Latest Cuts: BBFC and MPA

Billy Madison is a 1995 US comedy by Tamra Davis
Starring Adam Sandler, Darren McGavin and Bridgette Wilson-Sampras      

Thanks to Scott who commented:

A set of two original BBFC cinema black cards for this Adam Sandler comedy turned up on eBay recently - one for a 12 classification, the other for a PG: However, the only classification for the film listed on the BBFC's website is the PG - cut for this cert. I emailed them to ask if it had initially been given a 12 - this was their response:

The film was originally classified uncut at 12. The film company later resubmitted it in order to secure a PG and asked for cuts to achieve this.

This cut PG rated version continued on 1997 VHS and 2002 DVD, but in 2008 the film was released uncut on DVD with a BBFC 12 rating. Uncut and MPAA PG-13 rated in the US.

Versions

uncut run: 89:52s pal: 86:16s		UK: Passed 12 uncut with previous BBFC cuts waived for: 2010 Universal R0 Blu-ray at UK Amazon 2008 Universal R2 DVD at UK Amazon US: Uncut and MPAA PG-13 rated for: 2011 Universal RA Blu-ray at US Amazon 1998 Universal R1 DVD at US Amazon
category cuts cut: 17s run: 89:19s pal: 85:45s		UK: Passed PG after 17s of BBFC cuts for: 2002 UIP R2 DVD The BBFC commented: The cuts were Compulsory. Cuts required to remove strong language and images of blood spitting and man engulfed in fire for PG. According to BBFC policy, works of the same title passed after July 1994 should normally be given the same category. The BBFC cuts were: Billy Madisan's dialogue: You get your ass out of there and find the fucking dog loses the fucking A party clown injures himself after falling off his stilts but we don't get to see the blood running from his mouth There is a shot missing of a man in a kitchen in flames.
category cuts cut: 28s run: 89:11s pal: 85:37s		UK: Passed PG after 28s of BBFC cuts for: 1997 Universal VHS 1997 cinema release The BBFC cuts were Billy Madisan's dialogue: You get your ass out of there and find the fucking dog loses the fucking A party clown injures himself after falling off his stilts but we don't get to see the blood running from his mouth A schoolroom prank involving a card which says Yes I'm horny. The BBFC didn't see the funny side and removed the joke There is a shot missing of a man in a kitchen in flames.
uncut		UK: Passed 12 uncut for: 1997 cinema release (unreleased) Thanks to Scott who asked the BBFC to comment about this. the BBFC responded: The film was originally classified uncut at 12. The film company later resubmitted it in order to secure a PG and asked for cuts to achieve this:

Caligula is a 1979 Italy/US historical drama by Tinto Brass
Starring Malcolm McDowell, Peter O'Toole and Helen Mirren

Originally cut in the UK and US for an 18 rated UK and R rated US theatrical release. There also exists Tinto Brass' Alternative Version which does not include the hardcore footage added by the producers. The full uncut version was passed 18 uncut for 2008 DVD. This full uncut version is MPAA Unrated in the US. The Hardcore Version was banned in Australia in 2010.

In 2018 Penthouse announced a plan running over a couple of years for a 4k restoration of the Tinto Brass version. However the bankruptcy of Penthouse may have put an end to the idea. In 2023 Dafthouse Films announced a new Producer's Cut (arrogantly labelled the Ultimate Cut) by Thomas Negovan. This will be reconstructed from previously unreleased footage and unpromisingly suggests that this will be a more 'civilised' take on the Caligula story.

See version details from desperate-living.com

Summary Notes

A dramatization of the ascent to Caesar and subsequent reign of Caligula, one of the most notorious leaders of ancient Rome. We see his ambition, his scheming, his perversion and decadence, his brutality and his lunacy.

Ultimate Cut

Ultimate Cut run: 177:59s pal: 170:52s

UK: The Ultimate Cut: Uncut and BBFC 18 rated for strong real sex, sex references, nudity, sexual violence: 2024 Vertigo Releasing cinema release (rated 19/07/2024) titled Caligula: The Ultimate Cut

Uncut Version

Uncut Version run: 156:00s pal: 149:46s		UK:  The Uncut Version was passed 18 uncut for strong violence, sexual violence and strong real sex with previous cuts waived for: 2012 Arrow Unlimited Edition R0 Blu-ray at UK Amazon 2010 Arrow R0 Blu-ray 2009 Arrow Uncut Edition R2 DVD 2008 Freemantlemedia/Arrow Imperial Edition [+alternative version +R Rated Version] R2 DVD at UK Amazon US : Uncut and MPAA Unrated for: 2008 Image Imperial Edition RA Blu-ray at US Amazon 2007 Image Imperial Edition R1 DVD at US Amazon From the BBFC: In 2008, the full uncut version of Caligula was resubmitted to the BBFC for DVD release. The passage of nearly 30 years had significantly diminished the film's impact and after careful consideration it was decided that it could now be classified '18' uncut. This decision accords with the BBFC Guidelines, which state that At '18', the BBFC's guideline concerns will not normally override the wish that adults should be free to chose their own entertainment, within the law. Although there are scenes in Caligula that some people will find shocking, offensive or disgusting, the film does not contain any material that is illegal in terms of current UK law and nor does it contain any material that is likely to give rise to harm for adults audiences, most of whom will be well aware of its controversial reputation. The DVD version was classified '18' uncut with the consumer advice Contains strong violence, sexual violence and strong real sex.
uncut	Australia	Australia: The uncut version was banned in July 2010 See article from refused-classification.com The Australian Censorship Board has a rich history of censorship of Caligula

Tinto Brass Alternative Version/Imperial Edition

Tinto Brass Alternative Version run: 152:57s pal: 146:50s

UK: The Alternative Version or Re-edited Version was passed 18 without BBFC cuts for: 2008 Freemantlemedia/Arrow Imperial Edition [+uncut version +R Rated Version] R2 DVD This version is perhaps is historically at the point where Bob Guccione edited together a version from the material directed by Tinto Brass but before he decided that it could be improved by adding hardcore footage. So orgy scenes etc are the original softcore as directed by Tinto Brass. See pictorial version details from movie-censorship.com

US R Rated Version

R Rated Version cut: 55:07s run: 102:37s pal: 98:31s

UK: The heavily pre-cut US R rated version was passed 18 without BBFC cuts for: 2008 Freemantlemedia/Arrow Imperial Edition [+uncut version +alternative version] R2 DVD 1998 Screen Multimedia VHS 1990 Electric VHS A couple of brief shots of genital detail and sight of nurses cradling babies and phallic shaped bottles were reinstated from the the previous cut release and were allowed to remain. Many of the cuts were not related to sex & violence but to shorten the running time and deal with continuity issues over sex and violent scenes that were cut. See details on IMDB

UK Theatrical Version

cut cut: 11m run: 149:34s pal: 143:35s

UK: Passed X after about 11 minutes of cuts for: 1982 Electric pre-cert VHS 1980 cinema release James Ferman commented in Photoplay: Even before it could be considered for a certificate some 8.5 minutes had to be cut to make it legal. There are scenes of perverted violence that I wouldn't have thought would ever have been seen in this country, in clubs or anywhere else. A lot of the sex was just straight sex, but more explicit than has ever been passed here. They took out another 3 or 4 minutes and replaced it with lesser material to make it acceptable for the X certificate. 11 minutes of cuts including: Views of Drusilla's vulva removed from several pints in the film Sights of babies sucking phallic-shaped bottles removed Much reduced scene of bootlace being tied around soldier's penis. Hardcore action inserted into orgy scenes taken out The sight of wine streaming out of soldier's bladder after being hacked with a sword removed. Torture shots deleted, a stake into a vagina and several bloodied genitals. Male blow job and masturbation deleted Priestess bathing loses hardcore cunnilingus and insertion Blood of recently ex virgin bride deleted as was greasing of the buttocks and suggestion of fisting for the similarly road tested bridegroom A Lesbian scene lost all hardcore and explicit images Death of Proculus lost a stabbing and the subsequent humiliation of being pissed on and castrated. The sight of Caligula torturing a mouse was deleted. A childbirth scene is missing an emerging head. Hardcore elements of prison scene deleted Hardcore elements of brothel scene deleted Explicit detail removed from scene of women with pearl adorned vulvas

 

The Diamond Sword is a 2016 Kazakhstan/Mongolia action drama by Rustem Abdrashev
Starring Kairat Kemalov, Yerkebulan Daiyrov and Doskhan Zholzhaksynov

Cut by the BBFC for animal cruelty for 15 rated Blu-ray in 2024.

Summary Notes

Diamond Sword is a large-scale historical drama of first Kazakh Khans, which BBC called "Kazakh Game Of Thrones". The action takes place in the XV century, and the plot demonstrates the key events in formation of Kazakh statehood under the leadership of Khans Zhanibek and Kerey.

Versions

cut: cut: run: 133m pal: 128m

UK: BBFC 15 rated for strong violence, injury detail for strong violence, injury detail after BBFC cuts: 2024 Matchbox Films (RB) Blu-ray (rated 17/07/2024) at UK Amazon #ad released on 23rd September 2024 The BBFC commented: This work required compulsory cuts. Cuts were required to scenes of animal cruelty, including a cock fight and horse falls.

 

The Golden Throne is a 2019 Kazakhstan action drama by Rustem Abdrashev, I. Kolyada, Prince Oak Oakleyski
Starring Kairat Kemalov, Yerkebulan Daiyrov and Doskhan Zholzhaksynov  

Cut by the BBFC for animal cruelty for 15 rated Blu-ray in 2024.

Summary Notes

Fifteenth century. In the vast expanses of Eurasia for several centuries, the descendants of the great Genghis Khan have created their own and crushed the alien states. One of them is the legendary Abulkhair Shaibani, who usurped power in the White Horde. The two legitimate heirs...

Versions

cut cut: run: 111:21s pal: 106:54s

UK: BBFC 15 rated for strong violence, injury detail, threat for strong violence, injury detail, threat after BBFC cuts: 2024 Matchbox Films R2 DVD at UK Amazon #ad The BBFC commented: This work required compulsory cuts. Cuts were required to scenes of animal cruelty in which horses were caused to fall.

Soldier Blue is a 1970 USA western by Ralph Nelson.
Starring Candice Bergen, Peter Strauss and Donald Pleasence.    

Reportedly cut in the US for an MPAA rating in 1970. These cuts have long since been forgotten and the R rated version is the best available. The film was cut for an MPAA PG rating in 1974 but the R rating was restored in 1976.

The R rated version was cut by the BBFC for the 1970 X rated cinema release and 18 rated VHS. The BBFC cuts for sexual violence were waived in 2004 for 18 rated DVD releases but new cuts were required for horse falls. In 2024 further BBFC cuts were required for previously unnoticed indecent images of a child.

Thanks to Mike who adds:

The BBFC Protection of Children Act cut is to the rape scene which happens as part of the village massacre. Despite the BBFC watching that scene so many times over the years, mainly for the purpose of cutting the sexual violence, they failed to notice until 2024 that there was a child in view at the extreme right edge of the frame during the rape scene. The cut is to remove the child.

Summary Notes

After a cavalry group is massacred by the Cheyenne, only two survivors remain: Honus, a naive private devoted to his duty, and Cresta, a young woman who had lived with the Cheyenne two years and whose sympathies lie more with them than with the US government. Together, they must try to reach the cavalry's main base camp. As they travel onward, Honus is torn between his growing affection for Cresta, and his disgust for her anti-American beliefs. They reach the cavalry campsite on the eve of an attack on a Cheyenne village, where Honus will learn which side has really been telling him the truth.

Versions

best available run: 115m pal: 110m		US: Uncut and MPAA R rated for: 2020 Kl Studio Classics (RA) Blu-ray at US Amazon US 2006 Lions Gate R1 DVD via UK Amazon and at US Amazon There are reports that the original US R Rated version was cut to avoid an X rating in 1970. Any such cuts have long since being forgotten. The film was cut for a PG rating in 1974 but the R rated version reappeared for releases since 1976. The current uncut US R rated version is the definitive.
cut		US: Cut for an MPAA PG rating in 1974
cut cut: run: 115:19s pal: 110:42s		UK: BBFC 18 rated for strong violence, sexual violence for strong violence, sexual violence after BBFC cuts: 2024 Studiocanal R0 4K Blu-ray at UK Amazon #ad 2024 Studiocanal R(B) Blu-ray at UK Amazon #ad 2024 Studiocanal R2 DVD at UK Amazon #ad The BBFC commented: Compulsory Cuts were required for illegal horse falls and potentially indecent images of a child. Thanks to Mike who comments: The BBFC Protection of Children Act cut is to the rape scene which happens as part of the village massacre. Despite the BBFC watching that scene so many times over the years, mainly for the purpose of cutting the sexual violence, they failed to notice until 2024 that there was a child in view at the extreme right edge of the frame during the rape scene. The cut is to remove the child.
cut cut: 6s run: 114:38s pal: 110:03s		Passed 18 after 6s of BBFC cuts with previous cuts for violence restored for: UK 2008 Optimum R2 DVD The BBFC commented: Four cuts were required to remove the presence of cruel, dangerous and illegal horse falls
total cuts cut: 28s run: 114:12s pal: 109:38s 7s distributor 23s		Passed 18 after 7s of BBFC cuts and 23s of distributor cuts for: UK 2005 Momentum R2 DVD Bizarrely the Momentum Pictures resubmission in 2005 ended up by being unnecessarily more cut than the previous version. The BBFC made the following statement: The BBFC requested 7 seconds of cuts to remove cruel horsefalls but the distributor made additional voluntary cuts of 23 seconds to remove an acceptable horsefall and part of a rape scene. These cuts were not required by the BBFC but were in line with cuts made to previous video releases.
23s cut: 23s run: 114:02s pal: 109:28s		Passed 18 after 23s of BBFC cuts for: UK 1999 BMG VHS The BBFC cuts were: The cuts as per previous Embassy version except that slightly less cut from the rape scene
cut cut: 36s run: 113:25s pal: 108:53s		Passed after 36s of BBFC cuts for: UK 1986 Embassy VHS The cuts were: Cuts are to a scene showing the rape of an Indian woman, during the massacre of the village Cuts to a shot of a naked Indian woman strung up by her wrists with blood on her breasts A horsefall has been removed
cut cut: run: pal: sub: 114:39s		Passed X (18) after BBFC cuts for: UK 1970 cinema release The BBFC cuts were: Cuts to a scene showing the rape of an Indian woman, during the massacre of the village Decapitation of indian squaw removed

The Spanish Chainsaw Massacre is a 2013 Spain horror by Manolito Motosierra.
Starring Hilario Blas, Pedro García Oliva and Óscar Gisbert.      

Cut by the BBFC for 18 rated 2014 DVD release

Promotional Material

Las Pollas del Metal (The Metal Dicks), a heavy metal band, are on tour to promote their first album. On the road to Galicia, their van suffers a flat tyre and they have to stay overnight at the "Gutierrez's town", a small village located nowhere. Next day, the town is throwing a festival where its inhabitants celebrate the patron saint's day. The Mayor invites the artists to join the celebration and they accept, without knowing a brutal danger awaits them.

Versions

uncut run: 54m pal: 52m		US: Uncut and MPAA Unrated for: 2021 Wild Eye Raw R1 DVD at US Amazon #ad Note that this release nominally runs for 74m but this includes padding as kindly described by Mike: 0.00-03.52 is a promo reel for some of the label's other releases. 03.52 - 18:02 is a short film about a woman who has an unfortunate habit of chopping men's heads off while having sex with them. No idea what that is, no title is given. I thought at first it might have been the start of the main feature since a chainsaw appears at one point, but since everyone is speaking English rather than Spanish and the actors are American, it turned out not to be. 18:02 main film begins. The scene cut from the UK release appears right at the start, even before the credits. 66:05 main film appears to finish. The next few minutes are outtakes and one of the director's music videos, but then 2-3 minutes of footage appears which I could have sworn were part of the original film. I've watched an online version of the film where that section appears after the closing credits. 18:02 - 66:05 is 48 minutes and 3 seconds. If you add on the 2-3 minutes at the end and regard it as part of the main film, that makes it just over 51 minutes. The UK release was 51 minutes, I believe, and was only cut by 32 seconds, so it's quite likely this is 51-52 minutes and the full version. But as you can see, it's quite hard to tell because they've made a complete mess of the release. You can't even read the English subs properly as they frequently fall off the bottom of the screen.
compulsory cuts cut: 32s run: 53:29s pal: 51:21s		UK: Passed 18 for strong bloody violence, strong sex after 32s of BBFC compulsory cuts for: 2014 88 Films video The BBFC commented: Cut required to a sequence of sadistic and sexualised violence involving a child. The BBFC further commented in the Annual Report covering 2014: The Spanish Chainsaw Massacre is a Spanish film in which a heavy metal band find themselves in a village of cannibals after their van breaks down. The BBFC removed a sequence of sadistic and sexualised violence involving a child before passing the film 18. The film also includes scenes of characters being torn open and having their intestines pulled out, a penis being bitten and torn off, and a foetus being pulled from a woman's body. Thanks to Mike who adds: The US DVD contains the full version, and I can confirm that the cut is to a scene fairly early on in which a woman with breasts exposed is chased through woodland by a local and is then beaten repeatedly over the head with a rock while a girl (child) is watching a few feet away. Frankly the BBC made it sound much worse than it is. It's only sexualised in that the victim's shirt is open, and the sadism is due to the number of blows to the head. The gore effects are pretty poor anyway. Nothing sadistic is done to the child, and and nothing sexualised happens to her either. She just stands there watching. It's actually quite a notable BBFC decision in that they very rarely cut scenes in which a child actor is exposed to violence on the set. But that's what happened here.

The Lawnmower Man Collection is a double feature by Gualtiero Jacopetti, Franco Prosperi
Starring Stefano Sibaldi, Susan Hampshire and Dick Gregory

UK: Aggregate BBFC 15 rated:

• 2024 101 Films Lawnmower Man Collection [Theatrical Versions + Director's Cut of The Lawnmower Man] (RB) Blu-ray at UK Amazon #ad released on 10th June 2024

The Lawnmower Man is a 1996 UK/USA/Japan Sci-Fi by by Brett Leonard.
With Jeff Fahey, Pierce Brosnan and Jenny Wright.

Uncut by censors. There exists a theatrical version and a longer Director's Cut

Lawnmower Man 2: Beyond Cyberspace is a 1996 USA action Sci-Fi thriller by Farhad Mann.
With Patrick Bergin, Matt Frewer and Austin O'Brien.

BBFC imposed category cuts were required for 12 rated cinema release and 2004 DVD. Released uncut in 2010 on UK DVD but this is not in the BBFC database. There was however a BBFC update for an uncut 12 rating in 2024. Uncut in the US.

Promotional Material

101 Films presents groundbreaking 90s sci-fi The Lawnmower Man (1992) and its sequel , Lawnmower Man 2: Beyond Cyberspace (1995) on Blu-ray in the UK for the very first time. Presented in a 3-disc set including both the theatrical and director's cuts of The Lawnmower Man, in limited edition packaging featuring newly commissioned artwork, and complete with a booklet with new writing on the film.

The Lawnmower Man : Dr. Lawrence Angelo =(Pierce Brosnan) is a brilliant scientist obsessed with perfecting virtual reality software. When his experiments on animals fail, he finds the ideal substitute - Jobe Smith =(Jeff Fahey), a slow-witted gardener. Dr. Angelo's goal is to benefit his human guinea pig and ultimately mankind itself, but evil lurks in the guise of "The Shop", a shadow group that seeks to use the technology to create an invincible war machine. When the experiments change the simple Jobe into a superhuman being, the stage is set for a Jekyll-and-Hyde struggle for control of Jobe's mind and the future of the world.

Lawnmower Man 2: Beyond Cyberspace : Enter the deadly world of virtual reality, where information is the key to world domination. Picking up where the original Lawnmower Man ended, Jobe =(Matt Frewer - Max Headroom) has become a hostage in futuristic hell. But when he discovers a computer chip that will give him the key to the ultimate revenge, the battle for world control begins. With stunning special effects, Lawnmower Man 2: Beyond Cyberspace takes you into a world where only the hardwired dare to journey.

Special Features:

Limited-Edition rigid box packaging and Limited-Edition Booklet: Includes Grassroots and Cyber Suits: Variations of The Lawnmower Man by Rich Johnson and This Diseased Mainframe: The Abject Horror of Bodily Digitisation in The Lawnmower Man by Andy Marshall-Roberts.

DISC 1

• Cybergod: Creating The Lawnmower Man
• Audio commentary with writer/Director Brett Leonard and writer producer Gimel Everett
• Deleted scenes
• Original electronic press kit with cast interviews and behind-the-scenes footage
• Edited animated sequences
• Theatrical trailer
• TV spot

DISC 2

• Audio commentary with writer/Director Brett Leonard and writer/producer Gimel Everett
• Conceptual art and design sketches
• Behind-the-scenes and production stills
• Storyboard comparison

DISC 3

• Lawnmower Man 2: Beyond Cyberspace

Yes, Madam! is a 1985 Hong Kong action comedy by Corey Yuen
Starring Michelle Yeoh, Cynthia Rothrock and John Sham

Exists as the original Hong Kong Version and a shortened Export cut

Summary Notes

Two unlucky thieves break into a just murdered man's hotel room and steal his passport with a hidden microfilm wanted by a triad boss. Two hard kicking women cops from HK and UK get the case.

US: Uncut and MPAA Unrated for:

• 2024 88 FILMS [Hong Kong Version + Export Cut] (RA) Blu-ray at US Amazon #ad released on 11th June 2024
• 2024 88 FILMS Amazon VoD [US] at US Amazon #ad

Promotional Material

Academy Award® Winner Michelle Yeoh (Everything Everywhere All at Once) stars in this action drama as a Senior Police Inspector Ng assigned to work with Inspector Carrie Morris (Cynthia Rothrock, China O'Brien) from Scotland Yard, to investigate the murder of an agent from the Commercial Crime Bureau of London, who was killed because of the evidence he has collected against a crime syndicate in Hong Kong.

BONUS MATERIALS:

• 2K Remaster from the Original Camera Negative
• High Definition (1080p) Blu-ray Presentation
• 2.0 Cantonese Dual Mono with English Subtitles
• 2.0 Alternate Cantonese Dual Mono with English Subtitles
• 5.1 English Dub
• Export Version featuring the Classic English Dub
• Audio Commentary by Frank Djeng
• Interview with Cynthia Rothrock
• Select Scene Commentary with Cynthia Rothrock and Frank Djeng
• Interview with Mang Hoi
• Archive Interview with Michelle Yeoh
• Archive Battling Babes Featurette
• Hong Kong Trailer

A QUEEN'S RANSOM is a 1976 Hong Kong/UK action adventure by Shan-Hsi Ting
Starring Jimmy Wang Yu, Angela Mao and George Lazenby

The export version is roughly 6 minutes shorter than the Hong Kong theatrical release due to cuts to both of the sex scenes with Black Rose (keeping some of her intimacy with Jimmy, and completely deleting her tryst with George), as well as trimming some of the film's slower beats.

US: Uncut and MPAA Unrated for:

• 2024 Eureka Classics [Hong Kong Version + Export Version] (RA) Blu-ray at US Amazon #ad released on 11th June 2024

Promotional Material

Perhaps even God can't save the Queen in Golden Harvest's A Queen's Ransom (also known as International Assassin), an explosive action-thriller starring George Lazenby (The Man from Hong Kong), Angela Mao (Lady Whirlwind) and the legendary Jimmy Wang Yu (The One-Armed Swordsman).

As Queen Elizabeth II arrives in Hong Kong for a state visit, a band of skilled mercenaries plan her assassination. Contracted by an Irish Republican (Lazenby), the international group of hired killers includes a Japanese explosives expert (Chang Pei-shan), a Thai boxer (Bolo Yeung), a Filipino sniper (Peter Chan Lung) and a veteran of the National Liberation Front of South Vietnam (Wang Yu). As the conspirators move to carry out their plot, two police officials (Ko Chun-Hsiung and Charles Heung) work with a young socialite (Tanny Tien Ni) in a race against time to save the Monarch's head - while also trying to manage a crisis that has brought a huge number of refugees to Hong Kong, including a young Cambodian princess (Mao).

Written and directed by Ting Shan-hsi (Rebel Boxer), A Queen's Ransom was Golden Harvest's attempt to capitalize on the popular success of the political thriller in the wake of The Day of the Jackal. Eureka Classics is proud to present the film for the first time ever on Blu-ray from a brand new 2K restoration.

BONUS FEATURES:

• 1080p HD presentation on Blu-ray of the original Hong Kong theatrical cut from a brand new 2K restoration
• 1080p HD presentation on Blu-ray of the original English language export cut from a brand new 2K restoration
• Original Mandarin and optional classic English dub (Hong Kong theatrical cut)
• Classic English dub (Export version)
• Optional English subtitles, newly translated for this release
• Brand new audio commentary on the Hong Kong theatrical version by Asian film expert Frank Djeng (NY Asian Film Festival)
• Brand new audio commentary on the export version by action cinema experts Mike Leeder and Arne Venema
• Brand new documentary featurette by martial artist and actor Michael Worth
• Reversible sleeve featuring original poster artwork
• Trailers

Slumber Party Massacre II is a 1987 US comedy horror by Deborah Brock.
With Crystal Bernard, Jennifer Rhodes and Kimberly McArthur.    

Banned by the BBFC in 1988 after an extensive cuts list was refused. The film remained unreleased until 2024 when it was 15 rated and uncut. In the US it exists in a Theatrical R rated version, and an Extended Version which is MPAA Unrated

Summary Review: Amusing Enough

More of a comic vein than its predecessor and now in a musical setting.

The weapon of choice is an electric guitar cum electric drill. The death scenes are very twisted with the killer playing guitar and singing as he kills his victims.

A favourite scene of mine involves death by acne. One of the central characters is actually engulfed by a rapid growing zit, until it pops all over the protagonist and she is presumed dead - that is until she walks through the front door about 10 minutes later.

The over-the-topness seems to be amusing enough. For bad movie fans, that is.

Versions

Extended Version run: 85m pal: 82m		US: An extended version is uncut and MPAA unrated for: 2023 SHOUT! FACTORY [Slumber Party Massacre I (Theatrical) + II (Theatrical + Unrated)] R0 4K Blu-ray/(RA) Blu-ray Combo at US Amazon #ad 2017 Shout! Factory Double Feature [Slumber Party Massacre II + III, both Theatrical + Extended] (RA) Blu-ray at US Amazon 2010 Shout Factory Slumber Party Massacre Collection [1-3] R1 DVD via UK Amazon and at US Amazon See pictorial version details from movie-censorship.com
Theatrical Version  run: 75:51s pal: 72:49s		UK: The Theatrical Version is uncut and BBFC 15 rated for strong bloody violence, gore, threat, horror, nudity, sex references: 2024 101 Films Blu-ray (rated 05/07/2024) US: The Theatrical Version is uncut and MPAA R rated for: 2023 SHOUT! FACTORY [Slumber Party Massacre I (Theatrical) + II (Theatrical + Unrated)] R0 4K Blu-ray/(RA) Blu-ray Combo at US Amazon #ad 2017 Shout! Factory Double Feature [Slumber Party Massacre II + III, both Theatrical + Extended] (RA) Blu-ray at US Amazon 2010 Shout Factory Slumber Party Massacre Collection [1-3] R1 DVD via UK Amazon and at US Amazon 2002 New Concorde R1 DVD at US Amazon
banned run: 84m pal: 81m		UK: Presumably it was the Extended Version that was banned by the BBFC for: 1988 Lazer VHS From IMDB. The BBFC offered an extensive cuts list which was not acceptable to the distributor, and so the video was banned. The BBFC commented in the Annual Report covering 1988: Scenes of terrorising, blood-letting and gleeful infliction of pain underlined an unacceptable tone of sadism in a work purporting to be a satirical horror fantasy but developing a pervasive undercurrent of mutilation as fun. Shown on the Horror Channel in 2006

Gaira's Guts Trilogy is a film set by Kazuo 'Gaira' Komizu
Starring Saeko Kizuki, Keiko Asano and Megumi Ozawa

These films have notably not been released in the UK until 2024 presumably over fears of BBFC censorship.

UK: Guts of a Beauty is uncut and BBFC 18 rated for sexual violence, strong sex, nudity, bloody violence, gore:

• 2024 88 Films Gaira's Guts Trilogy (RB) Blu-ray at UK Amazon #ad released on 23rd September 2024
• 2024 88 Films Gaira's Guts Trilogy R2 DVD at UK Amazon #ad released on 23rd September 2024

Guts of a Beauty is a 1986 Japan horror fantasy thriller by Kazuo 'Gaira' Komizu
Starring Megumi Ozawa, Ayako Ishii and Seira Kitagawa

Notably not released in the UK until 2024 presumably over fears of BBFC censorship.

Promotional Material

Discover the visceral world of Kazuo 'Gaira' Komizu with the definitive trilogy boxset: "Guts of a Beauty," "Guts of a Virgin," and "Rusted Body." Renowned for his bold storytelling and uncompromising vision, Gaira delves into the darkest corners of human nature and desire. Each film weaves a gripping narrative with unflinching imagery, pushing the boundaries of horror and eroticism. This collection is a must-have for fans of provocative cinema, offering a unique glimpse into the twisted genius of one of Japan's most controversial directors.

Guts of a Beauty: In a world where innocence meets terror, a young woman finds herself at the mercy of a sadistic killer. As she navigates the urban labyrinth, she uncovers the true extent of her captor's madness. Each encounter pushes her closer to the brink of sanity, blending horror with a raw exploration of human resilience.

Guts of a Virgin: A group of filmmakers on a remote shoot discovers that their secluded location harbors a dark secret. As night falls, they are hunted by a grotesque creature born from their worst nightmares. The lines between reality and horror blur as they fight for their lives, confronting their own fears and desires.

Rusted Body: In a dystopian future, a disfigured man grapples with his identity amidst a society that shuns him. As he searches for a place to belong, he encounters others who are similarly broken, each bearing their own scars. Their stories intertwine in a haunting tapestry of pain and redemption.

Manhunt in Milan is a 1972 Italy/West Germany crime drama by Fernando di Leo.
With Mario Adorf, Henry Silva and Woody Strode.

Cut by the BBFC for X rated cinema release in 1973. Uncut and BBFC 15 rated for 2024 Blu-ray.

Summary Review: Breathtaking

The second film in Fernando Di Leo's Milieu trilogy of Milano Calibro 9, La Mala Ordina aka Manhunt and Il Boss .

An excellent and breathtaking crime epic that no lover of Italian genre-cinema could possibly afford to miss.

The tough-minded and violent film is breathtaking from the beginning to the end and profits from a brilliant cast.

Fernando Di Leo's films are said to be the inspiration for Quentin Tarantino's early films

Versions

uncut run: 95:28s pal: 91:39s		UK: Uncut and BBFC 15 rated for strong violence, nudity, sexual threat: 2024 Radiance Films Blu-ray (rated 25/06/2024) titled La mala ordina US: Uncut and MPAA Unrated for: 2012 Raro Fernando Di Leo Crime Collection RA Blu-ray via UK Amazon and at US Amazon 2011 Raro Fernando Di Leo Crime Collection R1 DVD via UK Amazon and at US Amazon 2007 Synergy R0 DVD
cut cut:   run: 95:00s pal: 91:12s sub: 95:29s		UK: Passed X after BBFC cuts for: 1973 Miracle Films cinema release (rated 02/04/1973)

Mute Witness is a 1995 UK/Russia/Germany crime horror thriller by Anthony Waller
Starring Marina Zudina, Fay Ripley and Evan Richards

Cut by the BBFC for 18 rated cinema and VHS releases in 1995 and 1996. Uncut for BBFC 18 rated DVD in 2003.

Summary Notes

The life of teenager Rainbow Gold as she enters womanhood and navigates standards of beauty, self-image, and the rights women have over their bodies.

US: Uncut and MPAA R rated for:

• 2024 Arrow Video R0 4K Blu-ray at US Amazon #ad released on 11th June 2024
• 2024 Arrow Video (RA) Blu-ray at US Amazon #ad released on 11th June 2024

Promotional Material

SHE WON'T BE SILENCED.

Director Anthony Waller ( The Piper , An American Werewolf in Paris ) combines cat-and-mouse suspense with classic intrigue in Mute Witness , an updated take on the Hitchcockian thriller in which the only witness to a brutal crime can neither speak nor cry out in terror.

Billy Hughes (Marina Zudina) is a mute special effects artist working on a low budget American slasher movie being shot in Russia. Accidentally locked in the studio late one night, she stumbles upon two men shooting what appears to be a snuff film. Having borne witness to their victim's final moments, Billy desperately flees -- but this is only the start of a protracted night of terror, drawing her and her friends into a tangled web of intrigue, involving the KGB, the Moscow police... and a mysterious crime kingpin known as "The Reaper."

Filmed on location in Moscow and co-starring Fay Ripley ( Mary Shelley's Frankenstein ) and Evan Richards ( Society ), Mute Witness is an unpredictable, nerve-shreddingly tense viewing experience. Now fully restored in 4K and presented alongside a host of new and recently unearthed bonus materials, there has never been a better opportunity to discover -- or rediscover -- this gem of 90s thriller cinema.

4K ULTRA HD BLU-RAY LIMITED EDITION CONTENTS

• 4K restoration approved by director Anthony Waller
• 4K (2160p) Ultra HD Blu-ray presentation in HDR10
• Restored original lossless stereo soundtrack
• Optional English subtitles for the deaf and hard of hearing
• Brand new audio commentary by writer/director Anthony Waller
• Brand new audio commentary with production designer Matthias Kammermeier and composer Wilbert Hirsch, moderated by critic Lee Gambin
• The Silent Death , brand new visual essay by author and critic Alexandra Heller-Nicholas, examining Mute Witness and its relationship with snuff films
• The Wizard Behind the Curtain , brand new visual essay by author and critic Chris Alexander, exploring the phenomenon of the film-within-a-film
• Original "Snuff Movie" presentation, produced to generate interest from investors and distributors, featuring interviews with Anthony Waller and members of the creative team
• Original location scouting footage
• Original footage with Alec Guinness, filmed a decade prior to the rest of Mute Witness
• Teaser trailer
• Trailer
• Image gallery
• Reversible sleeve featuring original and newly commissioned artwork by Adam Rabalais
• Double-sided foldout poster featuring original and newly commissioned artwork by Adam Rabalais
• Illustrated collector's booklet featuring new writing on the film by Michelle Kisner

Wild Things is a 1998 US crime mystery drama by John McNaughton
Starring Kevin Bacon, Neve Campbell and Matt Dillon

Exists as a Theatrical Version and an extended Unrated Version. The film was originally cut for cinema distribution in India.

Summary Notes

A police detective uncovers a conspiracy behind a case involving a high-school guidance counselor when accusations of rape are made against him by two female students.

US: The extended version is uncut and MPAA Unrated for:
US: The Theatrical Version is MPAA R rated:

• 2022 Arrow Video [Theatrical + Extended Version] R0 4K Blu-ray at US Amazon #ad released on 24th May 2022
• 2022 Arrow Video Amazon VoD [US] at US Amazon #ad

Promotional Material

A spoiled rich kid, a troubled teen from the wrong side of the tracks, a carefree playboy and a dogged detective find themselves all caught up in the sex crime of the century in this steamy star-studded crime thriller from the director of Henry: Portrait of a Serial Killer .

Popular and charming, student counsellor Sam Lombardo (Matt Dillon) is no stranger to being the focus of female attention within the moneyed cliques of Florida's Blue Bay. His fortunes are about to change dramatically, however, when one of the wealthiest students at his high school, sultry siren Kelly Van Ryan (Denise Richards), accuses him of rape. The charge looks sure to stick when another girl from the other end of the social spectrum, Suzie Toller (Neve Campbell), steps forward with her own allegations, but Detective Duquette (Kevin Bacon) smells something fishy, and the truth is as murky and dangerous as the alligator-infested swamps in the hinterlands of this affluent beach community.

Presented in new 4K restorations of its original theatrical version and extended 'Unrated Edition', Wild Things is a classic piece of sexy late-90s neo-noir from director John McNaughton and writer Stephen Peters, whose serpentine plotting will keep you on the edge of your seat until the end credits roll.

4K ULTRA HD BLU-RAY LIMITED EDITION CONTENTS

• New 4K restorations of both the Original Theatrical Version and the Unrated Edition from the original camera negatives by Sony Pictures Entertainment
• 4K (2160p) UHD Blu-ray presentation in Dolby Vision (HDR10 compatible)
• Original uncompressed stereo audio and DTS-HD MA 5.1 surround audio
• Optional English subtitles for the deaf and hard-of-hearing
• Exclusive new audio commentary by director John McNaughton and producer Steven A. Jones
• Commentary by director John McNaughton, cinematographer Jeffrey Kimball, producers Steven A. Jones and Rodney Liber, editor Elena Maganini and score composer George S. Clinton
• Exclusive new interview with John McNaughton
• Exclusive new interview with Denise Richards
• Making of documentary
• An Understanding Lawyer outtakes
• Trailer
• Illustrated collector's booklet featuring new writing on the film by Anne Billson and Sean Hogan
• Double-sided fold-out poster
• Six double-sided, postcard-sized lobby card reproductions
• Reversible sleeve featuring original and newly commissioned artwork by Sam Hadley

Man of Violence / The Big Switch is a double bill by Pete Walker
Starring Michael Latimer, Luan Peters and Sebastian Breaks

Both film were once cut by the BBFC but are now uncut.

UK: Aggregate BBFC 18 rated for:

• 2024 88 Films [Man of Violence + The Big Switch] (RB) Blu-ray at UK Amazon #ad released on 3rd June 2024

Man of Violence is a 1971 UK action thriller by Pete Walker.
Starring Michael Latimer, Luan Peters and Derek Aylward.

Cut by the BBFC for a 1971 AA rated cinema release. Cuts waived for 15 rated 2009 DVD/Blu-ray

The Big Switch is a 1969 UK crime film by Pete Walker.
With Sebastian Breaks, Virginia Wetherell and Jack Allen.

Cut for 1969 X rated cinema release. This cut UK version was BBFC 15 rated in 2009. A longer export version is uncut and was BBFC 18 rated in 2009

Promotional Material

MAN OF VIOLENCE - A mercenary joins forces with 2 crooked cops in an attempt to steal a fortune in gold bullion from a corrupt Arab country.

THE BIG SWITCH - Playboy John Carter is implicated in the murder of a blonde from a discotheque and is forced by gangsters into posing for pornographic photographs.

Vampire Circus is a 1972 UK horror by Robert Young
Starring Adrienne Corri, Thorley Walters and Anthony Higgins

Cut by the BBFC for 1972 cinema release and subsequent UK releases. Heavy cuts were originally required by the BBFC but these were reduced after requests from Hammer. The film was cut in the US for an MPAA PG rating but the best available version has been released MPAA Unrated.

Summary Notes

A village in Nineteenth Century Europe is at first relieved when a circus breaks through the quarantine to take the local's minds off the plague. But their troubles are only beginning as children begin to disappear and the legacy of a long-ago massacre is brought to light.

UK: The cut UK cinema version is BBFC 15 rated for strong horror and sexualised nudity:

• 2024 Strawberry Media Special Edition (RB) Blu-ray at UK Amazon #ad released on 3rd June 2024
• 2024 Strawberry Media Amazon VoD [UK] at UK Amazon #ad

This is the best available version with the material cut by the BBFC assumed to be lost. UK censor Stephen Murphy requested many cuts to the film in 1972 though Hammer succeeded in shortening his original demands. The BBFC edits finally made were to:

• the whipping scene toned down
• a dagger in the face deleted from the opening scene
• the forest attack by the panther
• footage of the mutilated remains of the family.

Promotional Material

Strawberry Media is proud to present the 50th Anniversary Edition of Vampire Circus on Blu-Ray packed with Special Features.

When a little girl is brutally slain by a vampire in a tiny 19th century European village, the townspeople invade the foreboding castle of Count Mitterhaus and kill him for the crime. As the Count dies, he curses the villagers and vows that their children will all die so that he may someday return to life.

Fifteen years later, as the village is ravaged by the plague, a travelling circus comes to town and distracts the villagers from their current hardships. Little do they know that their troubles are only beginning...

Special Features:
Documentary 'The Bloodiest Show on Earth' featuring interviews including renowned director Joe Dante and actor Dave Prowse
A brief history of Circus Horrors (Gallery of Grotesques)
Visiting the House of Hammer - an insight into Britain's Legendary Horror Magazine
Vampire Circus interactive comic book
Original Theatrical Trailer
Stills Gallery

Reality Killers is a 2005 Italy Horror Film by Alessandro Capone

Banned by the BBFC for 2024 video.

Versions

banned run: 75m pal: 72m

UK: Banned by BBFC 2024 Treasured Films video (rated 01/07/24) The BBFC commented: Reality Killers is a horror film in which a man obsessed with violent snuff videos, featuring people being abused, tortured and killed, goes on to commit his own similar crimes. Reality Killers consists of a series of short vignettes in which people, including women and children, are killed. In some cases, acts of sadistic violence follow or involve sexual behaviour and nudity. The protagonist acts as a narrator, relishing in the violence and endorsing the actions of the killers. Women, in particular, are portrayed as either sexual objects to be abused or as predatory killers themselves. Potentially harmful attitudes, such as the suggestion that victims and perpetrators enjoy violence, and that women are presented primarily as sex objects or predatory killers, are not clearly challenged, nor is there a narrative counterbalance to the sustained focus on sadism. As a last resort, the BBFC may find content unsuitable for classification, in line with the objective of preventing non-trivial harm risks to potential viewers and, through their behaviour, to society. In our Classification Guidelines we state that this may occur where a central concept is unacceptable, such as a sustained focus on rape, other non-consensual sexually violent behaviour or sadistic violence. The guidelines also state that we consider whether the availability of the material to the age group concerned would run contrary to broad public opinion. The BBFC considered whether the film's issues could be adequately addressed through intervention such as cuts. As Reality Killers consists almost entirely of scenes of sadistic violence and abuse, we determined that cuts would not effectively address these issues. The film, when taken as a whole, transgresses BBFC Classification Guidelines and policy, and we believe that its classification even at 18 would run contrary to broad public opinion. The BBFC therefore found Reality Killers to be unsuitable for classification.

Death Machine is a 1994 UK action Sci-Fi horror by Stephen Norrington.
Starring Brad Dourif and Ely Pouget and William Hootkins.

Uncut and BBFC 18 rated in the UK. An extended Japanese/International Version was released in Germany but the Director prefers the UK Versions. The US R rated version is shortened and cut. A Director's Cut was released in 2024.

Summary Notes

Chaank Armaments is experimenting with the ultimate fighting machine which is part human - part machine. So far, the Hardman project has been unreliable and has killed a number of innocent people. The genius behind this project is Jack who lives in a world of models, toys and magazines. When he is fired by Cale for killing a few corporate officers, he unleashes the ultimate killing machine called the 'Warbeast' against Cale and those who would help her.

US: Uncut and MPAA R rated for:

• 2024 KL Studio Classics [Director's Cut + Extended Version + US Version] (RA) Blu-ray at US Amazon #ad released on 4th June 2024
• 2024 KL Studio Classics Amazon VoD [US] at US Amazon #ad

Promotional Material

The year is 2003. Chaank Industries, ruthless world leaders in future weapons technology, hires a new Chief Executive, Hayden Cale. Cale soon uncovers a secret and unethical weapons project the company is involved in. Her first order of business is to shut it down. Her troubles just begin as she also tries to fire the company technological mastermind, Jack Dante--a childlike psychotic with a dark genius for exotic weapons design. Dante retaliates by unleashing into the corporate headquarters the Death Machine--the ultimate killing unit. A weapon that tracks its target by sensing fear and has the power to rip through walls with its hard steel strength and razor teeth. Cale must wage a desperate bloody battle with the terrifying force that has no mercy, no pity and no fear in this cutting-edge cyberpunk classic from filmmaker and SFX wizard Stephen Norrington (Blade, The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen). Dante is played with oddball relish by Brad Dourif (Child's Play, Spontaneous Combustion) in a cast featuring Ely Pouget (The Rift), William Hootkins (Star Wars, Hardware), John Sharian (The Machinist), Richard Brake (3 from Hell) and Rachel Weisz (The Mummy).

This 2-disc special edition loaded with extras includes three cuts of the film, The 100-minute U.S. version, the 122-minute foreign version and newly created 106-minute director's cut in 7.1 surround sound.

Special Features:

DISC 1:
THE U.S. VERSION (100 Minutes)
- Brand New HD Master -- From a 2K Scan of the Interpositive
- NEW Audio Commentary by Horror-Fix.com's James G. Chandler and Ash Hamilton
- U.S. Theatrical Trailer
- Optional English Subtitles
NEWLY CREATED DIRECTOR'S CUT (106 Minutes)
- NEW Audio Commentary by Writer/Director Stephen Norrington and Film Historian Michael Felsher
- NEW Technical Audio Commentary by Writer/Director Stephen Norrington
- NEW Audio Conversation with Writer/Director Stephen Norrington and Creature Creator & Make-up Artist Alec Gillis
- Isolated Original Score Audio Track
- 7.1 Surround and Lossless 2.0 Audio
- Optional English Subtitles

DISC 2:
THE FOREIGN VERSION (122 Minutes)
- 2019 Restoration
- Conducting Chaos: Composer Crispin Merrell on the Sound of Death Machine (25m)
- Cutting Edge Action: Editor Paul Endacott talks about Death Machine (19m)
- Cyberpunk on a Budget: Costume Designer Stephanie Collier on Death Machine (18m)
- Looking Death in the Eye: Producer Ray Burdis talks about Death Machine (16m)
- Mechanical Mayhem: Co-Producer Stuart St Paul remembers Death Machine (21m)
- Artwork & Design Still Gallery (4m)
- Behind-The-Scenes Still Gallery (9m)
- German Theatrical Trailer (3m)
- Japanese Theatrical Trailer (3m)
- Vintage BTS Promo from Japanese Laserdisc (6m)
- 5.1 Surround and Lossless 2.0 Audio
- Optional English Subtitles

PACKAGING
- Commissioned Cover Illustration by Jean-Baptiste Chuat & Ronan-Wolf Chuat
- Title Treatment by Sascha Meurer

Bad Lieutenant is a 1992 US crime thriller by Abel Ferrara
Starring Harvey Keitel, Brian McElroy and Frank Acciarito

Uncut and BBFC 18 rated for 1992 cinema release. The video release got caught up in the video nasties moral panic and was cut for BBFC 18 rated VHS release in 1995. It was released uncut for BBFC 18 rated DVD in 2009. The film was once banned in Ireland. The film was uncut and MPAA NC-17 rated in the US but there was also a cut version for release in Blockbuster video rental stores.

Summary Notes

While investigating a young nun's rape, a corrupt New York City police detective, with a serious drug and gambling addiction, tries to change his ways and find forgiveness and redemption.

US: Uncut and MPAA NC-17 rated for:

• 2024 KL Studio Classics R0 4K Blu-ray/(RA) Blu-ray Combo at US Amazon #ad released on 4th June 2024
• 2024 KL Studio Classics Amazon VoD [US] at US Amazon #ad

Promotional Material

He has survived on the streets for twenty years. He's a gambler. A thief. A junkie. A killer. A cop. Now he's investigating the most shocking case of his life, and as he moves closer to the truth, his self-destructive past is closing in. NYC auteur/provocateur Abel Ferrara (The Driller Killer, King of New York) and co-writer Zoë Lund (Ms. 45) gaze unflinchingly into the life of a Bad Lieutenant. Starring screen legend Harvey Keitel (Mean Streets, Reservoir Dogs) at his most brilliant and brutal in what is perhaps the most incendiary and notorious film of the 1990s. The stellar supporting cast includes Victor Argo (Taxi Driver) and Paul Calderon (The Last Castle).

Special Features:

DISC 1 (4KUHD):
- Brand New HDR Dolby Vision Master -- From a 4K Scan of the Original Camera Negative
- Audio Commentary by Director Abel Ferrera and Cinematographer Ken Kelsch
- 5.1 Surround and Lossless 2.0 Audio
- Triple Layered UHD100 Disc
- Optional English Subtitles

DISC 2 (BLU-RAY):
- Brand New HD Master -- From a 4K Scan of the Original Camera Negative
- Audio Commentary by Director Abel Ferrera and Cinematographer Ken Kelsch
- NEW Interview with Cinematographer Ken Kelsch
- Bad Neighborhoods: The Locations of Bad Lieutenant - NEW Featurette
- Retrospective Documentary: Featuring Exclusive Interviews with the Cast and Crew
- Theatrical Trailer
- 5.1 Surround and Lossless 2.0 Audio
- Dual Layered BD50 Disc
- Optional English Subtitles