The British Board of Film Classification (BBFC) has announced a major change to the way it assigns ratings to films featuring scenes of rape and other forms of sexual violence. According to The Guardian, films with scenes of sexual violence will no longer be assigned a rating less than 15s, which means only films suitable for moviegoers 15 years and older will contain rape scenes. The BBFC said the change was a result of a shift in public opinion over the last five years.
“The feedback we have had from the public during the current consultation is that they don’t think there is any place for depictions of sexual violence at 12A at all,” said Craig Lapper, the head of compliance at the BBFC. “The key message from the guideline consultation was heightened concern about sexual violence across the board. Although we operate very strict standards around sexual violence there...
“The feedback we have had from the public during the current consultation is that they don’t think there is any place for depictions of sexual violence at 12A at all,” said Craig Lapper, the head of compliance at the BBFC. “The key message from the guideline consultation was heightened concern about sexual violence across the board. Although we operate very strict standards around sexual violence there...
- 1/16/2019
- by Zack Sharf
- Indiewire
In his latest podcast, host Stuart Wright talks with Xtro producer Mark Forstater about the 35th anniversary of this cult classic sci-fi horror.
Second Sight Films have this week released Xtro: Limited Edition Blu-ray (region free). Packaging will feature a rigid slipcase with both original UK theatrical and video artwork, each flipped vertically on either side so you choose which is front. Inside will be digipak containing Blu-ray and CD soundtrack plus soft cover book. For more on the release see www.facebook.com/SecondSightFilms/
Xtro: Limited Edition full contents:
New restorations of extended version with option of alternate endings plus original UK video version New director restoration Xploring Xtro – a new 57 minute documentary featuring interviews with Harry Bromley-Davenport, Mark Forstater, Bernice Stegers, Susie Silvey, Tim Dry (Tik), Sean Crawford (Tok), Robert Pereno, Alan Jones and Craig Lapper The World of Xtro – a new featurette with Dennis Atherton, Harry Bromley-Davenport...
Second Sight Films have this week released Xtro: Limited Edition Blu-ray (region free). Packaging will feature a rigid slipcase with both original UK theatrical and video artwork, each flipped vertically on either side so you choose which is front. Inside will be digipak containing Blu-ray and CD soundtrack plus soft cover book. For more on the release see www.facebook.com/SecondSightFilms/
Xtro: Limited Edition full contents:
New restorations of extended version with option of alternate endings plus original UK video version New director restoration Xploring Xtro – a new 57 minute documentary featuring interviews with Harry Bromley-Davenport, Mark Forstater, Bernice Stegers, Susie Silvey, Tim Dry (Tik), Sean Crawford (Tok), Robert Pereno, Alan Jones and Craig Lapper The World of Xtro – a new featurette with Dennis Atherton, Harry Bromley-Davenport...
- 6/20/2018
- by Stuart Wright
- Nerdly
Craig Lapper of the film classification board explains its decisions on cutting scenes of animal cruelty
Anne Billson asserts that the British Board of Film Classification (BBFC) “still cuts non-faked animal abuse, although it is more lenient on arthouse than horror”. The article goes on to cite Sátántangó (1994) and Oldboy (2003) as examples of our alleged leniency towards “arthouse” films, in contrast to our long history of intervention with The Mountain of the Cannibal God (1978) and Cannibal Ferox (1981). I am afraid this statement is incorrect and no preferential treatment is given to “arthouse” films.
Sátántangó was only classified uncut after we received detailed assurances from the film-makers regarding how the scenes with the cat were prepared and filmed in such a way as to avoid cruelty to the animal involved. Those assurances were consistent with the onscreen evidence. Oldboy was classified uncut because the Cinematograph Films (Animals) Act 1937, which is mentioned in the article,...
Anne Billson asserts that the British Board of Film Classification (BBFC) “still cuts non-faked animal abuse, although it is more lenient on arthouse than horror”. The article goes on to cite Sátántangó (1994) and Oldboy (2003) as examples of our alleged leniency towards “arthouse” films, in contrast to our long history of intervention with The Mountain of the Cannibal God (1978) and Cannibal Ferox (1981). I am afraid this statement is incorrect and no preferential treatment is given to “arthouse” films.
Sátántangó was only classified uncut after we received detailed assurances from the film-makers regarding how the scenes with the cat were prepared and filmed in such a way as to avoid cruelty to the animal involved. Those assurances were consistent with the onscreen evidence. Oldboy was classified uncut because the Cinematograph Films (Animals) Act 1937, which is mentioned in the article,...
- 6/1/2018
- by Letters
- The Guardian - Film News
Prepare to be corrupted and depraved once more as Nucleus Films releases the sequel to the definitive guide to the Video Nasties phenomenon – the most extraordinary and scandalous era in the history of British film. Video Nasties: The Definitive Guide Part 2, a three-disc collector’s edition box set, is being released on DVD on July 14th 2014, to tie in with the 30th Anniversary of the Video Recordings Act 1984.
For the first time ever on DVD, all 82 films that fell foul of the Director of Public Prosecutions “Section 3” list are trailer-featured with specially filmed intros for each title, alongside a brand new documentary – Video Nasties: Draconian Days (review), directed by Jake West.
And to celebrate the release, Film4 FrightFest is hosting a special event – the world exclusive London Premiere of the finalised unseen extended 97 minute cut of Video Nasties: Draconian Days at The Prince Charles Cinema on Thurs 3 July, 8.30pm. The...
For the first time ever on DVD, all 82 films that fell foul of the Director of Public Prosecutions “Section 3” list are trailer-featured with specially filmed intros for each title, alongside a brand new documentary – Video Nasties: Draconian Days (review), directed by Jake West.
And to celebrate the release, Film4 FrightFest is hosting a special event – the world exclusive London Premiere of the finalised unseen extended 97 minute cut of Video Nasties: Draconian Days at The Prince Charles Cinema on Thurs 3 July, 8.30pm. The...
- 5/21/2014
- by Phil Wheat
- Nerdly
Titbits from the history of censorship, another British director in need of a location, and business as usual for Bond
Sex, violence and cakes
The British Board of Film Classification has had a busy week. The day before launching its annual report, the BBFC met the Critics' Circle to celebrate both bodies' centenary years with a presentation and lunch at the Cinema Museum in south London. Senior examiner, historian and dry wit Craig Lapper took critics through a brief history of the relationship between the two organisations. Over the years, and in just about equal measure, critics have either chided the BBFC for being too liberal or too draconian. The censors' original 43 "grounds for deletion" list from 1916 included several amusingly old-fashioned points, including scenes of "vitriol throwing", "scenes laid in disorderly houses", "vulgar accessories in the staging", "indecorous dancing" and scenes likely to "bring into disrepute British prestige in the Empire". Politics,...
Sex, violence and cakes
The British Board of Film Classification has had a busy week. The day before launching its annual report, the BBFC met the Critics' Circle to celebrate both bodies' centenary years with a presentation and lunch at the Cinema Museum in south London. Senior examiner, historian and dry wit Craig Lapper took critics through a brief history of the relationship between the two organisations. Over the years, and in just about equal measure, critics have either chided the BBFC for being too liberal or too draconian. The censors' original 43 "grounds for deletion" list from 1916 included several amusingly old-fashioned points, including scenes of "vitriol throwing", "scenes laid in disorderly houses", "vulgar accessories in the staging", "indecorous dancing" and scenes likely to "bring into disrepute British prestige in the Empire". Politics,...
- 7/13/2013
- by Jason Solomons
- The Guardian - Film News
The British Board of Film Classification (BBFC) has received its first ever complaint for The Railway Children.
One viewer complained that the 1970 movie starring Call the Midwife's Jenny Agutter may lead to children playing near railway tracks, reports BBC News.
"The correspondent was concerned that children may be encouraged to play on railway tracks as a result of seeing the film," the BBFC's annual report stated.
Directed by Lionel Jeffries, the classic film also starred Bernard Cribbins, Dinah Sheridan and Sally Thomsett.
Published today (July 11), the report ruled that it was "very unlikely" that The Railway Children would encourage "such dangerous activity".
"The Railway Children is set in the Edwardian period and trains and access to railway property are very different today," the censor said.
"The film also demonstrates the potential harm to children if proper care is not taken."
Senior examiner Craig Lapper added that while the film holds a U rating,...
One viewer complained that the 1970 movie starring Call the Midwife's Jenny Agutter may lead to children playing near railway tracks, reports BBC News.
"The correspondent was concerned that children may be encouraged to play on railway tracks as a result of seeing the film," the BBFC's annual report stated.
Directed by Lionel Jeffries, the classic film also starred Bernard Cribbins, Dinah Sheridan and Sally Thomsett.
Published today (July 11), the report ruled that it was "very unlikely" that The Railway Children would encourage "such dangerous activity".
"The Railway Children is set in the Edwardian period and trains and access to railway property are very different today," the censor said.
"The film also demonstrates the potential harm to children if proper care is not taken."
Senior examiner Craig Lapper added that while the film holds a U rating,...
- 7/11/2013
- Digital Spy
That's right, folks! It's undoubtedly one of the year's best Blu-ray releases, and to celebrate, you now have the chance to win a brilliant Christmas present courtesy of Arrow Video -- we have two Limited Edition Steelbook versions of Zombie Flesh Eaters to give away!
To be in with a chance of winning one of these fantastic prizes, simply send us an E-mail Here including Your Full Name And Postal Address. We'll take care of the rest.
Please note that this competition is open only to UK readers.
From the Press Release:
Hailing from the now infamous “Video Nasty” era of horror films, Zombie Flesh Eaters became an unstoppable cult hit upon its release in 1979. The film divided opinion across the globe and came up against opposition in many territories for the sheer amount of bloody content and its high gore-factor.
The original cut of Zombie Flesh Eaters was banned in the UK upon release,...
To be in with a chance of winning one of these fantastic prizes, simply send us an E-mail Here including Your Full Name And Postal Address. We'll take care of the rest.
Please note that this competition is open only to UK readers.
From the Press Release:
Hailing from the now infamous “Video Nasty” era of horror films, Zombie Flesh Eaters became an unstoppable cult hit upon its release in 1979. The film divided opinion across the globe and came up against opposition in many territories for the sheer amount of bloody content and its high gore-factor.
The original cut of Zombie Flesh Eaters was banned in the UK upon release,...
- 12/3/2012
- by Pestilence
- DreadCentral.com
On Monday, December 3rd, Arrow Video is releasing a newly restored version of Lucio Fulci’s controversial horror masterpiece Zombie Flesh Eaters on Blu-ray, DVD, and Limited Edition Steelbook; and we have the full synopsis and detailed list of special features right here.
From the Press Release:
Painstakingly restored from the original camera negative, Zombie Flesh Eaters stands out as one of famed distributor Arrow Video’s biggest ever (and best looking) restoration projects. These landmark releases will contain a wealth of special features, additional collector’s material, and never-before-seen extras including optional English/Italian opening titles, a UK exclusive introduction to the film from lead actor Ian McCulloch, and a number of brand new featurettes.
Available as a Limited Edition Steelbook (complete with limited edition artwork), Limited Edition Slipbox (with 4 alternate artworks – available exclusively from Arrow Video), and as standard edition Blu-ray and DVD, a complete list of the...
From the Press Release:
Painstakingly restored from the original camera negative, Zombie Flesh Eaters stands out as one of famed distributor Arrow Video’s biggest ever (and best looking) restoration projects. These landmark releases will contain a wealth of special features, additional collector’s material, and never-before-seen extras including optional English/Italian opening titles, a UK exclusive introduction to the film from lead actor Ian McCulloch, and a number of brand new featurettes.
Available as a Limited Edition Steelbook (complete with limited edition artwork), Limited Edition Slipbox (with 4 alternate artworks – available exclusively from Arrow Video), and as standard edition Blu-ray and DVD, a complete list of the...
- 11/6/2012
- by The Woman In Black
- DreadCentral.com
Super Bitch aka Blue Movie Blackmail (Arrow Video DVD)
Think Twice Before You Hire Her
Blue movie blackmail and sexual depravity are at the heart of a wicked scam to manipulate rich, perverted men in this softcore pasta crime classic from Massimo Dallamano, cinematographer on A Fistful of Dollars and director of Giallo favourite What Have You Done To Solange? Italian trash cinema icon Ivan Rassimov is a police inspector working undercover to expose a London escort agency where the frequently naked Stephanie Beacham is being filmed in sexually compromising situations with her moneyed clients. These poor chumps will soon be smuggling drugs across international borders for her and her shadowy associates. Wallow in the sleaze and enjoy the depravity of Super Bitch, a film with all the car chases, murder, sex and moral ambiguity a cult movie fan could possibly want.
Special Features:
New widescreen transfer in the...
Think Twice Before You Hire Her
Blue movie blackmail and sexual depravity are at the heart of a wicked scam to manipulate rich, perverted men in this softcore pasta crime classic from Massimo Dallamano, cinematographer on A Fistful of Dollars and director of Giallo favourite What Have You Done To Solange? Italian trash cinema icon Ivan Rassimov is a police inspector working undercover to expose a London escort agency where the frequently naked Stephanie Beacham is being filmed in sexually compromising situations with her moneyed clients. These poor chumps will soon be smuggling drugs across international borders for her and her shadowy associates. Wallow in the sleaze and enjoy the depravity of Super Bitch, a film with all the car chases, murder, sex and moral ambiguity a cult movie fan could possibly want.
Special Features:
New widescreen transfer in the...
- 8/2/2012
- by Phil
- Nerdly
From counting f-words to examining hours of graphic gore, the British Board of Film Classification reveals the secrets of a century of rating, cutting and occasionally banning movies
The British Board of Film Classification (BBFC) denies extensive use of protractors. Rumours, fanned by newspaper articles, had long led me to imagine small, dedicated groups of BBFC examiners, in their Soho Square headquarters, pausing sex scenes at the judicious moment, reaching for a mathematical instrument, and assiduously checking "the angle of the dangle". Is the man on screen aroused? Are the examiners looking at a Sid Soft, Maurice Middling, or Harry Hard-on? Does the scene conform to the much-discussed Mull of Kintyre rule – that no male member can be allowed on screen at an elevation more pronounced than the southernmost tip of the Scottish peninsula?
Over lunch with three BBFC staff, I broach the protractor question. David Cooke, director of the board,...
The British Board of Film Classification (BBFC) denies extensive use of protractors. Rumours, fanned by newspaper articles, had long led me to imagine small, dedicated groups of BBFC examiners, in their Soho Square headquarters, pausing sex scenes at the judicious moment, reaching for a mathematical instrument, and assiduously checking "the angle of the dangle". Is the man on screen aroused? Are the examiners looking at a Sid Soft, Maurice Middling, or Harry Hard-on? Does the scene conform to the much-discussed Mull of Kintyre rule – that no male member can be allowed on screen at an elevation more pronounced than the southernmost tip of the Scottish peninsula?
Over lunch with three BBFC staff, I broach the protractor question. David Cooke, director of the board,...
- 7/26/2012
- by Kira Cochrane
- The Guardian - Film News
Dread Central and genre fans alike were shocked and saddened last year with the passing of a great auteur – Ken Russell. UK fans can now look forward to a fitting DVD tribute to one of his best works courtesy of the British Film Institute.
The Oliver Reed film The Devils features a bumper treasure trove of extra material and the original X-rated print of the flick!
From the Press Release:
BFI has announced the release of The Devils for the 19th of March, priced at around £19.99. Details of bonus material can be found below, along with the artwork.
DVD premiere presentation of the original UK X certificate version Newly filmed introduction with broadcaster and critic Mark Kermode (2012, 2 mins) Audio commentary with Ken Russell, Mark Kermode, editor Michael Bradsell and Paul Joyce Hell on Earth (Paul Joyce, 2002, 48 mins): documentary exploring the film's production and the controversy surrounding its original release...
The Oliver Reed film The Devils features a bumper treasure trove of extra material and the original X-rated print of the flick!
From the Press Release:
BFI has announced the release of The Devils for the 19th of March, priced at around £19.99. Details of bonus material can be found below, along with the artwork.
DVD premiere presentation of the original UK X certificate version Newly filmed introduction with broadcaster and critic Mark Kermode (2012, 2 mins) Audio commentary with Ken Russell, Mark Kermode, editor Michael Bradsell and Paul Joyce Hell on Earth (Paul Joyce, 2002, 48 mins): documentary exploring the film's production and the controversy surrounding its original release...
- 3/8/2012
- by Aaron Williams
- DreadCentral.com
Following the initial announcement last week, we’ve managed to get our hands on the artwork (pictured above) and full details on the BFI’s release of Ken Russell’s controversial film The Devils, and sadly it’s only half as good as we expected… First the bad news, there will be no Blu-ray release of the film.
Why? Well it seems the BFI have only managed to acquire the original British X cut of the film and not the restored and extended version that has been doing the rounds since 2004, as the the 2004 edition exists only as an Sd Digibeta, and its release would warrant a full HD restoration – which Warner’s will not stump up the cash for (be grateful they’ve at least licensed the film to the BFI seems to be what everyone is saying).
But what will be included on this 2-disc DVD release are a whole heap of extras,...
Why? Well it seems the BFI have only managed to acquire the original British X cut of the film and not the restored and extended version that has been doing the rounds since 2004, as the the 2004 edition exists only as an Sd Digibeta, and its release would warrant a full HD restoration – which Warner’s will not stump up the cash for (be grateful they’ve at least licensed the film to the BFI seems to be what everyone is saying).
But what will be included on this 2-disc DVD release are a whole heap of extras,...
- 11/26/2011
- by Phil
- Nerdly
When it came out last year, the first Human Centipede film generated a huge amount of publicity due to its original, if disgusting, central idea. Within weeks of its release there were countless articles, analyses and jokes about the film – there was even a South Park episode parodying it. In spite of its place in the public consciousness however, relatively few people actually watched the film.
Consequently, when the inevitable sequel, Human Centipede 2 was announced, it initially didn’t make much of a splash outside of our film fanatic community. Even in the run up to the film’s planned straight-to-dvd release this summer, it wasn’t getting more coverage than any similar cult horror film.
And then, in June, the British Board of Film Classification ‘banned’* it, causing every news outlet in the country, and many more around the world to suddenly take an interest in the movie. We were no exception,...
Consequently, when the inevitable sequel, Human Centipede 2 was announced, it initially didn’t make much of a splash outside of our film fanatic community. Even in the run up to the film’s planned straight-to-dvd release this summer, it wasn’t getting more coverage than any similar cult horror film.
And then, in June, the British Board of Film Classification ‘banned’* it, causing every news outlet in the country, and many more around the world to suddenly take an interest in the movie. We were no exception,...
- 11/18/2011
- by Ben Mortimer
- HeyUGuys.co.uk
We recently published an article looking at the British Board of Film Classification, and their changing role as the bastions of morality in the UK.
As a follow up to this, we put some questions to Craig Lapper, a Senior Examiner with the BBFC about their way the organisation works, the process they go through when deciding on a rating for a film, and how the board, and their stance on certain issues, has changed over the last decade or so.
How many people are involved in classification of any particular film?
In general, cinema films are viewed by two examiners, whereas works submitted for DVD or Blu-ray release are viewed by a solo examiner. However, if a work sits on the borderline between two categories, the initial examiner(s) might suggest a further viewing by additional examiners, Senior Examiners and the Director. If a work raises particularly difficult or...
As a follow up to this, we put some questions to Craig Lapper, a Senior Examiner with the BBFC about their way the organisation works, the process they go through when deciding on a rating for a film, and how the board, and their stance on certain issues, has changed over the last decade or so.
How many people are involved in classification of any particular film?
In general, cinema films are viewed by two examiners, whereas works submitted for DVD or Blu-ray release are viewed by a solo examiner. However, if a work sits on the borderline between two categories, the initial examiner(s) might suggest a further viewing by additional examiners, Senior Examiners and the Director. If a work raises particularly difficult or...
- 11/17/2011
- by Ben Mortimer
- HeyUGuys.co.uk
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