Blu-ray Ripper…Blue Underground USA to release The New York Ripper on Blu-ray

The uncut all regions Blu-ray is available at US Amazon for release on 29th September 2009 The uncut all regions Blu-ray is available via UK Amazon for release on 29th September 2009Read the Latest Cuts Info on MelonFarmers.co.uk

The New York Ripper is a 1982 Italian film by Lucio Fulci The Notorious Fulci film is slated for its first release on Blu-ray. Blue Underground in the US will release an all regions Blu-ray version on 29th September 2009. When submitted in 2007 for a UK DVD release, the film was shorn of 34s with the following BBFC comment: Cuts were required to remove sexualised violence (a naked and bound woman’s stomach and breasts being mutilated with a razor) See review from US Amazon:  Darkest and goriest The New York Ripper was a great Italian horror film from Lucio Fulci, the film was filled with plenty of gruesome death scenes and lots of sleaze, sex and nudity in fact its probably one of the sleaziest Italian horror flicks I’ve ever seen. It was also notorious for being banned in the U.K. This is easily one of Lucio Fulci’s darkest and goriest films out there (O.K. maybe not THE goriest, I still think that Cat In The Brain holds that title), there is one scene that was quite sick and perverse that’s guaranteed to make you squirm, yes I’m talking about the “Golden Toes” scene. When an old man finds a prostitute’s severed hand under the Brooklyn Bridge the police decide to do a little investigating. It seems that the victim was heard speaking to a strange duck-voiced man. As the murders add up the police detective who’s investigating the case recruits a psychology professor to help find out who this Donald Duck voiced maniac could be This is a typical Fulci flick which means that the plot gets thinner during the course of the film and the bad acting which was adequate especially for this type of film could have been better but that’s not important, if your a hardcore Fulci or exploitation fan then you’ll obviously love this as the death scenes were quite brutal and very nasty. I have to admit that I really liked this film a lot and it was one of Fulci’s best, while not a classic like Zombi 2, it was still great and enjoyable.

Playing the Advertising Game…Advertising codes for video games updated in response to Tanya Byron’s recommendations

Based on article from cap.org.uk Read more ASA Advert Censorship on MelonFarmers.co.uk

Dr Tanya Byron’s review, Safer Children in a Digital World,  looked at the advertising of video games, its effect on children and the clarity of guidance to the industry. Advertising codes are the responsibility of two industry Committees independently administered by the Advertising Standards Authority (ASA): the Committee of Advertising Practice (CAP) the Broadcast Committee of Practice (BCAP) The Review made two recommendations to the advertising self-regulatory system, specifically on its rules and guidance: …that the video games industry and the advertising industry should work together to ensure consistency of approach between advertising self-regulation and the video games classification systems … that the advertising and video game industries, and those responsible for the classification of video games should work together to produce CAP and BCAP guidance on the advertising of video games. The Review also highlighted the granularity of codes and guidance relating to ads for video games and encouraged CAP and BCAP to introduce, during the Code Review, placement and scheduling restrictions on ads for age-rated video games. The ASA, CAP and BCAP have now actioned Byron’s recommendations: In 2008, the ASA conducted a Video Games Advertising Survey to assess the compliance rate of advertising for video games against the Codes. In its Code Review consultation, BCAP proposed a new scheduling rule for ads for video games, which mirrors the scheduling restrictions already in place for ads for films and videos. The proposed rule would prevent video games carrying an 18+, 16+ or 15+ rating from being advertising in or adjacent to programmes commissioned for, principally directed at or likely to appeal particularly to audiences below the age of 16. CAP and BCAP have compiled new Guidance, which is intended to help advertisers and media owners on both broadcast and non-broadcast ads for video games. The Guidance draws together all of CAP and BCAP’s existing guidance on ads for video games and films, as well as lessons from relevant ASA adjudications, to provide a useful, central source of information. The Guidance will also apply to ads for films because they too have the potential to breach the Advertising Codes through unsuitable scheduling or placement or through the content of the ad. To assist the advertising industry further, CAP and BCAP will host an Advice:am seminar on video games and films ads on 15 September this year. The seminar will clarify the Codes’ requirements on ads for video games and films and to provide a forum for stakeholders to ask questions about those requirements. So, by launching new, consolidated Guidance, proposing a TV scheduling rule for video games ads based on the existing rule for ads for films, and by hosting an Advice:am seminar, CAP and BCAP are working with the industry to make sure the dos and don’ts of advertising video games and films are clear. That way, CAP and BCAP can help ensure ads for video games and films remain responsible and that children are protected from potentially harmful or distressing ad content.

Undamned…BBFC cuts waived to Amsterdamned by Dick Maas

The uncut region 2 DVD is available at UK Amazon for release on 28h September 2009 Read the Latest Cuts Info on MelonFarmers.co.uk

Amsterdamned is a 1988 Dutch action film by Dick Maas BBFC cuts were waived for the 2009 DVD from Nouveaux Pictures. The certificate was also reduced to 15. Previously the 1989 cinema release and the Locus Video of 1989 were similarly cut. Thanks to Bleach: At 52 mins -When knife protrudes through rubber dinghy on which woman is sunbathing, zoom in to close up of knife between woman’s parted legs, pantied crotch to camera, was removed. See review from IMDb: Aquatic serial killer Dutch director Dick Maas clearly has a flair for entertainment. This serial killer film is lifted above the norm by a series of fantastic sequences; from creepy murder scenes to a hilariously over the top speed boat chase through the canals of Amsterdam, Amsterdamned is a delight to watch from start to finish. The plot is basically your run of the mill serial killer yarn, but it’s lifted above the norm because of the fact that the murderer himself is water-based. Amsterdam’s canals make for his home, as the murderous diver drags anyone who comes too close to the river to their doom. We follow the trail of murders and the police investigation into the crimes. Dick Maas bombards the audience with stunning location shots, deliriously entertaining sequences and some very sinister moments of horror to ensure that Amsterdamned never becomes trite or dull – and besides, every time there’s a danger of the film going downhill, our competent director is on hand with another grisly murder sequence! The atmosphere is always foreboding as it is made clear that the murderer could strike at any time. I’ve got to say that I was a little disappointed by the end. However it doesn’t really matter how it ends because you’ve just witnessed what is one of the finest films ever to come out of the Netherlands. Personally, I loved every minute of this great film and really can’t recommend it highly enough!

Sausage Head Advert Censors…ASA claim sausage innuendo may harm older children

Based on article from asa.org.uk Read more ASA Advert Censorship on MelonFarmers.co.uk

Four radio ads, for Mattesons smoked sausages, which were broadcast on Forth One, Clyde Radio and Real Radio, featured a male voice, which stated Mmm, Mattesons smoked pork sausage … . It continued: a. Think about all the things you can stick this tasty, extraordinarily large sausage in. Mmm. Pizza, pasta, stir fry. You have any ideas? Give me a call and tell me where you like to stick it. Ladies, Im waiting for your call … Mmm, Mattesons smoked pork sausage. You want it. b. You’ve all been telling me where you like to stick it. Jenny certainly let her imagination run riot. A female voice stated: I stick mine in a nice warm casserole but some evenings when Im alone I like to stick it, in my pasta salad. The male voice continued: I wondered what she was going to say there. Ladies, keep telling me where you like to stick yours … Mmm, Mattesons smoked pork sausage. You want it. c. You’ve all been calling in, telling me where you like to stick it. This was Leslies response. A female voice stated: I stick mine in a hot creamy pasta, theres nothing like a saucy sausage. The male voice continued: I’m sure the ladies out there would agree, eh? Keep the calls coming, tell me where you like to stick yours … Mmm, Mattesons smoked pork sausage. You want it. d. You’ve all been telling me where you like to stick it. This was one of my favourites. A female voice stated I’m renowned for my big sausage hot pot. People are always calling by for a bit and my husband Roger loves it. The male voice continued: Roger that Fiona. Ladies, keep telling me where you like to stick yours … Mmm, Mattesons smoked pork sausage. You want it. The ASA received 21 complaints from listeners who heard the ads at various times throughout the day. 1. All 21 listeners believed the ads were offensive, because they contained inappropriate sexual innuendo. 2. Seven listeners also believed the ads were not suitable to be broadcast when children were likely to be listening. ASA Assessment 1. Not upheld The ASA noted the ads were intended to be light-hearted and considered that the opening line Mmm, Mattesons smoked pork sausage … made clear that they were referring to food. We acknowledged that some viewers might find the humour in the ads in poor taste but considered that the innuendo was not sexually explicit; it was clear that the ads were referring to food using tongue-in-cheek humour. We concluded that the ads were unlikely to cause serious or widespread offence. 2. Upheld We considered that young children would be unlikely to understand the innuendo in the ads. However, although it was not sexually explicit, the innuendo was sufficiently strong to present a problem if it was heard by older children. We concluded that the ads could cause harm to children and, because they had not been scheduled away from times when children might be listening, had not been appropriately scheduled. The ads must not be broadcast in or around programmes likely to be heard by a significant number of children.

Ofcom Internet Censors…Beware that websites associated with UK adult broadcasters are now meant to be strictly softcore

Based on article from ofcom.org.uk Read more Ofcom TV Censorship on MelonFarmers.co.uk

Ofcom Sex Station Lucky Star, 21 May 2009, 21:00 Sex Station is free-to-air and unencrypted programming on the channel Lucky Star, located in the ‘adult’ section of the Sky EPG. The channel broadcasts programmes based on interactive ‘adult’ sex chat services: viewers are invited to contact female on-screen presenters via premium rate telephony services. The female presenters dress provocatively and encourage viewers to contact them. As part of a separate investigation into the channel, Ofcom noted that during content broadcast on the channel after 21:00, the website URL http://www.sexstationtv.com was broadcast at intervals, in scrolling form across the screen. Ofcom noted that on visiting the website there were no mandatory forms of age verification in place to enter the website. To access videos available on the website, users were required to complete mandatory age verification checks. Ofcom noted however that the Website contained a number of unprotected free-to-view still pornographic images. Ofcom considered that these images were equivalent to BBFC R18-rated material. Although the still images on the Website were not broadcast on-air, Ofcom was concerned that the Website URL was being promoted free-to-air. This was especially of concern, given Ofcom’s previously published Finding on 21 July 2008 and 18 May 2009 against RHF Productions Ltd. These findings made it clear that it was a breach of the Code for free-to-air and unencrypted channels to make promotional references to website URLs which led to content that was equivalent to R18-rated material unless appropriate protection was in place. Ofcom considered: Rule 2.1 (generally accepted standards) Rule 2.3 (broadcasters must ensure that material which may cause offence is justified by context) Ofcom Decision: Breach of 2.1 and 2.3 In a finding of 21 July 2008 Ofcom stated that: While the content of…websites is not in itself broadcast material, and therefore not subject to the requirements of the Code, any on-air references to…websites are clearly broadcast content. Such references must therefore comply with the Code. Broadcasters may legitimately promote their own websites. While Ofcom does not regulate broadcasters’ websites, the 21 July 2008 Finding made clear: In no circumstances may such websites contain R18 material if they are promoted on a licensed service. Similarly, as the RHF Sanctions Decision stated: The broadcast of R18-rated equivalent material, or website URLs whose websites lead to R18-rated equivalent material, is totally unacceptable. Ofcom took into consideration: the broadcaster’s apology; that the Website URL was broadcast intermittently after the 21:00 watershed, when it was likely that fewer children would be viewing; and the channel is found in the ‘adult’ section of the EPG; and the fact that, although the broadcaster should have been aware of the contents of the 21 July 2008 Finding, it did remove all Website URLs from its programming, on becoming aware of the RHF Sanctions Decision. Nonetheless, in this case the Website URL was broadcast free-to-air, and it was possible to enter the Website (via the Website URL), without undergoing any mandatory age verification checks. On the Website were a number of free-to-view pornographic images that Ofcom considered were equivalent to R18-rated material. The fact that, for example, the promotional references to the Website URL were broadcast on a channel in the ‘adult’ section of the EPG and the nature of the content on Lucky Star, did not justify by the context the broadcast of these references. There was therefore a breach of generally accepted standards.

Gay Times…TV Censor Ofcom sets 11pm watershed for sex channel promotions

Based on article from ofcom.org.uk Read more Ofcom TV Censorship on MelonFarmers.co.uk

Gay TV promotion broadcast free-to-view Gay TV, 26 March 2009, 22:00 Gay TV is a channel located in the adult section of the Electronic Programme Guide on both Sky and Virgin which specialises in showing homosexual adult-sex material. It is owned and operated by RHF Productions Limited, which is also the Licensee. Most of this content is broadcast encrypted in accordance with the requirements of the Code. However, in common with a number of other adult-sex channels, it also broadcasts short free-to-air promotions usually between 10 and 15 minutes in length after 20:00. Their purpose is to encourage viewers to subscribe to the encrypted adult-sex service. One viewer complained to Ofcom that material transmitted in a free-to-view promotion by Gay TV from 22:00 on 26 March 2009 was too explicit for the time of broadcast. Ofcom noted that in this promotion some of the male presenters spoke to camera fully naked with their genitals in full view and on occasion in close up. Brief but non-explicit sequences of sexual activity, where genitals were frequently and clearly visible, were also shown and on occasions the genitals were being handled. In addition, some explicit sexual language was used by the presenters. Examples included: I’m aching to show you all the big dicks we have…getting hard for you tonight… we will be unloading our balls all over big hot studs… it’s explicit sucking and fucking action…these boys are fresh and their cocks are throbbing to get some tight arse it’s all about cock so come in and get some tonight… cock after cock after cock, giving and taking it until everyone blows their load. Ofcom considered rules: 2.1 (the broadcaster must apply generally accepted standards) 2.3 (offensive material must be justified by the context). Ofcom Decision: Breach of Rules 2.1 and 2.3 Ofcom noted the two graphic images of male genitalia referred to by the broadcaster. In addition however it also featured frequent scenes which focussed in close-up on genitals much of which had a graphic sexual element to it and brief clips of ‘real couples’ having sex which, although brief and without any sexual nudity, would have left viewers in no doubt as to what was being depicted. It also featured a number of close-ups of the presenters’ genitals as they spoke to camera with their legs spread apart including one presenter led segment where the camera moved slowly in close up on his genitals whilst he spoke. In addition, as described above, some extremely explicit sexual language was employed. The material in this promotion therefore had the potential to cause offence. Ofcom then had to consider whether this potentially offensive material was justified by the context. In doing so we noted first that it was broadcast an hour after the watershed at 22:00 on a channel located in the ‘adult’ section of the EPG and was preceded by a warning that it was aimed at a “mature audience aged 18 or over”. However, the use of material potentially suitable for broadcast only under encryption in promotions such as this requires particular care, precisely to avoid the inclusion of inappropriate and/or unacceptable material, however, brief. Ofcom disagreed with the broadcaster’s assertion that this material was justified by the context because it was transmitted “well after” the watershed. Ofcom does not consider that 22:00 is so significantly past the watershed that audience expectations will have evolved to the point that such explicit material as was included in this promotion (broadcast without mandatory access restrictions) could be transmitted at 22:00 without a correspondingly significant amount of justification for doing so. Similarly, the warning provided by the broadcaster on this occasion (i.e. that it was aimed at an audience aged 18 and over) did not, in Ofcom’s view, adequately convey the strength of some of the sexual material that was broadcast. This is particularly the case when taking into account that it was freely available to view by anyone who might have come across it unawares. Ofcom did not agree with the broadcaster’s assessment that the current frequency with which it alleged it is “normal” to see male genitals in ‘adult’ promotions that are broadcast without mandatory access restrictions meant that the range and extent of the genitals on show in this promotion was acceptable or that it was on a par with similar heterosexual material. Similarly, while Ofcom accepts that there is some editorial justification for the use of strong sexual language used in tandem with sexual images in promotions broadcast without mandatory access restrictions, broadcasters cannot assume that the requirements of Section Two of the Code cease to apply at all. In this case the use of language such as “it’s explicit sucking and fucking action…these boys are fresh and their cocks are throbbing to get some tight arse…cock after cock after cock giving and taking it until everyone blows their load” was unacceptable for broadcast at 22:00 particularly when combined with a number of extremely explicit images of genitals and brief scenes of ‘real’ sex. In addition, Ofcom notes the advice given by the ITC (as described by Gay TV) related to what images could be broadcast, Gay TV said that the ITC had indicated to in 1998 that there were key differences between homosexual and heterosexual content which meant that more shots of genitalia could be shown in homosexual content. However, the Licensee was unable to provide any written evidence of the advice given by the ITC ten years ago. In assessing this particular case, Ofcom took into account the combined effect of the use of explicit images of genitals – including two for which the Licensee has apologised –with the use of some extremely explicit sexual language and it was clear to Ofcom that such material went beyond any apparent advice which was given over ten years ago by a different regulator and under a different Code. This promotion was broadcast without access restrictions only one hour after the watershed. In assessing this content under the current Code, Ofcom did not find it comparable with the type of material which might be more acceptable for broadcast without access restrictions after 23:00. Taking all of the above into account, the broadcaster did not apply generally accepted standards and this promotion was therefore in breach of Rules 2.1 and 2.3. Comment: Early to Bed and Frustration 22nd July, thanks to Alan Why the hell does Ofcom insist that everybody who wants to watch porn has to be (1) rich enough to afford pay TV and (2) a “nighthawk”? There must surely be porn lovers who want a swift J Arthur at half past nine before having an early night at ten, as well as strapped for cash and therefore preferring to get their porn free.

99 Cuts…Versions of Jess Franco’s 99 Women

The Director’s Cut region 1 DVD is available at US Amazon The X rated region 1 DVD is available at US Amazon The X rated region 0 DVD is available via UK Amazon Read the Latest Cuts Info on MelonFarmers.co.uk

99 Women is a 1969 Liechtenstein/Spain/Italy/West Germany/UK women in prison film by Jesus Franco The Redemption video was cut in 2007 with the following BBFC comment: Distributor was required to cut sight of animal cruelty (a snake being stabbed and hacked at by a woman using a knife) Previously the cinema version was rejected way back in 1969 Presumably the UK releases are based on the director approved version. There are two ‘uncut’ versions doing the rounds: An official unrated Director’s Cut as approved as the preferred version by Franco A French local version with nearly irrelevant hardcore added in by another director shooting new footage. This is generally referred to as the X rated version See review from IMDb: A bit disappointing The newest batch of detainees arrives at a remote women’s prison. The fortress-like prison is ruled with an iron hand by Thelma Diaz (Mercedes McCambridge), a woman who has no qualms against death or torture. But when a new state official takes notice of the body count coming out of the prison, Diaz must prove her ability and hide the truth. As the powers that be turn up the pressure it sets up a daring escape by several of the ladies. “Women in prison” flicks can be a mixed bag. Many offer the usual softcore action (usually of the lesbian variety) and / or nasty torture sequences that often exploit. But 99 Women doesn’t really offer too much of either. 99 is actually more artistic than most of the “W.I.P.” films that I’ve seen and as a result it comes off as a bit bland. The photography is fine but with most of the action taking place indoors the camera-work is not flashy. The acting is pretty decent but the script is a bit “talky” in an unnecessary way. The softcore action is not awfully titillating since many of the scenes are shot in an “artistic” fashion the X-rated version does offer some hardcore inserts but you can easily tell they were added much latter since they don’t match. “99 Women” has some style but not a lot of substance. A bit disappointing.

Playing a Fascist Tune…UK government insist on vetting the bands at your local pub

Based on article from independent.co.uk Read more UK Government Censorship on MelonFarmers.co.uk

Live music is fast disappearing from pubs, clubs, wine bars, restaurants and other small venues, musicians claim, because of a law passed in 2003. Hopes were raised recently when the Commons Select Committee on Culture, Media and Sport ended a lengthy investigation into the 2003 Licensing Act by recommending that venues with a capacity of fewer than 200 people should be exempt. But this week, the Culture Secretary, Ben Bradshaw surely, gave the Government’s reply: it does not matter how small a venue is, it can still attract trouble. Bradshaw has agreed to revisit the issue, but not for at least a year, by which time there could be a different government. If there is a folk singer or rapper in the pub, there has to be a special licence called a Temporary Event Notice (TEN). According to the Musicians’ Union, small venues have stopped putting on live music because managements do not want the hassle of filling out lengthy and intrusive forms. In London, which has perhaps the most vibrant live music scene of all, there is the additional hazard of form 696, compiled by Scotland Yard, which some people suspect is a deliberate device for suppressing the forms of music that black and Asian teenagers enjoy – dubstep, hip hop, ragga, and the rest. The original version of form 696, since amended, asked after the ethnic background of all performers, and for their mobile phone numbers. Lowkey, a British-Iraqi rapper, added: I’ve seen it doing the clubs. On a night when they are expecting the white audience, there will be one bouncer on the door. On the next night, when there is a black audience, there will be bouncers everywhere, metal detectors, you have to show your passport and give your address. that kind of thing. They just assume that where there is a lot of brown people, there is going to be violence. But Bradshaw said that his department has considered exemptions for small venues, but has not been able to reach agreement on exemptions that will deliver an increase in live music whilst still retaining essential protections for local residents. There is no direct link between size of audience or number of performers and potential for noise nuisance or disorder, he claimed. His decision provoked a furious reaction from musicians. Feargal Sharkey, chief executive of the charity UK Music, and former lead singer of the punk rock group the Undertones, said: After six years of legislation, eight consultations, two government research projects, two national review processes and a parliamentary select committee report, all of which have highlighted the harmful impact these regulations are having on the British music industry, the Government’s only reaction is yet another review. The Met says that the form is simply a tool for protecting the public, including the young people at these gigs, and that, even when there is a high risk of trouble, it is very unlikely that police will close the venue. It happened eight times last year. But on the Downing Street website there is a petition, organised by the singer Jon McClure, to scrap the unnecessary and draconian usage of the 696 form from London music events. It has attracted 17,405 signatures. Gordon Brown has not yet responded.

Complaints Aborted…ASA finds that morning after pill advert wasn’t offensive

Based on article from asa.org.uk See advert on YouTube Read more ASA Advert Censorship on MelonFarmers.co.uk

A TV ad for Levonelle One Step emergency contraception featured cartoon-style animation of a worried-looking woman lying in bed next to a snoring man. Above her head a condom balloon floated round the room and burst to reveal the text The ‘condom split’ one. The woman was then shown on a bus near to another woman holding a crying baby. Text on the window of the bus stated The ‘I’m not ready for that’ one. The ad then featured the woman walking into a chemist where she was given Levonelle One Step by a female pharmacist. The text The ‘only over the counter’ one appeared as she picked up the product. The woman was shown walking out of the chemist with a smile on her face as the text The ‘what a relief’ one appeared on a billboard. A female voice-over said Levonelle One Step 72 hour emergency contraception. More effective the sooner you take it. On-screen text during the ad stated Emergency contraception and advice can also be obtained from your GP, Family Planning Clinic or NHS Walk-in Centre” and “Contains levonorgestrel. Always read the label. Not 100% effective. 112 viewers, who believed the light-hearted, cartoon style of the ad trivialised a serious issue and might lead young people to think that unprotected sex was not a problem and therefore encourage promiscuity, challenged whether the ad was offensive. Clearcast said the ad offered help to those who feared they might become pregnant through no fault of their own, rather than because they were indulging in promiscuous or unsafe sex. The ad featured a condom splitting and therefore encouraged safe sex while pointing out that accidents could happen. The ad, and on-screen text in particular, made it clear that the product was for emergencies rather than something to be used in a casual manner. They believed the public information tone of the ad justified the use of animation, which was not graphic in itself and did not contain any overt references to sex. Because of the adult theme, they had given the ad a post-9pm restriction in order to keep the ad away from younger viewers. ASA Assessment: Complaints not upheld The ASA noted that the visuals and on-screen text referred to the fact that a condom had split, and we considered that it was clear that the couple’s method of contraception had failed, rather than that they had had unprotected sex. We also noted that the voice-over and on-screen text referred to the product as emergency contraception, and we considered that it was also clear from the ad that the product was designed to be used in a specific situation where a contraceptive mishap had occurred, rather than as a regular form of contraception. We noted that the woman looked worried as she was shown sitting in bed and on the way to the chemist, and we considered that the ad suggested that her situation was not trivial but of concern to her. We considered that the animation did not present the woman in a glamorous or fashionable way, and we therefore considered that the style of the ad was unlikely to have particular appeal to young people. Because of that, and because we considered that the ad as a whole did not trivialise the issue of emergency contraception or encourage unprotected sex, we concluded that the ad would not cause serious or widespread offence.

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No Angels…Angels and Demons pre-cut for its 12A cinema release

Thanks to Gav See article from bbfc.co.ukRead the Latest Cuts Info on MelonFarmers.co.uk

Angels & Demons is a 2009 US drama by Ron Howard The pre-cut cinema release was passed 12A without further cuts in 2009. The BBFC stated: This film was originally shown to the BBFC in an unfinished version. The BBFC advised the company that the film was likely to receive a ’15’ classification but that the requested ’12A’ certificate could be achieved by making reductions in four scenes. In particular the BBFC suggested that sight of blood splattering onto a character’s face, sight of a character screaming in pain as he burns, sight of a wound being injected and sight of a character self-immolating and burning should all be reduced. When the finished version of the film was submitted, all these reductions had been made satisfactorily and the film was classified ’12A’. The BBFC further explained their 12A rating: ANGELS & DEMONS is a thriller drama about attempts to stop a secret organisation from destroying the Papacy. It was passed ’12A’ for scenes of moderate violence and horror. These include the sight of a dead man with a rat eating inside the corpse’s mouth, a man bleeding on the steps of the Vatican, a bound man dangling over a fire as attempts are made to save him and a man setting himself on fire. These are permitted under ’12A’ Guidelines which say that violence must not dwell on detail; and there should be no emphasis on injuries or blood although occasional gory moments are allowed. Sustained moderate threat or menace are permitted under ’12A’ Guidelines. There is such tension as a couple of men find themselves trapped in an airtight underground library after the ventilation system has failed. In a different scene, a bound man with a weight tied around him is thrown into water; he struggles fitfully under water before being rescued. There is also mild language. The mild language is infrequent and includes ‘hell’ and ‘bastard’.