Film Censorship: N

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Nail Gun Massacre

Directed by Bill Leslie - Terry Lofton / 1985 / USA / IMDb

In 1991, CBL Video had an 82m videotape of NAIL GUN MASSACRE banned by the OFLC. A censored 80:03 version was passed with an R18+ (High level violence) rating in May 1991.

The cover of the CBL Video release gave a consumer advice of 'Frequent Violence', and not the 'High level violence' awarded by the OFLC. It also stated that NAIL GUN MASSACRE was 'BANNED IN THE UK'. This was incorrect, as it was never picked up for UK video distribution.

 

 

NAIL GUN MASSACRE: The censored scenes

The following is a comparison between the censored Australian CBL Video, and the uncut Dutch release from VUH Video.

It is interesting to note that many of the cuts simply reduce the length of a scene. Often, they show nothing more graphic than what has already been shown before.

'Censored at' refers to the point in the CBL Video release where there is a cut.

The amount of missing footage is from the VUH Video release.

CBL Video (Australia) - 80:03
VUH Video (Holland) - 81:48

 

LINDA'S RAPE

Before - Linda says, "Stop please" as she struggles and cries.

CENSORED AT 00:45 (25s missing) - Extension of the rape scene. It contains nothing more explicit to what has been shown before.

After - The soundtrack jumps. We are shown a view of Linda's face as she screams. This is followed by a shot of Mary-Sue hanging out the washing.

 

THE HITCH-HIKERS DEATH

Before - The Killer says, "You should never hitch a ride with a hearse unless you have died". This is followed by a shot of him pointing the nail gun.

CENSORED AT 19:43 (11s missing) - The Hitch-Hiker is shown lying on the ground holding his hand that has been shot.

After/Before - Killer saying, "You Hitch-Hikers are all alike"

CENSORED AT 19:46 (12s missing) - The Killer continues speaking "...on the road". Second shot of the Hitch-Hiker lying on the road pleading.

After - Killer stoops down next to the Hitch-Hiker and says, "Maybe we can still save ya"

 

DEATH OF HAL AND ANN

Before - The Killer eye view walking through the bushes. As they part, we are shown a brief rear shot of Hal and Ann having sex against a tree.

CENSORED AT 33:28 (30s missing) - A continuation of the rear view of them having sex, followed by a side view.

After/Before - Continuation of the side view of them having sex. Hal is shot in the back of the neck. The nail gun is then shown, and a shot heard, this is followed by Ann holding her hand against her mouth.

CENSORED AT 34:57 (2s missing) - As shot of her naked breasts as she is shot in the chest.

After/Before - Another shot of the gun and the sound of it firing.

CENSORED AT 34:59 (3s missing) - Another shot of her naked breasts. The camera pans up to her holding her hand against her mouth.

After - Her body falls to the ground on top of Hal.

 

DEATH OF BEN

Before- The killer says, "Put your hands together". Shot of the gun being raised.

CENSORED AT 37:36 (5s missing) - Ben's hands being shot with the nail gun.

After - Ben hugging the tree and saying, "God why me"

 

DEATH OF THE CARPENTERS

Before- Killer says, "There is one person you didn't leave smiling". He then shoots twice.

CENSORED AT 47:42 (7s missing) - Shot of Carpenter 1 with two nails in his face as he slides to the ground.

After/Before - The Killer talks to C2 about the rape. He eventually says, "The party is over". C2 begins to sink to the ground after being shot.

CENSORED AT 49:12 (12s missing) - He continues sliding to the ground. This is followed by another shot of the body of C1.

After - Shot of the Killer as he says "Bye, Bye".

 

DEATH ON THE CAR

Before - The Killer says to the girl, "I'm sorry, you just don't understand". He then shoots the gun twice.

CENSORED AT 58:36 (8s missing) - Shot of the girl laying on the car bleeding.

After - Shot of the Killer lowering his gun.

 

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The Naked Cage

Directed by Paul Nicholas / 1986 / USA / IMDb

A 98m print of THE NAKED CAGE was banned in 1986 for reasons of 'gratuitous sexual violence'.

In May 1986, Hoyts Distribution eventually received an R-rating for a censored 90:09 videotape.

The censored version of THE NAKED CAGE was released on the RCA/Columbia label.

 

 

THE NAKED CAGE: The censored footage

The missing footage is as follows.

Smiley and Ruby

24:30 - (53s cut) Smiley jumps on top of Ruby, there is a struggle and he subdues her. The scene ends with him saying, "Now you're going to get it"

 

Smiley and Michel

57:10 - (111s cut) Smiley rips off Michel's blouse exposing her breasts; he then takes down her underwear. She fights back, breaking his nose, and then beating him unconscious.

 

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Naked Vengeance

Directed by Cirio H. Santiago / 1985 / USA / IMDb

This film has never had problems with the Australian censors. It is included because the distributor released a censored print.

 

In March 1986, Outland Promotions had a 74:26 videotape of NAKED VENGEANCE passed with an R-rating. This was released on the Vestron Video label.

The print that was submitted was the U.S. R-rated version, which significantly toned down the rape scene and the violence. It is likely that the softer version was submitted to avoid problems with the Australian censors.

Some evidence of what was missing could be found on the back on the Vestron Video cover. It shows a picture of the castrated rapist standing by a tree, with blood covering his chest. This scene is from the uncut version, and does not appear in the Australian tape. Thanks to Niko M for sending in a cover scan.

 

 

NAKED VENGEANCE: The uncut version

Thanks to Goblin for sending in this comparison between the two versions of NAKED VENGEANCE. He identified just over four minutes of cuts of violence and sexual violence.

The fully uncut American Lightning Video VHS ran 97:12 (NTSC).

 

I compared my Aussie release of the superb Cirio Santiago film NAKED VENGEANCE with the U.S. uncut release on the Lightning label. The cuts are as follows, not highly detailed and exact but you get the idea.

37:00 - 01:22 missing from the raping of Carla at her parents home.

40:00 - 00:02 of Carla's dad on the floor after being shot.

53:00 - 00:02 of the barman's burning.

61:00 - 00:52 of footage after the guy in the water has his dick cut off, more blood shown everywhere in the water then gets an anchor thrown into him and the boat started dragging him along the water.

76:00 - 00:08, Guy in the ice factory getting slashed/hit by Carla now shows him being hit six times instead of three.

87:00 - 00:04 butcher getting beaten up by Carla.

87:57 - 00:03 of eye gouging.

88:09 - 00:35 of the meat cleaver attack.

88:53 - 00:54 of end fight between Carla and the butcher including a shotgun head explosion.

 

Movie-Censorship also has a comparison between the US R-rated version and uncut version.

 

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Nana, Girl of Pleasure

Directed by Mac Ahlberg / 1970 / France – Sweden / IMDb

In October 1971, an 8768-feet (97:41) print of NANA, GIRL OF PLEASURE was censored by 87-feet (00:58) for an R-rating.

The Censorship Board began awarding the R-rating in October 1971. However, they were not officially issued until the R classification became operative on November 15 1971.

We believe that NANA, GIRL OF PLEASURE was the first film ever censored under the new ratings system.

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Nazi Love Camp 27

Directed by Mario Caiano / 1977 / Italy / IMDb

In February 1984, an 86m videotape of NAZI LOVE CAMP 27 was passed with an R-rating.

The reason given was violence, which were described as:
Frequency: Frequent
Explicitness/Intensity: Medium
Purpose: Gratuitous

The R-rating was also awarded for ‘sexual violence’. It does not seem that Syme Home Video ever released the tape.

 

In November 1984, Palace Home Video had an 86m videotape of NAZI LOVE CAMP 27 banned by the Censorship Board. The reason given for the RC-rating was ‘explicit and gratuitous sexual violence'.

 

In November 1985, and August 1987, Video Excellence had two 82m videotapes banned because of ‘gratuitous sexual violence’. The latter submission was listed as being an ‘edited version’.

 

 

NAZI LOVE CAMP 27: Uncut review

Thanks to Matt for this review.

 

The version of NAZI LOVE CAMP 27 that I viewed ran 86:50, and included brief hardcore inserts. These shots total no more than 30s, so it is possible that they were missing from the original R-rated 86m print submitted to the Australian censor.

The three scenes that would have caused the most problems are listed below. Two of these include hardcore inserts. However, even if these were removed they would have retained enough power to cause the film to be banned.

14:45 to 16:45 – Hannah and a girl are gang raped by a group of Nazi soldiers. This scene has three brief shots of hardcore penetration. This is undoubtedly the main scene of ‘gratuitous sexual violence’ to which the censors refer. Following the rape, the naked girl escapes and dies on the electric fence.

30:00 to 32:00 – During Hannah’s first night in the brothel the girls are forced to entertain Nazi soldiers. This is not particularly graphic, but some of the girls are shown protesting.

41:00 to 41:30 – A female prisoner is stripped naked and whipped to death by two female guards.

65:00 – An SS Officer inserts a bullhorn into a woman’s vagina as she protests. We are shown the sharpened horn as it is held between here legs.  It is then obviously switched for a dildo for the actual penetration scene. The girl is shown screaming as it is inserted.

There is one other hardcore penetration shot during the Nazi breeding scene at 57:00. The rest of the sex scenes are strictly softcore.

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Necrophagia: Through the Eyes of the Dead

Directed by Jim Van Bebber / 2002 / USA / IMDb

In 2002, he Victorian Customs Service seized a DVD of NECROPHAGIA: THROUGH THE EYES OF THE DEAD. The disc was then submitted to the OFLC who banned it in November 2002.

 

Online retailers describe the DVD as:

"...the first ever video release from Necrophagia (featuring Philip Anselmo from Pantera!) Through The Eyes Of The Dead features "And You Will Live In Terror", "Embalmed Yet I Breathe", "Burning Moon Sickness", and "Deep Inside I Plant The Devil's Seed." DVD Bonus features include rare, unreleased footage, interviews, and two bonus clips: "Cannibal Holocaust" and 'They Dwell Beneath."

 

You will notice the DVD contains their clip for CANNIBAL HOLOCAUST, which also features footage from the movie. At the time, the film was banned, but was eventually passed R18+ (High level sexual violence, High level violence, Animal cruelty) in October 2005.

The other bonus clip 'They Dwell Beneath' was Necrophagia's tribute to THE LAST HOUSE ON DEAD END STREET. At the time, this film had never been released in Australia, though it was eventually passed R18+ (Graphic violence, Sex scenes) in September 2005.

Another featured clip was 'And You Will Live in Terror'. This was Necrophagia's tribute to THE BEYOND, and first appeared as an extra on the U.S. Anchor Bay DVD release. Once again, this features footage from a film that originally had problems at the Australian censors.

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Nekromantik

Directed by Jörg Buttgereit / 1987 / West Germany / IMDb

We know of two cases of NEKROMANTIK being seized by the Australian Customs Service.

The first was in 1992, when a videotape was forwarded to the OFLC, who unsurprisingly gave it an RC-rating. Necrophilia, animal cruelty, and high level violence would have all contributed to this decision. A second videotape was seized in 2001.

Customs seem to be particularly hard on any film that deals with the theme of necrophilia.  Over the years, some of their targets have included AFTERMATH, BEYOND THE DARKNESS, LUCKER THE NECROPHAGOUS, and NEKROMANTIK 2. All are covered in our Film Censorship Database.

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Nekromantik 2

Directed by Jörg Buttgereit / 1991 / Germany / IMDb

We have heard of three confirmed Australian customs confiscations of NEKROMANTIK 2.

One of these was of a videotape version in 2001. While in 2003, a DVD of the U.S. Barrel Entertainment release was taken.

As with the first film, the necrophilia storyline would have been enough to cause it to be seized.

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The New York Ripper

Directed by Lucio Fulci / 1982 / Italy / IMDb

In September 1984, Greater Union Film Distributors had a 2496.00 mtr (91:14) 35mm print of THE NEW YORK RIPPER Refused Classification. The reason for the decision was:

Violence
Frequency: Frequent
Explicitness/Intensity: High
Purpose: Gratuitous

Greater Union made nearly five minutes of cuts before resubmitting it. These were obviously not enough, as in February 1985; the censored 86m version of THE NEW YORK RIPPER was banned for a second time. The reason for the decision was:

Violence
Frequency: Infrequent
Explicitness/Intensity: High
Purpose: Gratuitous

Following the second refusal, the release was abandoned, and the film remained unreleased either theatrically, or on video in Australia.

 

 

THE NEW YORK RIPPER and customs

There is one report from the early 90s of a customs confiscation of the uncut version.

 

 

Uncut on DVD

In August 2005, twenty years after the last ban), Stomp Visual was awarded an R18+ (High Level Violence) rating for a DVD. This 87:08 uncut version of THE NEW YORK RIPPER was released in October 2005. The cover states:

Banned in Australia for over 20 years

 

 

Reasons for the 1984 and 1985 ban

A viewing of the uncut Stomp DVD makes it easy to see what caused THE NEW YORK RIPPER to be banned in 1984 and 1985.

The killing of the sex performer (23m) with a broken bottle, and the slashing of Kitty (70m) with a razor both have sexual overtones.

In addition, the stabbing of Rosie (10m), Fay hallucination her own murder (37m), the stabbing of Jane (51m), and finally Peter's bloody demise (83m), all contain typical outrageous Lucio Fulci gore.

 

 

Lucio Fulci and the Australian censors

Other Lucio Fulci titles that had problems in Australia include ZOMBIE FLESH EATERS, CITY OF THE LIVING DEAD, THE BEYOND, and THE HOUSE BY THE CEMETERY. All are covered in our Film Censorship Database.

 

 

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Nightmare

aka Schizo

Directed by Romano Scavolini / 1981 / USA / IMDb

In January 1985, Video Classics had a 100m tape of NIGHTMARE Refused Registration. It was banned because of violence, which was described as being:
Frequency: Frequent
Explicitness/Intensity: High
Purpose: Gratuitous

Video Classics censored the tape down to 96m, but in February 1985, this too was banned. The violence was now described as:
Frequency: Infrequent
Explicitness/Intensity: High
Purpose: Gratuitous

Finally, in August 1985, a 95m tape was passed with an R-rating. It was awarded for:
Violence
Frequency: Frequent
Explicitness/Intensity: Medium
Purpose: Gratuitous

Other: Sexual allusions

Despite the censorship, Video Classics only ever released an uncut 99:24 version of NIGHTMARE. It is unclear why they went to so much trouble to achieve an R-rating, only to then not release it.

The Video Classics Gold release has since become very collectable. It, and the early 80s Dutch Video for Pleasure release, contain the most complete versions of NIGHTMARE available on videotape. Both reportedly include a dialog scene that is not present in any other version. The Australian tape is the more desirable as it looses the Dutch subtitles.

 

 

Thanks to Simon for these details of the violence in the uncut NIGHTMARE.

Here are the most violent scenes in the Video Classics Gold tape that would have caused the ban.

27:00 – George slashing the girl’s throat, and stabbing her in the stomach.

83:15 – Joey being garroted, followed by the graphic hammer murder of the babysitter.

94:00 – George decapitates the girl who is sitting on top of his father. He then buries the axe in his father’s head. Parts of this scene are replayed throughout the film as George has flashbacks to the murder. They can be found at 08:30, 17:00, 30:40, and 60:00.

 

 

Featured in TERROR ON TAPE (1983)

Two months before the ban, scenes from NIGHTMARE were shown in the TERROR ON TAPE (1983) compilation. This was banned by the Censorship Board in March 1985. The tape featured the following clips from the film.

• C.J. shoots the killer through the door.
• The babysitter being killed with the hammer in the back.
• George axing his father in the head.
• The girl's throat is cut.
• Decapitation of the girl as she sits on top of George's father.

 

 

1986: SA Police and the uncut NIGHTMARE

In November 1986, the uncut Video Classics Gold tape was seized by the South Australian Police. It was refused again, for the same reasons as the initial January 1985 submission. That was violence, described as:
Frequency: Frequent
Explicitness/Intensity: High
Purpose: Gratuitous

 

 

1987: Censored and re-titled SCHIZO

In May 1987, Palace Home Video re-titled NIGHTMARE to SCHIZO, and received an R-rating from the Censorship Board. This particular release was very heavily cut, and ran only 89:03. In comparison, the Video Classics Gold tape ran 99:24.

 

Thanks again to Simon for these details.

I compared my Video Classics Gold tape to the Palace Video release and found the following cuts in the SCHIZO version. This is not a comprehensive list, as there are definitely other small cuts to various scenes. The times refer to the Video Classics tape.

08:30 – The flashback to the woman on top of George’s Dad is missing the decapitation.

17:00 – Another flashback to the above scene has been censored.

27:00 – Some major censorship of the girl getting her throat cut and stabbed in the chest.

60:00 – Missing shot of George swinging axe towards his father.

83:15 – The garroting of Joey looks like it may have lost a few seconds. The death of the baby sitter is heavily censored. Surprisingly the Palace tape shows the hammer in the hand shot, but removes all of the hammer blows to her back.

94:00 – George's decapitation of the woman, and the axing in the head of his Dad has been nearly totally removed from the Palace tape. We are only shown the first swing of the axe. It even removes the bloody George sitting down in the chair after the murder.

97:00 – Another shot of the bloody George has been totally removed.

 

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Nightmare Campus: A Total Nightmare

Directed by Koji Yoshikawa / 1996 / Japan / IMDb

There is a confirmed 2002 customs confiscation of the five-volume Anime 18 DVD box set of NIGHTMARE CAMPUS: A TOTAL NIGHTMARE.

The reasons given were:

"The goods are considered by the Office of Film and Literature Classification to fall within Sub Regulation 4A1(d) of the Customs (Prohibited Imports) Regulations."

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Night of the Wilding

Directed by Joseph Merhi / 1990 / USA / IMDb

In 1990, RCA/Columbia Pictures/Hoyts Video had an 85m videotape of NIGHT OF THE WILDING banned. It was then censored down to 81m and passed with an R18+ (Occasional graphic violence) rating in September 1990.

The Australian censors had banned Joseph Merhi’s previous film LA CRACKDOWN 2 in 1988.

 

 

Censored R-rated tape

The true running time of the RCA/Columbia Pictures/Hoyts Video release was 80:45, and it was missing footage from the rape of Doris.

At 16:33 - Here the censored version shows Doris being put on to the table whilst shouting "No, No". Missing was approximately 15s of footage showing her having her top torn off to expose her breasts, and her dress pulled up to expose her underwear. Instead, the cut tape shows Betty in the shower.

At 16:50 - The censored version shows a very brief close-up shot of Doris with a gag in her mouth (further censored in the M-rated tape). Missing is around 27s of Doris having her underwear pulled down, and being raped. Instead, the cut version again shows Betty in the shower, and one of the rapists approaching the bathroom swinging a baseball bat. Following this, a further 22s of Doris being raped has been removed. The cut tape instead shows Betty in the shower, and the rapist entering the bathroom.

 

 

Censored M-rated tape

In September 1992, Eagle Entertainment submitted an even more censored version of NIGHT OF THE WILDING and received an M (Coarse language, Medium level violence) rating. This 79:28 videotape further tones down the rape of Doris, as well as removing (at approximately 10m) a couple of baseball bat blows to the security guard.

 

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Night Train Murders

Directed by Aldo Lado / 1975 / Italy / IMDb

In December 1975 a 2566.80-meter (93:49) 35mm print of NIGHT TRAIN MURDERS was Refused Registration because of ‘indecency and excessive violence’.

In September 1976, the Review Board confirmed the ban. In both cases, Regent Trading Enterprises was the applicant.
In the mid-80s, an uncut Italian language VHS could be found in most Australian-Italian video stores. It was released on the PAC label as L'ULTIMO TRENO DELLA NOTTE. The censors never rated this release.

There is one confirmed Australian customs confiscation of NIGHT TRAIN MURDERS from the early 2000s.

 

 

Indecency and excessive violence

Thanks to Joe for this review.

The uncut print of NIGHT TRAIN MURDERS that I viewed ran 90:08. The ‘indecency and excessive violence’ that the censor refer to would have definitely been the scene that runs from 47 to 59m. It begins with Margaret being forced to give Curly a blowjob. The group then make Lisa remove her underwear, and an old man enters the train carriage and rapes Margaret. Curly then stabs Lisa with a knife between the legs and she bleeds to death.

At 81m, the Professor stabs Curly to death with a large metal spike to the crotch. This is quite a graphic murder, and may have been some of the ‘excessive violence’ that the censor objected to.

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Ninja Scroll

Directed by Yoshiaki Kawajiri / 1993 / Japan / IMDb

In March 1995, Siren Entertainment had the 91m uncut videotape of NINJA SCROLL passed with an MA15+ (Medium level violence). This was released on their Manga Video label.

 

 

Controversial uncut SBS Screening

In 1996, the same uncut version of NINJA SCROLL premiered on SBS. Following this screening, an application was lodged by the Federal Attorney General, at the request of the Attorney General of the Classification Act, to have the MA15+ rating reviewed.

 

 

NINJA SCROLL MA15+ to R18+

The Board of Review met in July 1996, and increased the MA15+ (Medium level violence) originally awarded to NINJA SCROLL to R18+ (High level violence; Medium level sex scenes).

Their reasoning is reproduced below.

 

5 Findings on material questions of fact

The content

5.1 Female Ninja , Kagero , and masterless warrior Jubei are caught up in a web of intrigue, monsters and poison in this Japanese 'Manga' movie

5.2 The Review Board considered the scene of 'coercive violence' (at 11minutes) cited by the former Film Censorship Board as causing the videotape to be classified MA15+. Kagero has her top opened by the monster, her breasts licked, her legs spread apart and licked up and down. In response to her cries of terror he says 'I wouldn't mind raping a dead girl'.

5.3 The Review Board also found a scene at 13 and 62 minutes respectively to constitute depictions of sexual violence, viz

13 minutes: Kagero is the observer of a scene of non-consenting sex, with cries from the female.

62 minutes: The monster has captured and suspended Kagero with ropes, with hands tied behind her back and one leg raised sideways.. The monster licks his long talon-like finger (with the aim of infecting her with his poison) and approaches with the strongly implied intention of digital rape and genital mutilation.

5.4 The Review Board also found a high and impactful level of violence, with a strong element of relished cruelty throughout the videotape. The genre us used to display violence acts in a graphic manner. The tone of the violence which pervades the videotape was found to amplify and intensify the incidents of sexual violence.

As such, the videotape was found to have a level of violence, including sexual violence, which could not be accommodated in the MA15+ category.

 

6 Reasons for the Decision.

6.1 The Review Board based its decision to classify the videotape Ninja Scroll 'R18+' in the content, tone and scenes described in 5.2-5.4 above.

6.2 The Review Board concluded that the videotape contained a continuous level of relished violence, which increased the impact of the depictions of sexual violence, and as such was likely to be harmful to those under 18 years.

6.3 The Review Board concluded that the film was unsuitable for a minor to see, within the meaning of Paragraph 3 of the Table under the heading 'Films' in the National Classification Code

6.4 The Review Board's direction that the consumer advice be 'High Level Violence: Medium Level Sex Scenes' is made having regard to its findings in paragraph 5.2-5.4 above.

 

7 Summary

The Review Board's decision is to set aside the decision of the Film Censorship Board to classify the videotape Ninja Scroll MA15+, and to classify the videotape 'R18+' with the consumer advice 'High Level Violence: Medium Level Sex Scenes'.

The decision was taken after full consideration of the applicant's submission and after assessing the film as a whole against the relevant legislative criteria and those contained in the current Guidelines for the Classification of Films and Video Tapes. 11-12 July 1996

 

 

Censored SBS screening

With the NINJA SCROLL rating raised to R18+, SBS were unable to show the uncut version for their second screening. Instead, a censored version was shown that removed the scene where Kagero's legs are licked by the monster.

 

 

Censored R4 Madman DVD

Madman Entertainment originally released a R4 DVD of NINJA SCROLL in 2000. There was no reason why this release should not have been uncut. However, once again Australia was dumped with a censored British master.

Thanks to Khai for this comparison of the R1 and R4 DVDs. This was originally posted at the now unavailable ANIMEMQ site.

 

The cuts were as follows.

In Chapter four entitled 'Tessai Attacks' at 07:48 on the R4 disc, 8s of footage had been removed.

According to Khai:

"During this chapter at 07:48 on the R4 version, and 7:58 on the R1, this is where we miss out on 9 seconds of footage in our release. So on the R4 we're cut off (well the change occurs between the two - so it continues to another scene early) at 7:48, with light reflecting off ninja stars (though you mightn't have noticed they were in fact ninja stars) being the last thing viewed. Then it skips to the top of the tree falling and revealing Tessai (not the webmaster of this site, the rock dude ;>).

What you missed in between there were visible ninja starts being thrown into the tree and left plastered into them quite clearly, and also a few branches being hacked and cut off by the ninja stars. If you look out for it, the edit is quite clear on the R4, otherwise you wouldn't have noticed. On the R1 the scene begins at 7:58 and ends at 8:06 rather than remaining at 7:58 (as it is uncut)."

 

The other cut were to the scene where Tessai molests Kagero, mentioned in the above Review Board report at 5.2.

Khai describes the cut as:

"The second cut scene is in fact the last cut scene, they must have given up on this violent baby ;) So chapter 5 begins at 09:28 on the R1, and 09:10 on the R4. On the R4 09:20 (09:38 on R1) you'll see a shot where Kagero's clothes are being slightly opened by Tessai as he is about to do something, here we have a whole 43 seconds missing in addition! I think you guys knows what is missing, but basically it's Tessai having a bit of a *cough*lick*cough* of the legs and *ahem*sucking*ahem* her.. yeah ;)

It then continues so it looks like Tessai didn't do all that and we see Tessai sucking her lips with Jubei in the corner, the editing is definitely clear here. So the scene that was cut out on the R4, began at 09:38 on the R1 and ended at 10:22, on the R4 it would have been 18 seconds earlier."

 

So Khai calculates the cuts to be 51s, all removed by the BBFC. The cuts to the Ninja stars were a particularly problem for the British Censor during the time of James Ferman. Although this has now been relaxed, the policy at the time was to remove these types of martial arts weapons.

 

 

Madman and the censored NINJA SCROLL

Madman must have received a number of complaints about this unnecessary censorship, as they felt compelled to add the following statement to the FAQ on their website.

Why does your Ninja Scroll DVD have missing footage?

Our Ninja Scroll DVD release was actually authored by Manga in the UK and not by Madman Interactive. Unbeknownst to us, they needed to edit out a few seconds of footage involving throwing stars, nunchaku and some sexual violence. Unfortunately we were not informed of this and the title was released with these small cuts. Anyone who is holding off on buying this otherwise excellent DVD can rest assured that if we do eventually release a fully uncut edition, they will be able to “trade up” at a low cost.

 

 

Uncut 10th Anniversary Edition DVD

In 2003, Madman Entertainment corrected their mistake and re-released NINJA SCROLL in a fully uncut 10th Anniversary Edition.

 

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No Body is Perfect

Directed by Raphaël Sibilla / 2006 / France / IMDb

In November 2007, an 80m DVD of NO BODY IS PERFECT was banned because it contained 'sexual activity accompanied by fetishes or practices which are offensive or abhorrent'. Accent Film Entertainment was the applicant.

Thanks to Accent for this copy of the Classification Board's report.

 

Australian Government
Classification Board

CLASSIFICATION CERTIFICATE FOR A FILM

REFUSED CLASSIFICATION

Classification

I refer to an application dated 5 October 2007 for the classification of the undermentioned film. I certify that the decision of the Classification Board for this film is detailed below:

Title: NO BODY IS PERFECT
Version: ORIGINAL
Format: DVD
Running time: 80 MINUTE(S)
Producer: EMANUEL PREVOST
Director: RAPHAEL SIBILLA
Production company: WILD BUNCH
Country of origin: FRANCE
Classification: RC

(a) You may appeal against this decision. If you require more information concerning the appeal process please contact the Secretary of the Classification Review Board on (02) 9289 7100.

Certified

Board Report T07/S203

 

SYNOPSIS:
The film depicts a range of strong sexual fetishes, including body modification, bondage, the use of candle wax, "golden showers", spanking and scarification. It also includes scenes of explicit and obscured sexual activity.

 

REASONS FOR THE DECISION:
When making decisions the Classification Board (the Board) follows the procedures set out in the Classification (Publications, Films and Computer Games) Act 1995, (the Act). The Board also applies the National Classification Code and the Classification Guidelines, while taking into account the matters set out in section II of the Act,

In the Board's majority view this film warrants an 'RC' classification in accordance with item 1(a) of the films table of the National Classification Code:

"1. Films that:
(a) depict, express or otherwise deal with matters of sex, drug misuse or addiction, crime, cruelty, violence or revolting or abhorrent phenomena in such a way that they offend against the standards of morality, decency and propriety generally accepted by reasonable adults to the extent that they should not be classified;" will be refused classification.

The Guidelines state that films containing "sexual activity accompanied by fetishes or practices which are offensive or abhorrent" will be refused classification

The Guidelines also state that at the X 18+ category "fetishes such as body piercing, application of substances such as candle wax, 'golden showers', bondage, spanking... are not permitted".

In the Board's majority view this film contains actual sexual activity at approximately 5 minutes, 17 minutes and 35 minutes.

It also contains a number of depictions of strong fetishes.
These include the following:

Bondage at approximately 20 minutes and 24 minutes;

Candle waxing at approximately 21 minutes;
Body "modification" in the form of scarring the body and bisection of a penis at approximately 42 minutes;

"Blooding" at approximately 47 minutes: a group of three women is shown on stage and covered in blood. One female kneels on the floor. A female stands above her and cuts her wrist with a knife and the blood flows into the face, mouth and onto the head of the female kneeling below.

Golden showers at approximately 55 minutes;

Body piercing - in the form of inserting hooks into the back and suspending the body in the air . at approximately 50 minutes, 53 minutes, 68 minutes and 73 minutes.

The fetish of "apotemnophilia" (sexual arousal from having a healthy body part amputated) is discussed at approximately 71 minutes. A male shows his toeless foot and fingerless hands and discusses how he "gets a tool and snip and his finger drops off". He states that he would be willing to have this filmed. .

And at approximately 73 minutes a young female and male stand apart back to back and have the hooks which are inserted into their backs chained together. They then have a tug of war and the flesh is stretched to the point of tearing and blood oozes out.

The Board notes that the above scenes are not necessarily inclusive of the content warranting an 'RC' decision. All depictions and references to violence, the after effects of violence or the threat of violence prevent the film from being accommodated within the X 18+ classification.

 

Minority view
In a minority view of the Board this film warrants an R 18+ classification with consumer advice for high-level sexual activity, high-level sexual themes, disturbing images.

This view holds that the film is a bona fide documentary that catalogues a range of unusual sexual practices and fetishes that while offensive are not offensive to the extent that they should be banned This view notes that "some material classified R 18+ may be offensive to sections of the adult community".

Also, the sexual activity in the film is sufficiently obscured, lacking in detail or brief such that the general rule at R18+ of "simulation, yes - the real thing, no" can be set aside.

 

DECISION
This film is Refused Classification.

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No Dead Heroes

Directed by J.C Miller / 1986 / USA - Philippines / IMDb

In 1987, Outland Promotions had an 82m videotape of NO DEAD HEROES Refused Classification because of 'gratuitous sexual violence'.

 

 

NO DEAD HEROES: Why it was banned

Thanks to Matt for this review.

NO DEAD HEROES is hugely enjoyable action flick from the 80s. It starts as a standard Vietnam war RAMBO clone, but soon turns into a tale of a microchip controlled killer, and a planned worldwide communist revolution. This is all begins with the assassination of the Pope during his visit to El Salvador.

The US tape from Sony runs 85:28 (NTSC), including the Manson International title.

The scene of 'gratuitous sexual violence' that caused the Censorship Board to ban it in 1987 runs from 71:22 to 74:45.

Several soldiers take Barbara to a room; there she is tied face down to a bed. The soldiers leave, and the leader of the camp climbs on top. He tears off her underwear, and proceeds to rape her. Eventually she manages to grab a knife, cut the ropes, throw him off, and stab him to death. The scene runs over three minutes, but some minimal cuts to the actual rape should have made it acceptable.

Movie-Censorship has details of the BBFC cuts to the UK tape. They removed 58s from the aforementioned rape of Barbara. In addition, they also censored much of the graphic violence.

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No Hard Feelings

Dir Charles Norton / 1987 / USA / IMDb

In June 1988, a censored 89:59 version of NO HARD FEELINGS was passed with an M-rating. It was awarded for:

Violence
Frequency: Frequent
Explicitness/Intensity: Medium
Purpose: Gratuitous

Language
Frequency: Infrequent
Explicitness/Intensity: Medium
Purpose: Gratuitous

Other: Adult Concepts

 

Palace Entertainment Corporation was obviously aware that the film risked being banned if a complete version was submitted.

 

 

NO HARD FEELINGS: The censored footage

Thanks to Simon for this comparison.

NO HARD FEELINGS - Palace Home Video [au] – 89:59 (PAL)
KICK OR DIE - AIP Studios [us] – 83:41 (NTSC)

NO HARD FEELINGS was renamed to KICK OR DIE in the US. As well as the new title, over twelve minutes of footage was removed. In my opinion, this improves the film.

This is what is missing from the Palace Home Video tape. All times, refer to the points where these appear in the AIP tape.

 

The First Rape

Before – The rapist makes the guy get out of the car, and then ties his hands behind his back. The rapist then says to the woman, "Get out bitch, out, out".

CENSORED at 03:24 to 04:07 – The rapist continues to bind the guy's hands. He then pushes him back into the car. The girl screams, and he says "Don’t fucking move".

He binds the guy's legs, then grabs the girl, and says, "Alright, let’s go. Now it’s your turn bitch". He pushes her into the back of the car, and rips open her top to expose her breasts. He tears off her underwear, and begins to rape her. She screams, and he says "Shut up bitch", before punching her.

After – A man making fried tomatoes.

 

The Second Rape

Before – A woman runs through a doorway screaming as the rapist chases her. He grabs her, and tackles her to the ground.

CENSORED at 26:03 to 26:06 – They roll on the ground until he ends up on top.

After/Before – Don is showing a girl how to defend herself.

CENSORED at 26:21 to 27:00 – The rapist is on top of the woman. He tears open her top to expose her breasts. We then go to the first of several cutbacks to Don’s class. The rapist is then shown saying to the woman, "Look, look at me".

Back in Don’s class he says, "Remember, know who is around you at all times, and stay out of dark places".

The final cut back to the rapist shows him getting up off the woman.

After – The rapist disappears through the door, as the woman crawls along the ground.

 

Eve is Captured

Before – Craig sits on top of Eve and says, "You’ve turned out to be a bitch just like all the rest".

CENSORED at 77:48 to 78:16 – Craig slaps Eve. He says "Why, why him. Too smart for your own good right. You thought it was a white guy didn’t you. Well now it’s your turn bitch. Now your gonna get yours bitch". A horn sounds; Craig looks up, and then punches Eve.

After – Alfred walking down the steps.

 

 

KICK OR DIE: The missing footage

The following scenes are missing from the AIP Studios tape. I do not know if all versions titled KICK OR DIE are missing these scenes. They are all present in the Palace tape.

The 1989 British NO HARD FEELINGS tape from Virgin Vision was also the longer version. However, the British censor also trimmed the rape scenes. Their 92:12 tape was cut to 91:11.

Presuming that 92:12 is an uncut running time, converted to NTSC this gives 96:03. Therefore, the AIP tape is missing 12:22.

These are the cuts that I was able to identify in the AIP KICK OR DIE tape. Unless you enjoy listening to cheesy 80s music, none of these are any great loss.

Missing from AIP tape at 29:56 – A 05:03 (PAL) sequence of Don and Eve visiting Craig’s house. Eve is shown recording a song.

Missing from AIP tape at 29:46 – A 05:32 (PAL) sequence of Don and Eve cycling, running, and rolling in the grass. This plays out over Eve singing a song. The scene then shows her recording the song for Craig. The scene ends with Craig asking to see her, and Alfred complimenting her on her singing. She leaves, as Alfred looks on suspiciously. This is such a clunky red herring that you can understand why it was removed.

Missing from AIP tape at 41:53 – A 01:00 (PAL) sequence of Don arriving home to Eve, followed by them sitting down for dinner.

Missing from AIP tape at 45:44 – A 00:25 (PAL) sequence of Craig on the phone speaking to his mother.

 

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Northville Cemetery Massacre

Directed by William Dear and Thomas L. Dyke / 1976 / USA / IMDb

In September 1977, a pre-censored 35mm print of NORTHVILLE CEMETERY MASSACRE running 2258.80-meters (82:34) was Refused Registration. The reason give was 'indecent violence'. The distributors appealed against the decision, and in November 1977, it was awarded an R-rating. This cut print went on to have a theatrical release.

 

Thanks to Matt for this info regarding the early-80s Video Classics VHS. From the running time, it looks like he could be describing the same pre-cut version that was released theatrically.

There is a very rare release of NORTHVILLE CEMETERY MASSACRE on the K&C Video label. We would like to know a running time for this version. Thanks to Darren for the cover scan.

 

I thought you may be interested in some information regarding the old 80:05 Video Classics release of NORTHVILLE CEMETERY MASSACRE as it is definitely cut.

The scene between 18-20min looks to have been censored in some way. It starts with Putnam beating Chris with his shotgun, some of the blows may have been removed. Putnam's rape of Lynn looks a bit choppy. She says to him "please, please leave me alone". None of the actual rape is shown, however my guess is that it should have appeared after this. It is followed by Putnam saying to her "listen, listen, listen to me".

At around 29:30 two bikers are shot in the back, at 41.00 there is an ambush in the drive-in, and between 63:00 to 75:00 there is the final shootout as just about everyone dies. All these scenes contain lots of splashy blood squibs, and at 67:00 a biker is shot in the head. None of this violence looks obviously cut, but I wouldn't be willing to bet that there wasn't something missing from these scenes.

VCI released the full uncut version on DVD in the U.S. in 2006. Today this would easily get an Australian R-rating in its complete form.

 

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The Notorious Cleopatra

Directed by A.P. Stootsberry / 1970 / USA / IMDb

In September 1974, a 2441-meter (89:13) print of THE NOTORIOUS CLEOPATRA was banned because of ‘indecency’. Filmways were the applicant.

In June 1981, K&C Video had an 86m tape passed with an R-rating. It was awarded for sex, which was described as being:
Frequency: Frequent
Explicitness/Intensity: Medium
Purpose: Gratuitous

The tape was released on the Starbase Video label. Thanks to Stephen F. for the cover scan.

 

 

THE NOTORIOUS CLEOPATRA: review

Thanks to Matt for this review.

The 2002 US DVD from Something Weird runs 87:28. This is nearly a couple of minutes shorter than the version you list as being banned in 1974. The DVD looks complete, so I do not know why there is a discrepancy.

At 84m, there is a brief scene where a Roman soldier forces himself onto Cleopatra. To begin with, she protests, but eventually they have sex. The rest of THE NOTORIOUS CLEOPATRA is standard softcore, with many naked women, but no fully naked men.

By 1981, I would have thought the censor would have passed this uncut. However, I have never seen the R-rated Starbase Video release, so this needs to be confirmed.

 

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Next Films: The Naked Bunyip (1970)

 

 

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