Shrek 2 & Spider-Man 2 to be CUT in UK

[the13thman]

Just read over on melonfarmers that both Shrek 2 and Spider-Man 2 are (or in the latter case, will be) pre-cut in the UK to get kiddy-friendly ratings, so that’s two more films I’ll definitely not be paying to see.

The BBFC policy on headbutts may be excessive but I have now lost count of how many films Columbia has pre-cut for the UK in recent months, shame they can’t be penalised for it. There's a 12A rating now, but no, they want every one of those kiddy dollars.

[zanner]

omg, if true, that's unbelieveable & down right stupid...:( ...zanner.

[Vaughan]

This has been the ongoing argument with horror films. Horror fil makers used to be happy with their 18 ratings - even striving for them. Now, instead of pushing the envelope we get demographic friendly PG-13 films.

Shrek 2 I'd like to have seen. I have no interest in Spiderman II. It's interesting that the films wouldn't have the same cut in the US though. Still, it's hardly a fault of the BBFC - is it? Seems like the filmmakers just want to soak up more dollars (or was the BBFC going to give it a higher rating for the UK?)

[the13thman]

Its all about getting lower ratings. I know its only a second out of each film but as a person of principle I can’t approve of any films cut by distributors for lower ratings.

BBFC Re Spider-Man 2:

“During post-production, the distributor sought and was given advice regarding the classification of this film. Following this advice, sight of a headbutt was removed prior to the work being submitted for classification. The submitted work was passed without cuts.”

- This is particularly galling, as the first film was released at 12A and still made buckets of cash.

BBFC Re Shrek 2:

“During post-production, the distributor sought and was given advice on how to secure a U classification. As a result of this advice, sight of a headbutt by Princess Fiona was removed prior to submission. The submitted work was passed U without cuts.”

- Would the headbutt have made it a 12A? Surely a PG wouldn’t have hurt?

Some of the blame must rest with the BBFC though. Their problem with headbutts is frankly ridiculous and appears to be another crazy obsession (like shuriken and nunchakus) typical of our nanny state.

Next time they do a public consultation (apparently soon), just make sure you register your views.

Columbia will make tons of cash from these films anyway (their number 1 concern) so don’t care, but I always make a point of not buying or paying to see any films that are pre-cut – my money will go towards uncut versions or other films.

[zanner]

yeah, some excellent points there...:) ...but why are the BBFC so againts 'headbut scenes...:confused: ...zanner.

[Vaughan]

Well, if I avoided films pre-cut, I'd have no Hammer's, so I can't do that :) This type of thing (in Hammer's day, the censors cutting began based only on the script!) goes on quite a lot I think.

I really don't blame the BBFC on this one. They never told the distributor to make the cuts - they simply (based on what you've written) informed them that the film would get a higher rating (but still a kids rating) is the footage was left in. The Distributor then make a decision to hit a wider demographic.

The actually seems like a pretty fair use of the BBFC. Where me and the BBFC fall out is actully in 18 rated films. At the 18 stage, basically almost anything should go. At PG 13 I often think far too much is being left in, to be honest.

Hm, I think that comment is not going to make me popular :D

[the13thman]

Originally posted by Black
Well, if I avoided films pre-cut, I'd have no Hammer's, so I can't do that :)

Good point, but if you knew that only the UK versions were pre-cut, would you get them over the uncut/less cut US or European versions? I think not.

As to why the BBFC go nuts about headbutts, they think they are easily imitable by children. Just like they thought ninja and martial arts films would lead to a spate of throwing -star and chainstick injuries. Its the government's fault of course, they passed laws to oblige the BBFC to take all manner of idiotic considerations into account. The headbutt policy is one of the casualties of the resultant absence of common sense.

[savm]

OK I know it`s computer animation but effectively Shrek 2 is a cartoon (good too, I saw it the other week). What next? Will DVD releases of Tom & Jerry be given 18 certificates because of the cartoon violence????.....It`s madness! :D

[zanner]

yeah, i agree, tom & jerry used to be very violent...:) ...zanner.

[Paul WJM]

Many Tom and Jerry's already are censored because the presence of a black woman speaking with what is acknowledged to be a 'black' voice is far more damaging than any violence perpetrated by the protagonists (apparently).

If Spidey and Shrek DVD's are going to be cut over here too (which I suspect they will be) then we can always consider buying from another region.

[zanner]

yeah, i agree paul 'buy from another region' as we usually do...:) ..(region free is a godsend)...zanner.

[Paul WJM]

Actually I really do prefer to buy from my own region where possible, Zanner, but these guys sometimes make the choice for me by cutting their own material or supplying the UK market with something inferior compared to elsewhere or whatever. I suppose on one hand they're gaining (e.g. Spidey: more little children go and see it; God forbid a film like this only being accessable to adults) but on the other a number of us take our business elsewhere.

[zanner]

yeah paul, most of my collection is region 2...:) ...but it's nice to have other region choices , so easilly available, if you do feel the need to buy them !! sometimes there choice & price is better & if it means getting something you want uncut, even better...:) ...zanner.

[the13thman]

Having now seen the uncut versions of both Shrek 2 and Spider-Man 2, I have to say that the cut to the latter will make no difference, so frenetic is the action. I still won’t pay a penny for the UK version, but those who do reward Columbia for their avarice will not be missing much.

However, the headbutt in Shrek 2 is the resolution to a key scene (and character arc) and I can’t imagine how it makes sense without it – that one I would recommend avoiding on the basis that the film is effectively incomplete in the UK. At the very least its definitely one not to buy on UK DVD.

[Paul WJM]

Thanks for that info, 13th. Effectively they could keep us all happy because it's now possible to distribute differently certificated versions, that is one with an uncut 12 on DVD, the other a cut PG, but I doubt very much that they will do that.

[zanner]

yeah, i would'nt hold you'r breath...:( ...zanner.

[woonton9]

and how exactly did u managed to see both shrek 2 and spiderman 2 uncut huh humm lol

[the13thman]

Originally posted by woonton9
and how exactly did u managed to see both shrek 2 and spiderman 2 uncut huh humm lol

I saw the French version of Spider-Man 2 and the US version of Shrek 2. Neither country's censors saw fit to helpfully suggest the removal of either of the offending headbutts.