PLEASE NOTE: Michael D's is currently in READ ONLY MODE. Anything submitted will simply not be written to the database.
Lots of stuff is still broken, but at least reviews can now be looked up and read.
Region 4 DVD Censorship List
Censuring The Censors
Rod W coordinates and maintains these entries. He also maintains The
Chopping List, a comprehensive guide to movies which have been censored in
Australia.
Witchfinder General
The Australian VHS rental (Merlin) runs to 81:34 PAL and contains the cut British version. It does not feature the additional topless nudity shot for international markets. The following trims have been restored to the DVD release. - At 21:20 and 21:45 the initial pricking of the priest is longer.
- At 31:30 there is more face slapping.
- At 38:23 there is more footage of the accused witches being tied up for dunking on the bridge.
- At 38:37 the priest is lifted up.
- At 38:58 there is more footage shown of the accused witches splashing in the water.
- At 67:34 and 63:49 Elizabeth, who has a bloody face, is shown on the ground being tied to the ladder before she is burned alive.
- At 69:02 a shot of her body being lowered into the fire is restored.
- At 77:45 a brief shot of Sarah being pricked by John Sterne is shown.
- At 80:26 the axe murder of Matthew Hopkins is longer, with Richard landing several more blows with the rubber prop axe.
These shots were restored from what appears to be an analogue video source. IMDB says they were restored from a European laserdisc. Note that the DVD contains two versions: one showing additional topless nudity and the director's cut. Reeves shot two versions of the scenes in question to appease AIP. His preferred version does not contain the extra nudity. These DVD versions were not reclassified by the OFLC, although the film should receive an MA rating today.