Content Banned in Countries: A Look Back at the Video Nasties Scare in the UK

From the 1970s to the 1980s, the United Kingdom experienced a period of intense debate and censorship regarding films with controversial or unsuitable content. This period, known as the Video Nasties scare, significantly impacted the cinematic landscape, leading to the temporary banning of several popular movies. Let's delve into the history behind these bans and explore why some of these films were considered too controversial to be shown in public.

Origins of the Video Nasties Scare

The Video Nasties scare began in the 1970s, primarily targeting films with explicit content, violence, and other controversial themes. Films like The Exorcist (1973), The Texas Chain Saw Massacre (1974), and The Evil Dead (1981) faced significant public backlash and were frequently banned or heavily censored. While some of the films were indeed rather shocking, there were also cases where even well-regarded movies were pulled from shelves.

Popularity of Ban-List Films

Interestingly, some of the films banned during this period included highly popular and well-received movies. For instance, Night of the Living Dead (1968), Dawn of the Dead (1978), and Deep Red (1975) were among those banned as "Section 3" Video Nasties. These films not only demonstrated the capricious nature of the bans but also highlighted the fearmongering that characterized this period.

Impact and Controversy

One of the most unsettling aspects of the Video Nasties scare was the manner in which films were often put on ban lists. For example, John Carpenter's The Thing (1982) was briefly banned, yet it had previously been passed with only minor cuts for theatrical release. This raises questions about the consistency and fairness of the censorship process.

Section 3 Video Nasties

The Section 3 films were particularly egregious, as they were pulled from shelves without an official ban. These films, including Suspiria (1977), Scanners (1982), and Phantasm (1978), were considered some of the major titles of this era. The eventual re-release of many of these films after years dictated that the BBFC (British Board of Film Classification) had taken over the regulation of video content, ensuring that films were given age ratings and adhered to age restrictions.

Economic and Cultural Impact

The bans had a significant economic impact, particularly on independent filmmakers and video companies. Submitting films to the BBFC for censorship was an expensive and often arduous process. This led to many smaller companies going out of business, as they could not afford the high costs associated with the process. This, in turn, stifled creativity and innovation in the industry.

Consequences and Legacy

The impact of the Video Nasties scare extended beyond the film industry. In 1987, First Blood (1982) was temporarily banned after it was accused of inspiring a shooting spree. Similarly, Child’s Play 3 (1988) was blamed for the murder of James Bulger. These incidents illustrate the concerns raised by conservative activists like Mary Whitehouse and the NVALA (National Viewers and Listeners Association), who pushed for stricter censorship.

Modern Context and Reflection

As time passed, cooler heads prevailed, and the necessity of proper regulation was recognized. Modern UK cinema is now subject to the BBFC, which ensures that films are classified appropriately and adhered to certain age guidelines. However, the legacy of the Video Nasties scare remains, as occasional calls for censorship resurface, often from politically motivated groups.

While fearmongering and censorship serve to placate concerns in the short term, they can stifle artistic expression and cultural growth. The Video Nasties scare is a stark reminder of the importance of balanced regulation and the need to consider the broader cultural and economic impacts of censorship.