The Demoniacs…1973 French/Belgian horror by Jean Rollin, previously cut by the BBFC, set for UK 4K Blu-ray release on 22nd April 2024 now uncut with a long extended version

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The Demoniacs is a 1973 French/Belgian horror by Jean Rollin. With Joëlle Coeur, Willy Braque and Paul Bisciglia. Cut by the BBFC for 18 rated UK DVD releases. Later the Extended Version was passed 18 uncut for Blu-ray. There are 2 cut variants in the US with one that claims that it is Director Approved. Summary Notes A gang of pirates rape the two sole survivors of a ship wreck. The violated girls are rescued by the strange inhabitants of a supposedly haunted island, where they are granted supernatural powers to strike revenge against the pirates. UK: Uncut and BBFC 18 rated for sexual violence, strong sex, nudity: 2024 Powerhouse Films Limited Edition (Theatrical + Extended Version + Curse of the Living Dead) R0 4K Blu-ray at UK Amazon #ad released on 22nd April 2024 2024 Powerhouse Films Limited Edition (Theatrical + Extended Version + Curse of the Living Dead) R0 Blu-ray at UK Amazon #ad released on 22nd April 2024 Promotional Material “The Demoniacs (Les Démoniaques) sees director Jean Rollin eschew his regular subject of vampirism for a brutal nautical tale of ritual horror and supernatural vengeance. A gang of ruthless pirates, known as ‘the wreckers’, rape two survivors of a shipwreck. The women, now mute, are guided by a mysterious clown to a ruined castle, where they receive magical powers with which to exact their revenge on the gang. Starring Joëlle Coeur (Schoolgirl Hitchhikers), John Rico (Blood Orgy of the She-Devils), Willy Braque (Lips of Blood), and Mireille Dargent (The Iron Rose), The Demoniacs is one of its director’s most shocking and violent tales of the fantastique.” Extras “INDICATOR LIMITED EDITION 4K UHD SPECIAL FEATURES Brand-new 4K HDR restoration from the original negative by Powerhouse Films 4K (2160p) UHD presentation in Dolby Vision (HDR10 compatible) Three presentations of the film: the original theatrical version; the longer, explicit export version; and Curse of the Living Dead, the alternative English-language cut Original mono audio Audio commentary with film expert Tim Lucas (2024) Selected scenes commentary with Jean Rollin (2005) Jean Rollin Introduces ‘The Demoniacs’ (1998) One of the Demoniacs (2024): new presentation of an interview with regular Rollin collaborator Jean-Pierre Bouyxou Newly edited archival interview with actor Willy Braque (2024) Critical appreciation by author and musician Stephen Thrower (2024) Outtake footage Original theatrical trailer Image gallery: promotional and publicity material, and behind the scenes New and improved English translation subtitles New and improved English subtitles for the deaf and hard of hearing for Curse of the Living Dead Limited edition exclusive 80-page book with a new essay by Alexandra Heller-Nicholas, an archival piece on the making of the film by Jean Rollin, an archival interview with Rollin, an archival interview with actor Monica Swinn, and full film credits. World premiere on 4K UHD Limited edition of 10,000 individually numbered units (6,000 4K UHDs and 4,000 Blu-rays) for the UK and US All extras subject to change”

Friday the Thirteenth…1980 US slasher by Sean S Cunningham slashed for UK cinema re-release

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Thanks to Andy, DB and Anthony

Friday the 13th is a 1980 US slasher by Sean S Cunningham. With Betsy Palmer, Adrienne King and Jeannine Taylor.       The film exists as an uncut Unrated version and a cut R rated version. The uncut version was passed X for UK 1980 cinema release and was initially released on pre-cert VHS. However this was seized by police and the distributors reverted to the cut version from 1983 until 1987. The video has been uncut and 18 rated since 2003 on DVD and Blu-ray. However a 2023 cinema re-release featured the cut R rated version, but now with a BBFC 15 rating for strong violence, bloody images, threat, se Thanks to Andy, DB and Anthony who note that the 2023 cinema re-release is cut and is therefore most likely the cut R rated version. Andy notes: Annie’s death goes to whiteout like in the old censored version, and then the snake killing was definitely missing the second slicing. Kevin Bacon’s death is SEVERELY TRUNCATED! DB notes: The cinema screening was missing all the extra gore footage. E.g. the front shot of Jack getting the arrow twisted through his neck. Instead it cut straight from the side shot to the outside of the cabin. I can confirm for sure the version screened was the US R version Anthony adds: The film has been downrated to a BBFC15 certificate for strong violence, bloody images, threat, sex. The BBFC actually has an entry that reflects this decision and says nothing about any cuts made to that particular version, which was distributed by Park Circus Limited. However, I noticed that one previous cut has reappeared: ie after the four-second bird’s-eye view of Jack (Kevin Bacon) getting skewered through the neck, you see the side shot and the arrowhead passing through his throat and the blood pumping out in that shot but the very next shot, in which we would have seen a shot looking down on him with blood going over his throat and partially in his mouth was not there at all. The running time of this cinema re-release matched the uncut Unrated version but the difference between the 2 version is only about 10s and this difference can easily get obscured in longer modern distributor and production company video logos.

Distributors make a right hash of implementing cuts to the British release of Jailer, an Indian blockbuster

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From Scott

Jailer is a 2023 India action comedy by Nelson Dilipkumar Starring Rajinikanth, Mohanlal and Shivarajkumar A retired jailer goes on a manhunt to find his son’s killers. But the road leads him to a familiar, albeit a bit darker place. Can he emerge from this complex situation successfully? Jailer is one of the year’s biggest South Asian films. The Tamil blockbuster was very heavily cut by 7-10 minutes for a BBFC 12A cinema rating.The release of this film has been a real debacle. The distributor left it incredibly late to cut for 12A, so the BBFC were still watching various trial cut versions 24 hours before it was supposed to be playing in cinemas. The film ended up being classified four times – Tamil uncut (15), Telugu cut (15, failed to get the desired 12A), Hindi cut (15, again a failed attempt at a 12A) and finally Tamil cut (12A). Based on the running times the cut 12A version is missing around 6/7 mins. The uncut version, or maybe one of the cut 15s, was sent out to cinemas while the cut 12A was prepared, however none of these had been formally classified at the time so the first screenings on opening day had to be cancelled. There were photos and videos on Twitter showing disgruntled audiences, some of whom had already taken their seats, being told to leave by cinema staff. At least one screening was stopped mid-film. This has to be the most mishandled release I’ve ever seen, by quite some margin. The BBFC commented: The BBFC initially refused to offer cuts because the changes would have been extensive and potentially damaging to the film. However, the distributor chose to re-edit the film themselves and submitted this new version for classification. As the distributor’s edits had been unsuccessful in reducing the film’s violence to 12A levels, it was also classified 15. The distributor requested a cuts list for 12A, which the BBFC provided. However, the distributor did not make the cuts as required and therefore the re-edited version of the film also received a 15 classification.

The destroyers of words…Indian film censors cut Oppenheimer

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See article from inews.co.uk

Oppenheimer is a 2023 UK/US historical biography by Christopher Nolan Starring Cillian Murphy, Emily Blunt and Matt Damon The story of American scientist J. Robert Oppenheimer and his role in the development of the atomic bomb. India’s film censors have made cuts to a nude scene in Christopher Nolan’s Oppenheimer. Florence Pugh’s naked body and breasts have been blacked out with a CGI mess supposed to indicate a black slip. Pugh plays Oppenheimer’s girlfriend Jean Tatlock, to whom Oppenheimer briefly returns for an assignation during his later marriage. She functions in part as a device to introduce the audience to Oppenheimer’s interest in Hindu mythology — and in ancient Sanskrit texts such as the Bhagavad Gita , which form the foundations of Hindu religious narrative. At one point during their love–making — mid-huff, mid-puff — Pugh-as-Tatlock rises from Oppenheimer’s body to trawl his bookshelf, picks up a copy of the Bhagavad Gita and clambers back onto her lover’s midsection as she opens it and begins to read aloud. Thus the film introduces a line which is now core to Oppenheimer’s personal legend: Now I am become death, the destroyer of worlds. There were calls from religious groups to remove the references to hindu mythology. Uday Mahurkar is one of India’s two information commissioners. He condemned the sex scene as waging a war on the Hindu community. If Nolan did not remove the scene, he insisted, it would constitute a deliberate assault on Indian civilisation.

The Canadian censorship of Brandon Cronenberg’s Infinity Pool summarises and the country’s network of local censor boards

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From theglobeandmail.com

Infinity Pool is a 2022 Canada/Hungary/France Sci-Fi horror by Brandon Cronenberg Starring Mia Goth, Alexander Skarsgård and Amanda Brugel     The movie was originally MPA NC-17 rated, but the producers decided to appeal for an R rating. However the appeal was unsuccessful and the producers decided to cut the movie for an MPA R rating. Worldwide theatrical releases are set to be the R Rated Version but there is also a Canadian theatrical re-release featuring the uncut version. The first US home video release is the cut MPA R rated version but there are unconfirmed plans for the Unrated Version to be released on home video. Infinity Pool originally contained sexually explicit imagery during an early scene between stars Alexander Skarsgard and Mia Goth, plus several later flashes of violence. Those elements initially caused British Columbia and Alberta’s film classification offices to award Infinity Pool an R rating, the Canadian equivalent of a BBFC 18 rating. As is the case with the equivalent MPA NC-17 rating in the US, this rating is box office poison as cinemas prefer not to screen such films. In Canada, any theatre playing an R film must have an usher stationed inside each auditorium 20 minutes before and 20 minutes into each screening to check ticket-buyers’ ID. In other words, any such release on either side of the border is a non-starter for all but the smallest of art-house productions. Grudgingly, Cronenberg and his producers resubmitted a slightly sanitized Infinity Pool to the Canadian review boards, earning the more palatable 18A rating which allows moviegoers under the age of 18 admission if they are accompanied by an adult.However in late February 2023 Elevation Pictures released Infinity Pool Uncut in select Canadian theatres, despite the complications thrown its way by this country’s complex patchwork of provincial ratings boards. In the autumn of 2019, Ontario Premier Doug Ford shut down the Ontario Film Authority, which was in charge of classifying films for the province. Since then, Ontario ratings have been provided by Consumer Protection BC, which also handles ratings for Manitoba and Saskatchewan. When the board was shuttered in 2019, film exhibitors and distributors hoped that such deregulation would lead to the adoption of a national content advisory system. And as of February 2023 this hasn’t yet materialized. Across the rest of the country, Alberta has its own Film Classification Office (which also provides ratings to the Northwest Territories and Nunavut); the Nova Scotia Film Classification Board is responsible for the Maritimes; and Quebec has its Ministry of Culture and Communications. Different boards made different decisions about the original uncut submission of Infinity Pool. Quebec’s Ministry of Culture and Communications opted for a 16+ rating, whilst the Consumer Protection BC and the Alberta Film Classification Office opted for their most restrictive ratings of R. Ultimately, the uncut version of Infinity Pool that is now screening at Toronto’s TIFF Bell Lightbox and Carlton cinemas, Ottawa’s Mayfair Theatre and Calgary’s Canyon Meadows Cinemas. Director Cronenberg commented: It’s not a completely different film, but there is a version of the film that I intended for people see,. I’m glad people saw the other version last month, but I’m also glad Canadians are finally getting the full film, too — and in theatres where it’s meant to be seen.

Billie Eilish Live At The O2…Distributors mess around cinema customers with disgracefully last minute BBFC ratings

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Thanks to Robert

Billie Eilish Live At The O2 is a 2023 US music film by Sam Wrench Starring Billie Eilish Well ahead of the film’s release, cinemas sold tickets with the expectation of a 12A rating. A disgracefully last minute announcement of a BBFC 15 rating caused disappointment and led to ticket cancellations (and hopefully refunds).  The distributors, Trafalgar Releasing, responded by an 11th hour resubmission with the word ‘motherfucker’ deleted and a reference to pornography removed. This time round the BBFC confirmed the required 12A rating. It is unclear as to why the cinema industry wants to mess round its customers, but perhaps it is about time that official age ratings should be announced before ticket sales commence. Summary Notes Join fans around the world in experiencing the never-before-seen extended cut version of Billie’s Grammy-nominated concert film. Versions core_wide_else_narrow_blockquote_p(); pre-cut cut: ~12s run: 98:43s pal: 94:46s UK: A pre-cut version was passed 12A for infrequent strong language, moderate sex references: 2023 cinema release titled Billie Eilish Live At The 02 (Extended Cut) BBFC ratings info reveals that: the use of the word ‘motherfucker’ was removed by the distributor that one or more references to pornography were reduced to a single reference uncut run: 98:55s pal: 94:58s UK: Passed 15 uncut for strong language: 2023 cinema release titled Billie Eilish Live At The O2 (Extended Cut)

I Spit on Your Grave…The British Board of Film Censors continues its cuts

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Thanks to Robert

I Spit on Your Grave is a 1978 US horror thriller by Meir Zarchi Starring Camille Keaton, Eron Tabor and Richard Pace       The film was banned as one of the most notable video nasties in 1983. It was unbanned after massive 7m:02s of BBFC cuts for 2001 and 2006 DVD. These cuts were reduced to 2m:54s in 2010, and to 1m:41s for 2020 Blu-ray. Cut again by the BBFC for 4K Blu-ray in 2022. Cut in the US for an R rating but MPAA Unrated releases are uncut.See full BBFC cuts history in article from melonfarmers.co.uk Summary Notes Oozing with confidence and the air of a big-city girl, the talented short-story author, Jennifer Hills, arrives in verdant Kent, Connecticut, to take a break from the hustle and bustle of New York City, and write her first novel. But, there, holed up in her secluded riverside cabin, Jennifer is utterly unaware that she has already caught the eye of violent Johnny and his misogynistic jackals, who are hell-bent on having their way with the unsuspecting visitor. And before long, poor Jennifer is sexually assaulted over and over again and left for dead. But, Jennifer is a hard nut to crack, and her fierce will to survive will pave the way for a relentless mission of vengeance. Now, no one is safe. Who can stop Jennifer from tasting the ambrosial nectar of revenge? Versions core_wide_else_narrow(“ “,” “); advised cuts cut: run: 98m pal: 94m UK: Passed 18 for sexual violence, sadistic violence, nudity after unspecified BBFC advised but compulsory cuts: 2022 Kaleidoscope Collector’s Edition R0 4K Blu-ray/(RB) Blu-ray Combo at UK Amazon The BBFC commented: This submission of the film was originally seen for advice. The company was advised that compulsory cuts to reduce scenes of sexual violence would be necessary, in order to achieve an 18 rating. When the film was submitted for formal classification, the shots in question had been removed and the film was classified 18. uncut run: 101:05s pal: 97:02s Germany US: Uncut and MPAA Unrated for: 2022 Ronin Flix R0 4K Blu-ray/(R0) Blu-ray Combo at US Amazon #ad 2019 Deja Vu R1 DVD at US Amazon 2011 Anchor Bay R1 DVD via UK Amazon and via US Amazon Germany: Uncut for: ILLUSIONS RB Blu-ray at UK Amazon core_wide_else_narrow(“ “,” “); Promotional Material I SPIT ON YOUR GRAVE, the film that infamously changed the face of cinema forever, is back for the first time in stunning 4K ULTRA HD, restored and remastered in 2021, as part of a 3-disc Collector’s Edition boxset, showcasing incredible bonus features (including new and specially commissioned extras) totalling NINE HOURS of content. The set is packaged with new artwork in a premium O-ring boxset and inside includes four high quality art cards. Re-experience the original controversial hit I SPIT ON YOUR GRAVE in 4K UHD and Blu-ray, a cult phenomenon that influenced an entire genre and generation of filmmakers, with audio commentaries by director Meir Zarchi and critic Joe Bob Briggs, and a brand-new interview from film historian Chris Poggiali. Also included is the official feature documentary GROWING UP WITH I SPIT ON YOUR GRAVE on Blu-Ray. A must-see for fans of the series and horror films alike, uncover the fascinating history of the classic that shocked and divided the world as told by Terry Zarchi (son of the franchise creator) with behind-the-scenes footage and exclusive interviews. Updated Extras: Premium boxset including four art cards I Spit on Your Grave 4K UHD & BD Growing Up with I Spit on Your Grave BD Audio Commentaries from director Meir Zarchi and critic Joe Bob Briggs Interview with film historian Chris Poggiali (BRAND NEW) Home Movie – Camille & Meir’s Wedding (NEW TO UK) Locations of I Spit on Your Grave (NEW TO UK) The Values of Vengeance: Meir Zarchi Remembers I Spit on Your Grave Alternate Opening Title Theatrical Trailers TV Spots Radio Spots Still Gallery Deleted Scenes Terry Zarchi’s 8mm film starring Camille Keaton

Lightyears behind…Many muslim countries won’t be screening the new children’s cartoon Lightyear

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Thanks to Daniel See article from theguardian.com

Lightyear is a 2022 US children’s cartoon drama by Angus MacLane Starring Chris Evans, (voice), Keke Palmer, (voice), Dale Soules and (voice) The story of Buzz Lightyear and his adventures to infinity and beyond. There are no censorship issues with this release in the west but the film has been banned in many muslim countries.In particular the film won’t be in theaters in Bahrain, Egypt, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Indonesia and Malaysia. The issue is the presence of a gay kiss and openly LGBTQ characters in the film. The film was originally passed by the United Arab Emirates film censors, but the film’s licence was revoked after complaints on social media.Lightyear has not been officially banned in Saudi Arabia but will not be screening due to the assumption that it would be banned were it to be submitted.

Rob Savage’s Dashcom banned from Vue on grounds of being offensive

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See article from independent.co.uk

Dashcam is a 2021 UK/US horror by Rob Savage Starring Annie Hardy, Amar Chadha-Patel and Angela Enahoro   Two friends embark on a horror-fueled road trip and livestream the most terrifying night of their lives. A new horror film is apparently considered so offensive that Vue cinemas have cancelled all scheduled screenings. Those who had purchased tickets to see Dashcam, the new found-footage horror from director Rob Savage, were surprised when they realised screenings would no longer take place. This was brought to the attention of Savage himself, who shared an email from a Vue employee received by one customer. Apparently @vuecinemas have canceled our screenings of DASHCAM because the movie is too offensive! If that doesn’t make you want to watch this film, what will? In the email, Vue told the customer: Thank you for your question regarding Dashcam . I have received feedack from our staffing screen and they have decided we won’t be showing Dashcam at any of our venues due to the contents of the movie, which may offend our audiences. We at Vue believe in diversity and any movie which may offend audiences, we may decide to no longer show at the last second without notice. I’m sorry this is not the outcome you were looking for. Vue later made an unconvincing attempt to row back on offensiveness being the reason for the ban and cited commercial reasons instead. The BBFC rating information reveals more about offensive aspects of the film. The BBFC explains: The protagonist expresses homophobic attitudes, including the use of discriminatory terms (‘fag’ and faggot’). Other discriminatory language includes ‘retard, libtards and mongoloid. A scene involves focus on human excrement after a woman soils herself in the backseat of a car.

Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of censor madness…Banned in Qatar, Kuwait and Saudi

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See article from movieweb.com

Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness is a 2022 USA action Sci-Fi horror by Sam Raimi Starring Elizabeth Olsen, Rachel McAdams and Benedict Cumberbatch Banned in Qatar, Kuwait, and Saudi Arabia in April 2022 Middle East film censors have banned the release of Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness over the inclusion of an openly gay character.  Although the censors have not provided any reasons for banning the film’s release, it’s the latest Marvel movie to fall victim to state-sponsored censorship to constrain certain civil liberties and human rights norms, including the expression of a LGBTQIA+ lifestyle. By including an openly LGBTQ+ character in its film , America Chavez (Xochitl Gomez), the Marvel film Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness has been banned in Saudi Arabia, as well as Qatar and Kuwait .Sam Raimi’s Doctor Strange 2 introduce’s a gay character, America Chavez. America was the first lesbian Latina in Marvel Comics, debuting in 2011’s Vengeance #1. It is reported that the America Chavez character plays a major role in the film and it seems unlikely that the Middle East release can be aved via cuts, Summary Notes After the events of Avengers: Endgame, Dr. Stephen Strange continues his research on the Time Stone. But an old friend turned enemy seeks to destroy every sorcerer on Earth, messing with Strange’s plan and also causing him to unleash an unspeakable evil.