Batman ---- 15 Certificate in the UK

[DallyWhitty]

On the back cover of the new Blu-Ray release, it reads "15 - Contains moderate violence." Yet the uncut version of Forever also contains moderate violence, but was given a 12 certificate by the BBFC.

What do you think pushed the first film out of the 12 category and into the 15 one? Personally, I think the bloody violence at the end may have had something to do with it.

[Paul (ral)]

A bit of history.

When B89 came out, it was unlike any film before - a film with violence and dark themes that would attract a younger audience.

The BBFC, the body that reviews and rates movies to be fit for viewing for different age groups in the UK, was going to give B89 a 15 rating due to the violence and scared(Alicia)/burnt(Rotelli) bodies but decided to create a 12 rating for the cinema release - probably due to outside pressure.

When the video was released the original 15 rating was held up (12 for videos was not introduced until 1994-ish).

Batman Returns received a 12 rating in cinemas and and a 15 rating for the video release.

Any time a video is released in the UK with changes it must be re-submitted to the BBFC.

The last time this happened was in 2995 for the special edition DVDs.  Strangely, B89 kept the 15 rating but Returns was downgraded to a 12.

You may also notice that Batman Forever's DVD was put from a PG to a 12 due to the special features.

I wish I still had the newspaper article from 1989 that explained why B89 had been given a 15 but it was to do with the aforementioned.

[DallyWhitty]

The BBFC was going to give B89 a 15 rating due to the violence and scarred(Alicia)/burnt(Rotelli) bodies but decided to create a 12 rating for the cinema release - probably due to outside pressure.

Ah, thanks. I wasn't aware of this.

You may also notice that Batman Forever's DVD was put from a PG to a 12 due to the special features.

Wasn't the rating put up to a 12 because the uncut version had been submitted?

I don't understand why, although Returns became a 12, the overall DVD certificate is a 15. If I recall correctly, BBFC's website had the music featurette listed as the reason, yet none of the content in that video screams "MUST BE 15" to me.

[Paul (ral)]

You may also notice that Batman Forever's DVD was put from a PG to a 12 due to the special features.

Wasn't the rating put up to a 12 because the uncut version had been submitted?

Ah right you are - curse my half-arsed research!

Also on Returns - yes, the overall DVD was a 15 due to Elfman's feature.

[batass4880]

Yeah, why was Elfman's featurette rated 15? Is it because he said he liked it when Batman licked his lips after Catwoman licked him? I was 12 when I first saw the movie and I liked it too!

[DallyWhitty]

If that's the case, then the BBFC are very odd. Maybe Warner Bros payed the BBFC to keep the certificate up for the sake of its reputation of a mature film. 

[PJ]

BR Bluray came today (delay on the B89 though  ) and is a 15 certificate -BUT - It finally has the microwave scene restored. Thought the UK BR fans would like to know.

[DChuck281]

its true that the BD version of "Batman Forever" will be the director's cut?... if it's true that would be excellent!!!

[batass4880]

Was the microwave scene removed when the movie was in theaters back in '92?

[DallyWhitty]

BR Bluray came today (delay on the B89 though  ) and is a 15 certificate -BUT - It finally has the microwave scene restored. Thought the UK BR fans would like to know.

Seriously? That's fantastic! I hate to sound so over-excited, bt I'll finally be able to see the film uncut. Now I need a HD TV, a cable and a PS3 console . . .