Good week this week. Work has been going well, I’ve been able to justifiably spend my time watching lame 90s slasher films, there’s been good news over at the Labs (more on that in a minute), and I’ve been able to order my new phone. My trusty purple one (I’m a tech whiz, I know) has lasted me two years and I’m going to miss it but it is half-dead so it’s time for a change. So I’m getting… a blue one! Apparently it can do internet and email and stuff which is exciting. Who knows, maybe this time next week I’ll be writing my newsletter on my phone? Either that or I’ll be curled up in a corner, crying and demanding the return of my old brick phone!

I’m also considering getting a new tattoo. I’ve already got a Chinese symbol meaning “star” on my back but I’m thinking of consolidating my geekiness by getting something Doctor Who or horror themed. Just something little and preferably somewhere my mum can’t see it! Any suggestions? (As to the what, not the where!)

So, what have I got in store for you this week? Well, there has been some incredibly awesome news regarding the Arrow release of Inferno which I will get on to shortly. I’ve also got some of the best bits from the Cult Labs forum and all the usual bits and bobs. Enjoy…

Sarah@Cult Labs.

CULT LABS MEMBERS IN HISTORIC BBFC VICTORY

When the BBFC passed Dario Argento’s Inferno with cuts to a scene showing a cat eating a mouse, Cult Labs members were understandably annoyed to say the least. Many saw it as ridiculous that something as natural as a cat eating a mouse could be considered unsuitable for consumption. Others were concerned that the BBFC was inhibiting UK distributors on the world stage by impeding sales. Many members emailed the BBFC to question this cut and on Monday, Almar was able to announce that, against all expectations, the BBFC had waived all proposed cuts and had passed Inferno to be released on DVD and Blu-ray uncut with an 18 certificate.

Needless to say, this news has been met with delight by pretty much everyone concerned, not least those who are responsible for releasing Inferno in the UK. “The initial BBFC cut of 5 seconds from Inferno was made because it wasn’t clear whether the filmmakers deliberately caused suffering to an animal or not,” says Alex of Arrow Films. “Thankfully, the BBFC have come to their senses and the cut has been waived. This reversal of decision is absolutely the correct one. I can say that, without doubt, the campaign brought about by the Cult Labs members to waive these cuts through their articulacy and logical reasoning  effected this reversal from the BBFC. As a distributor, to be able to release this work of art as it was supposed to be seen means we can release the film without the stress of an incomplete version and all that that entails, hanging over our heads. So thank you to all those who lent their voice to this cause.”

Cult Labs head honcho, Almar, had this to add: “It’s not the done thing to question cuts but when the members of Cult Labs starting writing carefully crafted, well argued and undeniably persuasive e-mails to the BBFC, it helped spur Arrow to try again and, combined, it seemed to do the trick. I think this has served as a powerful reminder that unless you make the effort to question authority when you think it is wrong then you have no right to complain about it. Well reasoned thoughts were submitted for the consideration of the BBFC and to their credit they seem to have listened and made the right decision which is to be applauded and I’m quite moved by the efforts of the members of Cult Labs – it’s been a positive and energising experience and means we get a valuable piece of horror motion picture art now presented in full in the UK for the first time as it should be. Cult Labs members have made history.”

So, fellow Cult Labbers, please give yourselves a big pat on the back. As Almar so deftly puts it, you have made history and have shown that intelligent and reasoned protest from those passionate enough to make it can win out.

To discuss this and other Inferno-related topics, head on over to the dedicated Inferno forum.

Well done, and thank you.

THERE’S SOMETHING GOING ON AT THE LABORATORY

Starting to get super-excited about my new phone. Planning tomorrow around staying in and waiting for the courier. I’ve never had a blue phone before – how pretty! Apparently I can also use Twitter on it which means I can follow all the updates from @cultlabs which, quite frankly, will just make my day! So while I’m double checking I won’t need to pop out for anything tomorrow, why don’t I catch you up on what’s going on over at the Labs?

A Lizard in a Woman’s Skin UK DVD

Out this week is A Lizard in a Woman’s Skin, released on DVD by Optimum. This Fulci favourite has instigated some hot debate and interest over on the forums. This is the longest, most complete version of the film ever released, with a gorgeously restored print overseen by Marc Morris. Almar thinks we need to “prepare to fall in love all over again,” while stevoj says “I’ve never seen it but I’m buying it purely because of the artwork and Florinda Bolkan.” Meanwhile, g053584398 reckons ”The framing of the Optimum version looks superior to the others, the image looks stronger and the colours look more natural too.” What do you think? Will you be buying Lizard? If you’ve bought it already, what do you think? Let us know here!

Love Goddess of the Cannibals (SHAM022)

More and more excitement is growing for this D’amato sleaze-fest now. The BBFC has passed it uncut, complete with cockfighting scene and the Shameless print will include some restoration to short sequences previously removed due to negative damage. The forums have been reflecting a positive reception for the film, with The Reaper Man describing it as a “cracking result for Shameless,” and Nosferatu saying, “Another welcome release from Shameless of a film that I haven’t seen, let alone heard of! The artwork, as usual, looks great and, from what I’ve read, appropriately sleazy!” What are your thoughts on Love Goddess? Are you as excited as the rest of us? Let us know what you think!

Merantau Warrior

Another film causing a lot of excitement (and out this week) is Merantau Warrior, an adrenaline-charged martial arts action film that will no doubt leave you gagging for more. Philleh describes it as a “damn fine beat ‘em up,” while Arrrrrrrach calls it “an awesome film.” On this Damage Depot thread, Sam has been good enough to post links to his Merantau blog along with trailers and videos so pop along and check them out. And if you’ve seen the film, why not let us know what you think?

THE BEST OF THE REST

Also catching my eye this week:

• How did you find Cult Labs? – Mentioned this last week. Let us know how you spotted us!
• Weekly DVD Release Announcements – Ken keeps us up-to-date on titles being released.
• Arrow Video – Martin – Still creating a lot of buzz – what are your thoughts on this Arrow release?
• SHAM023 – Satan’s Baby Doll – Now you’ve had a chance to watch it, what do you think?
• Optimum (Region 2) DVDs Thread – Share your thoughts on Optimum’s releases here.

QUOTE OF THE WEEK

“I envy people yet to discover the early Argentos – some magic moments coming their way.” – Almar@Cult Labs gets all nostalgic.

KYLE’S COMP CORNER

This week Kyle is giving away the awesome Arrow DVD, Martin! I’m actually jealous that I’m not really allowed to enter because the only think that could be sweeter than Martin on DVD, would be Martin on DVD for free! For details on how to enter, head on over to the Comp Corner. Good luck!

WELCOME NEWBIES!

Time to welcome the new members to Cult Labs! Hello there to OllieMugwump, Ciavazzaro and johnoverall! Hope you all settle in nicely and make yourselves at home!

AND FINALLY…

If you have any comments, feedback or anything you’d like to see featured in the newsletter, PM me at Sarah@Cult Labs or drop me a line on the newsletter thread!

Until next week,

Sarah@Cult Labs.