Hi,
The problem with many of these films, e.g. video nasties, martial arts titles, et al, weren't that they couldn't be released uncut by the BBFC, but for the following (separate) reasons.
- In the 1980's, and prior to the introduction of the Video Recordings Act 1984, that forced all films on VHS to be certificated, "Zombie Flesh-Eaters" had been declared as a "video-nasty" by the Department Of Public Prosecutions in several court cases, along with numerous other horror titles. As such, it's almost impossible now, to re-release any of the video nasties, IF they have been declared "obscene" in a UK court. The law states that "obscene" materials cannot be released, irrespective of what society or the BBFC feels is acceptable, until after a set number of years or so, or until the DPP declares a film no longer "obscene".
So, even if the BBFC wanted too, they couldn't until recently, allow "Zombie..." out uncut.
- With martial arts films, because of problems with legal cases where young men, and boys were (in the 1970's and very early 80's) mimicking (or trying to, at least) Bruce Lee's moves, and Lee's use of weaponry like Nunchakas, the films couldn't be released uncut, because they had previously been prosecuted under UK law for containing material that was potentially "demonstrative of copiable fighting techniques". In the '70's, there were plenty of news stories in the US and UK, were men and youths were using Lee's techniques, and making home-made weaponry, and using it in gang fights and against police forces, as well as in some demonstrations. This is why the BBFc were basically forced by government to cut any material, that was liable to be seen as glamourising these fighting techniques/weaponry!
Now, society has shown that this is no longer the case, and hence many of Lee's works can now be seen and sold in the UK uncut, and uncensored.
So, there you have it!
Pooch
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Zombie Flesh-Eaters released UNCUT!
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