UK Replay Pre Cert Video Release of “Cannibal Ferox”

Background: In the UK, the video release market in the late 1970s and early 1980s was less regulated, allowing many controversial films to be distributed without certification. These releases are known as “pre-cert” videos.

Replay Video: Replay Video was a UK video label that distributed various films, including many horror and exploitation titles, before the implementation of the Video Recordings Act 1984.

Cannibal Ferox Pre Cert Release:

  • Content: The Replay release included the uncut version of the film, which features all the controversial scenes of violence and animal cruelty that were later censored or cut in various international releases.
  • Collectibility: Due to its uncut content and the notoriety of the film, this pre-cert release has become a sought-after item among collectors of horror and exploitation cinema memorabilia.

Censorship and Legal Issues:

  • The Replay release of “Cannibal Ferox” became a target during the “video nasties” moral panic in the UK, which led to numerous prosecutions under the Obscene Publications Act.
  • As a result, the video was banned, and many copies were seized and destroyed by authorities, increasing its rarity and value among collectors.

Cultural Impact: The pre-cert release of “Cannibal Ferox” is an important artifact in the history of UK home video, representing a period when horror and exploitation films circulated in a relatively uncensored and free market. It also highlights the cultural tensions around media violence and censorship during the early 1980s.