Latest Cuts: BBFC and MPA

The Last Picture Show is a 1971 US drama  by Peter Bogdanovich.
Starring Timothy Bottoms and Jeff Bridges and Cybill Shepherd.

Exists as a Theatrical Version and a Directors Cut.

US: The Director's Cut is MPAA R rated for:

• 2023 The Criterion Collection [Last Picture Show + Texasville] R0 4K Blu-ray/(RA) Blu-ray Combo at US Amazon #ad released on 14th November 2023
• 2023 The Criterion Collection [Last Picture Show + Texasville] (RA) Blu-ray at US Amazon released on 14th November 2023

Promotional Material

One of the key films of the American seventies cinema renaissance, The Last Picture Show is set in the early fifties, in the loneliest Texas nowheresville to ever dust up a movie screen. This aching portrait of a dying West, adapted from Larry McMurtry's novel, focuses on the daily shuffles of three futureless teens--enigmatic Sonny (Timothy Bottoms), wayward jock Duane (Jeff Bridges), and desperate-to-be-adored rich girl Jacy (Cybill Shepherd)--and the aging lost souls who bump up against them in the night like drifting tumbleweeds. Featuring evocative black-and-white imagery and profoundly felt performances, this hushed depiction of crumbling American values remains the pivotal work in the career of invaluable film historian and director Peter Bogdanovich.

4K UHD + BLU-RAY SPECIAL EDITION FEATURES

• 4K digital restoration of the director's cut, with uncompressed monaural soundtrack
• One 4K UHD disc of the film presented in Dolby Vision HDR and two Blu-rays with the film and special features
• Texasville (1990), the sequel to The Last Picture Show , presented in both the original theatrical version and a black-and-white version of the director's cut, produced in collaboration with cinematographer Nicholas von Sternberg
• Two audio commentaries, featuring director Peter Bogdanovich and actors Cybill Shepherd, Randy Quaid, Cloris Leachman, and Frank Marshall
• Three documentaries about the making of the film
• Screen tests and location footage
• Introduction to Texasville featuring Bogdanovich, Shepherd, and actor Jeff Bridges
• Excerpts from a 1972 television interview with filmmaker François Truffaut about the New Hollywood
• Trailers
• English subtitles for the deaf and hard of hearing
• PLUS: An essay by film critic Graham Fuller and excerpts from an interview with Bogdanovich about Texasville ,with a new introduction by Bogdanovich biographer Peter Tonguette

The Abyss is 1989 US adventure film by James Cameron.
With Ed Harris, Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio and Michael Biehn.    

Formerly married petroleum engineers who still have some issues to work out. They are drafted to assist a gung-ho Navy SEAL with a top-secret recovery operation: a nuclear sub has been ambushed and sunk, under mysterious circumstances, in some of the deepest waters on Earth.

The Digital Bits reports that the 4K digital release of The Abyss has been cancelled in the UK because the BBFC is still insisting on censor cuts to the rat scene on grounds of animal cruelty.

The scene has been cut by 45s by the BBFC for all releases to date.

The Digital Bits reported:

We've learned from industry sources that the 4K Ultra HD release of James Cameron's The Abyss (1989) in the UK has been cancelled, and for exactly the reason you think204the scene in which the rat is made to breath underwater. UK censors asked for the scene to be cut, Disney apparently wanted to comply, but [producers] Lightstorm vetoed it. So if you want this title in 4K and you live in the UK, you'll have to import it from elsewhere. On the bright side, 4K discs are region free.

The BBFC still want the scene to be cut despite the fact that the rats involved in the shooting of the scene weren't harmed. As noted on Wikipedia:

The idea for The Abyss came to James Cameron when, at age 17 and in high school, he attended a science lecture about deep sea diving by a man, Francis J. Falejczyk, who was the first human to breathe liquid through his lungs in experiments conducted by Johannes A. Kylstra at Duke University. The breathing fluid used in the film actually exists but has only been thoroughly investigated in animals. Over the previous 20 years it had been tested on several animals, who survived. The rat shown in the film was actually breathing liquid and survived unharmed. Production consulted with Dr. Kylstra on the proper use of the breathing fluid for the film.

The Police Academy Collection is a film set by Hugh Wilson, Jerry Paris, Jim Drake, Alan Myerson, Peter Bonerz
Starring Steve Guttenberg, Bubba Smith and George Gaynes

Two films were cut by the BBFC.

US: Uncut and MPAA Unrated for:

• 2023 SHOUT! FACTORY [Police Academy Collection] (RA) Blu-ray/R1 DVD Combo at US Amazon #ad released on 21st November 2023

Police Academy 4: Citizens on Patrol is a 1987 USA crime comedy by Jim Drake.
With Steve Guttenberg, Bubba Smith and Michael Winslow.

BBFC category cuts for PG rated VHS. Uncut for PG rated cinema release and uncut for 12 rated DVD. Uncut in the US

Police Academy 6: City Under Siege is a 1989 USA crime comedy by Peter Bonerz.
With Bubba Smith, David Graf and Michael Winslow.

BBFC cuts for cinema release and VHS, but uncut on DVD. Uncut in the US

Promotional Material

Includes All 7 Films! The call went out. The recruits came in. No longer would police cadets have to meet standards of height, weight and other pesky requirements. Brains were optional, too. Can't spell IQ? Don't know the number for 911? No matter. Police Academy grads are ready to uphold law and disorder! Among the funniest and most memorable comedy series to ever spill wildly across the screen, the Police Academy films are an absolutely mandatory part of any film collection! And hey...be careful out there.

Bonus Content:

Disc 5:

• 2K Scans of the Interpositives
• Featurettes with brand-new Interviews Including Producer Paul Maslansky, Writers Neal Israel and Pat Proft, Actors Lance Kinsey and G.W. Bailey, Composer Robert Folk, Assistant Director Roger Joseph Pugliese, and Directors Alan Myerson and Peter Bonerz
• Police Academy 4: Citizens on Patrol Audio Commentary with Film Historian Russell Dyball
• Police Academy Audio Commentary with Stars Steve Guttenberg, Michael Winslow, Leslie Easterbrook, Director Hugh Wilson, and Producer Paul Maslansky
• Archival Featurettes
• Additional Scenes
• Theatrical Trailers

Renaissance: A Film By Beyoncé is a 2023 US music documentary by Beyoncé, Ed Burke
Starring Beyoncé, Blue Ivy Carter and Diana Ross

Pre-cut for a BBFC 15 rated cinema release.

Summary Notes

Beyoncé in performance at her record-breaking RENAISSANCE World Tour and the creative mastermind behind it.

Versions

uncut		US: Uncut and MPA Unrated: From IMDb: Several uses of 'cunt' during the song PURE/HONEY as well as 57 frequent uses of fuck, 42 shit, 40 bitch and 30 nigga.
pre-cut cut:   run: 169:28s pal: 162:41s		UK: A cut pre-cut version was BBFC 15 rated for strong language: 2023 Trafalgar Releasing cinema release (rated 27/11/2023) The BBFC commented: There is strong language ('fuck', 'motherfucker'), as well as milder terms such as 'bitch', 'whore', 'shit', 'ass' and 'God'. There are also uses of reclaimed racial language ('nigga', 'negro'). Thanks to Scott: This concert film apparently contains use of the c-word in its original form, hence the Aus OFLC rating it MA15+ for Strong coarse language, however it seems the word has been removed from the UK release as the BBFC have given it a 15 for just strong language rather than very strong. Listed as uncut on the website, so presumably it was pre-cut by the distributor in a failed attempt to get a 12A.

Blood Feast is a 2016 Germany / USA horror by Marcel Walz.
Starring Robert Rusler, Caroline Williams and Sophie Monk.

Cut for a US MPAA R rating on 2018 Blu-ray, but later in 2018 it was announced that the theatrical release would be MPAA Unrated. There is also a cut NC-17 version which is less cut than the R rated version.

US: Uncut and MPAA Unrated for:

• 2024 Synapse R0 4K Blu-ray at US Amazon #ad released on 16th January 2024

Promotional Material

NOTHING SO APPALLING IN THE ANNALS OF HORROR... SINCE THE ORIGINAL!

A REMAKE OF H.G. LEWIS' NOTORIOUS SPLATTER CLASSIC! Fuad Ramses and his family have moved from the United States to France, where they run an American-themed diner. Since business is not going well, Fuad also works the graveyard shift in a museum of ancient Egyptian culture. During these long nights, he is repeatedly drawn to a statue representing the seductive goddess, Ishtar. As his fascination with Ishtar grows, she begins speaking to him in visions. One night, Fuad succumbs to her deadly charms and begins a new life of murder and cannibalism. He prepares a lavish feast for Ishtar dripping with the blood, organs and intestines of his victims. As the bodies pile up, Fuad slips further into madness until no one... not even his wife and daughter... is safe from the desires of the bloodthirsty goddess!

A fun and ultra-gory homage to H.G. Lewis' original 1963 BLOOD FEAST, this remake is presented uncut and in 4K Dolby Vision (HDR10 compatible) for the first time ever on home video! Stars genre favorites Robert Rusler (A NIGHTMARE ON ELM STREET 2: FREDDY'S REVENGE), Caroline Williams (THE TEXAS CHAINSAW MASSACRE PART 2) and Sophie Monk (THE HILLS RUN RED).

SPECIAL FEATURES:

• 'Making of' featurette
• Indiegogo promotional trailer
• Theatrical trailer
• Chilli Con Curtis 'Tonite' - Music Video
• BLOOD FEAST - Red Carpet Premiere 2018
• BLOOD FEAST - Scare Cam
• English SDH Subtitles

The Krays is a 1990 UK biography crime drama by Peter Medak
Starring Gary Kemp, Martin Kemp and Billie Whitelaw

Cut by the BBFC for 18 rated cinema release in 1990 and is seems likely that these cuts have persisted ever since. MPAA R rated in the US.

From IMDb. The BBFC cuts were:

The BBFC cut the infamous Chelsea Smile scene, where Ronnie Kray cuts the mouth of a man in an alley using a sword. The slow cutting of the victim's mouth was reduced.

There are contradictory reports as to whether the cuts have persisted into subsequent releases but it seems most likely that the cuts have persisted.

Summary Notes

The life of a pair of twins (Ronald and Reginald Kray) who were born in London in 1934 and when they grew up became gangsters selling protection.

UK: Uncut and BBFC 18 rated for strong bloody violence and language:

• 2023 Second Sight Films (RB) Blu-ray at UK Amazon #ad released on 20th November 2023

Promotional Material

From their humble East End beginnings, Ronnie and Reggie Kray became the most notorious figures in London's gangland underworld. From extortion to murder, their horrific brutality became legendary and throughout the 50s and 60s they ruled by fear, until life sentences in 1969 finally ended their bloody reign of terror.

Special Features

• East End Medak: a new interview with Director Peter Medak
• Burdis Meets The Krays: a new interview with Producer Ray Burdis
• New audio interview with writer Philip Ridley
• New audio commentary by film historian Scott Harrison
• Archive audio commentary by Peter Medak, Gary Kemp and Martin Kemp
• BFI 2015 Q&A with Gary Kemp, Martin Kemp, Kate Hardie, Peter Medak and Philip Ridley

Death Race 2000 is a 1975 USA action comedy by Paul Bartel.
Starring David Carradine and Sylvester Stallone and Simone Griffeth.

Cut by the BBFC for 1975 X rated cinema release. Uncut on home video and 18 rated until the 15 rated 2008 DVD.

Summary Notes

A champion of a brutal cross-country car race of the future where pedestrians are run down for points has a change of heart while being hounded by rivals and a conspiracy seeking to stop the race.

UK: Uncut and BBFC 15 rated for strong violence and moderate nudity:

• 2023 Signal One Entertainment (RB) Blu-ray at UK Amazon #ad released on 6th November 2023
• 2023 Signal One Entertainment Amazon VoD [UK] at UK Amazon #ad

Promotional Material

In the year 2000, hit and run has become the national sport. It's a no-holds-barred cross-country race, in which the aim is to kill off not only your opponents, but as many pedestrians as possible.

Favorite driver, Frankenstein (David Carradine) takes on Machine Gun Joe Viterboe (Sylvester Stallone) in this classic, adrenaline thriller. However, this year's events are about to be complicated by the efforts of a small but dedicated army of revolutionaries. Their overthrow of Mr President hinges on the sabotage of the Race and the elimination of Frankenstein, but Frankenstein himself is not what he seems.

Special Features:

• Interview with Roger Corman's Assistant Beverley Gray
• Video Essay with Film Historian Mark Searby
• Still Gallery
• Original Theatrical Trailer

Jackie Chan: Emergence of a Superstar is a film set by Petruta Kupper
Starring Jackie Chan, Yuen Biao and Sammo Hung

There are no censorship issues with this release.

US: Uncut and MPAA Unrated for:

• 2023 The Criterion Collection [Emergence of a Superstar] (RA) Blu-ray at US Amazon #ad released on 7th November 2023

Spiritual Kung fu is a 1978 Hong Kong/Taiwan action by Wei Lo.
With Jackie Chan, Chih-ping Chiang, Hsiu-yi Fang.

Exists in several versions, Hong Kong Mandarin/Cantonese and Korean, with variations for plot reasons rather than censorship.

Fearless Hyena II is a 1983 Hong Kong action film by Chuan Chen.
Starring Jackie Chan, Dean Shek and James Tien. 5.0 /10

Always uncut and 18 rated in the UK. There exists in inconsequential extended Japanese version.

Promotional Material

Originally tapped as a potential successor to Bruce Lee, Hong Kong martial-arts phenom Jackie Chan soon established his own unique screen persona, blending goofball slapstick and bone-crunching kung fu into intricate feats of supercharged athleticism. Tracing his rise from breakout star to full-fledged auteur, these six unabashedly silly, unstoppably entertaining early-career highlights find Chan refining the lovably mischievous image that would make him a global icon, while also assuming greater creative control over his projects--first as his own martial-arts choreographer, and later as a writer-director who set a thrilling new standard for daredevil action comedy.

FOUR-BLU-RAY SPECIAL EDITION FEATURES

• 2K digital restorations of Spiritual Kung Fu , The Fearless Hyena , Fearless Hyena II , The Young Master , and My Lucky Stars and high-definition digital restoration of Half a Loaf of Kung Fu , with uncompressed monaural soundtracks
• Alternate stereo and 5.1 surround Cantonese soundtracks
• Classic English-dubbed tracks for Half a Loaf of Kung Fu , Spiritual Kung Fu , The Fearless Hyena , and Fearless Hyena II , plus an English-dubbed alternate track for Fearless Hyena II , and contemporary English-dubbed tracks for The Young Master and My Lucky Stars
• New audio commentaries for The Fearless Hyena and The Young Master featuring Hong Kong cinema expert and producer Frank Djeng ( Enter the Clones of Bruce )
• Interview with author Grady Hendrix ( These Fists Break Bricks ) about actor-director Jackie Chan
• Archival interviews with Chan, actor-director Sammo Hung, actors Michiko Nishiwaki and Hwang In-shik, and more
• The Young Master promo reel from the 1980 Cannes Film Festival and deleted scenes from the film
• Interview from 2005 with Hong Kong cinema critic Paul Fonoroff about producer-director Lo Wei
• NG shots from The Young Master and My Lucky Stars
• Trailers
• New English subtitle translations
• PLUS: An essay by critic Alex Pappademas

ALFRED HITCHCOCK: CLASSICS COLLECTION VOL. 3 is a film set by Alfred Hitchcock
Starring Julie Andrews, Jimmy Stewart and John Dall

UK: Aggregate BBFC 18 rated:

• 2023 Universal Pictures Alfred Hitchcock Classics Collection Vol 3 R0 4K Blu-ray/R0 Blu-ray Combo at UK Amazon #ad released on 6th November 2023

Topaz is a 1969 USA thriller by Alfred Hitchcock.
With Frederick Stafford, Dany Robin and John Vernon.

There are 3 alternative endings.

Frenzy is a 1972 UK thriller by Alfred Hitchcock
With Jon Finch, Barry Foster and Alec McCowen.

Cut by the BBFC for 1972 cinema release and 1989 VHS. Cuts waived for UK DVD. Uncut in the US

Promotional Material

5 UNFORGETTABLE FILMS FROM THE MASTER OF SUSPENSE: The legendary Master of Suspense, Alfred Hitchcock, directed some of the most thrilling and and memorable works in movie history. The Alfred Hitchcock Classics Collection features five films from the iconic director's career including Rope, The Man Who Knew Too Much, Torn Curtain, Topaz and Frenzy in stunning 4K resolution. Starring Hollywood favorites such as James Stewart, Doris Day, Paul Newman, Julie Andrews, Frederick Stafford, John Forsythe, John Finch and Barry Foster, this collection includes hours of bonus features and captures the unique vision of one of cinema's most innovative directors.

Bonus Features

Rope Unleashed The Making Of The Man Who Knew Too Much Torn Curtain Rising Topaz Alternate Endings Topaz: An Appreciation The Story of Frenzy Production Photographs Theatrical Trailers

The Guns of Navarone is a 1961 UK/US action adventure drama by J. Lee Thompson
Starring David Niven, Gregory Peck and Anthony Quinn

Passed U for 1961 cinema release. Home video release on VHS, DVD and Blu-ray have all been PG rated. Netflix bizarrely changed the rating to 15 in 2021. Some releases have overdubbed the word 'bloody' with 'ruddy'. It is speculated that this applies to a US version but not UK releases.

Summary Notes

A team of allied saboteurs are assigned an impossible mission: infiltrate an impregnable Nazi-held island and destroy the two enormous long-range field guns that prevent the rescue of 2,000 ...

US: Uncut and MPAA Unrated for:

• 2023 SONY R0 4K Blu-ray/(RA) Blu-ray Combo at US Amazon #ad released on 7th November 2023
• 2023 SONY Amazon VoD [US] at US Amazon #ad

Promotional Material

Returning to 4K UHD as a limited edition SteelBook Feature now includes Dolby Vision, plus existing Dolby Atmos audio Includes hours of special features!

Fascination is a 1979 France horror by Jean Rollin
Starring Franca Maï, Brigitte Lahaie and Jean-Marie Lemaire

Uncut by film censors. There is an opening scene on a bridge missing from some releases

UK: Uncut and BBFC 18 rated:

• 2023 Powerhouse Films Limited Edition R0 4K Blu-ray at UK Amazon #ad released on 30th October 2023
• 2023 Powerhouse Films Limited Edition R0 Blu-ray at UK Amazon #ad released on 30th October 2023

Promotional Material

Jealousy, vengeance, obsession, cannibalism, and blood-drinking collide in Fascination, director Jean Rollin's decadent fantasy of sex and death. When a thief holes up in a remote château, taking two beautiful chambermaids' hostage, the arrival of his accomplices and the château's aristocratic owners leads to an orgy of violence and ritualistic bloodletting. With its standout performance from Brigitte Lahaie (The Night of the Hunted), as the scythe-wielding Eva, and an evocative score from Philippe D'Aram (The Living Dead Girl), Fascination is one of the purest expressions of Rollin's unique fantastique aesthetic."

Extras

INDICATOR LIMITED EDITION 4K UHD SPECIAL FEATURES
New 4K HDR restoration from the original negative by Powerhouse Films
4K (2160p) UHD presentation in Dolby Vision (HDR10 compatible)
Original French mono soundtrack
Audio commentary with Sylvia Kristel: From 'Emmanuelle' to Chabrol author Jeremy Richey (2023)
Jean Rollin Introduces 'Fascination' (1998): filmed appraisal
Rituals (2023): updated documentary on the making of Fascination by Rollin's personal assistant, Daniel Gouyette, including interviews with key collaborators Natalie Perrey and Brigitte Lahaie
The Music of 'Fascination' (2023): new presentation of an interview with composer Philippe D'Aram
Newly edited archival interview with assistant director Natalie Perrey (2023)
Critical appreciation by the author and film historian Virginie Sélavy (2023)
Alternative sequences: two extended sex scenes
Original theatrical trailer
Image galleries: promotional and publicity material, and behind the scenes
Virgins and Vampires (1999): documentary on Rollin, produced and directed by Andy Starke and Pete Tombs, featuring contributions from actors Monica Swinn and Brigitte Lahaie, Nigel Wingrove of Redemption Films, and Rollin
New and improved English translation subtitles
Limited edition exclusive 80-page book with a new essay by Vanessa Morgan, an archival introduction by Jean Rollin, a previously untranslated archival interview with Rollin, an archival interview with actor Fanny Magier, critic Daniel Bird on the film's soundtrack, and full film credits
World premiere on 4K UHD
Limited edition of 10,000 individually numbered units (6,000 4K UHDs and 4,000 Blu-rays) for the UK and US

All extras subject to change

Texas Chainsaw Massacre: The Next Generation is a 1994 USA comedy horror thriller by Kim Henkel.
Starring Renée Zellweger and Matthew McConaughey and Robert Jacks.

Not cut by film censors but exists in 2 versions. A Theatrical Version and an Extended Version/Director's Cut

Summary Notes

This is the twisted tale of Vilmer and his crazy family which includes the lovely Leatherface. They have pastime of killing and stuffing people. Unfortunately, Jenny and her friends run into Vilmer and his clan in the middle of the night in the middle of the woods.

UK: The Theatrical Version is uncut and BBFC 18 rated for strong sadistic threat, violence:

• 2023 Mediumrare (RB) Blu-ray at UK Amazon #ad released on 30th October 2023

Promotional Material

First Time on Blu-Ray in the UK!

When a helpful family invites two lost couples in for a good ol' down-home massacre, the prom night teens find themselves all dressed up ... with no place to escape.

Renée Zellweger and Matthew McConaughey star in this hilarious bone-chilling remake of the horror classic.

The Horrible Dr Hichcock is a 1962 Italy horror by Riccardo Freda (as Robert Hampton).
Starring Barbara Steele, Robert Flemyng and Silvano Tranquilli.

The shortened US Theatrical version was cut by the BBFC for X rated cinema release in 1963. The uncut International Version was passed 18 for 1985 VHS and 15 for 2023 Bu-ray.

UK: The International Version is uncut and BBFC 15 rated for strong threat, brief sexual threat:

• 2023 Radiance Films [International Version + US Version] (RB) Blu-ray at UK Amazon #ad released on 23rd October 2023

Promotional Material

One day the necrophiliac tendencies of Dr Hichcock (Robert Flemyng, The Quiller Memorandum) go too far and his wife dies from an overdose. Bereft, the doctor leaves his house but returns years later with a new wife, Cynthia (Barbara Steele, Black Sunday). The house they return to is eerie and Cynthia hears strange things, meanwhile, she doesn't realise Dr Hichcock intends to use her body to re-animate his dead wife's corpse. Released at the height of the Italian horror boom that was produced in the wake of the influence of Hammer's era-defining horror productions, director Riccardo Freda (The Iguana with the Tongue of Fire) and screenwriter Ernesto Gastaldi (The Whip and the Body) create a dark and wicked gothic horror that brings in sly allusions to the work of Alfred Hitchcock while the period detail of Victorian London provides a lush backdrop.

LIMITED EDITION BLU-RAY SPECIAL FEATURES

New 2023 2K restoration of the film from the original negative presented in three versions across two Blu-rays: Disc 1: the 87-minute export version The Terror of Dr Hichcock with extras; Disc 2, exclusive to the limited edition: the re-ordered 76-minute North American version The Horror of Dr Hichcock; and the English dub of the complete 87-minute Italian cut Raptus: The Secret of Dr. Hichcock
Audio commentary by critics Kat Ellinger and Annie Rose Malamet
New interview with screenwriter Ernesto Gastaldi (2023)
Visual essay on Bluebeard in gothic film by Miranda Corcoran (2023)
An interview with Madeleine Le Despencer on necrophilia and taboo gothic (2023)
Trailers
Gallery
Reversible sleeve featuring designs based on original posters
Limited edition booklet featuring new writing by critics and experts including Chris Fujiwara on the film; an archival piece by Alan Y. Upchurch, Tim Lucas and Luigi Boscaino on the making of the film featuring interviews with Freda, Steele, Flemyng and others; a comparison of the different versions by Tim Lucas; and a critical overview by Cullen Gallagher
Limited edition of 5000 copies, presented in full-height Scanavo packaging with removable OBI strip leaving packaging free of certificates and markings

Apostles is a 2022 Hong Kong gay drama by Scud
Starring Amanwithahat, Simon Athena and Gavin Philip Che

The BBFC notes that the film contains strong real sex.

Summary Notes

A scholar claiming to be an apostle to Socrates and Plato, finds it hard to face his end. With the help of his wife and his ex-partner's family, he recruits 12 young men to come to his secluded manor to pursue the exploration of death. Philosophical discussions aside, the practices encompass climbing the volcanic summit of Mt. Fuji, bondage, sexual activities, and even living sacrifice.

Versions

uncut run: 81:48s pal: 78:32s

UK: Uncut and BBFC 18 rated for strong real sex, nudity: 2023 Bounty Films Blu-ray (rated 30/10/2023) at UK Amazon on 22nd Janary 2024

Tombs Of The Blind Dead is a 1972 Spain/Portugal horror adventure thriller by Amando de Ossorio
Starring Lone Fleming, César Burner and María Elena Arpón

Cut in the US for a PG rating. Cut by the BBFC for all home video releases. The US Unrated version is uncut

Summary Notes

Medieval knights executed for their black magic rituals come back as zombies to torment a group of vacationing college kids.

US: Uncut and MPAA Unrated for:

• 2023 Synapse Films Special Edition (RA) Blu-ray at US Amazon #ad released on 24th October 2023
• 2023 Synapse Films Amazon VoD [US] at US Amazon #ad

Promotional Material

DON'T MOVE! DON'T BREATHE! DON'T MAKE A SOUND! THEY'RE COMING!

Amando de Ossorio's unique 1971 Spanish shocker Tombs of the Blind Dead was an international horror hit that spawned three sequels and countless imitations. The first of four official films in the series, it begins with a trio of friends getting together for a camping trip that quickly turns into bloodcurdling horror as a legion of long-dead Knights Templar rise from their graves in search of human flesh! When the Templars were originally executed for their cannibalistic rituals, they were hanged outside to die as crows pecked out their eyes. Now, armed with ancient swords and riding their skeletal undead horses into the night looking for prey, these mummified creatures cannot see... they hunt purely by sound alone. Synapse Films is proud to present Tombs of the Blind Dead in a new restoration from the uncut original camera negative!

SPECIAL FEATURES:

• High-definition (1080p) Blu-ray® presentation of the original uncut version
• Lossless Spanish PCM 2.0 mono soundtrack
• Lossless "hybrid" English/Spanish PCM 2.0 mono soundtrack
• Optional English subtitles for the Spanish track
• Optional English subtitles for the Spanish sections of the hybrid soundtrack
• Optional English subtitles for the deaf and hard of hearing for the hybrid soundtrack
• Audio commentary with horror film historian and author, Troy Howarth
• Audio commentary with star Lone Fleming
• Audio commentary with Rod Barnett & Troy Guinn of the NaschyCast podcast
• Marauders from the Mediterranean -- a feature length documentary exploring the history of the Spanish zombie film, featuring interviews with: Night of the Living Dead writer/producer John Russo, Stiges Film Festival deputy director Mike Hostench, and more!
• Revenge of Planet Ape - Alternate U.S. Opening Sequence
• Awakening of Spanish Horror Cinema -- Featurette by film historian Marcus Stiglegger
• Salem's Pop "Templar's Tears" music video
• Original Theatrical Trailer
• Still Gallery
• Additional 1080p Blu-ray featuring the alternate U.S. cut entitled, THE BLIND DEAD

Murder Obsession is a 1981 Italy France horror by Riccardo Freda.
With Stefano Patrizi, Martine Brochard and Henri Garcin.

Cut by the BBFC for 18 rated VHS in 1987. Uncut and BBFC 18 rated for 2023 Blu-ray. Uncut and MPAA Unrated in the US.

Summary Notes

A scandal from Michael's past emerges when he visits his mother's house with the director and others from a recent film project.

UK: Uncut and BBFC 18 rated for sexual violence, nudity:

• 2023 Raro Video UK R0 Blu-ray at UK Amazon #ad released on 18th December 2023
• 2023 Raro Video UK Amazon VoD [UK] at UK Amazon #ad

Promotional Material

One of the most acclaimed and influential Brazilian films ever made, Black God, White Devil (Deus e o Diabo na Terra do Sol) tells the story of Manoel, a young cowherd who murders a wealthy ranch owner and flees to the drought-ridden hinterlands of northern Brazil with his wife Rosa. Now outlawed, they join a religious cult headed by the mystic self-proclaimed saint Sabastião, who condones acts of violence. The couple are plunged into a moral dilemma between embracing religious fanaticism and a life of brutality amongst rural peasant bandits. Meanwhile, the authorities hire a gunman known as Antonio Das Mortes to track them down.

This audacious and fearless award-winning film, celebrated for its fusion of mysticism and folklore and its examination of aspects of religion, violence, and social injustice, was hugely influential in
shaping the Cinema Novo movement and has inspired many filmmakers. Mawu Films is proud to present this milestone of Brazilian filmmaking in a brand new 4K restoration of the original 35mm materials preserved by the Cinemateca Brasileira.

LIMITED EDITION BLU-RAY SPECIAL FEATURES

New 4K restoration from original 35mm materials preserved by the Cinemateca Brasileira
Audio commentary by restoration supervisor Lino Meireles
Video essay by Manuela Lazic and Alessandro Luchetti
Glauber the Movie, Labyrinth of Brazil - a documentary on the filmmaker by Silvio Tendler featuring interviews with colleagues and collaborators (2003, 98 mins)
Cinema Novo - an award-winning documentary by filmmaker and son of Glauber Rocha, Eryk Rocha on the Brazilian filmmaking movement, featuring interviews with noted figures including Nelson Pereira dos Santos, Joaquim Pedro de Andrade and Rocha himself (2016, 90 mins)
Optional English subtitles
Reversible sleeve featuring original and newly commissioned artwork by Time Tomorrow
Limited edition booklet featuring new writing by filmmaker Kleber Mendonça Filho and critic Rafa Sales Ross
Limited edition of 3000 copies, presented in full-height Scanavo packaging with limited edition booklet and reversible sleeve

Extras subject to change

The Night of the Devils is a 1972 Italy/Spain horror mystery thriller by Giorgio Ferroni
Starring Gianni Garko, Agostina Belli and Roberto Maldera

Cut by the BBFC for X rated cinema release in 1973. Uncut and BBFC 15 rated for 2023 Blu-ray. Uncut and MPAA unrated in the US.

Summary Notes

The patriarch of a wealthy family fears that he will show up one day in vampire form. Should this happen, he warns his family to not let him back into his house, no matter how much he begs them.

UK: Uncut and BBFC 15 rated for strong violence, injury detail, nudity:

• 2023 Raro Video UK Limited Edition R0 Blu-ray at UK Amazon #ad released on 23rd October 2023
• 2023 Raro Video UK Amazon VoD [UK] at UK Amazon #ad

Promotional Material

Italian genre legend Gianni Garko (Lucio Fulci's The Psychic) stars in this terrifying masterpiece of the macabre, based on Tolstoy's story The Wurdurlak, itself previously adapted in Mario Bava's Black Sabbath. A nameless, mentally ill man (Garko) is found wandering in the woods, his mind lost in a fever dream of gruesome, sexual imagery. After being admitted to a psychiatric hospital, the man flashes back to his nightmarish encounter with a backwoods family whose dynasty holds a centuries-old curse, What follows is a night of unrelenting horror. Music by Giorgio Gaslini, composer of scores for films by Dario Argento and Michelangelo Antonioni and special effects by Carlo Rambaldi, known for his effects on E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial and Possession. Atmospheric and gory, The Night of the Devils is a Euro-horror classic not to be missed.

LIMITED EDITION SPECIAL FEATURES:

High Definition digital transfer from the original camera negative presented with Italian and English audio options
Uncompressed mono PCM audio
Audio commentary by Alan Jones and Kim Newman
"The Devils Among Us" - Archival interview with actor Gianno Garko
"The Angel and the Devils" - Archival interview with actor Agostina Belli
"The Child of Darkness" - Archival interview with actor Cinzia de Carolis
"Celestial Light" - Archival interview with camera operator Nino Celeste
"Fear and Jazz" - Archival interview with composer Giorgio Gaslini
Archival interview with critic and horror expert Chris Alexander
Original trailer
Image gallery
Reversible sleeve featuring artwork based on original posters
New and improved English subtitle translation
Limited edition booklet with new writing by Rachael Nisbet and archival writing by Chris Alexander
Limited edition of 3000 copies, presented in full-height Scanavo packaging with limited edition booklet and reversible sleeve

Lorna the Exorcist is a 1974 France horror by Jesús Franco (as Clifford Brown).
Starring Pamela Stanford and Guy Delorme and Lina Romay.

There are several French language versions of various lengths, and also an Italian hardcore version that includes additional (and not director approved) material by an Italian director.

Summary Notes

The businessman Patrick takes his wife Marianne and daughter Linda on a vacation. Patrick's old friend Lorna shows up just in time for Linda's 18th birthday and takes demonic, sexual possession of the girl's body and soul.

US: Uncut and MPAA Unrated for:

• 2023 Kino Cult (RA) Blu-ray at US Amazon #ad released on 24th October 2023

Promotional Material

Haunted by erotic visions, a young woman (Lina Romay) comes to discover that her sexual possession is the result of a bargain struck nineteen years earlier between her playboy father (Patrick Mariel) and an ethereal, pansexual seductress (Pamela Stafford). In a parallel narrative, a visionary doctor (Jess Franco) tries to unravel the particular form of psychopathia sexualis that torments a beautiful patient (Catherine Lafferière). In the 1970s, Franco's films reached a level of voyeuristic extremes, especially when collaborating with Romay, his soulmate and creative muse. Along with Shining Sex and Female Vampire, Lorna the Exorcist (Les possédées du diable) demonstrates the outer limits of the erotic horror film: hallucinatory films with languorous love scenes, drenched with lyrical music, and punctuated with moments of stark horror.

Special Features:
- NEW Audio Commentary by Novelist and Critic Tim Lucas
- Interview with Actress Pamela Stanford
- Interview with Filmmaker Gérard Kikoïne
- Introduction by Stephen Thrower, Author of Nightmare USA: The Untold Story of the Exploitation Independents
- Includes Both English and French Audio Tracks
- Optional English Subtitles

Monica is a 2022 Italy/US trans drama by Andrea Pallaoro
Starring Emily Browning, Patricia Clarkson and Trace Lysette

BBFC cuts were required for a 15 rated cinema release in 2023.

Summary Notes

The intimate portrait of a woman who returns home to care for her dying mother. A delicate and nuanced story of a fractured family, the story explores universal themes of abandonment, aging, acceptance, and redemption.

Versions

cut:   run: 113:09s pal: 108:37s

UK: BBFC 15 rated for strong sex, sex references, language for strong sex, sex references, language after BBFC cuts: 2023 606 cinema release (rated 06/11/2023) The BBFC commented: The distributor chose to make a cut to a reference to erotic asphyxiation in order to achieve a 15 rating. An uncut 18 rating was available. Thanks to Scott who noted that the "reference to erotic asphyxiation" was just in fact just someone saying "Choke me" during sex

Beach of the War Gods is a 1973 Hong Kong/Taiwan action war by Yu Wang.
With Yu Wang, Fei Lung and Yeh Tien.

Cut by the BBFC for AA rated cinema release in 1973. Later uncut and BBFC 15 rated for 2023 Blu-ray. Uncut and MPAA Unrated in the US

Summary Notes

The famous swordsman Hsia Feng gathers five other fighters and rallies the local fishermen to fight off a band of Japanese pirates.

UK: Uncut and BBFC 15 rated for strong bloody violence:

• 2023 Eureka Special Edition (RB) Blu-ray at UK Amazon #ad released on 23rd October 2023

Promotional Material

Kung fu innovator Jimmy Wang Yu ( The Chinese Boxer ) blends wuxia mayhem with Seven Samurai in Beach of the War Gods .

In the waning days of the Ming dynasty, Japanese marauders raid villages on the Chinese coast. A wandering swordsman (Wang Yu) single-handedly dispatches a group of the invading thugs and agrees to help defend the town. He assembles a core team of highly skilled warriors, including mercenary knife thrower Leng Ping ( Tien Yeh , Blood of the Dragon ) and hot-headed swordsman Iron Bull Chao ( Hsieh Han , One Armed Boxer ). Together, they train the townsfolk to stand up to the pirates, using strategy and skill. When the army launches an all-out assault on the town, a ferocious battle rages, leading to final conflict on the Beach of the War Gods.

Celebrating its 50th anniversary , Beach of the War Gods ranks among Jimmy Wang Yu's best films, a briskly-paced historical adventure bursting with wild action.

SPECIAL EDITION BLU-RAY FEATURES*

Limited Edition O-Card Slipcase (First Print Run of 2000 copies only) featuring new artwork by Tony Stella | 1080p HD presentation on Blu-ray of the original Hong Kong theatrical cut from a brand new 2K restoration | Original Mandarin mono audio | Optional English dubbed audio | Optional English Subtitles, newly translated for this release | Brand new feature length audio commentary by Asian film expert Frank Djeng (NY Asian Film Festival) | Brand new interview with action cinema experts Mike Leeder & Arne Venema on the life and career of Jimmy Wang Yu | Archival interview with Jimmy Wang Yu | Trailers | PLUS: A Limited Edition Collector's Booklet (First Print Run of 2000 copies only) featuring new writing by James Oliver and a review of the film by Dr Craig D. Reid from his book The Ultimate Guide to Martial Arts Movies of the 1970s

*All extras subject to change

Lips of Blood is a 1975 France horror thriller by Jean Rollin
Starring Jean-Loup Philippe, Annie Belle and Natalie Perrey

Exists as a theatrical version and a hardcore version.

US: The Theatrical Version is uncut and MPAA Unrated for:

• 2023 Powerhouse Films R0 4K Blu-ray at US Amazon #ad released on 24th October 2023
• 2023 Powerhouse Films R0 Blu-ray at US Amazon #ad released on 24th October 2023

Promotional Material

One of Jean Rollin's best-loved films, Lips of Blood (Lèvres de sang) finds the master of the fantastique marshalling all of his obsessions - ruined châteaux, remote beaches, abandoned graveyards, mysterious twins, and female vampires. When a photograph of a decrepit seaside château evokes a childhood vision of an encounter with a mysterious girl, Frederick is compelled to investigate. Soon, he uncovers a surreal and erotic netherworld of vampirism from which he might never return. Starring regular Rollin actors Jean-Loup Philippe (The Rape of the Vampire), Natalie Perrey (The Iron Rose), and twins Cathy and Marie-Pierre Castel (Requiem for a Vampire), Lips of Blood is a tour de force within Rollin's inimitable oeuvre.

Extras

INDICATOR LIMITED EDITION BLU-RAY SPECIAL FEATURES
New 4K restoration from the original negative by Powerhouse Films
Original French mono soundtrack
Audio commentary with genre-film experts, critics and authors Stephen Jones and Kim Newman (2023)
Selected scenes audio commentary with Jean Rollin (2005)
Jean Rollin Introduces 'Lips of Blood' (1998): filmed appraisal
The Beach That Follows Me (2005): Rollin reminisces about the beach in Dieppe, and his many experiences of filming there
Newly edited archival interview with Rollin (2023)
Newly edited archival interview with actor and frequent Rollin collaborator Natalie Perrey (2023)
Newly edited archival interview with actor Jean-Loup Philippe (2023)
Newly edited archival interview with actor Serge Rollin (2023)
Newly edited archival interview with actor Cathy Tricot (2023)
Critical appreciation by the author and film historian Virginie Sélavy (2023)
Original theatrical trailer
Image galleries: promotional and publicity material, and behind the scenes
New and improved English translation subtitles
Limited edition exclusive 80-page book with a new essay by Maitland McDonough, archival writing by Jean Rollin on the making of the film, archival interviews with Rollin and Annie Brilland, an analysis of Suck Me, Vampire, the hardcore film Rollin made using scenes from Lips of Blood, and full film credits
Limited edition of 10,000 individually numbered units (6,000 4K UHDs and 4,000 Blu-rays) for the UK and US

All extras subject to change

Hellraiser Quartet Of Torment is a film set by Clive Barker, Tony Randel, Anthony Hickox, Kevin Yagher
Starring Doug Bradley, Clare Higgins and Ashley Laurence

UK: BBFC aggregate 18 rated for:

• 2023 Arrow Video Quartet Of Torment R0 4K Blu-ray at UK Amazon #ad released on 23rd October 2023
• 2023 Arrow Video Amazon VoD [UK] at UK Amazon #ad

Hellraiser is a 1987 UK horror by Clive Barker.
Starring Andrew Robinson, Clare Higgins and Ashley Laurence.

Originally cut to obtain an R rating but the resultant version became the definitive. Cut by the BBFC for video from 1988 to 1999. The UK original cinema version was uncut but the BBFC cut VHS releases until 1999. DVDs are uncut.

Hellbound: Hellraiser II is a 1987 UK horror by Clive Barker.
With Doug Bradley, Ashley Laurence and Imogen Boorman.

The heavily cut R rated version was passed without further cuts for cinema but was cut on VHS and 1999 DVD. The BBFC cuts were waived for the Unrated Version on DVD and Bu-ray

Hellraiser III: Hell on Earth is a 1992 USA / Canada horror by Anthony Hickox.
Starring Terry Farrell, Doug Bradley and Kevin Bernhardt.

Cut for a US R rating and passed without further BBFC cuts for 1992 cinema release and VHS. The Directors Cut was passed 18 uncut for 18 rated VHS and DVD.

Hellraiser IV: Bloodline is a 1996 USA / UK Sci-Fi horror by Kevin Yagher (as Alan Smithee)
Starring Bruce Ramsay, Valentina Vargas and Doug Bradley

Not cut by censors and only released in one version. However the studio were unimpressed by the original submission by Kevin Yagher and extensive changes were made prior to release. There exists a partial workprint revealing how the earlier version of the film panned out. See IMDb for further details.

Promotional Material

WE HAVE SUCH SIGHTS TO SHOW YOU...

In the 1980s, Clive Barker changed the face of horror fiction, throwing out the rules to expose new vistas of terror and beauty, expanding the horizons for every genre writer who followed him. With Hellraiser , his first feature film, he did the same for cinema.

Hedonist Frank Cotton (Sean Chapman) thinks he has reached the limits of earthly pleasure. But a mysterious puzzle box will take him further than he can possibly imagine, opening the doors to a dominion where pain and pleasure are indivisible and summoning the Cenobites, whose experiments in the higher reaches of experience will tear his soul apart. When he manages to escape, Frank returns to the world skinless and in need of help. Now his former lover Julia (Clare Higgins) must kill to make him whole again. But the Cenobites want Frank back, and there'll be hell to pay when they find him.

Hellbound: Hellraiser II expands on Barker's original vision as screenwriter Peter Atkins takes Julia Cotton, her step daughter Kirsty (Ashley Laurence) and the sinister Dr. Channard (Kenneth Cranham) into the dominion of the Cenobites themselves.

Hellraiser III: Hell on Earth sees Pinhead set loose on the sinful streets of New York City to create chaos with a fresh cadre of Cenobitic kin.

Then, Hellraiser: Bloodline sinks its hooks into past, present and future with the story of Phillip LeMarchand, the 18th-century toymaker who made the lament configuration puzzle box, his descendent John Merchant -- a 20th-century architect whose most recent building bears a striking resemblance to the lament configuration -- and Dr. Paul Merchant, a 22nd-century engineer and designer of The Minos, a space station which is a great deal more than it seems.

Experience the sublime agony of this quartet of torment like you never have before in all-new 4K restorations from the original camera negatives. Hell has never looked better!

4-DISC ULTRA HD LIMITED EDITION CONTENTS

• Brand new 4K restorations of all four films from the original camera negatives by Arrow Films
• Ultra High Definition (2160p) presentations of all four films in Dolby Vision (HDR10 compatible)
• Original lossless stereo and DTS-HD MA 5.1 surround audio for all four films
• Optional English subtitles for the deaf and hard of hearing
• Ages of Desire , an exclusive 200-page hardback book with new writing from Clive Barker archivists Phil and Sarah Stokes
• Limited edition layered packaging featuring brand new Pinhead artwork

  DISC 1 - HELLRAISER

• Brand new audio commentary featuring genre historian (and unit publicist of Hellraiser ) Stephen Jones with author and film critic Kim Newman
• Archival audio commentary with writer/director Clive Barker and actor Ashley Laurence, moderated by Peter Atkins
• Archival audio commentary with writer/director Clive Barker
• Power of Imagination -- brand new 60-minute discussion about Hellraiser and the work of Clive Barker by film scholars Sorcha Ní Fhlainn (editor of Clive Barker: Dark Imaginer ) and Karmel Kniprath
• Unboxing Hellraiser -- brand new visual essay celebrating the Lament Configuration by genre author Alexandra Benedict ( The Beauty of Murder )
• The Pursuit of Possibilities -- brand new 60-minute discussion between acclaimed horror authors Paula D. Ashe ( We Are Here To Hurt Each Other ) and Eric LaRocca ( Everything the Dark Eats ) celebrating the queerness of Hellraiser and the importance of Clive Barker as a queer writer
• Flesh is a Trap -- brand new visual essay exploring body horror and transcendence in the work of Clive Barker by genre author Guy Adams ( The World House )
• Newly uncovered extended EPK interviews with Clive Barker and stars Andrew Robinson, Clare Higgins, Ashley Laurence, and effects artist Bob Keen, shot during the making of Hellraiser , with a new introduction by Stephen Jones and Kim Newman
• Original 1987 Electronic Press Kit
• Being Frank : Sean Chapman on Hellraiser -- archival interview with the actor
• Under the Skin : Doug Bradley on Hellraiser -- archival interview with the iconic actor about his first appearance as 'Pinhead'
• Soundtrack Hell: The Story of the Abandoned Coil Score -- archival interview with Coil member Stephen Thrower
• Trailers and TV spots
• Image gallery
• Draft screenplays

  DISC 2 - HELLBOUND: HELLRAISER II

• Brand new audio commentary featuring Stephen Jones and Kim Newman
• Archival audio commentary with director Tony Randel, writer Peter Atkins and actor Ashley Laurence
• Audio commentary with director Tony Randel and writer Peter Atkins
• Hell Was What They Wanted! -- brand new 80-minute appreciation of Hellbound , the Hellraiser mythos and the work of Clive Barker by horror authors George Daniel Lea ( Born in Blood ) and Kit Power ( The Finite )
• That Rat-Slice Sound -- brand new appreciation of composer Christopher Young's scores for Hellraiser and Hellbound: Hellraiser II by Guy Adams
• Archival on-set interview with Clive Barker
• Archival on-set interview with cast and crew
• Behind the scenes footage
• Being Frank : Sean Chapman on Hellbound -- archival interview about the actor's return to the role of Frank Cotton
• Under the Skin : Doug Bradley on Hellbound -- archival interview with the iconic actor about his second appearance as 'Pinhead'
• Lost in the Labyrinth -- archival featurette featuring interviews with Barker, Randel, Keen, Atkins and others
• Trailers and TV spots
• Image gallery

  DISC 3 - HELLRAISER III: HELL ON EARTH

• Alternative Unrated version (contains standard definition inserts)
• Brand new audio commentary featuring Stephen Jones and Kim Newman
• Archival audio commentary with screenwriter Peter Atkins (Theatrical Cut only)
• Archival audio commentary with director Anthony Hickox and actor Doug Bradley (Unrated Version only)
• Previously unseen extended EPK featuring interviews with Clive Barker and Doug Bradley
• FX dailies
• Time with Terri -- archival interview with actor Paula Marshall
• Raising Hell on Earth -- archival interview with director Anthony Hickox
• Under the Skin : Doug Bradley on Hellraiser III -- archival interview with the iconic actor about his third appearance as 'Pinhead'
• Theatrical trailer
• Image gallery

  DISC 4 - HELLRAISER: BLOODLINE

• Brand new audio commentary featuring screenwriter Peter Atkins, with Stephen Jones and Kim Newman
• The Beauty of Suffering -- brand new featurette exploring the Cenobites' connection to goth, fetish cultures and BDSM
• Newly uncovered workprint version of the film, providing a fascinating insight into how it changed during post production
• Hellraiser Evolutions -- archival documentary on the evolution of the franchise and its enduring legacy, featuring interviews with Scott Derrickson (director, Hellraiser: Inferno ), Rick Bota (director, Hellraiser: Hellseeker , Deader and Hellworld ), Stuart Gordon (director, Re-Animator , From Beyond ) and others
• Books of Blood and Beyond : The Literary Works of Clive Barker -- archival appreciation by horror author David Gatwalk of Barker's written work, from The Books of Blood to The Scarlet Gospels
• Theatrical trailer
• Image gallery
• Easter egg

Lips of Blood is a 1975 France horror thriller by Jean Rollin
Starring Jean-Loup Philippe, Annie Belle and Natalie Perrey

Exists as a theatrical version and a hardcore version.

US: The Theatrical Version is uncut and MPAA Unrated for:

• 2023 Powerhouse Films R0 4K Blu-ray at US Amazon #ad released on 24th October 2023
• 2023 Powerhouse Films R0 Blu-ray at US Amazon #ad released on 24th October 2023

Promotional Material

One of Jean Rollin's best-loved films, Lips of Blood (Lèvres de sang) finds the master of the fantastique marshalling all of his obsessions - ruined châteaux, remote beaches, abandoned graveyards, mysterious twins, and female vampires. When a photograph of a decrepit seaside château evokes a childhood vision of an encounter with a mysterious girl, Frederick is compelled to investigate. Soon, he uncovers a surreal and erotic netherworld of vampirism from which he might never return. Starring regular Rollin actors Jean-Loup Philippe (The Rape of the Vampire), Natalie Perrey (The Iron Rose), and twins Cathy and Marie-Pierre Castel (Requiem for a Vampire), Lips of Blood is a tour de force within Rollin's inimitable oeuvre.

Extras

INDICATOR LIMITED EDITION BLU-RAY SPECIAL FEATURES
New 4K restoration from the original negative by Powerhouse Films
Original French mono soundtrack
Audio commentary with genre-film experts, critics and authors Stephen Jones and Kim Newman (2023)
Selected scenes audio commentary with Jean Rollin (2005)
Jean Rollin Introduces 'Lips of Blood' (1998): filmed appraisal
The Beach That Follows Me (2005): Rollin reminisces about the beach in Dieppe, and his many experiences of filming there
Newly edited archival interview with Rollin (2023)
Newly edited archival interview with actor and frequent Rollin collaborator Natalie Perrey (2023)
Newly edited archival interview with actor Jean-Loup Philippe (2023)
Newly edited archival interview with actor Serge Rollin (2023)
Newly edited archival interview with actor Cathy Tricot (2023)
Critical appreciation by the author and film historian Virginie Sélavy (2023)
Original theatrical trailer
Image galleries: promotional and publicity material, and behind the scenes
New and improved English translation subtitles
Limited edition exclusive 80-page book with a new essay by Maitland McDonough, archival writing by Jean Rollin on the making of the film, archival interviews with Rollin and Annie Brilland, an analysis of Suck Me, Vampire, the hardcore film Rollin made using scenes from Lips of Blood, and full film credits
Limited edition of 10,000 individually numbered units (6,000 4K UHDs and 4,000 Blu-rays) for the UK and US

All extras subject to change

Shaw Brothers Classics Vol 3 is a film set by Yuen Chor, Cheh Chang, Chen Chang, Meng-Ha Ho, Sun Chung
Starring Ping Chen, Alexander Fu Sheng and Hua Yueh

There are no censorship issues with this release.

US: Uncut and MPAA Unrated for:

• 2023 SHOUT! FACTORY (RA) Blu-ray at US Amazon #ad released on 24th October 2023

Promotional Material

This spectacular box set comprises 11 classic martial arts films from the famous Shaw Brothers' library, featuring some of their greatest stars--Alexander Fu Sheng (The Brave Archer), Lo Lieh (King Boxer), Ti Lung (A Better Tomorrow), David Chiang (The Boxer Of Shantung) and the Deadly Venoms! Many of these films are debuting for the first time on Blu-ray. Get ready for some exciting thrills and chills as heroes meet villains in a duel to the death!

Killer Clans Ask any martial arts movie aficionado for his or her list of all-time action greats, and there's a good chance that Killer Clans ranks somewhere near the top. Based on a popular swordplay novel, Killer Clans (whose Chinese title literally translates into the poetic Meteor, Butterfly, Sword) has enough conspiracies, stratagems, and sword fights to make any fan happy. They are masterfully staged by Yuen Cheung-yan, brother of martial arts choreographer Yuen Woo-ping. The cast includes some of Shaw Brothers' leading swordsmen and swordswomen, and they bring to life the novel's epic battles between underground clans, where the line between good and evil is not always so clear-cut or obvious.

The Shaolin Avengers The famous story of the Shaolin Temple's betrayal by the White-Browed Hermit, and the subsequent revenge by Shaolin firebrand Fang Shih-yu, is the stuff of legend. It has been filmed many times by many directors, but few depictions are as fiery or remembered as fondly as this production. The potent combination of director Chang Cheh and international idol Alexander Fu Sheng caught lightning in a lens (thanks to action instructors Hsieh Hsing and Chen Hsin-yi...not to mention talented co-director Wu Ma).

The Web of Death The leader of the Snake Sect has an affair with the sexy ringleader of the Scorpion Sect to revive the "Five Poison Web" (which is also this film's Chinese title). But they must also contend with the Centipede Sect. Under the fluid direction of Chu Yuan and action choreographers Tang Chia and Yuen Cheung-yan (member of the martial arts world's esteemed Yuen Family and brother of master Yuen Woo-ping), the result is a first-class action film!

The Vengeful Beauty Of all the many kinds of films Ho Meng-hua directed for the Shaw Brothers, his most popular worldwide was quite possibly The Flying Guillotine. While he did not direct its like-titled sequel, he did helm this great spinning beheader follow-up, which critics considered among his very best. It stars the striking Chen Ping (The Miniskirt Gang, Lady Exterminator) as the fearless title character who takes on an entire flying guillotine gang.

Death Duel This martial arts spectacular showcases 20-year-old Derek Yee. Variety noted, "Yee's charismatic screen presence should take him to superstardom like his older brother, David Chiang." The prediction proved correct, and his performance as ace swordsman Third Master is just what any producer would want. He fights evil, saves damsels in distress (including a kindhearted prostitute portrayed by Yu An-an), and duels rival swordsmen Ling Yun.

Life Gamble Legendary director Chang Cheh teamed his latest big star, Alexander Fu Sheng, with future Venoms Lo Meng and Kuo Chue to create another winner in his vaunted filmography. Joining them were top supporting actors Ku Feng and Wang Lung-wei and actresses Lin Chen-chi, Shirley Yu, and Hui Ying-hung. Together, they weave an entertaining, exciting tale of a kung fu blacksmith taking on four famous robbers while a villainous gambling boss plots to destroy them.

Soul of the Sword "Be careful what you wish for" sums up Soul Of The Sword, which stars acclaimed actor Ti Lung as a swordsman whose sole purpose is to defeat the "Number One Swordsman" no matter what. The warrior's code dictates to be number one there must be no other pursuit in life, so he gives up his lover only to learn that wanting is better than having...and that the terrorism of tradition in the end can bring about your own downfall.

The Deadly Breaking Sword This explosive film elevated director Sun Chung to the highest ranks of martial arts helmsmanship alongside such esteemed company as Chang Cheh. Starring the incomparable Ti Lung and Alexander Fu Sheng, and utilizing the acclaimed fight choreographer Tang Chia, The Deadly Breaking Sword is propelled by the stars' venomous fighting appeal. Armed with the "Deadly Breaking Sword" technique, Tuen Cheng-tsin (Ti Lung) unites with thief Ko Mun (Alexander Fu Sheng) to defeat an assassin who is "acupuncturingly" controlled by the evil Dr. Kuo.

Clan of the White Lotus Lo Lieh was famous as Shaw Studio's first international kung fu film star, but it was rare that he also directed, so this film is one of those special events. Following the huge success of Executioners From Shaolin, he returned to the villain's role in this combination sequel and remake. The result is a lighter hearted entertainment, as heroic Gordon Liu Chia-hui must learn "Embroidery Fist" and acupuncture to counter the evil White Lotus leader's deadly "Weightless Boxing" and "Nerve Centre Shutdown" techniques.

Bonus Content:

Disc 1 - Killer Clans:

• Audio: Mandarin Mono DTS-HD Master Audio with New Subtitle Translation, English Dubbed DTS-HD Master Audio
• Audio Commentary with David West, Critic and Author of Chasing Dragons: A Introduction To The Martial Arts Film
• A Killer Creativity: James Mudge, Veteran Hong Kong Critic at easternKicks On Director Chor Yuen
• Gu Long: Wuxia Writer--An Interview with Film Critic Shum Long-Tin
• Shaw's Godfather: An Interview with Actor Ku Feng
• Original Theatrical Trailer
• Celestial Trailer

Disc 2 - The Shaolin Avengers:

• Audio: Mandarin Mono DTS-HD Master Audio with New Subtitle Translation, English Dubbed DTS-HD Master Audio
• Audio Commentary with Film Historian Brian Bankston (Cool Ass Cinema Blog)
• Sharp Soundbites: Critic Frank Djeng Provides Some Memories of His First Shaw Brothers Encounters
• Celestial Trailer

Disc 3 - The Web of Death:

• Audio: Mandarin Mono DTS-HD Master Audio with New Subtitle Translation, English Dubbed DTS-HD Master Audio
• Audio Commentary by Film Critic Ian Jane (Rock! Shock! Pop! Website)
• Audio Commentary with Film Historian Brian Bankston (Cool Ass Cinema Blog)
• Original Theatrical Trailer
• Celestial Trailer

Disc 4 - The Vengeful Beauty:

• Audio: Mandarin Mono DTS-HD Master Audio with New Subtitle Translation
• Audio Commentary with David West, Critic and Author of Chasing Dragons: An Introduction to the Martial Arts Film
• Dark Times: An Interview with Actress Susan Shaw
• Original Theatrical Trailer
• Celestial Trailer

Disc 5 - Death Duel:

• Audio: Mandarin Mono DTS-HD Master Audio with New Subtitle Translation
• Audio Commentary with James Mudge, Veteran Hong Kong Film Critic at EasternKicks
• Acting Before Directing: An Interview with Actor/Director Derek Yee
• A Touch of Romance: An Interview with Actress Candice Yu
• Original Theatrical Trailer
• Celestial Trailer

Disc 6 - Life Gamble:

• Audio: Mandarin Mono DTS-HD Master Audio with New Subtitle Translation
• Audio Commentary with James Mudge, Veteran Hong Kong Film Critic At easternKicks
• Celestial Trailer

Disc 7 - Soul of the Sword:

• Audio: Mandarin Mono DTS-HD Master Audio with New Subtitle Translation
• Audio Commentary with James Mudge, Veteran Hong Kong Film Critic at EasternKicks
• The Soul of the Grindhouse: Author and Critic Rick Meyers Details How Hong Kong Action Cinema Came
• To Become a Western Phenomenon
• Original Theatrical Trailer
• Celestial Trailer

Disc 8 - The Deadly Breaking Sword:

• Audio: Mandarin Mono DTS-HD Master Audio with New Subtitle Translation, English Dubbed DTS-HD Master Audio
• Audio Commentary with Film Historian Brian Bankston (Cool Ass Cinema Blog)
• An Unbreakable Legacy: Author and Academic Victor Fan Looks Back at the Venomous Violence and Success of the Shaw Brothers Action Formula
• Original Theatrical Trailer
• Celestial Trailer

Disc 9 - Clan of the White Lotus:

• Audio: Mandarin Mono DTS-HD Master Audio with New Subtitle Translation, English Dubbed DTS-HD Master Audio
• Audio Commentary by James Mudge, Hong Kong Film Critic at EasternKicks
• Audio Commentary with Film Historian Brian Bankston (Cool Ass Cinema Blog)
• White Terror: Film Critic and Author David West Looks Back at the Chaotic Career of Action-Director Lo Lieh
• Original Theatrical Trailer
• Celestial Trailer

Disc 10 - Shaolin Abbott:

• Audio: Mandarin Mono DTS-HD Master Audio with New Subtitle Translation, English Dubbed DTS-HD Master Audio
• Audio Commentary by James Mudge, Hong Kong Film Critic at EasternKicks
• Celestial Trailer

Disc 11 - Shaolin Rescuers:

• Audio: Mandarin Mono DTS-HD Master Audio with New Subtitle Translation, English Dubbed DTS-HD Master Audio
• Audio Commentary with Film Historian Brian Bankston (Cool Ass Cinema Blog)
• To the Rescue!: Shaw Brothers Actor Yang Hsiung Talks About His Career In Film
• Celestial Trailer

Freaks is a 1932 USA horror drama by Tod Browning.
Starring Wallace Ford and Leila Hyams and Olga Baclanova.

Banned by the BBFC from 1932 until 1963 when it was rated X. The film was BBFC 15 rated for 1994 VHS and later 12 rated in 2001.

Summary Notes

A circus trapeze artist, Cleopatra, takes an interest in Hans, a midget who works in the circus sideshow. Her interest however is in the money Hans will be inheriting and she is actually carrying on an affair with another circus performer, Hercules. Hans's fiancée does her best to convince him that he is being used but to no avail. At their wedding party, a drunken Cleopatra tells the sideshow freaks just what she thinks of them. Together, the freaks decide to make her one of their own.

UK: Uncut and BBFC 12 rated with a trigger warning for moderate threat, discrimination:

• 2023 Spirit Entertainment/Criterion Collection (RB) Blu-ray at UK Amazon #ad released on 23rd October 2023

Promotional Material

The world is a carnival of criminality, corruption, and psychosexual strangeness in the twisted pre-Code shockers of Tod Browning. Early Hollywood's edgiest auteur, Browning drew on his experiences as a circus performer to create subversive pulp entertainments set amid the world of traveling sideshows, which, with their air of the exotic and the disreputable, provided a pungent backdrop for his sordid tales of outcasts, cons, villains, and vagabonds. Bringing together two of his defining works (The Unknown and Freaks) and a long-unavailable rarity (The Mystic), this cabinet of pre-Code curiosities reveals a master of the morbid whose ability to unsettle is matched only by his daring compassion for society's most downtrodden.

The Horrible Dr Hichcock is a 1962 Italy horror by Riccardo Freda (as Robert Hampton).
Starring Barbara Steele, Robert Flemyng and Silvano Tranquilli.

The shortened US Theatrical version was cut by the BBFC for X rated cinema release in 1963. The uncut International Version was passed 18 for 1985 VHS and 15 for 2023 Bu-ray.

UK: The International Version is uncut and BBFC 15 rated for strong threat, brief sexual threat:

• 2023 Radiance Films [International Version + US Version] (RB) Blu-ray at UK Amazon #ad released on 23rd October 2023

Promotional Material

One day the necrophiliac tendencies of Dr Hichcock (Robert Flemyng, The Quiller Memorandum) go too far and his wife dies from an overdose. Bereft, the doctor leaves his house but returns years later with a new wife, Cynthia (Barbara Steele, Black Sunday). The house they return to is eerie and Cynthia hears strange things, meanwhile, she doesn't realise Dr Hichcock intends to use her body to re-animate his dead wife's corpse. Released at the height of the Italian horror boom that was produced in the wake of the influence of Hammer's era-defining horror productions, director Riccardo Freda (The Iguana with the Tongue of Fire) and screenwriter Ernesto Gastaldi (The Whip and the Body) create a dark and wicked gothic horror that brings in sly allusions to the work of Alfred Hitchcock while the period detail of Victorian London provides a lush backdrop.

LIMITED EDITION BLU-RAY SPECIAL FEATURES

New 2023 2K restoration of the film from the original negative presented in three versions across two Blu-rays: Disc 1: the 87-minute export version The Terror of Dr Hichcock with extras; Disc 2, exclusive to the limited edition: the re-ordered 76-minute North American version The Horror of Dr Hichcock; and the English dub of the complete 87-minute Italian cut Raptus: The Secret of Dr. Hichcock
Audio commentary by critics Kat Ellinger and Annie Rose Malamet
New interview with screenwriter Ernesto Gastaldi (2023)
Visual essay on Bluebeard in gothic film by Miranda Corcoran (2023)
An interview with Madeleine Le Despencer on necrophilia and taboo gothic (2023)
Trailers
Gallery
Reversible sleeve featuring designs based on original posters
Limited edition booklet featuring new writing by critics and experts including Chris Fujiwara on the film; an archival piece by Alan Y. Upchurch, Tim Lucas and Luigi Boscaino on the making of the film featuring interviews with Freda, Steele, Flemyng and others; a comparison of the different versions by Tim Lucas; and a critical overview by Cullen Gallagher
Limited edition of 5000 copies, presented in full-height Scanavo packaging with removable OBI strip leaving packaging free of certificates and markings

Sheena is a 1984 UK / USA fantasy adventure by John Guillermin.
Starring Tanya Roberts and Ted Wass and Donovan Scott.

BBFC category cuts were required for a PG rated cinema release in 1983. The cut were reversed for a 15 rated VHS release in 1986 but the BBFC still required a cut for a horse trip. Uncut and PG rated in the US.

Summary Notes

Sheena's white parents are killed while on Safari. She is raised by the mystical witch woman of an African tribe. When her foster mother is framed for the murder of a political leader, Sheena and a newsman, Vic Casey are forced to flee while pursued by the mercenaries hired by the real killer, who hopes to assume power. Sheena's ability to talk to the animals and knowledge of jungle lore give them a chance against the high tech weapons of the mercenaries.

UK: BBFC 15 rated for strong violence, injury detail, nudity for strong violence, injury detail, nudity after BBFC cuts:

• 2023 Mediumrare (RB) Blu-ray at UK Amazon #ad released on 16th October 2023
• 2023 Mediumrare R2 DVD at UK Amazon #ad released on 16th October 2023

Promotional Material

First Time on Blu-Ray in the UK!

Sheena, also known as Sheena: Queen of the Jungle, is a 1984 superhero film based on a comic-book character and stars Tanya Roberts (That 70s Show) in the title role.

As a child, she was lost in the African jungle and adopted by the Zambouli tribe. She rules over the untamed wilds of Africa, until outsiders challenge her domain in this exotic action-adventure.

The Walking Dead is a USA horror drama TV series
Starring Andrew Lincoln and Jon Bernthal and Sarah Wayne Callies.

There are several episodes with a cut version for TV and an extended uncut version for video.

US: Uncut and MPAA Unrated for:

• 2023 Lionsgate Home Entertainment (RA) Blu-ray at US Amazon #ad released on 17th October 2023

Promotional Material

After police officer Rick Grimes awakens from a coma in an abandoned hospital in the pilot episode of "The Walking Dead," he's immediately thrust into a life-or-death struggle in an apocalyptic, walker-ravaged world. This complete collection of the Primetime Emmy® Award-winning series follows Rick and his band of survivors -- Daryl, Morgan, Maggie, Carol, Michonne, Glenn, and more -- as they struggle to survive their bleak new reality where the living pose as much of a threat as the hungry, roaming undead.

LARS VON TRIER - A CURZON COLLECTION - is a film set by Lars Von Trier
Starring Matt Dillon

UK: Aggregate BBFC 18 rated for:

• 2023 Curzon Film Lars Von Trier A Curzon Collection (RB) Blu-ray at UK Amazon #ad released on 16th October 2023

The Idiots is a 1998 Danish comedy by Lars Von Trier.
With Bodil Jørgensen, Jens Albinus and Anne Louise Hassing.

Uncut in the UK. Real sex was censored in the US R rated version with black bars. Noted for a rare sight of a naked penis on UK television.

Antichrist is a 2009 Denmark/Germany/France/Sweden/Italy/Poland drama by Lars Von Trier.
With Willem Dafoe, Charlotte Gainsbourg and Storm Acheche Sahlstrøm.

Uncut in the UK and US.

Nymphomaniac: Volume 1 is a 2013 Denmark/Germany/France/Belgium/UK drama by Lars von Trier.
With Charlotte Gainsbourg, Stellan Skarsgård and Stacy Martin.

Uncut by UK and US film censors. Exists as a Theatrical Version and a Director's Cut

Nymphomaniac: Volume 2 is a 2013 Denmark/Belgium/France/Germany/UK mystery drama by Lars von Trier.
With Charlotte Gainsbourg, Stellan Skarsgård and Stacy Martin.

Uncut by UK and US film censors. Exists as a Theatrical Version and a Director's Cut. The film was banned in Armenia, Romania, Turkey and Uzbekistan.

Promotional Material

Lars von Trier | A Curzon Collection - 14 Blu-Ray Collector Set

Known for his restless technical innovation and rebellious approach, Lars von Trier's work has confronted taboo subjects and existential problems of the human condition with both thorny, troubled intelligence and puckish humour. Having courted ardent fans and enemies in equal measure during his nearly 40-year career, this extensive collection of works from one of world cinema's most renowned and daring provocateurs features films from his Dogme 95 years (The Idiots, Breaking the Waves) and beyond (Melancholia, Antichrist, Dogville), including the Directors' Cut of Nymphomaniac.

• 14 Blu-ray collector set including 7 restored films
• 3 collectible posters and 1 wide poster of the cover illustration by Daniele Castellano
• 68-page booklet including new essays by Slavoj Zizek, Catherine Wheatley, Steven Ryder and more.
• 2 Digipaks and hardcover slipcase in a canvas Curzon Collection slipcase
• Illustration by Daniele Castellano
• Design by Andrew Bannister

FEATURE FILMS

• Element of Crime (restored)
• Epidemic (restored)
• Europa (restored)
• Breaking the Waves (restored)
• The Idiots (restored)
• Dogville (restored)
• The Five Obstructions
• Manderlay
• The Boss of it All (restored)
• Antichrist
• Melancholia
• Nymphomaniac: The Director's Cut - Volumes I & II
• The House that Jack Built

SPECIAL FEATURES

Over 12 hours of special features including interviews with Lars von Trier and cast, commentaries, behind-the-scenes, featurettes, casting tapes, extended and deleted scenes, and theatrical trailers.

Bhagavanth Kesari is a 2023 India action thriller by Anil Ravipudi
Starring Nandamuri Balakrishna, Arjun Rampal and Kajal Aggarwal   

Nelakonda Bhagavanth Kesari is adamant about getting even with a powerful businessman who cost him money. He is prepared to square off against the formidable foe and resolve their issues amicably.

The UK 2023 cinema release was extensively cut by 28m for a BBFC 12A rating.

Versions

distributor and BBFC category cuts cut: ~28:26s run: 135:24s pal: 129:59s		UK: A massively pre-cut version was BBFC 12A rated for moderate violence, bloody images, sexual violence references for moderate violence, bloody images, sexual violence references after further BBFC category cuts: 2023 BTS Entertainments cinema release (rated 23/10/2023) The BBFC commented: The BBFC initially classified this film 15 uncut. The distributor requested a cuts list for 12A, but the BBFC refused to offer cuts because the changes would be extensive and could damage the integrity of the film. However, the distributor chose to make their own cuts, removing a number of scenes of strong violence, and submitted a new version of the film for classification. This edit also received a 15 classification. The distributor chose to make cuts to this version, removing further scenes of violence in order to achieve their preferred category of 12A. Thanks to Scott who commented: It's already been released as an uncut 15, so clearly now the distributor is trying to cash in and get the lucrative family crowd to see it. Cinema going is a family activity in Indian culture, hence distros regularly being happy to inflict gargantuan cuts on their films to get the 12A. I should add though that it's incredibly unusual for one to be cut by more than 10 or so mins - half an hour is unprecedented. I can't even begin to imagine the mess they've made of this. Apparently fellow Indian actioners Beast and Jailer were incomprehensible in their heavily cut forms, and they were only missing 6 or 7 mins.
uncut run: 163:50s pal: 157:17s		UK: Uncut and BBFC 15 rated for strong bloody violence: 2023 2G Entertainments cinema release (rated 13/10/2023) Ireland: Uncut and IFCO 15A rated with a trigger warning for strong bloody violence, scenes of sexual threat and references to child abuse: 2023 2G Entertainment cinema release (rated 12/10/2023) Australia: I Don't Care: Uncut and ACB MA 15+ rated for strong violence: 2023 Tollymovies cinema release (rated 18/10/2023) titled Bhagavanth Kesari: I Don't Car

 

Videodrome is a 1983 Canada action Sci-Fi horror by David Cronenberg.
Starring James Woods and Deborah Harry and Sonja Smits.

Cut in the US for an MPAA R rating. This cut Theatrical Version was released in the UK for 1983 cinema, 1990 VHS and DVD but the 1987 VHS was heavily pre-cut. The Uncut Unrated Version was released in the UK on Laserdisc, but wasn't available on mainstream home video until 2015. The US Criterion home video releases are uncut and MPAA Unrated.

Summary Notes

Max Renn runs a TV channel, and when looking for new material to show--he discovers "Videodrome." His girlfriend, Nicki Brand, goes to audition for the show, and Max gets drawn into the underlying plot that uses the show as its front for a global conspiracy.

US: Uncut and MPAA R rated for:

• 2023 The Criterion Collection R0 4K Blu-ray at US Amazon #ad released on 10th October 2023

Promotional Material

When Max Renn goes looking for edgy new material for his sleazy cable TV station, he stumbles across the pirate broadcast of a hyperviolent torture show called "Videodrome." His attempts to unearth the program's origins send him on a hallucinatory journey into a shadow world of right-wing conspiracies, sadomasochistic sex games, and bodily transformation. Starring James Woods and Deborah Harry, Videodrome is one of the most original and provocative works from writer-director David Cronenberg, and features groundbreaking makeup effects by Academy Award winner Rick Baker.

DIRECTOR-APPROVED 4K UHD + BLU-RAY SPECIAL EDITION FEATURES

• 4K digital restoration of the unrated version, approved by director David Cronenberg, with uncompressed monaural soundtrack
• One 4K UHD disc of the film presented in Dolby Vision HDR and one Blu-ray with the film and special features
• Two audio commentaries, one featuring Cronenberg and director of photography Mark Irwin, the other actors James Woods and Deborah Harry
• Camera (2000), a short film by Cronenberg
• Forging the New Flesh , a short documentary by filmmaker Michael Lennick about the creation of Videodrome 's video and prosthetic makeup effects
• Effects Men , an audio interview with special makeup effects creator Rick Baker and video effects supervisor Lennick
• Bootleg Video : the complete footage of Samurai Dreams and seven minutes of transmissions from "Videodrome," presented in their original, unedited form, with filmmaker commentary
• Fear on Film , a roundtable discussion from 1982 with Cronenberg and filmmakers John Carpenter, John Landis, and Mick Garris
• Original theatrical trailers and promotional featurette
• Stills gallery featuring rare behind-the-scenes production photos and posters
• English subtitles for the deaf and hard of hearing
• PLUS: Essays by writers Carrie Rickey, Tim Lucas, and Gary Indiana

Hell Of The Living Dead is a 1980 Sci-Fi horror thriller by Bruno Mattei, Claudio Fragasso
Starring Margie Newton, Franco Garofalo and Selan Karay

Pre-cut for violence cinema release. Further shortened for brevity for 1982 VHS which was later banned as a video nasty in 1983. Unbanned and uncut in 2002. Uncut in the US

Summary Notes

After an experiment gone wrong, a virus that turns people into zombies spreads throughout New Guinea, whilst a female reporter and her cameraman and a team of four commandos sent to investigate try to survive the onslaught.

UK: Uncut and BBFC 18 rated:

• 2023 88 Films R0 4K Blu-ray at UK Amazon #ad released on 9th October 2023

Promotional Material

You can't beat an Italian zombie movie and here's one of the best, looking yuckier than ever in this sensational 4K UHD presentation.

There's been a nasty outbreak of the living dead in Papua New Guinea and it's up to an intrepid reporter (Margit Evelyn Newton), her cameraman (Gaby Renom) and an on-hand squad of commandoes to find out why -- and to try and stop it. There are disgusting special effects, some unexpected adversaries (a zombie rat, a zombie child and a zombie granny!) plus head-shots galore: truly, a film with something for everyone.

Co-written by Claudio Fragrasso (inspired auteur of Troll 2) and directed by exploitation ace Bruno Mattei (Rats Night of Terror; Violence in a Woman's Prison), 88 Films are proud to present this classic of family entertainment full-blooded shocker in all its gory glory!

EXTRAS:

• Brand new 4K Remaster from the Original Negatives presented in Ultra High Definition (2160p) in 1.85:1 Aspect Ratio in Dolby Vision (HDR10 Compatible)
• High Definition (1080p) Blu-ray in 1.85:1 Aspect Ratio Also Included
• LPCM 2.0 English Mono
• LPCM 2.0 Italian Mono with newly translated English Subtitles
• Audio Commentary with Italian Genre Film Experts Eugenio Ercolani and Troy Howarth
• Beauty and the Dead - An Interview with Margie Newton
• Poor Zombies - An Interview with Claudio Fragasso
• Vincent and Clyde - A 2022 Interview with Claudio Fragasso
• Writing the Dead - An Interview with Rossella Drudi
• Attack of the VHS Zombies
• Original Trailer
• Reversible sleeve with newly commissioned artwork by Graham Humphreys and original Italian poster

Rosemary's Baby is a 1968 US horror film by Roman Polanski
With Mia Farrow, John Cassavetes and Ruth Gordon.

Cut by the BBFC for an X rated 1969 cinema release. Uncut on VHS and DVD. Uncut and MPAA R rated in the US.

US: Uncut and MPAA R rated for:

• 2023 PARAMOUNT R0 4K Blu-ray at US Amazon #ad released on 10th October 2023
• 2023 PARAMOUNT Amazon VoD [US] at US Amazon #ad

Promotional Material

Possibly the best horror film ever made, this brilliant adaptation of Ira Levin's best-selling novel is the story of a loving young New York City couple who are expecting their first child. Like most first-time mothers, Rosemary (Mia Farrow) experiences confusion and fear. Her husband (John Cassavetes), an ambitious but unsuccessful actor, makes a pact with the devil that promises to send his career skyward. Director Roman Polanski elicits uniformly extraordinary performance from the all-star cast. Ruth Gordon won an Oscar® for her performance as an oversolicitous next-door neighbor in this classic chiller.

The House by the Cemetery is a 1981 Italy horror by Lucio Fulci.
Starring Catriona MacColl and Paolo Malco and Ania Pieroni.

Cut by the BBFC for X rated 1982 cinema release. This cut version was released on pre-cert video and was banned as a video nasty. It was then heavily cut for BBFC approved VHS in 1988. The cuts were reduced for 2001 DVD and later waived for 2009 DVD. Uncut and MPAA Unrated in the US.

Summary Notes

In New York, Dr. Norman Boyle assumes the research about Dr. Freudstein of his colleague Dr. Petersen, who committed suicide after killing his mistress. Norman heads to Boston with his wife Lucy Boyle and their son Bob to live in an isolated house in the woods that belonged to Dr. Petersen. Bob befriends the girl Mae that only he can see and she warns him to leave the house. Soon his parents hire the mysterious babysitter Ann and creepy things happen in the house. When Bobby goes to the basement, his parents discover the secret of the house.

UK: Passed Suitable for 18 years and over uncut for:

• 2023 Arrow Video Limited Edition R0 4K Blu-ray at UK Amazon #ad released on 9th October 2023
• 2023 Arrow Video Amazon VoD [UK] at UK Amazon #ad

Promotional Material

As the 1970s gave way to the 1980s, director Lucio Fulci ( Don't Torture a Duckling , City of the Living Dead ) increasingly specialised in the dark, ultraviolent horror movies which would earn him the affectionate moniker "the Godfather of Gore". The third and final instalment in his "Gates of Hell" trilogy, 1981's The House by the Cemetery showcases the malevolent maestro at his blood-drenched best.

The Boyles -- Lucy (Catriona MacColl, The Beyond ), Norman (Paolo Malco, The New York Ripper ) and their young son Bob (Giovanni Frezza, Demons ) -- relocate from New York City to an ageing house in rural New England. But the evil force which lurks in its basement has already claimed the previous occupant and now has its sights set on the new owners. Soon, the unsuspecting family will become only too familiar with the dark secret of the monstrous Dr Freudstein...

Featuring a cast of Italian horror royalty, including Ania Pieroni ( Tenebrae ) and Dagmar Lassander (Fulci's The Black Cat ), sumptuous widescreen cinematography by long-term Fulci collaborator Sergio Salvati ( Zombie Flesh Eaters ) and a nerve-jangling soundtrack by Walter Rizzati ( 1990: Bronx Warriors ), this feature-packed new edition resurrects Fulci's gore-soaked classic in a stunning 4K restoration from the original camera negative.

4K ULTRA HD BLU-RAY LIMITED EDITION CONTENTS

• 4K restoration from the original negative by Blue Underground
• 4K (2160p) UHD Blu-ray presentation in Dolby Vision (HDR10 compatible)
• Restored original lossless mono English and Italian soundtracks
• Optional lossless 5.1 English soundtrack
• Optional English subtitles for the deaf and hard of hearing for the English soundtrack
• Optional English subtitles for the Italian soundtrack
• Audio commentary by Troy Howarth, author of Splintered Visions: Lucio Fulci and His Films
• Archival audio commentary with star Catriona MacColl, moderated by Calum Waddell
• Archival audio commentary with co-star Silvia Collatina, moderated by Mike Baronas of Paura Productions
• Meet the Boyles -- interviews with stars Catriona MacColl and Paolo Malco
• Children of the Night -- interviews with stars Giovanni Frezza and Silvia Collatina
• Tales of Laura Gittleson -- interview with star Dagmar Lassander
• My Time with Terror -- interview with star Carlo De Mejo
• A Haunted House Story -- interview with co-writers Dardano Sacchetti and Elisa Briganti
• To Build a Better Death Trap -- interviews with cinematographer Sergio Salvati, special make-up effects artist Maurizio Trani, special effects artist Giannetto De Rossi and actor Giovanni De Nava
• House Quake -- interview with co-writer Giorgio Mariuzzo
• Q&A with Catriona MacColl at the 2014 Spaghetti Cinema Festival, Luton, England
• Calling Dr. Freudstein -- interview with Stephen Thrower, author of Beyond Terror: The Films of Lucio Fulci
• Deleted scene
• Alternate US opening titles
• Archival introduction by Giovanni Frezza
• Back to the Cellar -- archival interview with Giovanni Frezza
• Cemetery Woman -- archival interview with Catriona MacColl
• Wax Mask: Finishing the Final Fulci -- archival interview with filmmaker and special makeup effects artist Sergio Stivaletti
• Freudstein's Follies -- archival interview with Giannetto De Rossi
• Ladies of Italian Horror -- archival interviews with Italian horror cinema stars Stefania Casini, Barbara Magnolfi and The House by the Cemetery 's Silvia Collatina
• The House by the Cemetery Q&A -- 2011 panel at HorrorHound, Indianapolis, Indiana featuring the film's cast
• International theatrical trailer
• US theatrical trailer
• TV spot
• Poster and still galleries
• Limited edition packaging with reversible sleeve featuring original and newly commissioned artwork by Colin Murdoch
• Limited edition 60-page perfect bound book featuring new writing on the film by Roberto Curti, Stephen Thrower, Alexandra Heller-Nicholas and Rachael Nisbet
• Fold-out double-sided poster featuring original and newly commissioned artwork by Colin Murdoch
• Six double-sided collector's postcards

Friday the 13th is a 1980 US slasher by Sean S Cunningham.
With Betsy Palmer, Adrienne King and Jeannine Taylor.      

The film exists as an uncut Unrated version and a cut R rated version. The uncut version was passed X for UK 1980 cinema release and was initially released on pre-cert VHS. However this was seized by police and the distributors reverted to the cut version from 1983 until 1987. The video has been uncut and 18 rated since 2003 on DVD and Blu-ray. However a 2023 cinema re-release featured the cut R rated version, but now with a BBFC 15 rating for strong violence, bloody images, threat, se

Thanks to Andy, DB and Anthony who note that the 2023 cinema re-release is cut and is therefore most likely the cut R rated version.

Andy notes:

Annie's death goes to whiteout like in the old censored version, and then the snake killing was definitely missing the second slicing. Kevin Bacon's death is SEVERELY TRUNCATED!

DB notes:

The cinema screening was missing all the extra gore footage. E.g. the front shot of Jack getting the arrow twisted through his neck. Instead it cut straight from the side shot to the outside of the cabin. I can confirm for sure the version screened was the US R version

Anthony adds:

The film has been downrated to a BBFC15 certificate for strong violence, bloody images, threat, sex. The BBFC actually has an entry that reflects this decision and says nothing about any cuts made to that particular version, which was distributed by Park Circus Limited.

However, I noticed that one previous cut has reappeared: ie after the four-second bird's-eye view of Jack (Kevin Bacon) getting skewered through the neck, you see the side shot and the arrowhead passing through his throat and the blood pumping out in that shot but the very next shot, in which we would have seen a shot looking down on him with blood going over his throat and partially in his mouth was not there at all.

The running time of this cinema re-release matched the uncut Unrated version but the difference between the 2 version is only about 10s and this difference can easily get obscured in longer modern distributor and production company video logos.

Don't Look Now is a 1973 UK / Italy horror thriller by Nicolas Roeg.
Starring Julie Christie, Donald Sutherland and Hilary Mason.

Uncut and BBFC X/18 rated from 1973 to 1986. Uncut and 15 rated since 2001. The film was originally cut in the US for an R rating but home video releases have been the uncut version.

Summary Notes

John and Laura Baxter are in Venice when they meet a pair of elderly sisters, one of whom claims to be psychic. She insists that she sees the spirit of the Baxters' daughter, who recently drowned. Laura is intrigued, but John resists the idea. He, however, seems to have his own psychic flashes, seeing their daughter walk the streets in her red cloak, as well as Laura and the sisters on a funeral gondola.

US: Uncut and MPAA Unrated for:

• 2023 The Criterion Collection R0 4K Blu-ray/(RA) Blu-ray at US Amazon #ad released on 3rd October 2023

Promotional Material

Donald Sutherland and Julie Christie mesmerize as a married couple on an extended trip to Venice following a family tragedy. While in that elegantly decaying city, they have a series of inexplicable, terrifying, and increasingly dangerous experiences. A masterpiece from Nicolas Roeg, Don't Look Now , adapted from a story by Daphne du Maurier, is a brilliantly disturbing tale of the supernatural, as renowned for its innovative editing and haunting cinematography as for its naturalistic eroticism and its unforgettable climax and denouement--one of the great endings in horror history.

4K UHD + BLU-RAY SPECIAL EDITION FEATURES

• 4K digital restoration, supervised by director of photography Anthony Richmond, with uncompressed monaural soundtrack
• One 4K UHD disc of the film presented in Dolby Vision HDR and one Blu-ray with the film and special features
• Conversation between editor Graeme Clifford and film writer and historian Bobbie O'Steen
• "Don't Look Now": Looking Back , a short documentary from 2002 featuring Clifford, Richmond, and director Nicolas Roeg
• "Don't Look Now": Death in Venice , a 2006 interview with composer Pino Donaggio
• Program on the writing and making of the film, featuring interviews with Richmond, actors Julie Christie and Donald Sutherland, and coscreenwriter Allan Scott
• Program on Roeg's style, featuring interviews with filmmakers Danny Boyle and Steven Soderbergh
• Q&A with Roeg from 2003 at London's Ciné Lumière
• Trailer
• English subtitles for the deaf and hard of hearing
• PLUS: An essay by film critic David Thompson

Death Wish 4: The Crackdown is a 1987 US vigilante drama by J Lee Thompson.
With Charles Bronson, Kay Lenz and John P. Ryan.

Cut by the BBFC for 18 rated 1988 cinema and VHS releases. Cuts waived for BBFC 18 rated DVD in 2006. Uncut and MPAA R rated in the US.

Summary Notes

Paul Kersey, LA architect and part-time vigilante, is fed up with violence and wants a quiet life. However, when friend's daughter dies of overdose, he has no choice but to go to war on drug dealers.

US: Uncut and MPAA R rated for:

• 2023 KL Studio Classics (RA) Blu-ray at US Amazon #ad released on 26th September 2023
• 2023 KL Studio Classics Amazon VoD [US] at US Amazon #ad

Promotional Material

The vigilante is back--with a vengeance! Superstar Charles Bronson (Death Wish 1-3) blows the drug underworld wide open in a blazing quest for justice and revenge in Death Wish 4: The Crackdown. Haunted by his violent past, Paul Kersey (Bronson) struggles to forget the brutal deaths of his loved ones--and his obsessive one-man battle to avenge their murders. But when a dose of toxic "crack" kills the young daughter of his new girlfriend (Kay Lenz, Breezy, House), Kersey again becomes the infamous urban vigilante. Vowing to wipe out the entire cocaine network of L.A., he skillfully lures two vicious, competing drug empires into a bloody turf war. But there's a sinister force behind the scenes (John P. Ryan, Runaway Train) with his own diabolical plans for Kersey in this powerhouse action-thriller, which marks the seventh team-up between Bronson and legendary director J. Lee Thompson (The White Buffalo, Murphy's Law).

Special Features:
• Audio Commentary by Film Historian Paul Talbot, the Author of the BRONSON'S LOOSE!
• Theatrical Trailer
• Optional English Subtitles

Tenebrae is a 1982 Italy horror mystery thriller by Dario Argento.
With Anthony Franciosa, Giuliano Gemma and Christian Borromeo.

Cut by the BBFC by 4s for cinema release. This cut version was then banned on VHS as a video nasty. The film was then cut for 2000 VHS. These BBFC cuts were waived in 2003 but the release suffered print damage. However a fully uncut version was released on UK DVD and Blu-ray in 2003. There is also a shortened US Version entitled Unsane.

Summary Notes

With Argento's trademark visual style, linked with one of his more coherent plots, Tenebrae follows a writer who arrives to Rome only to find somebody is using his novels as the inspiration (and, occasionally, the means) of committing murder. As the death toll mounts the police are ever baffled, and the writer becomes more closely linked to the case than is comfortable.

US: Uncut and MPAA Unrated for:

• 2023 Synapse Films Special Edition R0 4K Blu-ray/(RA) Blu-ray Combo at US Amazon #ad released on 26th September 2023

Promotional Material

...TERROR BEYOND BELIEF

Italian horror master Dario Argento (Suspiria, Deep Red) elevates the giallo genre to new heights with 1982's TENEBRAE, a darkly humorous and notoriously grisly murder-mystery that many consider to be one of his finest works. Now, Synapse Films, in conjunction with Arrow Video, makes this gory suspense classic available for the first time on UHD in a new 4K restoration for TENEBRAE's 40th anniversary! American mystery author Peter Neal (Anthony Franciosa, Death Wish II) comes to Rome to promote his newest novel, Tenebrae. A razor-wielding psychopath is on the loose, taunting Neal and murdering those around him in gruesome fashion just like the character in his novel. As the mystery surrounding the killings spirals out of control, Neal investigates the crimes on his own, leading to a mind-bending, genre-twisting conclusion that will leave you breathless! Co-starring John Saxon (A Nightmare on Elm Street), Daria Nicolodi (Phenomena), John Steiner (Caligula) and featuring beautiful cinematography by Luciano Tovoli (Suspiria), this stunning 4K UHD (2160p)/Blu-ray (1080p) combo set includes hours of extras.

SPECIAL FEATURES:

• 4K UHD (2160p) & Blu-ray (1080p) Combo Pack
• 4K (2160p) UHD Blu-ray® presentation in Dolby Vision (HDR10 compatible) in its original 1.85:1 aspect ratio
• Original Italian and English front and end titles and insert shots
• Restored original DTS-HD MA lossless mono Italian and English soundtracks
• English subtitles for the Italian soundtrack
• Optional English subtitles for the deaf and hard of hearing for the English soundtrack
• Audio commentary by authors and critics Alan Jones and Kim Newman
• Audio commentary by Argento expert Thomas Rostock
• Audio commentary by Maitland McDonagh, author of Broken Mirrors/Broken Minds: The Dark Dreams of Dario Argento
• Yellow Fever: The Rise and Fall of the Giallo, a feature-length documentary charting the genre from its beginnings to its influence on the modern slasher film, featuring interviews with Dario Argento, Umberto Lenzi, Luigi Cozzi and more
• Being the Villain, a newly edited archival interview with actor John Steiner
• Out of the Shadows, an archival interview with Maitland McDonagh
• Voices of the Unsane, an archival featurette containing interviews with writer/director Dario Argento, actresses Daria Nicolodi and Eva Robins, cinematographer Luciano Tovoli, composer Claudio Simonetti and assistant director Lamberto Bava
• Screaming Queen, an archival interview with Daria Nicolodi
• The Unsane World of Tenebrae, an archival interview with Dario Argento
• A Composition for Carnage, an archival interview with Claudio Simonetti
• Archival introduction by Daria Nicolodi
• International theatrical trailer
• Japanese "Shadow" theatrical trailer
• Alternate opening credits sequence
• "Unsane" end credits sequence
• Image galleries

Natural Born Killers is a 1994 USA crime drama by Oliver Stone.
Starring Woody Harrelson, Juliette Lewis and Tom Sizemore.

The UK VHS version includes some of the violence from the Director's Cut as James Ferman wanted Mickey to be less agreeable. This was in the hope of deflecting the controversy that the heroic couple Mickey And Mallory were accused of inspiring copy cat crime by sensationalist newspapers. Even so the cinema release was delayed by the BBFC whilst checking out these false claims, and was again delayed by Warners for VHS release after initially coinciding with the Dunblane killings. The Director's Cut was passed 18 uncut in 2002. In the US the cut Theatrical Version is MPAA R rated and the Director's Cut is

Listen to Podcast 46: Natural Born Killers from bbfc.co.uk

Summary Notes

The misadventures of Mickey and Mallory: outcasts, lovers, and serial killers. They travel across Route 666 conducting psychadelic mass-slaughters not for money, not for revenge, just for kicks. Glorified by the media, the pair become legendary folk heroes; their story told by the single person they leave alive at the scene of each of their slaughters.

US: The Director's Cut is MPAA Unrated:

• 2023 SHOUT! FACTORY Collector's Edition [Director's Cut + Theatrical Version] R0 4K Blu-ray/RA Blu-ray Combo at US Amazon #ad released on 26th September 2023
• 2023 SHOUT! FACTORY Amazon VoD [US] at US Amazon #ad

Promotional Material

The story of a husband and wife who are serial killers involved in a cross-country killing spree that elevates them from fugitives into media celebrities.

Bonus Features for UHD/BD DISC ONE (4K UHD -- DIRECTOR'S CUT):

• NEW 2023 4K Director-Approved Transfer From The Original Negative
• In Dolby Vision (HDR-10 Compatible)
• Audio: 5.1 Surround DTS-HD Master Audio, 2.0 Stereo DTS-HD Master Audio
• Commentary By Director/Co-Writer Oliver Stone

DISC TWO (BLU-RAY -- DIRECTOR'S CUT):

• NEW 2023 Director-Approved Transfer From The Original Negative
• Audio: 5.1 Surround DTS-HD Master Audio, 2.0 Stereo DTS-HD Master Audio
• Commentary By Director/Co-Writer Oliver Stone
• Introduction By Oliver Stone
• NEW On Dawn's Highway Bleeding - Editor Hank Corwin On Natural Born Killers
• NEW The Scream of the Butterfly - Producer Clayton Townsend On Natural Born Killers
• NEW A Bloody Pail Of Nitro - Special Makeup Effects Artist Gordon J. Smith On Natural Born Killers
• NEW Wilderness Of Pain - Cinematographer Robert Richardson On Natural Born Killers

DISC THREE (BLU-RAY -- THEATRICAL CUT):

• NEW 2023 Director-Approved Transfer From The Original Negative
• Audio: 5.1 Surround DTS-HD Master Audio, 2.0 Stereo DTS-HD Master Audio
• Commentary By Director/Co-Writer Oliver Stone
• Natural Born Killers : Method in the Madness
• Natural Born Killers Evolution: How Would It All Go Down Now? Documentary
• Chaos Rising: The Storm Around Natural Born Killers Documentary
• Deleted Scenes With Introductions By Oliver Stone
• Alternate Ending With Introduction By Oliver Stone
• Theatrical Trailer

Zombie Holocaust is a 1980 Italy horror by Marino Girolami (as Frank Martin).
Starring Ian McCulloch, Alexandra Delli Colli and Sherry Buchanan.

Uncut by the BBFC since 2000 18 rated VHS. Previously self censored for pre-cert VHS during the video nasties panic. It was seized by the police but never became an official video nasty. There is a shortened US version named Dr Butcher MD. The uncut version in the US is titled Zombi Holocaust. There is also an Extended Version.

UK: Uncut and BBFC 18 rated:

• 2023 88 Films R0 4K Blu-ray/R0 Blu-ray Combo at UK Amazon #ad released on 25th September 2023

Promotional Material

Do you like Italian zombie movies? And do you like Italian cannibal movies? If you do, you're going to love Zombie Holocaust, which takes the best bits of both and mashes them up into a particularly nauseating cocktail as the great Ian McCulloch (Zombie Flesh Eaters) does battle with the living dead, the local 'anthropophagi' and an especially demented scientist as well.

Sometimes known as Doctor Butcher M.D., this 'orrible classic has been fully restored: the blood and guts have never looked as lurid as they do in this brand new 4K transfer. 88 Films are proud to present this mad masterpiece of Italian exploitation, completely uncut.

Extras:

4K Restoration From Original "2-Perf" Techniscope Negative
4K (2160p) UHD Blu-ray® presentation in Dolby Vision (HDR10 compatible)
HD (1080p) Blu-ray® presentation
2.0 English Mono
2.0 Italian Mono with English Subtitles
Audio Commentary with David Flint and Adrian Smith
"Girolami Holocaust" - An interview with Alberto Moriani and Enzo G. Castellari
"Our Life, Our Music" - An interview with Giacomo and Edda Dell'Orso
"To Die and Rise in Rome" - An interview with Marcello Avellone
Eaten Alive!: The Rise and Fall of the Italian Cannibal Film
Q&A with Ian McCulloch at the Manchester Festival of Fantastic Films (2009)
Restoration Reel
Theatrical Trailer