Latest Cuts: BBFC and MPA

Rocky IV is a 1985 USA sport drama by Sylvester Stallone.
Starring Sylvester Stallone and Talia Shire and Burt Young.    

The BBFC uprated the film from PG to 12A for 2020 cinema release. Director Sylvester Stallone produced a PG-13 rated Director's Cut in 2021, whereas the original was PG rated. The Director's was passed 12A for UK cinema release in 2021.

Summary Notes

Rocky Balboa accompanies his friend Apollo Creed to the ring in a boxing match against a Russian Boxer named Ivan Drago. Drago is too strong for Creed, and unfortunately kills him in his match. Balboa blames himself for Creed's death and is determined to defeat Drago in a boxing match. He gains the help of Creed's former manager, Duke and travels to U.S.S.R. to take on Drago.

Versions

uncut run: 94m pal: 90m

UK: The Director's Cut was passed 12A uncut for moderate violence, bloody images: 2021 cinema release titled Rocky Iv: Rocky Vs. Drago (Director's Cut)

The Damned is a 1969 Italy / West Germany drama by Luchino Visconti.
Starring Dirk Bogarde and Ingrid Thulin and Helmut Griem.

Uncut and X rated for 1969 cinema release and then 18 uncut for UK home video. There is a cut US R rated version but the uncut version has also been MPAA R rated since 2004.

Summary Notes

The power and fortune of the Von Essenbeck family remained intact even when Germany lost the great war and during the depression that followed. Now it's 1934 and the baron has summoned his family to a dinner that also brings a cousin rising in the Nazi party to the great house accompanied by a rising manager at the baron's company. Two little girls recite poetry in the parlor and then play hide-and-seek with their cousin Martin. Suddenly there is a scream. The baron has been shot with their father's gun and the father flees the country.

UK: Passed 18 uncut with a BBFC trigger warning for strong violence and implied sexual abuse:

• 2021 Sony/Criterion Collection (RB) Blu-ray at UK Amazon #ad released on 25th October 2021
• 2021 Sony Pictures Amazon Prime VoD [UK only] at UK Amazon #ad

Deep Red is a 1975 Italian Giallo by Dario Argento.
With David Hemmings, Daria Nicolodi and Gabriele Lavia.

The pre-cert video was seized by police during the Video Nasties panic. BBFC VHS and DVD release up to 2011 were cut for animal cruelty. Uncut since 2011. The film exist as the uncut Directors Cut in Italian and a shortened Export Version in English.

US: Uncut and MPAA Unrated for:

• 2021 Arrow Video R0 4K Blu-ray at US Amazon #ad released on 26th October 2021
• 2021 Arrow Video Amazon Prime VoD [US only] at US Amazon #ad

Promotional Material

From Dario Argento, maestro of the macabre and the man behind some of the greatest excursions in Italian horror ( Suspiria , The Bird with the Crystal Plumage ), comes Deep Red -- the ultimate giallo movie.

One night, musician Marcus Daly (David Hemmings, Blow Up ), looking up from the street below, witnesses the brutal axe murder of a woman in her apartment. Racing to the scene, Marcus just manages to miss the perpetrator... or does he? As he takes on the role of amateur sleuth, Marcus finds himself ensnared in a bizarre web of murder and mystery where nothing is what it seems...

Aided by a throbbing score from regular Argento collaborators Goblin, Deep Red (aka Profondo Rosso and The Hatchet Murders ) is a hallucinatory fever dream of a giallo punctuated by some of the most astonishing set-pieces the sub-genre has to offer.

4K ULTRA HD BLU-RAY LIMITED EDITION CONTENTS

New 4K restoration of both the original 127-minute Italian version and the 105-minute export version from the original negative by Arrow Films

4K (2160p) UHD Blu-ray presentations of both versions in Dolby Vision (HDR10 compatible)

Limited edition packaging with reversible sleeve featuring originally and newly commissioned artwork by Obviously Creative

Illustrated collector's booklet featuring writing on the film by Alan Jones and Mikel J. Koven, and a new essay by Rachael Nisbet

Fold-out double-sided poster featuring original and newly commissioned artwork by Obviously Creative

Six double-sided, postcard-sized lobby card reproduction artcards

DISC 1 (4K ULTRA-HD BLU-RAY) -- DEEP RED: ORIGINAL VERSION
 

Restored original lossless mono Italian and English soundtracks*

Optional lossless 5.1 Italian soundtrack

English subtitles for the Italian soundtrack

Optional English subtitles for the deaf and hard of hearing for the English soundtrack

New audio commentary by critics Troy Howarth and Nathaniel Thompson

Archival audio commentary by Argento expert Thomas Rostock

Almost three hours of new interviews with members of the cast and crew, including co-writer/director Dario Argento, actors Macha Méril, Gabriele Lavia, Jacopo Mariani and Lino Capolicchio (Argento's original choice for the role of Marcus Daly), production manager Angelo Iacono, composer Claudio Simonetti, and archival footage of actress Daria Nicolodi

Italian trailer

Arrow Video 2018 trailer

Image galleries

DISC 2 (4K ULTRA-HD BLU-RAY) -- DEEP RED: EXPORT VERSION
 

Restored original lossless mono English soundtrack

Optional English subtitles for the deaf and hard of hearing

Archival introduction to the film by Claudio Simonetti of Goblin

Profondo Giallo -- an archival visual essay by Michael Mackenzie featuring an in-depth appreciation of Deep Red , its themes and its legacy

Archival interviews with Dario Argento, Daria Nicolodi, Claudio Simonetti and long-time Argento collaborator Luigi Cozzi

US theatrical trailerM

*The English audio track on this original cut has some portions of English audio missing. English audio for these sections was never recorded for these scenes. As such, they are presented with Italian audio, subtitled in English.

Deep Red is a 1975 Italian Giallo by Dario Argento.
With David Hemmings, Daria Nicolodi and Gabriele Lavia.

The pre-cert video was seized by police during the Video Nasties panic. BBFC VHS and DVD release up to 2011 were cut for animal cruelty. Uncut since 2011. The film exists as the uncut Directors Cut in Italian and a shortened Export Version in English.

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

• 2021 Arrow [Italian + Export Versions] R0 4K Blu-ray/(RB) Blu-ray Combo at UK Amazon #ad released on 25th October 2021

Promotional Material

Description: From Dario Argento, maestro of the macabre and the man behind some of the greatest excursions in Italian horror (Suspiria, The Bird with the Crystal Plumage), comes Deep Red -- the ultimate giallo movie.

One night, musician Marcus Daly (David Hemmings, Blow Up), looking up from the street below, witnesses the brutal axe murder of a woman in her apartment. Racing to the scene, Marcus just manages to miss the perpetrator... or does he? As he takes on the role of amateur sleuth, Marcus finds himself ensnared in a bizarre web of murder and mystery where nothing is what it seems...

Aided by a throbbing score from regular Argento collaborators Goblin, Deep Red (aka Profondo Rosso and The Hatchet Murders) is a hallucinatory fever dream of a giallo punctuated by some of the most astonishing set-pieces the sub-genre has to offer.

4K BLU-RAY LIMITED EDITION CONTENTS

• New 4K restoration of both the original 127-minute Italian version and the 105-minute export version from the original negative by Arrow Films
• 4K (2160p) presentations of both versions in Dolby Vision (HDR10 compatible)
• Limited edition packaging with reversible sleeve featuring originally and newly commissioned artwork by Obviously Creative
• Illustrated collector's booklet featuring writing on the film by Alan Jones and Mikel J. Koven, and a new essay by Rachael Nisbet
• Fold-out double-sided poster featuring original and newly commissioned artwork by Obviously Creative
• Six double-sided, postcard-sized lobby card reproduction artcards

DISC ONE 4K BLU-RAY: DEEP RED ORIGINAL VERSION

• Restored original lossless mono Italian and English soundtracks*
• Optional lossless 5.1 Italian soundtrack
• English subtitles for the Italian soundtrack
• Optional English subtitles for the deaf and hard of hearing for the English soundtrack
• New audio commentary by critics Troy Howarth and Nathaniel Thompson
• Archival audio commentary by Argento expert Thomas Rostock
• Almost three hours of new interviews with members of the cast and crew, including co-writer/director Dario Argento, actors Macha Méril, Gabriele Lavia, Jacopo Mariani and Lino Capolicchio (Argento's original choice for the role of Marcus Daly), production manager Angelo Iacono, composer Claudio Simonetti, and archival footage of actress Daria Nicolodi
• Italian trailer
• Arrow Video 2018 trailer
• Image galleries

DISC 2 4K BLU-RAY: DEEP RED EXPORT VERSION

• Restored original lossless mono English soundtrack
• Optional English subtitles for the deaf and hard of hearing
• Archival introduction to the film by Claudio Simonetti of Goblin
• Profondo Giallo -- an archival visual essay by Michael Mackenzie featuring an in-depth appreciation of Deep Red, its themes and its legacy
• Archival interviews with Dario Argento, Daria Nicolodi, Claudio Simonetti and long-time Argento collaborator Luigi Cozzi
• US theatrical trailer

Steel Dawn is a 1987 USA action Sci-Fi adventure by Lance Hool.
Starring Patrick Swayze, Lisa Niemi and Anthony Zerbe.

Cut by the BBFC for the 18 rated 1988 VHS. The BBFC waived its cuts for 2003 15 rated DVD. Uncut and MPAA R rated in the US.

US: Uncut and MPAA R rated for:

• 2021 Lionsgate (RA) Blu-ray at US Amazon #ad released on 26th October 2021
• 2021 Lionsgate Amazon Prime VoD [US only] at US Amazon #ad

Promotional Material

"Whoever controls the water controls the valley," proclaims the evil Damnil in this cult favorite starring Patrick Swayze as Nomad, an ex-soldier roaming the desert wastes of a war-ravaged world. When his mentor is killed before he can take the job of peacemaker in the town of Meridian, Nomad lends the townspeople his fighting skills instead, gaining the trust of war widow Kasha and her son, Jux. But after Damnil learns of a secret water supply flowing under Kasha's farm, his thirst turns truly murderous in this dystopian '80s gem featuring Anthony Zerbe and Brion James.

Special Features and Technical Specs:

• Audio Commentary with Director Lance Hool
• Interview with Screenwriter Doug Lefler
• Interview with Director of Photography George Tirl
• Interview with Production Designer Alex Tavoularis and Costume Designer Poppy Cannon-Reese
• Archival Featurette: Making of Steel Dawn
• Still Gallery
• Theatrical Trailer
• Optional English, English SDH, and Spanish subtitles for the main feature

Scream is a 1996 USA crime horror mystery by Wes Craven.
With Neve Campbell, Courteney Cox and David Arquette.

Cut in the US for an R rated Theatrical Version. The Director's Cut is uncut but elusive. This release is the Theatrical Version.

See cuts details in Gavin Salkeld's Cutting Edge Episode 4: Scream

Summary Notes

A year after her mother's death, Sydney Prescott (Neve Campbell), and her friends started experiencing some strange phone calls. They later learned the calls were coming from a crazed serial killer, in a white faced mask and a large black robe, looking for revenge. His phone calls usually consist of many questions, the main one being: Whats your favorite scary movie? Along with many scary movie trivia, ending with bloody pieces of innocent lives scattered around the small town of Woodsboro.

UK: The cut Theatrical Version was passed 18 without BBFC cuts for:

• 2021 Paramount Home Entertainment R0 4K Blu-ray at UK Amazon #ad released on 18th October 2021
• 2021 Paramount Home Entertainment Amazon Prime VoD [UK only] at UK Amazon #ad

Promotional Material

Neve Campbell leads an all-star cast in this iconic slasher thriller that launched the Scream franchise and breathed new life into the horror genre. After a series of mysterious deaths befalls their small town, an offbeat group of friends led by Sidney Prescott (Campbell) becomes the target of a masked killer. As the body count rises, Sidney and her friends turn to the "rules" of horror films to help navigate the real-life terror they're living in. Also starring Courteney Cox, David Arquette, Skeet Ulrich, Matthew Lillard, Rose McGowan and Drew Barrymore. Buckle up for an irresistible killer ride!

Extras:

* A BLOODY LEGACY: SCREAM 25 YEARS LATER
* AUDIO COMMENTARY BY DIRECTOR WES CRAVEN AND WRITER KEVIN WILLIAMSON
* PRODUCTION FEATURETTE
* BEHIND THE SCENES
* Q&A WITH CAST AND CREW

Dragons Forever is a 1988 Hong Kong action comedy romance by Sammo Kam-Bo Hung and Corey Yuen (co-director).
Starring Jackie Chan, Sammo Kam-Bo Hung and Biao Yuen.

Exists in four variants: an Export version; a Hong Kong Version; a Japanese version which aggregates the Export and Hong Kong versions and adds outtakes to the credits; and a shortened French Version. A 1989 trailer was cut by the BBFC for a 15 rating.

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

• 2021 88 Films Steelbook Edition [Hong Kong + International + Japanese versions] RB Blu-ray at UK Amazon #ad released on 18th October 2021
• 2021 88 Films Amazon Prime VoD [UK only] at UK Amazon #ad

Promotional Material

Hotshot lawyer Jackie Lung (Jackie Chan) is hired to defend the owner of a factory which, unbeknownst to him, is the centre of a clandestine narcotics syndicate. He enlists resourceful acquaintances Wong Fei-Hung (Sammo Hung) and Dung Dak-Biu (Yuen Biao) to assist in the case, but loyalties begin to falter when romance blossoms between both sides.
Limited Edition 2-Disc Steelbook [2000 units only] with brand-new artwork by Thomas Walker
Features a double-walled full slipcase and poster

FEATURES (DISC 1)
* Brand New 4K Remaster of the Original Hong Kong Version [94 mins]
* Remastered Cantonese Mono with Newly Translated Subtitles
* Remastered Cantonese 5.1 DTS-HD MA created exclusively for this release with Newly Translated Subtitles
* Classic English Dub Hybrid Audio [Golden Harvest soundtrack, filled with Fortune Star's for sections not present in export version]
* [New] Audio Commentary by Hong Kong cinema experts Mike Leeder and Arne Venema
* [New] Benny Forever: Interview with Benny "The Jet" Urquidez
* [New] Discussing Dragons Forever: Interview with David Desser
* [New] Hong Kong Cinema Forever: Interview with Mike Leeder
* [New] Working with the Dragons: Interview with Jude Poyer
* [New] The Legacy of Dragons Forever Featurette with todays actors & martial artists including Troy Sandford, Chris Jones, Ross Boyask, Maria Tran, Mike Leeder, Jean-Paul Ly, Mark Strange, Mike Moeller, George Clarke, Jude Poyer & Steve Lawson
* Double Jeopardy: An Interview with Brad Allen
* Beyond Gravity: An Interview with Joe Eigo
* Kick Fighter: An interview with Andy Cheng
* Thai Breaker: An Interview with Billy Chow
* Deleted Scenes
* End Credits from the Japanese Version
* Behind the Scenes Footage
* English Trailer
* Hong Kong Trailer

FEATURES (DISC 2)
* Full CYCLONE Z Cut of the Film [98 mins] [Produced exclusively for the Japanese market, this Cantonese-language version includes two extra scenes and an ending with outtakes]. Newly restored Cantonese Soundtrack in Mono or 5.1 options and newly translated English Subtitles
* Recreated Export Version of the film [94 mins] [Commissioned by Golden Harvest for international audiences outside Asia] with the Full Classic English Dub and optional English SDH subtitles

TECHNICAL SPECS
* Region Code: B
* Audio: LPCM Stereo / 5.1 DTS-HD Master Audio
* Picture: 1080p HD 1.85:1
* Runtime: 94 mins approx [HK Cut]
* Runtime: 94 mins approx [International Cut]
* Runtime: 98 mins approx [Japanese Cut]
* Language: English / Cantonese
* Subtitles: English

Demons + Demons 2 is a double bill by Lamberto Bava
Starring Urbano Barberini, Natasha Hovey and Asia Argento

US: Uncut and MPAA Unrated for:

• 2021 Synapse Films R0 4K Blu-ray at US Amazon #ad released on 19th October 2021

Demons is a 1985 Italian horror by Lamberto Bava.
With Urbano Barberini, Natasha Hovey and Karl Zinny.

Cut by the BBFC for 18 rated cinema release, VHS and DVD until 2000. Uncut and 18 rated since 2006. Uncut and MPAA Unrated in the US albeit with soundtrack and dubbing changes, and the removal of product placements.

Demons 2 is a1986 Italy horror film by Lamberto Bava.
With David Edwin Knight, Nancy Brilli and Coralina Cataldi-Tassoni.

Uncut by the BBFC, originally 18 rated then reduced to 15 from 2010. Cut in the US for an R rating but the uncut version is released MPAA unrated.

Promotional Material

DEMONS (1985): A group of random people are invited to a screening of a mysterious movie, only to find themselves trapped in the theater with ravenous demons. DEMONS 2 (1986) A group of tenants and visitors are trapped in a 10-story high-rise apartment building infested with demons who proceed to hunt the dwindling humans down.

LIMITED EDITION SPECIAL FEATURES:

• New 4K restorations of both films from the original 35mm camera negatives!
• 4K (2160p) UHD
• presentations of both films in Dolby Vision (HDR10 compatible)
• Limited edition o-card/slipcover packaging featuring new artwork by Juan José Saldarriaga and Chris MacGibbon
• Reproduction of the original movie ticket from Demons
• A special Demons 2 birthday party invitation
• Included fold-out poster of Demons artwork from Wes Benscoter
• Reversible cover art
• 4K UHD All-region playback

DISC 1 (4K ULTRA HD): DEMONS

Two versions of the film: the full-length original cut in English and Italian, and the shorter U.S. version featuring alternate dubbing and sound effects

Uncompressed DTS-HD MA English & Italian 5.1/2.0 audio mixes on the original cut derived from the archival audio masters

Uncompressed DTS-HD MA English 2.0 U.S. theatrical mono audio newly remastered in 2021 by Synapse Films

New audio commentary by critics Kat Ellinger and Heather Drain, co-hosts of the Hell's Belles podcast

Audio commentary with director Lamberto Bava, SPFX artist Sergio Stivaletti, composer Claudio Simonetti and actress Geretta Geretta

Produced by Dario Argento: a new visual essay by author and critic Michael Mackenzie exploring the legendary filmmaker's career as a producer

Dario's Demon Days: interview with writer/producer Dario Argento

Defining an Era in Music: interview with Claudio Simonetti

Splatter Spaghetti Style: interview with long-time Argento collaborator Luigi Cozzi

Carnage at the Cinema: Lamberto Bava and His Splatter Masterpiece

Dario and Demons: Producing Monster Mayhem

Monstrous Memories: Luigi Cozzi on Demons

Profondo Jones: The Critical Perspective

Splatter Stunt Rock: interview with Ottaviano Dell'Acqua

Stivaletti Q & A at the 2019 UK 'Festival of Fantastic Films'

Original Italian and English international theatrical trailers

U.S. theatrical trailer

Newly translated optional English SDH subtitles for the English version

Newly translated English subtitles for the Italian version

DISC 2 (4K ULTRA HD): DEMONS 2

Uncompressed DTS-HD MA English 5.1 & Italian 5.1/2.0 audio mixes derived from the original archival audio masters

Uncompressed DTS-HD MA English 2.0 true stereo theatrical mix remastered in 2021 by Synapse Films

New audio commentary by film critic Travis Crawford

Bava to Bava: interview with Luigi Cozzi on the history of Italian horror

Creating Creature Carnage: interview with Sergio Stivaletti

Demonic Influences: Federico Zampaglione Speaks

The 'Demons' Generation: Roy Bava discusses a legacy in lacerations

The New Blood of Italian Horror featuring Sergio Stivaletti

Screaming for a Sequel: The Delirious Legacy of DEMONS 2 with Lamberto Bava

A Soundtrack for Splatter: interview with composer Simon Boswell

Together and Apart: a new visual essay on the space and technology in DEMONS and DEMONS 2 by author and critic Alexandra Heller-Nicholas

Original Italian and English theatrical trailers

Newly translated optional English SDH subtitles for the English version

Newly translated English subtitles for the Italian version

The Gestapo's Last Orgy is a 1977 Italian prison film by Cesare Canevari.
With Adriano Micantoni, Daniela Poggi and Maristella Greco.

Banned in the UK as a Video Nasty. Banned by the BBFC for video release in 2021. Available uncut in the US but there is also a cut version.

Bannable scenes include girls being dunked in quick-lime, girls fellating pistols and sodomising the commandant with the butt of a whip.

US: Uncut and MPAA Unrated for:

• 2021 88 Films (RA) Blu-ray at US Amazon #ad released on 19th October 2021

Promotional Material

Still banned in the UK as one of the infamous Video Nasties, in the tradition of The Night Porter, Salon Kitty and Salo only far more depraved comes perhaps the most notorious Nazisploitation epic of them all! Daniela Levy (aka Italian TV presenter and future UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador Daniela Poggi) stars as a beautiful young death camp prisoner forced into a nightmare of brutality, torment and sexual degradation. But will a Commandant's vilest urge trigger her ultimate vengeance? Marc Loud (aka Adriano Micantoni of Tomb Of Torture) co-stars in this fetid slice of filth-strudel also known as Last Orgy Of The Third Reich And Caligula Reincarnated As Hitler now presented on Blu-ray for the very first time and restored in 2K From the original negatives.

Bonus features include: Audio Commentary by Italian Movie Specialists Troy Howarth and Nathaniel Thomson, Complete and Uncut, Audio Commentary by Critic And Author Samm Deighan, Brand New 2K Restoration From the Original Camera Negatives, Restored English and Italian LPCM Soundtracks, Newly Translated English Subtitles

Escape Room 2: Tournament Of Champions is a 2021 US/South Africa action horror thriller by Adam Robitel
Starring Taylor Russell, Logan Miller and Deborah Ann Woll

Exists as a Theatrical Version and an Extended Cut. The film is 15 rated by the BBFC but only MPA PG-13 in the US.

Summary Notes

Six people unwillingly find themselves locked in another series of escape rooms, slowly uncovering what they have in common to survive. Joining forces with two of the original survivors, they soon discover they've all played the game before.

UK: Both version were passed 15 uncut for strong threat, violence

• 2021 Sony [Theatrical + Extended Version] (RB) Blu-ray at UK Amazon #ad released on 18th October 2021
• 2021 Sony [Theatrical Version only] R2 DVD at UK Amazon #ad released on 18th October 2021

Promotional Material

Escape Room 2: Tournament of Champions is the sequel to the box office hit psychological thriller that terrified audiences around the world. In this installment, six people unwittingly find themselves locked in another series of escape rooms, slowly uncovering what they have in common to survive... and discovering they've all played the game before.

Inglourious Basterds is a 2009 USA/Germany adventure drama war by Quentin Tarantino.
With Brad Pitt, Diane Kruger and Eli Roth.

The Theatrical and International Versions differ only in using a different mix of spoken language and subtitles, although there is a German variant with a little extra dialogue

US: Uncut and MPAA R rated for:

• 2021 Universal R0 4K Blu-ray at US Amazon #ad released on 12th October 2021

Promotional Material

Brad Pitt takes no prisoners in Quentin Tarantino's high-octane WWII revenge fantasy Inglourious Basterds. As war rages in Europe, a Nazi-scalping squad of American soldiers, known to their enemy as "The Basterds," is on a daring mission to take down the leaders of the Third Reich.

Bonus Content:

Includes 4K UHD, Blu-ray and a digital copy of Inglorious Basterds (Subject to expiration. Go to NBCUCodes.com for details.)

Features HDR10+ for Brighter, Deeper, More Lifelike Color

Extended & Alternate Scenes

Roundtable Discussion with Quentin Tarantino, Brad Pitt And Elvis Mitchell

The New York Times Talks

Nation's Pride - Full Feature

The Making of Nation's Pride

The Original Inglorious Bastards

A Conversation with Rod Taylor

Rod Taylor On Victoria Bitter

Quentin Tarantino's Camera Angel

Hi Sallys

Film Poster Gallery Tour with Elvis Mitchell

Inglourious Basterds Poster Gallery

Trailers

Killin' Nazis Trivia Challenge

Legend is a 1985 USA/UK romance by Ridley Scott.
Starring Tom Cruise and Mia Sara and Tim Curry.

Exists in 3 versions. A Director's Cut, A European Version and a shortened US Version.

Summary Notes

A demon who seeks to create eternal night by destroying the last of the unicorns and marrying a fairy princess is opposed by the forest boy Jack and his elven allies in this magical fantasy. Two different versions of this picture feature soundtracks by either Tangerine Dream or Jerry Goldsmith.

US: Uncut and MPAA Unrated for:

• 2021 Arrow Limited Edition [Director's Cut + US Theatrical Version] (RA) Blu-ray at US Amazon #ad released on 12th October 2021

Promotional Material

This is such stuff as dreams are made of. This is Legend.

After changing the face of science fiction cinema forever with Alien and Blade Runner, director Ridley Scott turned his visionary eye to the fantasy genre, teaming with writer William Hjortsberg (Angel Heart) to create a breathtaking cinematic fairytale with one of the screen's most astonishingly rendered depictions of Evil. In an idyllic, sun-dappled forest, the pure-hearted Jack (Tom Cruise) takes his true love Princess Lili (Mia Sara) to see a pair of unicorns frolicking at the forest's edge. Little do they know, however, that the Lord of Darkness (Tim Curry, in a remarkable make-up designed by The Thing's Rob Bottin) has dispatched his minions to capture the unicorns and sever their horns so that he may plunge the world into everlasting night. After Lili and the unicorns are taken prisoner, Jack must team with a group of forest creatures and descend into Darkness' subterranean lair to face off against the devilish creature before it is too late.

Despite a troubled production in which the elaborate full-size forest set was accidentally incinerated and a lengthy post-production that resulted in multiple versions of the film (with competing music scores by Jerry Goldsmith and Tangerine Dream), Legend has since been restored to Scott's original cut and embraced by generations of film fans eager to see a master director's unique vision of a world beyond our imagination.

The Phantom Of The Open is a 2021 UK comedy drama by Craig Roberts
Starring Rhys Ifans, Sally Hawkins and Mark Rylance

The story of golfer Maurice Flitcroft whose performance at the 1976 British Open Golf Championship made him a legend.

Exists in 2 versions. The Phantom Of The Open was cut for BBFC 12A rated cinema release in 2021.  The Fantastic Flitcrofts is uncut and BBFC 15 rated for cinema release in 2021.

 

Versions

cut cut:   run: 103m pal: 99m		UK: Passed 12A for infrequent strong language: 2021 cinema release titled The Phantom Of The Open Cut to reduce strong language.
uncut run: 103m pal: 99m		UK: Passed 15 uncut for strong language: 2021 cinema release titled The Fantastic Flitcrofts

Deadly Friend is a 1986 USA Sci-Fi horror thriller by Wes Craven.
Starring Matthew Labyorteaux and Kristy Swanson and Michael Sharrett.

The film was cut in the US for an MPAA R rating for cinema and VHS. The uncut version turned up for US DVD release in 2005.

Summary Notes

Paul Conway and his mother Jeannie Conway travel to a new town where Paul will join the local university invited by Dr. Johanson. They bring the robot BB that was developed by Paul, who is a genius in robotic. Paul befriends the paperboy Tom Toomey and has a crush on his next door neighbor Samantha Pringle, whose abusive alcoholic father Harry Pringle frequently hurts her. One day, Paul, Sam, Tom and BB are playing basketball and the ball fall in the field of their paranoid grumpy neighbor Elvira Parker that does not give it back to the teenagers. In Halloween, Tom convinces Paul to let BB open the padlock of the entrance to her house. However, there is an alarm system and Elvira blows up BB with her shotgun. Then Harry pushes her daughter down the stairs and the doctors let her brain-dead connected to the life support. However Paul convinces Tom to go to the hospital to rescue Sam and then he implants BB's chip into her brain resurrecting Samantha. But will she come back to life ...

US: Uncut and MPAA R rated for:

• 2021 SHOUT! FACTORY (RA) Blu-ray at US Amazon #ad released on 12th October 2021
• 2021 SHOUT! FACTORY Amazon Prime VoD [US only] at US Amazon #ad

Promotional Material

A lonely teenage genius has two best friends: his remarkable robot and a beautiful girl next door. When tragedy strikes them both, he desperately tries to save them by pushing technology beyond its mortal limits into a terrifying new realm. Like a modern-day Dr. Frankenstein, Paul discovers too late that he has created a rampaging monster.

The Beast ( La Bête) is a 1975 French erotic fantasy by Walerian Borowczyk.
With Sirpa Lane, Lisbeth Hummel and Elisabeth Kaza.

Originally banned by the BBFC for 1978 cinema release. A pre-cut version was then passed X by the GLC. The BBFC allowed a pre-cut video release in 1988 and finally passed the film uncut in 2001. There are now 2 uncut versions A shortened Director's Cut and a less liked Complete Version.

US: The Director's Cut is MPAA Unrated for:

• 2021 Arrow Video (RA) Blu-ray at US Amazon #ad released on 21st September 2021

Promotional Material

Walerian Borowczyk's most notorious film wildly re-works the classic Beauty and the Beast story into an adult fairy tale.

Bestial dreams interrupt the venal plans of a French aristocrat attempting to save a crumbling mansion by marrying off his deformed son, Mathurin, to a insatiable American heiress, Lucy. Yet Mathurin seems more interested in his horses than in his bride-to-be, and when Lucy finds out about the story of his 18th-century ancestor Romilda's (Sirpa Lane) relationship with the titular beast it sparks to life one of the most outrageous dream sequences in cinema history.

A huge hit in France that was extensively censored and banned elsewhere, The Beast broke new ground in sensual cinema and remains a truly startling experience even today.

SPECIAL EDITION CONTENTS:

• New high definition digital transfer of the uncut 98-minute version
• Uncompressed Mono 2.0 PCM Audio
• Optional English subtitles
• Introduction by film critic Peter Bradshaw
• The Making of The Beast: camera operator Noel Very provides a commentary on footage shot during the film's production
• Frenzy of Ecstasy, a visual essay on the evolution of Borowczyk's beast and the sequel that never was, Motherhood
• The Profligate Door, a documentary about Borowczyk's sound sculptures featuring curator Maurice Corbet
• Boro Brunch, a reunion meal recorded in February 2014 reuniting members of Borowczyk's crew
• Commercials by Borowczyk: Holy Smoke (1963), The Museum (1964) and Tom Thumb (1966)
• Gunpoint, a documentary short by Peter Graham produced and edited by Borowczyk (11:04)
• Behind Enemy Lines - The Making of Gunpoint (5:16)
• Theatrical trailer
• Reversible sleeve featuring Borowczyk's own original poster design
• Illustrated booklet featuring new writing on the film by Daniel Bird and an archive piece by David Thompson, illustrated with original stills

Scream is a 1996 USA crime horror mystery by Wes Craven.
With Neve Campbell, Courteney Cox and David Arquette.      

A killer known as Ghostface begins killing off teenagers, and as the body count begins rising, one girl and her friends find themselves contemplating the "Rules" of horror films as they find themselves living in a real-life one.

The film has generally been released in the Theatrical Version that was cut in the US  for an MPAA R rating. There is an uncut Director's Cut but this has proved elusive.

Now James has observed that the recent UK Blu-ray Trilogy release contains the Director's Cut. He writes:

I have the UK blu-ray trilogy from 2020 and it's definitely the director's cut, even if it isn't advertised as such. I've attached pictures of 2 shots that are only in the directors cut.

Update: Disagreement

26th October 2021. Thanks to Mark

Re your article about the recent Scream Trilogy Blu-Ray containing the unrated cut of the first movie. Unfortunately after checking and comparing it to the original release which I also have, they are identical. You only see the aftermath of the first killing and not the actual spilling of the guts.

And Ramsey also notes that the Trilogy Blu-ray features the cut MPAA R rated version.

Robotrix is a 1991 Hong Kong Sci-Fi adult comedy by Jamie Luk.
With Amy Yip, Chikako Aoyama and David Wu.

Cut by the BBFC for 18 rated 1987 VHS and again for 2013 DVD. The film was passed 18 uncut for 2021 Blu-ray. The Hong Kong release is Cat III uncut but IMDb notes that the Taiwanese release includes an extra comic plot scene.

UK: Passed 18 uncut for sexual violence, strong bloody violence, sex, nudity:

• 2021 88 Films Collector's Edition (RB) Blu-ray at UK Amazon #ad released on 20th September 2021

Promotional Material

From the heady days of early 90s Hong Kong exploitation cinema comes Robotrix, a hi-octane, fast and furious science fiction romp, packed with glorious action sequences and bonkers plotlines. When evil inventor Ryuichi Sakamato (Chung Lin) transfers his mind into that of a powerful cyborg, he becomes a murderer and rapist. But when one of his victims, Police officer Selena Lin (Chikako Aoyama) becomes super robot Eve-27, she teams up with android sidekick Ann (Amy Yip) and together they seek to bring the criminally insane scientist to justice.

Like a crazy mix of The Terminator (1981), The Power Rangers and of course, Robocop (1987) Robotrix, combines the mad doctor movie with extreme martial arts to deliver a sexy, seductive, bionic tale of lust and violence given a uniquely Asian futuristic spin.

LIMITED EDITION FEATURES

Rigid slipcase with brand new artwork by R.P. "Kung Fu Bob" O'Brien
Double-Sided Foldout Poster featuring new artwork and original HK poster
6 Replica Lobby Cards
80-page perfect-bound book including an interview with director Jamie Luk, an interview Robotrix actor Vincent Lyn, Robotrix versus censorship by Matthew Edwards, and VHS Cat III Cinema boom of the 90s by Tim Murray
Video Introduction with Director Jamie Luk
English LPCM Mono 2.0
Cantonese LPCM Mono 2.0 with English Subtitles
Cantonese LPCM Mono 2.0 with English SDH
Audio Commentary with Mike Leeder and Arne Venema
Scenes From the Alternative Version
English Language Titles
Hong Kong Trailer
English Trailer
Reversible sleeve with original Hong Kong poster art

The Last Duel is a 2021 USA drama by Ridley Scott
Starring Matt Damon, Adam Driver and Jodie Comer

King Charles VI declares that Knight Jean de Carrouges settle his dispute with his squire by challenging him to a duel.

Passed BBFC 18 uncut for sexual violence, strong bloody violence

Last Night in Soho is a 2021 UK horror mystery thriller by Edgar Wright
Starring Anya Taylor-Joy, Thomasin McKenzie and Diana Rigg

In acclaimed director Edgar Wright's psychological thriller, Eloise, an aspiring fashion designer, is mysteriously able to enter the 1960s where she encounters a dazzling wannabe singer, Sandie. But the glamour is not all it appears to be and the dreams of the past start to crack and splinter into something far darker.

Passed BBFC 18 uncut for strong bloody violence

The Telegraph film critic Robbie Collin has written questioning whether the BBFC are being too strict in the 18 rating for the Last Due and Last Night in Soho:

Borrowing from Kurosawa's Rashomon, Scott depicts the events leading to the duel from his three protagonists' very different perspectives, a narrative device that comes into its own in the depiction of the rape itself. For Driver, the attack is a transaction: he sees something he wants and takes it, while assuming his victim accepts on some deep level this is just how things work. To Comer, it is unthinkably traumatising, but also chillingly banal. The fundamental horror of Driver's actions isn't couched in striking camera angles or lurid stylistic flourishes.

It's what developmental psychologists might describe as a teachable moment: the scene lays bare the mechanisms of sexual violence so frankly that you sense it could give its audience a greater understanding of the subject. But alas, one particular group that might especially benefit -- older teenage boys -- has been prevented from seeing it in the first place.

A few days later, the same classification was handed down to Edgar Wright's Last Night in Soho: another film that addresses sexual violence in ways that could be instructive -- as opposed to scarring -- for younger viewers.

...

But for Scott's and Wright's films to be made out of bounds to every member of a demographic for whom the issues they address might hold particular pertinence feels like the opposite of good moral sense. Understanding often follows discomfort: in fact, the discomfort is often what makes the understanding stick.

  Jules And Jim is a 1962 France romance by François Truffaut
Starring Jeanne Moreau, Oskar Werner and Henri Serre

There are no cuts issues with this release. The BBFC rating was originally 'X' in 1962, and then PG from 1991 until to 2008. BBFC have just increased the rating to 12A over new sensitivities about discrimination and sex references.

Summary Notes

In pre-WWI Paris, two friends, Jules (Austrian) and Jim (French), fall in love with the same woman, Catherine. But Catherine loves and marries Jules. When they meet again in Germany after the war, Catherine starts to love Jim - This is the story of three people in love, a love that doesn't affect their friendship, and about how their relationship evolves with the years.

Versions

uncut run: 106m pal: 102m		UK: Passed 12A uncut with a BBFC trigger warning for discrimination, moderate bad language, sex references: 2021 cinema release titled Jules Et Jim
uncut run: 105:56s pal: 101:42s		UK: Passed PG uncut for mild language, sex references and brief drug reference: 2008 cinema release titled Jules Et Jim 2006 Cinema Club video titled Jules Et Jim UK: Passed PG uncut: 2002 Tartan Video Ltd video titled Jules Et Jim 1993 Artificial Eye Film Co. Ltd VHS titled Jules Et Jim 1991 cinema release titled Jules Et Jim
uncut run: 106:00s pal: 101:46s		UK: Passed X (16) uncut: 1962 cinema release

Alone in the Dark is a 1982 USA horror thriller by Jack Sholder.
Starring Jack Palance, Donald Pleasence and Martin Landau.

Uncut by the BBFC for 18 rated cinema release in 1982. However BBFC cuts were required for 18 rated VHS in 1987. Uncut and MPAA R rated in the US.

US: Uncut and MPAA R rated for:

• 2021 SHOUT! FACTORY (RA) Blu-ray at US Amazon #ad released on 14th September 2021

Promotional Material

At a secluded mental institution, Dr. Bain (Donald Pleasence) maintains order while electricity fuels the asylum's hi-tech security system that keeps the nearby neighborhoods safe from menaces like Frank Hawkes (Jack Palance) and "Preacher" (Martin Landau). Meanwhile a new doctor, Dan Potter (Dwight Schultz), arrives in town with his family, but the inmates don't take kindly to his presence and believe he has killed off their former therapist. Suddenly a power outage leaves the town in chaos...and now the maniacs are free to roam the streets and hunt down the man they believe has invaded their lives. With the area quickly descending into riots and chaos, the innocent few must fight for their lives when they're left terrified, cornered and alone in the dark!

Halloween 5: The Revenge of Michael Myers is a 1989 US horror thriller by Dominique Othenin-Girard
Starring Donald Pleasence, Danielle Harris and Ellie Cornell

Cut in the US to obtain an MPAA R rating. The same cut version was passed 18 for all UK releases since.

Note that extras on this release include the long-Lost Alternate Opening Sequence Featuring The Appearance Of Dr. Death and snippets Of Gore Cut To Obtain An R-Rating.

Summary Notes

It's one year later after the events of Halloween 4. Michael survives the shootings and on October 31st he returns with a vengeance. Lurking and stalking, Jamie, Rachel, and Rachel's friends, Michael forms a plan to lure Jamie out of the children's hospital where events lead up to the confrontation at the Myers house. Halloween 5 is a dark, thrill ride that will scare the heck out of you!

US: Uncut and MPAA R rated for:

• 2021 SHOUT! FACTORY Collector's Edition R0 4K Blu-ray at US Amazon #ad released on 5th October 2021

Promotional Material

After lying in a coma for a year, Michael Myers awakens and stalks his way back to his hometown with the intent again on killing his niece, Jamie (Danielle Harris), who has been confined to a mental institution since Michael's last attempt to slay her. Suspecting a psychic link between Michael and Jamie, psychiatrist Dr. Sam Loomis (Donald Pleasence) attempts to stop Michael's latest rampage.

Bonus Features DISC ONE (4K UHD):

• NEW 2021 4K Scan Of The Original Camera Negative
• NEW 2021 Dolby Atmos Track
• Audio Commentary With Actor Don Shanks And Author Justin Beahm
• Audio Commentary With Director Dominique Othenin-Girard And Actors Danielle Harris And Jeffrey Landman

DISC TWO (BLU-RAY):

• NEW 2021 4K Scan Of The Original Camera Negative
• NEW 2021 Dolby Atmos Track
• Audio Commentary With Don Shanks And Justin Beahm
• Audio Commentary With Dominique Othenin-Girard, Danielle Harris, And Jeffrey Landman
• NEW Long-Lost Alternate Opening Sequence Featuring The Appearance Of Dr. Death
• NEW Extra Snippets Of Gore Cut To Obtain An R-Rating
• NEW "Of Darkness And Shadows -- The Cinematography of Halloween 5 " -- An Interview With Cinematographer Robert Draper
• "Inside Halloween 5 "
• "Dead Man's Party -- The Making Of Halloween 5 " -- A Two-part Featurette
• "On The Set: Behind-The-Scenes Footage"
• Horror's Hallowed Grounds -- A Look At The Original Filming Locations
• Halloween 5 Original Promo
• Theatrical Trailer
• TV Spots
• NEW Newspaper Ad Still Gallery By Drive-In Asylum
• Still Gallery

Onibaba is a 1964 Japan horror drama by Kaneto Shindô.
Starring Nobuko Otowa and Jitsuko Yoshimura and Kei Satô.

Banned by the BBFC for 1965 cinema release. Later cut by the BBFC for an X rated cinema release in 1968. Uncut and BBFC 15 rated for UK home video. Uncut and MPAA Unrated in the US.

US: Uncut and MPAA Unrated for:

• 2021 The Criterion Collection (RA) Blu-ray at US Amazon #ad released on 5th October 2021

Promotional Material

Deep in the windswept marshes of war-torn medieval Japan, an impoverished older woman and her daughter-in-law murder lost samurai and sell their belongings for the most meager of sustenance. When a bedraggled neighbor returns from battle, lust, jealousy, and rage threaten to destroy the trio's tenuous existence, before an ominous, ill-gotten demon mask seals their horrifying fate. Driven by primal emotions, dark eroticism, a frenzied score by Hikaru Hayashi, and stunning images both lyrical and macabre, the chilling folktale Onibaba by Kaneto Shindo conjures a nightmarish vision of humankind's deepest desires and impulses.

BLU-RAY SPECIAL EDITION FEATURES
 

- Restored high-definition transfer, with uncompressed monaural soundtrack

- Audio commentary from 2001 featuring director Kaneto Shindo and actors Kei Sato and Jitsuko Yoshimura

- Interview from 2003 with Shindo

- On-location footage shot by Sato

- Trailer

- PLUS: An essay by film critic Elena Lazic, a 2001 director's statement by Shindo, and a version of the Buddhist fable that inspired the film