Ratings' effect on German underground horror

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". 'indizierte' films are treated the same way as pornography. 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'.

Some movies, i.e. Braindead, are completely banned in Germany (mostly for glamourizing violence), as it is illegal even to sell them to adults. These movies 'indiziert' as well as 'beschlagnahmt' ("judicially confiscated"). While selling these kinds of media is strictly prohibited, it is legal to buy or own such movies.