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Cat o'Nine Tails is a 1971 Italy/France/West Germany crime film by Dario Argento. With James Franciscus and Karl Malden. See IMDb

UK: Passed 15 uncut for:

• UK 2012 ArrowDrome R2 DVD at UK Amazon
• UK 2011 Arrow R0 Blu-ray at UK Amazon
• UK 2005 Blackhorse/Platinum Argento Collection R2 DVD

Promotional Material:

A break in at a genetics lab leads to a spiralling vortex of bloody murder in  Dario Argento s 70s Giallo classic.

Strange circumstances surrounding the crime pique the interest of a journalist and a blind crossword compiler whose sharp ears have overheard talk of blackmail. However, all the would be investigators leads soon regret the help they gave as scientists die in front of speeding trains and photographers are viciously slain while others fall to their screaming deaths down elevator shafts in this surreal and nightmarish thriller from one of the acknowledged masters of Italian horror.

As the body count increases, will no one escape the sting of The Cat o Nine Tails?

DVD Features:

• Interview With Director Dario Argento

• Original Trailer

• Booklet By Argento Biographer Alan Jones!

Repo Man is a 1984 US Sci-Fi comedy action film by Alex Cox. With Harry Dean Stanton, Emilio Estevez and Tracey Walter. See IMDb

• UK 2012 Eureka Masters of Cinema (Melon Farmers TV Version+Uncut Version) Blu-ray at UK Amazon released today 20th February 2012
• UK 2012 Eureka Masters of Cinema Steelbook Edition (Melon Farmers TV Version+Uncut Version) RB Blu-ray at UK Amazon released today 20th February 2012

This Blu-ray will include as an extra, the inspirational BBC TV Version.

This is the legendary variant, prepared by Alex Cox for a BBC showing which incorporates deleted material and surreal overdubs in place of profanity. In particular, 'melonfarmers' for 'motherfuckers'

And a website is born!

From publicity material

Arguably the defining cult film of the Reagan era, the feature debut of Alex Cox is a genre-busting mash-up of atomic-age science fiction, post-punk anarchism, and conspiracy paranoia, all shot through with heavy doses of deadpan humour and offbeat philosophy.

After quitting his dead-end supermarket job, young punk Otto (Emilio Estevez) is initiated as a repo man after a chance encounter with automobile repossessor Bud (Harry Dean Stanton). An illicit, high-voltage life follows, including an adrenalised search for a mysterious 64 Chevy Malibu loaded with radioactive -- and extragalactic -- cargo...

With an iconic soundtrack (Iggy Pop, Black Flag, Suicidal Tendencies), stunning Robby Muller cinematography, and iconoclastic direction, Repo Man remains one of the great debuts of the 1980s. The Masters of Cinema Series is proud to present a definitive, director-approved Blu-ray.

• New high-definition master in the original aspect ratio -- 1.85:1

• Original mono soundtrack and 5.1 remix, both in DTS-HD Master Audio

• English SDH subtitles on the main feature

• Isolated music and effects track

• Audio commentary with Cox and executive producer Michael Nesmith, casting director Victoria Thomas, and actors Sy Richardson, Zander Schloss, and Del Zamora

• All-new 2012 video piece by Cox offering further thoughts on the film

• Repo Man (entire TV version) -- this legendary variant, prepared by Cox for network television, incorporates deleted material and surreal overdubs in place of profanity

• Repossessed -- a retrospective video piece on the making of the film, featuring Cox, producers Peter McCarthy and Jonathan Wacks, and actors Del Zamora, Sy Richardson, and Dick Rude

• The Missing Scenes -- a roundtable viewing of deleted scenes from the film with Cox, executive producer Michael Nesmith, real-life neutron bomb inventor Sam Cohen, and character J. Frank Parnell

• Harry Zen Stanton -- an extended interview with the legendary actor Harry Dean Stanton

• Original theatrical trailer

• A 44-page full colour booklet specially created by Cox, entitled The Repo Code and incorporating all manner of Repo ephemera

Nickel Ride is a 1974 US crime drama by Robert Mulligan. With Jason Miller, Linda Haynes and Victor French. See IMDb

US: Uncut and MPAA PG Rated for:

• US 2011 Shout! factory Action Double Feature R1 DVD via UK Amazon and at US Amazon recently released on 13th December 2011

BBFC Cuts:

The film was last seen in the UK when the BBFC cut the AA (14) rated 1975 cinema release.

Promotional Material: Key Man

A low-level L.A. hoodlum’s (Jason Miller) hold on his assigned section of town is being threatened by the arrival of a new punk in this gripping crime drama.

Kiss of the Vampire is a 1963 UK horror by Don Sharp. With Clifford Evans, Edward de Souza and Noel Willman. See IMDb

UK: Passed 12 uncut for:

• UK 2012 Media Sales/Final Cut R2 DVD at UK Amazon for release on 2nd April 2012

Summary Review: Stylish

When car trouble strands a honeymooning couple in a small Southern European village, an aristocratic family in the area reaches out to help them with sinister consequences.

An ulta-stylish effort that really is a wonderful film, from its memorable, atmospheric opening scene set in a cemetery to the spectacular climax involving a colony of bats.

It is well acted by a great cast, some of whom appeared in other Hammer films, and it is confidently directed by Don Sharp.

Red Scorpion is a 1989 South Africa/US/Namibia action film by Joseph Zito. With Dolph Lundgren, M. Emmet Walsh and Al White. See IMDb

The Unrated Version was passed 15 uncut for:

• UK 2012 Arrow R0 Blu-ray at UK Amazon just released on 13th February 2012
• UK 1993 VCI VHS
• UK 1990 Locus VHS

Previously released as a cut R Rated Version

The cut R Rated Version was passed 15 without BBFC cuts for:

• UK 2004 Optimum R2 DVD
• UK 2000 Synergy R2 DVD

See pictorial cuts details from movie-censorship.com:

• Torture scene cut by 5s
• Flamethrower attack on village removed
• Attack on sentry tower removed
• Attack on water tower removed
• Fights were cut

Blu-ray Features

• Brand New High Definition Transfer of the film (1080p)
• In original 1.78:1 Aspect Ratio
• Original Uncompressed LPCM Stereo Audio
• Region ABC playable worldwide
   
• Reversible sleeve with original and newly commissioned artwork
• Double-sided fold-out artwork poster
• Original Art by The Dude Designs
• Collector's booklet featuring brand new writing on the film by author Calum Waddell
   
• Introduction to the film from star Dolph Lundgren
• UK exclusive audio commentary with director Joseph Zito, moderated by filmmaker and genre scholar Howard S. Berger
• ALL OUT OF BULLETS: Dolph Lundgren remembers RED SCORPION
• MUSIC WITH MUSCLES: Composer Jay Chattaway on the soundtrack of RED SCORPION
• Original Trailer

Summary Review: One of the best examples from the action genre

A Russian KGB agent is sent to Africa to kill an anti-Communist black revolutionary. However, he has a change of heart when he sees how the Russians and their Cuban allies are killing and repressing the locals, so he switches sides and helps the rebels.

The 1980s was one of the best decades for the Action genre. Red Scropion is quite easily one of the best examples of 80s war-action and remains a very fun and enjoyable watch today.

There's hand-to-hand-combat, gun-fire, huge explosions, crazy stunts, exploding trucks, a high body count and flame throwers.

Penitentiary is a 1979 US prison boxing drama by Jamaa Fanaka. With Wilbur 'Hi-Fi' White, Leon Isaac Kennedy and Thommy Pollard. See IMDb

Passed 18 uncut for:

• UK 2012 Arrow/ArrowDrome (+Penitentiary II) R0 DVD at UK Amazon just released on 13th February 2012

Promotional Material:

There's only one way out, and 100 fools stand in the way!

Too Sweet likes three things... Candy bars, makin' love and fighting. Arrested while defending a beautiful hooker in a roadside diner brawl, he finds himself unjustly incarcerated in a violent prison hellhole where life is cheap and punks get owned by predatory lifers. There's only one way out... Victory in the ring!

Now Too Sweet has to fight for his freedom in series of boxing battles, all the while watching his back in the prison corridors, waiting for the cold sting of the shiv that might end his life.

Experience Jamaa Fanaka's extraordinary grindhouse classic -- Which is arguably the last great Blaxploitation flick -- and pray to God you never end up somebody's bitch in the Penitentiary!

DVD Features:

• audio commentary with writer/director Jamaa Fanaka
• trailers
• feature length sequel Penitentiary II starring Ernie Hudson and Mr T.
• Collector's booklet by author Calum Waddell!

Penitentiary II at the BBFC

Penitentiary II is a 1982 US prison drama by Jamaa Fanaka. With Leon Isaac Kennedy, Glynn Turman and Ernie Hudson. See IMDb

Passed 18 without BBFC cuts for:

• UK 2012 Arrow/ArrowDrome (+Penitentiary) R0 DVD

Previously passed 18 after 29s of BBFC cuts for:

• UK 1986 Stablecane VHS

The Human Centipede 2 (Full Sequence) is a 2011 Netherlands/UK horror by Tom Six. With Laurence R Harvey and Ashlynn Yennie. See IMDb.

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

• US 2012 IFC RA Blu-ray via UK Amazon and at US Amazon released today 14th February 2012
• US 2012 IFC R1 DVD at US Amazon released today 14th February 2012

UK & Australia availability

UK & Australia: The Uncut Version is now available online for:

• 2011 Bounty Rental Streaming [UK+Australia only] at Bounty Films
• 2011 Bounty Download to Own [UK+Australia only] at Bounty Films

UK: Passed 18 after 2:37s of BBFC cuts for:

• UK 2011 Bounty Blu-ray at UK Amazon
• UK 2011 Bounty R2 DVD at UK Amazon
• UK 2011 cinema release

Death Wish 3 is a 1985 US vigilante film by Michael Winner with Charles Bronson, Deborah Raffin and Ed Lauter. See IMDb

Passed 18 uncut with BBFC cuts waived for:

• UK 2012 Media Sales/Final Cut R2 DVD at UK Amazon released today, 13th February 2012
• UK 2006 MGM DVD which was never actually released

Before that it was passed 18 after 13s of BBFC cuts for :

• UK 1986 Guild VHS

See pictorial cuts details from movie-censorship.com

• The rape on the woman who Paul had saved in the parking lot is missing 6s and also the sight of bare breasts
• A topless black woman being dragged out of a window is missing. Then a little later there is a shot of her continuing to resist the same thugs

Summary Review: Entertaining

Paul Kersey, New York architect and part-time vigilante, comes to LA to visit an old friend. Instead, he must avenge his death by fighting youth gangs.

Death Wish 3 is a very different film to it's predecessors, whereas the first two movies were powerful urban drama's about how a man can be driven over the edge as a result of violence this instalment goes all out as an action movie and disregards the social commentary for the most part.

Whereas in the previous film's Bronson was hunting down muggers and rapists and disposing of them with his pistol in Death Wish 3 he gets hold of a gattling gun and buys a magnum and a military issue rocket launcher and lays waste to the scum of society by the bulk load. It might not be as realistic but it's damn entertaining and is by far my favourite of the Death Wish sequels.

Murder Obsession is a 1981 Italy France horror by Riccardo Freda. With Stefano Patrizi, Martine Brochard and Henri Garcin. See IMDb

US: Uncut and MPAA Unrated for:

• US 2011 Raro R1 DVD via UK Amazon and at US Amazon recently released on 6th December 2011.

Cut by the BBFC

It was last seen in the UK when a short version was passed 18 after 1;18s of BBFC cuts for:

• UK 1987 Dealerpack VHS titled The Wailing

Summary review: Murder, Sex and Satanism

Michael is a successful actor, but he has a scandal in his past: at a tender age he knifed his father to death. Soon rude things begin happening and Michael fears a repeat of his nightmare past is in progress.

You don't hear much about it. It's a shame, because this is one of the most overlooked Italian horror films.

The plot is strange, twisted, and full of bizarre touches of nasty murder scenes, perverse sexuality, nudity, and some very creepy tones of Satanism and the black arts which more than likely will chill you to the bone.

The music is also effective in creating the creepy, stormy atmosphere of Satanism, murder and sex in a remote mansion in the countryside. The special effects are crude though.

This film is definitely not for everyone, but those who appreciate fine, classy Italian horror and do not mind complicated, twisted plotlines should enjoy it.

Q (aka Desire) is a 2011 France/Spain comedy drama by Laurent Bouhnik. With Déborah Révy, Helene Zimmer and Gowan Didi. See IMDb

Passed 18 uncut for strong real sex for:

• UK 2011 Axiom R2 DVD at UK Amazon

Summary Review: Sexy and erotic, fun and moving

In a social context deteriorated by a countrywide economic crisis, the life of several people will be turned upside down after they meet Cecile, a character who symbolizes desire.

Beautiful scenery, quaint little French cafes, beautiful countryside. HOWEVER, the movie takes a twist and turn and the explicit sex scenes are what we would see in a pornographic movie. They don't really add much to the context of the story but the main character will excite some.

This really does what it sets out to do, ie it is sexy and erotic, fun and moving. it all works so well because Deborah Revy is magically flirtatious and manages to change the lives of all around her. Brilliant.

Death Wish 4: The Crackdown is a 1987 US vigilante drama by J Lee Thompson. With Charles Bronson, Kay Lenz and John P. Ryan. See IMDb

The DVD has just been passed 18 uncut for strong violence with previous BBFC cuts waived for:

• UK 2012 Media Sales/Final Cut R2 DVD at UK Amazon for released on 23rd April 2012

The film was already passed uncut by the BBFC in 2006 for MGM, but a DVD was never released.

Previously cut by the BBFC

Passed 18 after 54s of BBFC cuts for:

• UK 1988 Cannon VHS
• UK 1988 cinema release

The cuts were to the rape depicted in the early dream sequence:

• Shots of the victim screaming whilst been dragged out of a car are missing
• Shots of the girl being slapped and receiving a nasty punch have also been cut

Summary review: Bigger Fish

Architect/vigilante Paul Kersey takes on the members of a vicious Los Angeles drug cartel to stop the flow of drugs after his girlfriend's daughter dies from an overdose.

After briefly flirting with the usual Death Wish route of Kersey hitting the streets and blowing away some punks, the script takes a different direction and has Kersey functioning something like a mob hit-man instead. He has a mysterious benefactor feeding him with information on crime bigwigs instead of the usual hoodlums.

Death Wish 4 certainly isn't unpredictable. But that's not needed in a Death Wish film, anyway. The basic requirement is for Bronson to be able to kick butt in entertaining and suspenseful ways, and Thompson gives you as much or more bang for your buck on that end as any other film in the series.

Maniac Cop is a 1988 US action film by William Lustig. With Tom Atkins and Bruce Campbell. See IMDb

The Theatrical Version was passed 18 uncut for:

• UK 2012 Arrow/Arrowdrome R2 DVD at UK Amazon for release on 16th April 2012
• UK 2011 Arrow R0 Blu-ray at UK Amazon

Previously Cut by the BBFC

The Theatrical Version was passed 18 after 5s of BBFC cuts for:

• UK 2000 Synergy R2 DVD
• UK 1991 Channel 5 VHS
• UK 1989 Lazer VHS
• UK 1988 cinema release

The BBFC cuts were:

• The cut is to the shower scene and involves Robert Z'Dar getting stabbed in the back with a knife. It's a shot of the knife going in and out again
• Also cuts to the torture of Z'Dar as his face gets carved with a knife.

Promotional material:

Police brutality never felt so good!

Notorious video nasty creator William Lustig and B-Movie legend Larry Cohen return to the dirty streets for a unique high speed collision of the slasher movie and police thriller in Maniac Cop, a blood splattered tale of brutal cop vengeance from beyond the grave.

When reports come in of a man in a police uniform committing gore drenched bloody murder on the city streets, officer Jack Forrest (Bruce Campbell) stands accused. Now, with few friends, powerful enemies and a psychopathic slayer still at large, it’s up to Jack to prove he’s not guilty and bring down the killer.

Now, Arrow video brings the Maniac Cop back from the 80s video vault to stalk the night time streets once more, looking for fresh victims…

DVD Features

• a reversible sleeve of original artwork

• a collector’s booklet!

• an interview with star tom atkins

• trailer

Demons 2 is a 1986 Italy horror film by Lamberto Bava. With David Edwin Knight, Nancy Brilli and Coralina Cataldi-Tassoni. See IMDb

UK: The Director's Cut was passed 15 uncut for:

• UK 2012 Arrow R0 Blu-ray at UK Amazon for release on 9th April 2012
• UK 2012 Arrow R0 DVD at UK Amazon for release on 9th April 2012
• UK 2010 Arrow R0 DVD at UK Amazon

Previously the Director's Cut was passed 18 uncut for:

• UK 2000 Divid R2 DVD
• UK 1993 GLS VHS
• UK  Avatar VHS
• UK 1987 cinema release

New Arrow Blu-ray & DVD Promotional Material:

Panic on the streets! The Demons are back!

The Demons are back! Unleashed through the TV and bringing Hell direct to your Living Room. Out of the dark Forbidden Zone, the world's ugliest zombies are causing carnage in an apartment block, eating the residents and spreading their deadly plague.

Watch as a teenage birthday girl ruins the party by eating her guests, see bodybuilders torn to shreds and tremble in terror as possessed children run amok. Will anyone survive or will the Demons rise once more and destroy us all?

Directed by Lamberto Bava (Demons, Macabre) and produced by Dario Argento (Sleepless, Inferno), this Italian splatter classic will leave you in fear of turning on the Television...

Features

• Four option reversible sleeve with original poster and video artwork with additional fifth artwork panel featuring all-new Jeff Zornow artwork
• Double-sided fold-out poster
• Collector's Booklet featuring brand new writing on Demons by Calum Wadell
• Collector's Comic: Demons 3 Part 2 of 2! Not The Ogre. Not The Church. Not even Black Demons! For the first time ever, Arrow Video presents an original sequel to the cult classics.

• Remastered from a brand new HD restoration of the film
• Optional English and Italian audio
• Optional English subtitles for Italian and English (SDH) audio
• Original Aspect Ratio- 1.66:1 (16x9)
• The audio recollections of director Lamberto Bava, Mechanical Creations & Transformation Artist Sergio Stivaletti and Journalist Loris Curci
• Creating Creature Carnage: Extensive Interview with makeup man Sergio Stivaletti
• Bava to Bava: Luigi Cozzi tracks the history of the Italian horror film; from Riccardo Freda and Mario Bava to the end of the golden age with Michele Soavi and Lamberto Bava as well as considering recent Italian horror films.
• Original trailer

Studio Canal have teamed up with Hammer to restore the classic Dracula: Prince of Darkness. The film will be making its bow on Blu-ray and DVD (dual format) on 5th March.

Dracula: Prince of Darkness is a 1966 UK horror film by Terence Fisher. With Christopher Lee, Barbara Shelley and Andrew Keir. See IMDb

UK: Passed 15 uncut for:

• UK 2012 Hammer/Studio Canal Restored Version R2 DVD/RB Blu-ray at UK Amazon for release on 5th March 2012

Extras:

• Commentary featuring Christopher Lee, Suzan Farmer, Francis Matthews & Barbara Shelley
• World of Hammer episode Hammer Stars: Christopher Lee
• Back to Black
• Super 8mm Behind the Scenes footage
• Restoration comparison
• Trailer
• Double bill Trailer
• Original USA Titles
• Original Print UK Theatrical Titles.

More to follow

Studio Canal and Hammer plan further restorations on such films as George Gilling's The Plague of The Zombies and The Reptile.

Update: Restored Titles

8th February 2012. See article from blog.hammerfilms.com

On the subject of main and end titles. Both our restoration partners and ourselves are doing everything we can to ensure that Hammer films are restored from the very best available materials. Often these materials are of the US rather than the UK version, which leads to a search for viable first and last reels so that the UK titles can be restored.

Dracula: Prince of Darkness was restored from an original cinema negative featuring US main titles but UK end titles. Using the first reel of a badly-damaged print as a source, Pinewood Studios have done a fantastic job restoring the original UK main titles, meaning that the final restored film has UK titles at the beginning (Associated British Productions Limited Presents // A Hammer Film Production) and the end (A Hammer Film Production produced at Bray Studios, England // Released through Warner-Pathe Distributors Limited).

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

UK: The Director's Cut was passed 18 uncut with previous BBFC cuts waived for:

• UK 2012 Arrow R0 Blu-ray at UK Amazon for release on 2nd April 2012
• UK 2012 Arrow R0 DVD at UK Amazon for release on 2nd April 2012

New Arrow Blu-ray & DVD features

• Four option reversible sleeve with original poster and video artwork with additional fifth artwork panel featuring all-new Jeff Zornow artwork
• Double-sided fold-out poster
• Collector's Booklet featuring brand new writing on Demons by Calum Wadell
• Collector's Comic: Demons 3 Part 1 of 2! Not The Ogre. Not The Church. Not even Black Demons! For the first time ever, Arrow Video presents an original sequel to the cult classics.
   
• Blu-ray re-mastered from a brand new HD restoration of the film
• DVD restored from the original camera negative by Cineteca di Bologna
   
• Optional English and Italian audio
• Optional English subtitles for Italian and English (SDH) audio
• Original Aspect Ratio- 1.66:1 (16x9)
   
• The audio recollections of director Lamberto Bava, Special Make-Up Creations Artist Sergio Stivaletti and Journalist Loris Curci
• The audio recollections of the cast and crew, a brand new commentary
• Dario's Demon Days: Producer Dario Argento discusses the inception of Demons
• Defining an Era in Music: Composer Claudio Simonetti on the Demons Soundtrack
• Luigi Cozzi's Top Italian Terrors: Cozzi discusses the highpoints of Spaghetti Splatter
• Original trailer

Previously cut by the BBFC

Passed 18 after 42s of BBFC cuts for:

• UK 2000 DIVID R2 DVD

The BBFC commented: Cut required to sight of razor blade scraped along breast in medium close shot

• This is the scene where one of the "punk" characters scrapes cocaine off the bare breast of Nina (the punk girl) with a razor blade

Passed 18 after 2:04s of BBFC cuts for:

• UK 1987 cinema release

Passed 18 after1:05s of BBFC cuts for:

• UK 1986 Avatar video by 1:05s

The BBFC cuts were:

• a blind man having his eyes gouged out,
• a close-up of a Demon's tooth pushing though it's gum
• a man having his eye forced onto a metal stake.

Summary Review: Goes straight for the jugular,

A group of people are trapped in a large West Berlin movie theater infected by ravenous demons whom proceed to kill and posses the humans one-by-one thereby multiplying their numbers.

Demons is cited on the commentary that accompanies this DVD as being one of the most important Italian horror films of the 80's, and indeed it is. Bypassing the flabby, overcooked acting, unevenly distributed action and horrendous scores of many a Euro-horror, Demons goes straight for the jugular, eyeballs, guts and groin. This film is certainly one of the best paced non-American horror flicks of the decade and contains a level of lovingly crafted, sickeningly visceral gore which just wouldn't happen these days.

For a European film the acting isn't actually too bad and the set is very effective. This film of course has bad points. Loads of them, but as is sometimes the case with these trashy horrors, the bad bits are so bad that they end up enhancing the enjoyment of the picture. I love It.

Legend is a 1985 US/UK fantasy by Ridley Scott with Tom Cruise and Mia Sara. See IMDb

The Director's Cut was passed PG uncut for:

• UK 2012 20th Century Fox Online
• UK 2012 20th Century Fox (+European Version) R0 Blu-ray at UK Amazon released today on 6th February 2012

The additional material is non-contentious but makes the film more coherent. See pictorial version details from movie-censorship.com

The new Blu-ray is region ABC. It features the European Version but has the Director's Cut as a 'Special Feature'.

The Erotic Films of Peter De Rome is a 1973 gay art house compilation by Peter de Rome. See IMDb

Passed 18 uncut for strong real sex for:

• UK 2012 BFI R2 DVD at UK Amazon for release on 26th March 2012

The BBFC commented in their 2010 Annual Report:

The Erotic Films of Peter De Rome is a collection of eight short films that date from the early 1970s, some of which feature strong scenes of real sex. The work as a whole has artistic, cultural and historical merit and, in tone and treatment, is distinguishable from a sex work.

From promotional material: Highly regarded gay art films

Amateur filmmaker Peter De Rome first started shooting 8mm films in 1965 producing a set of painstakingly crafted, atmospheric sexual scenarios for the amusement of himself and his friends. Pioneering producer Jack Deveau saw one of these at a festival and convinced him to collect eight of the shorts, blow them up to 16mm, and release them commercially as The Erotic Films of Peter De Rome.

The eight short films in the cycle take the viewer on a charged sexual expedition which exists at the intersection of artistry and eroticism. Here, de Rome explores the full experience of intimacy the longing, the pursuit, the passion, the afterglow, and in some cases, the aftermath. From humorous to sardonic, de Rome truly pushes the boundaries of filmmaking as his characters find themselves in surreal scenarios ranging from a wondrous garden to an underground subway. The Erotic Films of Peter de Rome showcase some of the most highly regarded gay art films ever made.

Fernando Di Leo's Milieu quadrilogy consists of Caliber 9, The Italian Connection aka Manhunt in Milan, The Boss and Rulers of the City.

Fernando Di Leo's films are claimed to be the  inspiration for Quentin Tarantino's early films.  And gushingly, a breathtaking crime collection that no lover of Italian genre-cinema could possibly afford to miss.

The collection is uncut and MPAA Unrated for:

• US 2012 Raro Fernando Di Leo Crime Collection RA Blu-ray via UK Amazon and at US Amazon just released on 31st January 2012
• US 2011 Raro Fernando Di Leo Crime Collection R1 DVD via UK Amazon and at US Amazon

At the BBFC

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

It was last released in the UK when cut by the BBFC for its 1973 cinema release.

Visions of Ecstasy is a 1989 UK erotic short by Nigel Wingrove. With Louise Downie, Elisha Scott and Dan Fox. See IMDb

Passed 18 uncut for nudity and sex involving religious images for:

• UK 2012 4Digital/Redemption R2 DVD at UK Amazon for release 26th March 2012

Previously Banned

Previously banned by the BBFC for:

• UK 1989 Axel VHS

The BBFC decision was subsequently appealed to the Video Appeals Committee who upheld the ban.

DVD Features

Included with this historic film is a 40 page, booklet written by the films director, Nigel Wingrove, in which he explains how the film came to be made, the effect its banning had on his life and future work, and how his continuing battles against film censorship led eventually to the resignation of the BBFC's then director, JamesFerman, the legalisation of pornography and a general relaxations of film classification overall.

Also included on this DVD are the director s first erotic short film, Axel (1986) and his nunsploitation feature, Sacred Flesh (2000), in which a Mother Superior struggles with her sexual desires in a series of imagined dialogues with Mary Magdalene will her mind torments her with images of sexual perversion, lesbianism and sadomasochism. Sacred Flesh was cut by 25s by the BBFC when it was submitted in 2000.

Additional extras include extensive stills, press gallery and interviews.

The Tin Drum is a 1979 West German film by Volker Schlondorff. With David Bennent, Mario Adorf and Angela Winkler. See IMDb

Director's Cut

The Director's Cut was passed 15 uncut for strong sex and sexualised nudity for:

• UK 2011 Arrow Academy (also with Theatrical Version) RB Blu-ray at UK Amazon just released on 30th January 2012

The Director's Cut adds plot details that add depth to the film. It basically restores scenes that were removed when the distributors wanted the film to be shortened for running time reasons. See pictorial version details from movie-censorship.com

Uncut Theatrical Version

Previously the Theatrical Version was passed 15 uncut with previous BBFC cuts waived for:

• UK 2011 Arrow Academy (also with Director's Cut RB Blu-ray) R2 DVD
• UK 2003 Nouveaux Pictures R2 DVD

The cut's were waived when the BBFC decided that the disputed scene did not constitute an indecent image. You do not see Maria's pubes and it seems likely (from other evidence - eg the book about the making of the film) that Scholndorff made her wear masking tape at this point. The offending shot simply shows a young boy pressing his face against a woman's pubic region (not actually her vagina). 

It is  a serious film with little else to comfort paedophiles and expert views agreed that the scene was no more indecent (or vulnerable to misuse) than some of the other scenes in the film, such as the sherbert licking.

Cut Theatrical Version

Before that the Theatrical Version was passed 15 after 19s of BBFC cuts for:

• UK 1997 Disc VHS
• UK 1994 Connoisseur VHS
• UK 1980 cinema release (X Rated)

The BBFC cuts were:

• A shot has been deleted from the scene where the young Oskar is seen burying his head in Maria's pubic area.

Release Details

Arrow Academy presents Volker Schlöndorff s masterpiece in its original theatrical version and the Director's Cut, seen for the first time in the UK after its Cannes Film Festival premiere.

Extras:

• High Definition and Standard Definition presentation of the original theatrical version
• High Definition presentation of the Director s Cut [Blu-ray only]
• New restoration of both the theatrical version and the brand new Director s Cut approved by director Volker Schlöndorff
• Brand new interview with Volker Schlöndorff
• Comprehensive booklet featuring brand new writing on the film by George Lellis and Hans-Bernhard Moeller, authors of Volker Schlondorff's Cinema: Adaptation, Politics and the Movie-appropriate, as well as extracts from Volker Schlöndorff s diary, writing by Jean Claude Carrière and Günter Grass, illustrated with archival stills.
• More extras to be announced!

Four Flies on Grey Velvet is a 1971 Italy/France giallo by Dario Argento. With Michael Brandon and Mimsy Farmer. See IMDb

A Restored Version/Rebuild Edit  was passed 15 uncut for strong violence for:

• UK 2012 Argent/Shameless 40th Anniversary Blu-ray at UK Amazon just released on 30th January 2012
• UK 2012 Argent/Shameless 40th Anniversary R2 DVD at UK Amazon just released on 30th January 2012

From promotional material:

This special 40th Anniversary Edition has been fully re-mastered in HD from the original negative and includes four inserts of previously missing footage, through print damage, known amongst Argento fans as the legendary missing forty seconds.

However the inserts are in Standard-Definition quality only. The Blu-ray will allow for seamless branching of the four inserts giving viewers two versions of the film: one all HD without the re-inserted scenes and one longer version including the inserts.

Previous Releases

The film's last appearance in the UK was X rated after BBFC cuts for the 1973 cinema release.

Summary Review: Argento's rarest giallo

A musician is stalked by an unknown killer who's blackmailing him for an accidental killing of another stalker. But is everything what it appears to be?

Argento demonstrates some very creative camera work in this one. Furthermore, he keeps a nice and steady pace, there is very little downtime in this one and Ennio Morricone gives a good, if not great score.

It also boasts some inventive deaths. Now, Four Flies on Grey Velvet certainly has its flaws. There is a bit too much comedy in for my tastes, which I feel distracted from the horror. Also, Morriconne's score is underutilized and there isn't enough nudity.

Undoubtedly Dario Argento's rarest giallo, Four Flies on Grey Velvet is none the less the weakest in his Animal Trilogy (which also includes The Bird with the Crystal Plumage and Cat O'Nine Tails), but it is still a pretty entertaining entry in the giallo genre.

Rolling Thunder is a 1977 action revenge film by John Flynn. With William Devane, Tommy Lee Jones and Linda Haynes. See IMDb

UK: Passed 18 uncut for:

• UK 2011 Optimum Online
• UK 2011 Optimum/Studio Canal R2 DVD/RB Blu-ray at UK Amazon just released on 30th January 2012

Previously Cut

The cinema release was passed X (18) after BBFC cuts for UK 1977 cinema release

The BBFC cuts were:

• A couple of uses of William Devane's sharpened hook hand being used as a weapon were deleted

Summary Review: Outright mayhem

Returning war hero  William Devane receives a generous local gift during ceremonies in his Texas hometown. Later on, a bunch of good old boys come to rob him of the gift. They torture him and off his family in the process.

The remaining 70 or so minutes of the film detail Devane's search for the killers and his revenge. He takes up with a lonely woman during the search while teaching himself to use a shotgun with his new mechanical hand (he lost the real one in the torture-robbery-murder back home.)

Anyone that likes either of the main actors (Wiiliam Devane or Tommy Lee Jones), high class violence, or revenge films will enjoy this movie.

Anyone that likes either of the main actors (Wiiliam Devane or Tommy Lee Jones), high class violence, or revenge films will enjoy this movie.

The Nude Vampire is a 1970 France horror by Jean Rollin. With Maurice Lemaître and Caroline Cartier. See IMDb

US: uncut and MPAA R Rated for:

• US Online Rent or Buy [US only] at US Amazon
• US 2012 Redemption Re-mastered R0 Blu-ray via UK Amazon and at US Amazon just released on 24th January 2012
• US 2012 Redemption Re-mastered R1 DVD at US Amazon just released on 24th January 2012
• US 2007 Redemption R1 DVD

At the BBFC

UK: Passed 18 uncut for:

• UK 2005 Redemption R0 DVD at UK Amazon
• UK 1993 Redemption VHS

Previously passed X (18) after BBFC cuts for:

• UK 1972 cinema release

Summary Review: Sloooooow

There's not a lot of nudity here at all. Instead of erotic lesbian vampires with no clothes on; we've got a cumbersome plot about a man who wants to unlock the secret to immortality.

The usual Rollin problems...which are: The subject matter would usually lend for a visual feast. However Jean Rollin manages to be an ultimate bore when it comes down to the cinematography in this production.

The editing is sloooooow. Do we really need to see a guy walk across a field until he disappears into the horizon? In an end sequence maybe, however not in the middle of a story that already tends to induce sleep.

Fascination is a 1979 France horror by Jean Rollin. With Franca Mai & Brigitte Lahaie. See IMDb

US: Uncut and MPAA Unrated for:

• US 2012 Redemption Re-mastered Edition R0 Blu-ray via UK Amazon and at US Amazon just released on 24th January 2012
• US 2012 Redemption Re-mastered Edition R1 DVD at US Amazon just released on 24th January 2012

At the BBFC

UK: Passed 18 uncut for:

• UK 2002 Redemption DVD via UK Amazon
• UK 1994 Redemption VHS

Passed uncut but some versions omit 1:25s of the opening credits featuring 2 girls dancing on a bridge.

Summary Review: Stunning Visuals

This erotic horror film, set in 1916, tells the story of a thief who seeks refuge in a castle owned by two women,

The opening scene is classic and the film delivers many memorable scenes from start to finish. Plot and characterisation don't take up much time in the film, its more of a work of art than a conventional vampire tale. There isn't even all that much bloodletting, just enough to stop things being anaemic. In place of gore there's some fine eroticism and stunning visuals and its a fair trade.

Lips of Blood is a 1972 French horror film by Jean Rollin. With Jean-Loup Philippe, Annie Belle and Natalie Perrey. See IMDb

US: The Theatrical Version is MPAA Unrated for:

• US 2012 Redemption R0 Blu-ray via UK Amazon and at US Amazon just released on 24th January 2012
• US 2012 Redemption R1 DVD at US Amazon just released on 24th January 2012

Elsewhere

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

• UK 2004 Redemption R0 DVD at UK Amazon
• UK 2004 Redemption R0 DVD

There is a hardcore version titled Suck Me Vampire in the US and Suce-moi vampire in France.

Summary Review: One of Rollin's best

This erotic vampire film features a young man on a strange quest after recognizing a castle on a poster. He seems to remember the castle from his childhood and eventually finds it with the aid of a strange woman dressed in white. It turns out that his family has been keeping the secret of vampirism from him.

This stylish vampire epic is one of Rollin's best. We have the usual Rollin ingredients on hand, nocturnal settings, catacombs, coffins and semi nude vampires lurking the night. Unlike Franco who would delve further into the salacious aspects, Rollin tends to blend his lustful elements into his crafty settings giving the viewer a very unique contrast. This film is a must see for any eclectic Rollin fan.

No Blade of Grass is a 1975 US Sci-Fi drama by Cornel Wilde. With Nigel Davenport, Jean Wallace and John Hamill. See IMDb

US: Uncut and MPAA R Rated for:

• US 2012 Warner R0 DVD-R at US Amazon just released on 25th January 2012

Cut in Britain

The film was last released in Britain when it was passed 15 after 1:20s of BBFC cuts for:

• UK 1987 MGM VHS

From IMDB:

• 1:20s cut from the rape scene

Previously it was passed AA (14) after BBFC cuts for:

• UK 1970 cinema release

From IMDB:

• Cut for category by over 15:00s to remove scenes of sex and violence

Summary Review: Bleak

When a deadly virus strikes London, John Custane takes his family to hoped-for safety in Scotland.

The message is ham-fisted the look is very 1970, and some odd soundtrack choices were made, but it's a bleak film about the collapse of civilization. But the story's premise is completely plausible and the violence gives depth to the plot and characters.

The House on Sorority Row is a 1983 US slasher by Mark Rosman. With Kate McNeil, Eileen Davidson and Janis Ward. See IMDb

US: Uncut and MPAA R Rated for:

• US 2012 Scorpion Katrina's Nightmare Theatre R0 DVD at US Amazon just released on 24th January 2012

Promotional Material:

The new release is created from a brand new HD master, with 2 disc worth of extras, featuring Katarina Leigh Waters.

Disc 1

• Watch this in Katarina s Nightmare Theater format with our hostess Katarina Leigh Waters or play feature only
• Brand New 16x9 (1:78) HD master from the original IN
• Brand New audio commentary with Director Mark Rosman moderated by Katarina Leigh Waters
• Bonus commentary with Stars Kate McNeil, Eileen Davidson and director Mark Rosman
• On camera interview with co-star Harley Jane Kozak
• 3 TV spots theatrical Trailers Storyboard Comparisons Photo Gallery alternate ending

Disc 2

• On camera interview with star Kate McNeil conducted by Katarina Leigh Waters
• On camera interview with star Eileen Davidson conducted by Katarina Leigh Water
• On camera interview with Director Mark Rosman conducted by Katarina Leigh Waters
• On camera interview with composer Richard Band
• On camera interview with co-producer Igo Kantor

At the BBFC

UK: Passed 18 uncut after previous BBFC cuts waived for:

• UK 2007 Boulevard R2 DVD at UK Amazon
• UK 2002 Hollywood R0 DVD

Previously passed 18 after 3s of BBFC cuts for:

• UK 1986 Apex VHS titled House of Evil

The BBFC cuts were:

• Omits a short scene after the attack on Jeanie, in which Katherine goes to look for Peter and finds him standing by the piano.
• The UK version of the film cuts out two shots to Vicki's murder, the cane in the back and the cane in the eye. The UK version shows shots of childrens' toys at the end of the film, whereas the US version ends immediately after the killer's eyes open.

Summary Review: Classic slasher

After a seemingly innocent prank goes horribly wrong, a group of sorority sisters are stalked and murdered one by one in their sorority house while throwing a party to celebrate their graduation.

The House On Sorority Row is a classic horror film. The acting was not that bad at all, and the directing was solid. This is a fave of mine. If you're a fan of 80's horror you will love this classic.

Other reviewers are not so impressed and rate it as moderate.

The Shiver of the Vampires is a 1971 France horror film by Jean Rollin. With Sandra Julien, Jean-Marie Durand and Jacques Robiolles. See IMDb

US: Uncut and MPAA R Rated for:

• US 2012 Kino/Redemption RA Blu-ray via UK Amazon and at US Amazon just released on 24th January 2012
• US 2012 Kino/Redemption R1 DVD at US Amazon just released on 24th January 2012
• US 1999 Image/Redemption R0 DVD

At the BBFC

UK: Passed 18 uncut for:

• UK 2007 Redemption R2 DVD via UK Amazon
• UK 2004 Redemption R0 DVD
• UK 1993 Redemption VHS

A Very short version was passed X (18) without BBFC cuts for:

• UK 1971 cinema release titled Sex and the Vampire

Summary Review: Visionary vampire film

A young honeymooning couple stop for the night at an ancient castle. Unbeknownst to them, the castle is home to a horde of vampires, who have their own plans for the couple.

No one makes movies like Jean Rollin, and this is his masterpiece. Like most of his visions it seems to be about innocence and corruption, the attraction Evil has to Good, (and vice versa,) and the discovery of beauty in the unlikeliest of places.

This movie is very sexy, very slow, very weird. The music, lighting, absurd dialogue, and slow pacing help create a more poetic and imagistic type of film than we're used to here in the go-go States.

The Big Boss is a 1971 Hong Kong martial arts film by Wei Lo. With Bruce Lee, Maria Yi and James Tien. See IMDb

An extended version was passed 18 with previous cuts waived for:

• UK 2012 Cine-Asia Hong Kong Legends R2 DVD at UK Amazon just released on 23rd January 2012
• UK 2006 Medusa/Hong Kong Legends R2 DVD
• UK 2003 Medusa/Hong Kong Legends R2 DVD
• UK 2000 Medusa/E1 R2 DVD

Previously Cut

Previously passed 18 after 8s of BBFC cuts for:

• UK 2005 Universal R2 DVD
• UK 1986 Rank VHS
• UK 1974 cinema release.

From IMDb:

• Heavy edits to the chain fight
• removed shots of ice picks and knives being thrown into chests
• kicks and blows during fight scenes.

DVD Features

• Digitally re-mastered and restored from a High Definition Transfer
• 2:35:1 Anamorphic version enhanced for widescreen TV's
• Dolby Stereo & Original Mono Audio Tracks (Cantonese and English)
• Dual Language Format (Cantonese and English)
• Feature Length Audio Commentary with Bruce Lee expert Andrew Staton and Will Johnston
• Promotional Gallery
• UK Platinum Trailer
• UK Promotional Trailer
• Original Theatrical Trailer
• Hong Kong Promotional Trailer
• Rare Uncut 8mm Trailer
• Original 35mm Title Sequence
• Textless 35mm Title Sequence
• Original Lobby Cards
• The History of The Big Boss: A Photographic Retrospective
• Deleted Scenes Examined: The Story of the Elusive Uncut Print
• Bruce Lee Biography
• Paul Heller: Breaking The West
• Fred Weintraub: A Rising Star
• Tom Kuhn: What Might Have Been

Summary Review: Broken Oath of Non-Violence

A young man sworn to an oath of non-violence works with his cousins in an ice factory where they mysteriously begin to disappear.

As one might expect, the whole movie is an excuse to show off Bruce Lee's moves, and they do a great job with it. There's not much in the way of an actual plot. They get straight down to the martial arts. Probably Bruce's most violent and bloody film.

Game of Death is a 1978 Hong Kong film by Robert Clouse. With Bruce Lee, Gig Young and Colleen Camp. See IMDb

UK: Passed 18 uncut with previous BBFC cuts waived:

• UK 2012 Cine-Asia Hong Kong Legends R2 DVD at UK Amazon released today on 23rd January 2012
• UK 2003 Medusa/E1 Hong Kong Legends R2 DVD via UK Amazon
• UK 2001 Medusa/E1 Hong Kong Legends R2 DVD

Previously Cut

Previously a version pre-cut by 3:59s was further cut by 2s by the BBFC for:

• UK 2005 Universal DVD
• UK 1997 4 Front VHS
• UK 1996 Blue Chip VHS
• UK 1986 Rank VHS

Missing was the sight of nunchuks. Comparison of the UK Rank video and a Video-CD from Malaysia reveals that an entire 4 minute fight scene has been substituted. Late on in the film the Chinese version shows a nunchucks fight between Bruce Lee and a villain dressed all in black. In the Rank Video, this is replaced with a far less savage battle between Bruce Lee and a different guy dressed all in white with no nunchucks to be seen.

DVD Features

• Digitally re-mastered and restored DVD transfer
• 2:35:1 Anamorphic version enhanced for widescreen TV's
• Feature length audio commentary with Bey Logan
• Dolby Digital 5.1 English audio
• Bruce Lee trailer archive
• Deleted scenes from 1978 edition
• Rare photo archive (including production stills, posters and original lobby card artwork)
• Legacy of the Dragon (exclusive documentary on Bruce Lee and the Game of Death phenomenon)
• History of Jeet Kune Do (Bruce Lee's fighting art)
• Biography showcase for principal stars
• Game of Death Re-visited featurette
• 40 minute edit of the original Game of Death footage in accordance with Bruce Lee's script notes
• Dan Inosanto Jeet Kune Do Seminar
• Game of Death Retrospective
• Interview Gallery
• Fully Animated Menus

Summary Review: A Fitting Tribute

A martial arts movie star must fake his death to find the people who are trying to kill him.

Game of Death, a Frankenstein concoction of bits and peices of Bruce Lee's final performance in a movie originally shot in 1972-73 and a later film shot in 1978 after Lee's death is really two movies in one.

The first, a crime/revenge caper helmed by Robert Clouse is not as bad as you may have heard. The scenes are intercut badly and Lee's many doubles do look bad, but as a movie on it's own merit it isn't that bad.

Australia After Dark is a 1975 Australia sex documentary by John D Lamond with Gina Allen and Count Copernicus. See IMDb

The US release featuring the Softcore Version is MPAA Unrated for:

• US 2012 Intervision R0 DVD at US Amazon released on 10th January 2012

IMDb reports that there is an Australian X version that runs at about 90:00s but there's no sign of any available version of this.

The film was last seen in the UK when the Softcore Version was passed X (18) after about 12:00s of BBFC cuts for:

• UK 1977 cinema release

Promotional material: Depraved underbelly of a land down-under

Producer/director John Lamond made his indelible debut with this mondo-style look at the depraved underbelly of a land down-under. It's an ultra-sleazy, full-frontal journey through the weird and the pathetic, the ugly, the obscene and the beautiful, featuring strippers, swingers, murderers, devil worshippers, nutty gurus, drunken aborigines, and much more.

From the back alleys of the big cities to the savage cruelty of the outback, discover a continent of pleasure, pain, erotic art, wriggling cuisine, tiny bikinis, alien landings, record-breaking beer consumption and insane amounts of 70s nudity, now fully restored from a print recently discovered in the cellar of the Lower Wonga Drive-In and presented uncut & uncensored for the first time ever in America.

Bonus Features:

• Audio Commentary With Director John D. Lamond and "Not Quite Hollywood" Director Mark Hartley,

• John D. Lamond Trailer Reel.

Her Private Hell is a 1968 UK drama by Norman J Warren. With Lucia Modugno, Terence Skelton and Pearl Catlin. See IMDb

Presumably the cut UK Cinema version was passed 15 without BBFC cuts for:

• UK 2012 BFI DVD/Blu-ray

The release includes 3 minutes of uncensored US alternative footage as extras. This is presumably the material cut for the UK cinema version.

Previously passed X (16) after BBFC cuts for:

• UK 1968 cinema release

Promotional Material:

The cautionary tale of an innocent girl abroad who gets caught up in the sleazy world of modelling, Her Private Hell was the debut feature of British exploitation director Norman J Warren (Satan's Slave, Prey and Terror) and the UK's first narrative sex film.

Beautiful but naive Marisa arrives from the continent for a job as a fashion model but soon discovers she's being groomed for a different purpose. Starring Italian actress Lucia Modugno (Il Generale della Rovere, Diabolik), the film ran for over a year in London and put Britain on the map in the realm of home grown adult features.

Extras Presented in both High Definition and Standard Definition:

• Original Her Private Hell trailer.
• Alternative, uncensored US sequences (3 minutes).
• Screen Tests (4 minutes).
• Making Her Private Hell (15 minutes): new documentary with cast and crew interviews.
• Incident (Norman J Warren, 1959, 14 minutes): newly-created HD version of Warren's enigmatic first film.
• Fragment (Norman J warren, 1966, 11 minutes): exquisite short about a woman's unhappiness after a failed love affair.
• The Anatomy of a Pin-up (David Cohen, 1971, 30 minutes): modish documentary about attitudes to nude modelling in Britain.
• Fully illustrated booklet with new essays by Norman J Warren, David Cohen, Lynn Barber and Josephine Botting.

Last House on the Left is a 1972 US horror by Wes Craven. With Sandra Peabody, Lucy Grantham and David Hess. See IMDb.

Here's a video nasty release that was previously missed:

US: uncut and MPAA Unrated for:

• US 2011 MGM Collector's Edition R0 Blu-ray via UK Amazon and at US Amazon released in September 2011

Story of the Last House on the Left in the UK

First banned by the BBFC for a cinema release in 1974.

The VHS video was released by Replay Video in June 1982. It was an early casualty of the video nasty panic and got banned in July 1983. It stayed on the list throughout and so became one of the collectible DPP39s

A cinema release was banned again in 2000. However it achieved an cinema club circuit release in 2000.

A subsequent DVD release was rejected in 2001

The DVD was again submitted in 2002 but this time the BBFC offered cuts. An appeal against the cuts proved unsuccessful and in fact resulted in additional cuts to those originally requested by the BBFC. The resulting Blue Underground video/DVD release of 2002 suffered 31s of censor cuts.

Further 2003 video/DVD releases (including one titled Krug & Company) from Anchor Bay have been edited differently but maintained the previous BBFC 2002 cuts

The DVD was finally passed 18 uncut by the BBFC in 2008

The Krug edit was also passed 18 uncut in 2009.

Current UK Status: Passed 18 uncut

UK: Passed 18 uncut with previous BBFC cuts waived for:

• UK 2008 Second Sight R2 DVD at UK Amazon

UK: The Krug Edit was passed 18 uncut for:

• UK 2009  Metrodome/In2film R2 DVD at UK Amazon

Summary Review: Brutal Realist Tragedy

While I think that people tend to get a bit hyperbolic when they talk about The Last House on the Left, I do think it's a fairly good film, especially given what the filmmakers were trying to do and considering their lack of experience, the era and the budget. Also, despite a filmic precursor, it just may be the earliest example of the horror subgenre of brutal, realist tragedy. However, it has flaws that would be difficult to overlook in a distanced assessment of the film.

But again, focusing on that amounts to hype now, and shouldn't be taken too seriously, lest it lead to inflated expectations. Just as surprising on a first viewing is that The Last House on the Left has an intermittent goofy sense of humor and a groovy attitude that is firmly mired in the early 1970s. The two policemen are really comic relief characters (and very funny at that), but there is also a lot of humor surrounding the criminal quartet--this almost becomes a black comedy at times. These sensibilities even extend to the music, which has a frequent hillbilly edge and lyrics that supply ex-positional material. Surprisingly, Hess, who plays Krug, wrote the music.

Savage Island is a 1985 Italy/US action drama by Nicholas Beardsley.
With Anthony Steffen, Ajita Wilson and Cristina Lay. See IMDb

This is actually a reworking of Hell Prison revamped for the US market with additional material featuring Linda Blair.

US: Uncut and MPAA R Rated for:

• US 2011 Wizard Entertainment R1 DVD via UK Amazon and at US Amazon recently released on 6th December 2011

Cut by the BBFC

In its only UK release it was passed 18 after 22s of BBFC cuts for:

• UK 1986 EIV VHS

Summary Review: Turkey

Women who have been captured and sold as slave labor to a South American emerald mine hatch a plan for revolution and revenge.

Rightfully atrocious. Hell Prison was an Italian-Spanish women-as-slaves-on-a-South-American-island-who-revolt thing, brought stateside in 1985, christened with a new title and spiced with fresh footage of Linda Blair as a vengeful ex-employee. Those looking for some hot nude scenes and/or violent confrontations between sexy women in loincloths are bound to be disappointed. But, alas, Linda is once again stuck in a turkey

Teenage Tramp is a 1973 US crime drama by Anton Holden.
With Alisha Fontaine, Anthony Massena and Robin Lane. See IMDb

US: Uncut and MPAA R rated for:

• US 2011 Code Red Maria's B-Movie Mayhem Double Bill R1 DVD at US Amazon

Cut in the UK

Last seen in the UK when it was passed 18 after 49s of BBFC cuts for:

• UK 1999 Double Vision VHS packaged as if it were a softcore sex film

Summary Review: A harrowing experience

Wayward and uninhibited young runaway Kim has fallen in with a bad crowd. Kim decides to flee said crowd and goes to the west coast to reunite herself with her uptight sister Hilary so she can collect some of the family inheritance. However, evil drug dealer Maury and his flock follow Kim to Hilary's house.

it is a rather unsettling look at clashing life styles in America, here depicted violently for the exploitation fans. It still carries a wallop.

All hell breaks loose when Kim (Alisha Fontaine) arrives on her sister's mansion doorstep.  The Film becomes a harrowing experience with the arrival of Manson-esque cult/gang leader Maury.

Troll Hunter is a 2010 Norway comedy horror by André Øvredal with Otto Jespersen, Robert Stoltenberg and Knut Nærum. See IMDb

It was passed 15 uncut for:

• UK 2012 Technicolor/Momentum RB Blu-ray at UK Amazon just released on 9th January 2012
• UK 2012 Technicolor/Momentum R2 DVD at UK Amazon just released on 9th January 2012
• UK 2011 cinema release

From promotional material:

One of the biggest hits with audiences at this year's Film4 Frightfest and a major critical success during its subsequent UK theatrical release in September 2011, the horror-comedy Troll Hunter bursts its way on to DVD and Blu-ray on 9th January 2012.

Following the deaths of a couple of tourists and a spate of livestock mutilations in the mountains and forests of Norway, the government's official line is that rogue bears are responsible. But the local hunters don't agree and neither does a trio of college students who have been stalking an alleged poacher, Hans, with the intention of making a documentary film about him. Their persistence in pursuing Hans finally pays off when the filmmakers become victims of a night-time attack by something that is obviously much larger than a bear. In the aftermath, Hans agrees to an interview in which he reveals the truth regarding his occupation -- he is actually a government employed troll hunter. Sceptical, the students volunteer to assist this unlikely hero in his work on the understanding that they will be allowed to document the proceedings and publicly reveal the heavily guarded secrets of a race of creatures thought only to exist in fairly tales.

And Jonathan Ross adds that: Troll Hunter is magnificent.

Special Features include:

• Trailer
• deleted scenes
• improvs and bloopers
• extended scenes
• visual effects
• behind the scenes
• HDNet: A Look at Troll Hunter
• photo galleries

The Bird with the Crystal Plumage is a 1969 Italian/West German thriller by Dario Argento with Tony Musante and Suzy Kendall. See IMDb

The Unrated Version was passed 15 uncut for:

• UK 2012 Arrow/ArrowDrome R0 at UK Amazon released today on 9th January 2012
• UK 2011 Arrow R0 Blu-ray at UK Amazon
• UK 2011 Arrow R0 DVD at UK Amazon

Previously Cut

Previous UK releases were based on the cut US R Rated print that was further cut by the BBFC.

Goodies

• A reversible sleeve of original artwork
• Includes interview with director Dario Argento
• Booklet by Alan Jones author of Profondo Argento

Summary Review: Engrossing Mystery

This was Dario Argento's debut feature, a well-received thriller in which an American writer living in Rome (Tony Musante) witnesses an assault on a woman in an art gallery and is subsequently targeted by the would-be assassin, a crazed psychopath who's been terrorizing the city with a series of brutal murders.

It is a fairly straightforward thriller with horror asides, anchored by a strong narrative, an increasingly bizarre series of supporting characters, and a strong Everyman hero who slots the puzzle together piece by piece before realizing that the most important clue to the killer's identity was there in front of him all the time.

Producers were unconvinced of his directorial abilities and wanted to pull him off the picture during the first few weeks of shooting, but Argento persevered under an iron-clad contract and ultimately proved his critics wrong with the finished product, a genuinely engrossing mystery punctuated by scenes of explicit horror.

Night of the Demon is a 1980 US horror by James C Wasson.
With Michael Cutt, Joy Allen and Bob Collins. See IMDb

US: Uncut and MPAA R Rated for:

• US 2011 Code Red Maria's B-Movie Mayhem R1 DVD via UK Amazon and at US Amazon released in October 2011.
• US Miracle R1 DVD

Note that the US Amazon import is very much cheaper that the sellers on UK Amazon.

Video Nasty

Released by Vipco in June 1982. Banned as a video nasty in October 1983. It stayed on the list throughout the panic and so became one of the collectable DPP39's

It was last seen in the UK when it was re-released after 1:41s of BBFC cuts on video in 1994 by Vipco

Summary Review: Cheap

Another film that is something like an urban legend: being banned in countries like Germany or Norway and also very hard to find. The reputation of Night of the Demon is much more interesting than the movie itself!

The story is simple: a professor and some students travel to the dark forests to investigate some cruel murders which were caused by a Bigfoot-like monster that looks like Chewbacca from Star Wars. A feeble minded woman who lives in a lonely hut plays an important role in the solution of the mystery.

Well, the acting is bad, the F/X are pretty cheesy and only the many murders featured in this flick will keep you away from falling asleep! These deaths however are pretty are gory and violent, so fans of splatter movies won't be disappointed!

White Slave (aka Amazonia: the Catherine Miles Story) is a 1985 Italian adventure by Mario Gariazzo. With Elvire Audray, Will Gonzales and Dick Campbell. See IMDb

US: uncut and MPAA R Rated for:

• US 2011 Wizard R1 DVD titled White Slave via UK Amazon and at US Amazon recently released on 6th December 2011

Cut in the UK

It was originally passed 18 after 52s of BBFC cuts for:

• UK 1987 Avatar VHS

Then it was passed 18 with some cuts waived for

• UK 2003 Pegasus DVD

Summary Review: Original

A young woman seeks vengeance and finds love when her parents are killed in the Amazon and she is taken prisoner by an indigenous tribe of headhunters.

I have almost all of the cannibal movies ever made and this is one of the most original.

A girl takes a boat voyage with her parents, aunt and uncle. Her parents are killed with blowguns. A tribe of natives takes the girl captive and a warrior takes a particular liking to her, but it is said he killed her parents.

The girl is modestly hot and topless through most of it. This is a must-see for fans of cannibals.

The Master is a 1992 Hong Kong/US action film by Hark Tsui. With Jet Li, Wah Yuen and Crystal Kwok. See IMDb

Passed 18 uncut for strong violence after pervious BBFC cuts waived for:

• UK 2012 Cine-Asia R2 DVD at UK Amazon for release on 27th February 2012
• UK 2005 Contender/UK Hong Kong Legends Collectors Edition R2 DVD

Previously Cut

Passed 18 after 11s of BBFC cuts for:

• UK 1998 MIA VHS

The cuts were:

• Knuckledusters, chainsticks & butterfly knives just cannot be seen by those sensitive Brits. It doesn't really matter whether they are being used or not

DVD Features

• Digitally re-mastered & restored 16:9 Anamorphic version enhanced for widescreen TVs
• DVD Transfer created from a High Definition master
• Dual Language Format (English Dubbed and Cantonese with re-mastered English subtitles)
• SDH subtitle option
• Dolby Digital 5.1 Cantonese & English audio tracks
• Original Cantonese mono audio track
• Exclusive feature-length audio-commentary with Hong Kong film expert, Bey Logan
• The Master: an exclusive interview with prolific Kung Fu Legend, Yuen Wah
• Crystal Clear: an exclusive interview with leading lady, Crystal Kwok
• The Insider: an exclusive interview with stuntman and author, John Kreng
• Trailer Gallery

Summary Review: Jet Li comes to America

Uncle Tak, the old martial-arts master has problems with his former student Jonny who wants to kill his old master to show everyone who the real master is. Uncle Tak wants Jet Li, his best student, to come over from China to help. Jet is not familiar with the American way of life, but knows how to fight.

The film is played out mainly as comedy but is a bit slow and only really gets serious in the final 20 minutes. Jet Li is as good as he always is in the fight sequences.

Frankenhooker is a 1990 US comedy horror by Frank Henenlotter with James Lorinz and Joanne Ritchie. See IMDb

The Unrated Version/Director's Cut has just been passed 15 uncut for:

• UK 2011 Arrow R0 Blu-ray at UK Amazon just released on 2nd January 2012

Previous Versions

Previously the Unrated Version/Director's Cut was passed 18 uncut for:

• UK 2004 Optimum R2 DVD via UK Amazon
• UK 1992 Polygram VHS
• UK 1991 Sky TV broadcast
• UK 1990 Lazer VHS
• UK 1990 cinema release

The BBFC had already passed a 15 rated version back in 2000 for Synergy but this was the US R Rated version that is missing 1:45s:

• UK 2000 Synergy R0 DVD
• UK 2000 Synergy VHS

Promotional Material:

Finding a girl when you're a nerdy science geek can be hard. But what happens if that special someone dies in a bizarre gardening accident and it's all your fault?

Meet Jeffrey Franken. He's just killed the love of his life and now he's going to rebuild her... From the body parts of the dead streetwalkers who exploded when he introduced them to a lethal new drug -- Supercrack! Little does he know that a good recipe requires the correct ingredients. Jeffrey isn't putting his life back together; he's building... a FRANKENHOOKER!

From the twisted imagination of Frank Henenlotter (Basketcase) and starring James Lorinz (Street Trash), comes a movie that pays a loving tribute to the worst excesses of the American Grindhouse.

THIS EDITION CONTAINS:

• Reversible sleeve with original and newly commissioned artwork by Graham Humphries

• Double-sided fold-out artwork poster

• Exclusive collector's booklet featuring brand new writing on the film by Calum Waddell

BLU-RAY CONTAINS:

• Brand New High Definition Transfer of the film (1080p)

SPECIAL FEATURES:

• UK exclusive audio commentary with director Frank Henenlotter and star James Lorinz

• UK exclusive introduction to the film by actor James Lorinz (1080p)

• Your Date's on a Plate: The Making of Frankenhooker: UK exclusive making of documentary featuring director Frank Henenlotter, star James Lorinz and special effects artist Gabe Bartalos (1080p)

• A personal UK exclusive tour of the Gabe Bartalos effects lab in Los Angeles, California (1080p)

• A Salad That Was Once Named Elizabeth: Patty Mullen Remembers Frankenhooker

• A Stitch In Time: The Make-Up Effects Of Frankenhooker

• Turning Tricks: Jennifer Delora Remembers Frankenhooker

• Original theatrical trailer