Let me first say that R Ratings are different in some countries. Here in Canada, R is equivalent to a US NC17. Australia is very similar to our system. You can’t get in if you are under 18 even if you are with an adult. Its just the naming system for the ratings.
But that being said, South Australia might just be taking the “responsible ratings” thing a bit too far!
A new law in South Australia will be enforced censoring the advertisement and display of R Rated films basically equating them with porn. You cannot advertise R rated films on packaging, posters or TV Commercials, and R rated films must be stored in a separate section of the store that does sell them.
Here are some things movie studios now need to consider:
* All R-rated films will be in a separate area (possibly along with porn) and must be clearly marked with the following statement: “R 18+ FILMS AREA — THE PUBLIC ARE WARNED THAT MATERIAL DISPLAYED IN THIS AREA MAY CAUSE OFFENCE.”
* In order for an R-rated movie to be displayed next to lower-rated films at a video store, the DVD/Blu-ray cover must not have anything on it besides the title in a small font and the warning that this film may cause offence.
* Regarding advertising… Studios can no longer show trailers for R-rated films or display promotional materials (posters and other printed material) of any kind.
Now I am a strong advocate of responsible parenthood. And I agree that offensive materials should be properly identified as such. It is my role to parent my children and guide them in teaching them wrong from right (No son… the Star Wars prequels are NOT your favourites)
I don’t let my kids watch rated R films, and I don’t let them watch Porn. That doesn’t mean they need to be separated as such in retail and rental stores. Ratings are there as an educational tool for you to make assessments over the content of the film without having to watch it.
At my local video stores there are provocative covers for Rated R films that show busty girls or a killer with a blood dripping knife, but I am not offended seeing that on the shelf. Typically at the rental place, there will be a red sticker in the top right corner of the cover with a black 18 on it indicating to the patron, as well as the clerk that the person attempting to rent this film is required to show proof of age.
I feel bad for the oppressed people of South Australia that will be turning to the black market to buy movies with COVERS on them.
Welcome to the back of the bus Hangover.
