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Ratings' effect on German underground horror
Once a film has been rated by the German ratings
board, that is its rating for both cinema and video
releases. It is legal to have two versions of a film.
Often, there is a cut "16" version (equivalent to the
R-rating by the MPAA) released in cinemas and an uncut
"18" version (equivalent to an NC-17 rating) on video.
Films rated "18" are not stocked by all video shops,
which affects rentals of violent German horror.
In Germany, there is also a category above "18"
entitled 'indiziert' or "on the index" (Unrated).
Distribution companies, cinemas, and video shops cannot
advertise these films, nor can they be openly on display
- unless a shop is open to 'adults only'. However, it is
legal to sell and buy such material. Many video rental
stores have back rooms or basements for such
merchandise.
Examples of 'indizierte' films include Cannibal Ferox,
Cannibal Holocaust, Last House on the Left, From Dusk
Till Dawn, and Dario Argento's Profondo Rosso. Several
of these films were released uncut in Germany, but were
subject to the limitations listed. Others were edited
and then released as 'indizierte'.
German underground horror - Index
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