BBFC to relax rules on alternate DVD certification!!

Not sure if you guys know this already.... just saw this on R2 Project ( www.r2-dvd.org/ ) .....

Will Wonders never cease !!!! The BBFC have issued a press release concerning a new policy that will allow distributors to release different versions of videos if they are not rated at the same age group. Previously films such as "Cliffhanger" and "Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom" had to be released on DVD as the same versions that had previously available VHS versions. This applied even if the distributor had changed and no longer agreed with cuts in the previously available version. One wonders what uncut gems are waiting out there for us !

Here's the BBFC press release in full

BBFC RELAXES POLICY ON DIFFERENT VERSIONS AT DIFFERENT CATEGORIES

The BBFC has decided to change the classification policy which prevents different versions of videos and DVDs being distributed if they are not rated for the same age group.

With the advent of the DVD there has been a growing trend towards the release of alternative versions, or 'Director's Cuts', of successful film titles. These may contain new material not present in the version originally submitted to the BBFC, or simply the uncut versions of films previously cut to obtain a lower certificate (at the cinema and/or on video). In a number of instances these have required a higher age rating than the original, which the BBFC has not permitted. The key concern has been that two versions of the same title would lead to customer and retailer confusion.

The BBFC has now decided to relax this policy. To ensure that there is no confusion between the different versions the BBFC has obtained the agreement of the industry to make the packaging for the new version significantly different from the original and to include clear references to the uncut, or 'Director's cut' versions. The industry has also agreed to ensure that packaging for the higher rated versions is not attractive to under-age viewers. All packaging will be approved by the BBFC to ensure that there should be no confusion between the different versions.

Robin Duval, Director of the BBFC said:

We know that this change of policy will be very popular with film fans who want to own the uncut versions of their favourite films, or who want to see a film as the director intended it. The industry's agreement to submit all packaging to the BBFC for approval will mean that the different versions will be easily identifiable so that retailers and rental shops can continue to prevent under age viewing, but adult film fans will be able to enjoy their favourite film in full.

Sure you will all agree.... great news!

Pete.

With the advent of DVD the BBFC have become basically redundant, I can go to ebay or play and get pretty much what I want 100% uncut within a few days. Sure it's good to Texas Chainsaw on the shelves at Woolworths but in the end the BBFC is hopelessly out of touch and (thank god) we can now easily circumvent their nanny-state impositions. So good news yes, but for us horror fans not much will change.

Yeah, but movies may still have to be cut to achieve a rating in the first place by the sound of it.

Originally Posted by BlazingMagnum

Yeah, but movies may still have to be cut to achieve a rating in the first place by the sound of it.

Yes, I think you may be right.

This is by no means the revolution and overthrow of the BBFC, but it is a positive step in the right direction at the very least.

Although Weevil is right in one respect - the DVD and the internet have made many of the ratings partially redundant, as most consumers can still import the more "hardcore" versions of their favourite films.

One steo closer to that Big Global Movie Utopia, where we all can watch the same cuts of the film...

Yup, sounds like a better place already!