The UK 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray release of The Abyss has been cancelled over a ratings problems - and we've got official word from the BBFC.

Basically, in the UK, the rat submerged in the oxygenated liquid scene breaks the law in regard to cruelty to animals on screen.

Disney asked for guidance about this last year and the BBFC said the film would have to be resubmitted for cuts as the law still stands. The film has not been resubmitted, so I guess Disney just cancelled the UK release.

I’m waiting to see where I can import from the cheapest…

  • jordanlund@lemmy.world
    2·
    1 year ago

    Yeah, the rat does panic, but the point is that the liquid is breathable and no harm comes to the rat.

    It actually was a real scene, with real breathable liquid. Apparently shot with 6 rats.

    • UKFilmNerdOPMEnglish
      4·
      1 year ago

      The rat survives, all of them did as you say. It’s been a very long time, but I believe in the documentary, Cameron says there were vets on set to care for the animals.

      The problem with UK law can be seen in this quote from the article,

      “in relation to the Cinematograph Films (Animals) Act specifically, it is a criminal offence to exhibit in the UK any film sequence that has been “organised or directed in such a way as to involve the cruel infliction of pain or terror on any animal or the cruel goading of any animal to fury.”

      As you can see, here in the UK, the fact the animal survived doesn’t matter, it’s the fact it was put into distress for the purposes of making the film.