut and MPAA Unrated for:
Promotional Material A perverse serial killer called 'The Sculptor' parades the viewer through his extensive collection of snuff videotapes. As grim as it is shocking, as sadistic as it is controversial,
as unrelenting as it is enigmatic - REALITY KILLERS is the ultra-violent cavalcade of torture porn terror that has been locked away and unseen by literally anybody, until now.
We follow perverse serial killer 'The Sculptor' as he parades the
viewer through his extensive collection of snuff videotapes. What follows is a series of candid vignettes of horrific intensity which will test the nerves of even the most hardened of horror fans!
An Italian production from the creators of BODY
COUNT and WITCH STORY, with a chequered and vague production history before the finished picture was shelved indefinitely, REALITY KILLERS sought to finally see light of day for a UK release until it found itself rejected for classification outright by
the BBFC. Now it is finally here in its full outlaw uncut glory. Bonus Materials
- From Witch Lore To Snuff Gore: New Interview with Director/Producer Alessandro Capone
- Producing A Killing Reality: New Interview with Co-Producer Gabriele Pacitto
- Cutting Deep: Mapping the Origin of Torture Porn: New
Video Essay by Giacomo Calzoni
- Original Production Scenes: A series of deleted scenes and alternative approaches illustrating a film that bore a very different plot to the final version
- Teaser Trailer
- Storyboards
- Image Gallery
| | |
|
|
