A Serbian Film is well-known for being one of the most controversial and difficult-to-watch horror movies on the market, so news of an uncut 4K release of the film takes things a step too far. Directed by Srđan Spasojević in his feature film debut, A Serbian Film tells the story of an aging porn star struggling to support his family who agrees to participate in an art film, only to discover that it’s actually a snuff film with pedophilic and necrophilic themes.
Despite the controversy, the film certainly has its fans as well as an iconic reputation. As such, Unearthed Films announced that they were bringing an uncut version of the movie to 4K HD Blu-ray and DVD with English subtitles in January 2020, and will also be releasing an extended version of the film along with a documentary about the movie later in 2021.
While this is certainly exciting for fans of the movie who have been unable to get a proper Blu-ray copy of the film, it does beg the question: what could possibly be included in an uncut version that wasn’t in the original?
By the time A Serbian Film made it to home video, fans received an edited version on VOD in 2011 and a limited edition uncut copy on DVD in 2012. With the new uncut and unrated version coming to 4K, fans will have access to all sorts of special features, including a commentary with Srdjan Spasojevic and Stephen Biro, as well as a commentary with Joe Lynch and Adam Green (Holliston) of The Movie Crypt podcast.
But, what could be in the uncut version that wasn’t already released in the version fans have seen? The film is already so graphic, violent, and sexual, what could possibly be included that was cut from the original piece? It begs the question of whether this new transfer is really needed, and if a 4K uncut, uncensored edition might just be going too far.
From its initial festival and theatrical run, A Serbian Film was subject to significant cuts in order to reach audiences, and was often shown in private viewings to avoid licensing issues. In fact, the movie has been banned in Spain, Australia, New Zealand, Malaysia, Singapore, and Norway, which only added to its infamy.
Spasojević spoke to The Wall Street Journal and responded to the controversy saying, "This is a diary of our own molestation by the Serbian government ... It's about the monolithic power of leaders who hypnotize you to do things you don't want to do. You have to feel the violence to know what it's about." Despite this, most critics and audience members have refuted claims that the film offers any deeper meaning than what’s intended on screen.
It’s possible that this new release of A Serbian Film is just a way to drum up more publicity for the movie in order to make money, and the uncut version is the same uncut version that’s already been released. However, there is also the possibility that the movie was even more graphic initially than what was seen by audiences, but was ultimately cut down in order to make the movie more watchable or more cohesive. If cuts were made, they certainly weren’t made to get past the censors, as this movie is already heavily censored and doesn’t seem to have made any effort to hide that fact. In fact, A Serbian Film leans into its censorship more than anything.
Despite A Serbian Film’s status as a highly controversial cult classic, it does seem in bad taste to release a new uncut, uncensored version, especially on 4K. If anything, the new release will be exciting for fans, but it’s likely also intentionally stirring up outrage in an attempt to bring more attention to the release and thus increase sales, and it's not necessarily the greatest idea to further capitalize on the controversial nature of A Serbian Film to begin with.