Hi Marcaaron,
Do the cut versions still have the power to be shocking and disturbing? Or do you actually 'need' the uncut versions for them to work?
That's a very open-ended question, as it depends on the film, on what has been cut, how it's been cut, and what remains.
It also depends very much on your own tolerance threshold's!
Some cut films can still shock and disturb, and some won't. Again, it's all down to what has been cut, and what remains.
Lastly, I should point out about the legality of collecting banned or potentially obscene materials. For the most part, importing a non-BBFC certificated film (such as the fully uncut version of CANNIBAL HOLOCAUST or SNUFF 102) is
technically legal. However, there are two things you do need to be aware of:
Customs can open and inspect any parcel, that they feel may contain "contraband" or "obscene" material. Now, whilst the law does state what "obscene" means (the tendency to deprave and corrupt the intended audience - reader or viewer), HMRC doesn't always toe-that-line, and if they view your copy of CANNIBAL HOLOCAUST and feels it is obscene, they may attempt to prosecute you. Initially, you'll be sent a letter saying that in their view, the film(s) are obscene, and thus they will offer you the choice of having the item destroyed, and that's the end of the matter, OR attempting to challenge their decision in law, via the courts.
Now, most people will simply just go with the item being destroyed, rather than risk going through the legal system, which is fair-enough. (Obviously, you won't be able to get a refund from the company you placed the oprder with, nor get a replacement, so you lose out financially, but that's a small price to pay.) However, you
do have the right to challenge their decision. There are plenty of HMRC horror stories, where they've attempted to claim that a certain film is obscene, illegal, or whatever, and a member of the public has challenged their claims, and won, but you need to check out the law for yourself. Forewarned is forearmed!
Secondly, it IS illegal to send through the UK postal system, any item that contains material (visual, written, or other) that is of an "obscene" nature. Again, there is a legal definition of "obscenity", but that doesn't mean your average Royal Mail or HMRC employee will know what that definition is, and will apply it accordingly. Show them a few scenes from CANNIBAL HOLOCAUST, and they may well think that it's the most offensive and depraved thing they've ever seen!
They may also decide to intercept such a parcel, it turns up on your doorstep, asking to be signed for, and then the police suddenly appear, and your home is being searched for obscene materials. I don't want to alarm anyone, and whilst this is unlikely, it has been known to have happened!
For the most part, collecting and importing banned films is unlikely to get you into any trouble, providing you are only importing single copies of films, for your own personal viewing. However, you do still have to be very careful, as even a non-BBFC approved Region 1 Disney DVD/Blu-Ray is technically classifiable as "uncertificated material". The chances of HMRC applying the law to that item, is highly unlikely, but they could if they wanted too.
If you are planning on importing controversial films, do some research beforehand so that you know what you are buying, and make sure you don't bulk-buy several contentious titles, in one go, in one order. Parcels with more than a couple of controversial or contentious titles, is going to attract attention from HMRC, and that's the last thing you want, especially, if you don't have any legal experience or challenging HMRC's decisions.
In all my years of importing, I've never had anything stopped or opened by HMRC, thank goodness, but you do need to be fully aware that there is that potential, especially with the strongest material, such as SNUFF 102, etc, etc! There's always a tiny element of risk and chance, in importing these titles, so just be careful!
Pooch
