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AMC Presenting an Unrated Version of Hatchet II in 20 Markets

by Alex Billington
August 26, 2010
Source: Twitch

I just love reporting on theatrical news like this. Dark Sky Films (who also brought us Deadgirl and The House of the Devil) officially announced with a press release today (via Twitch) that they'll be releasing an "unrated" version of Adam Green's Hatchet II, the sequel to his 2007 indie horror cult slasher favorite Hatchet, about the deformed, swamp-dwelling iconic killer Victor Crowley. A dark, grotesque teaser trailer recently went up on Yahoo and the film hits theaters on October 1st. AMC is the chain that deserves praise for agreeing to screen this "unrated" (essentially NC-17) version of Hatchet II in their top 20 markets.

It will be released without an MPAA rating, making this the widest release of an unrated genre film in more than 25 years. It's only been a few years since some theaters agreed to start showing red band trailers. AMC Theatres, under its AMC independent program, will show Hatchet II in the top 20 markets on October 1st.

Director Adam Green: "Having a movie as graphically over the top as Hatchet II come out in major theatres unrated is an absolute dream come true -- not only for the genre fans but for the entire make-up effects crew who normally have to watch their amazing achievements get sliced and diced for theatrical release. This is an important event for the horror genre and I hope the real horror fans support Hatchet II and help change the way genre films are released theatrically from this day forward."

This is pretty damn cool to see, and thumbs up to AMC for making this decision, I'm glad to see them taking a risk and supporting a horror film like this for the sake of the fans. "Bringing a story like Hatchet II to our guests is a natural fit during this time of year and we're excited to share the filmmakers' vision on-screen in its intended state," said AMC's Vice President. Visit AMC's website or the official website for more updates.

A ferociously fun tribute to the old-school horror sensation slasher movies of the 80's, Hatchet II is the follow-up to Adam Green's original slasher film, which was released theatrically in '07 and became a sleeper hit with a wide following on DVD. The Hatchet II cast features a cavalcade of horror movie icons including Danielle Harris (Halloween) and Kane Hodder (Friday the 13th), who's reprising his role as serial killer Victor Crowley. Also starring are Tony Todd (Candyman) and R.A. Mihailoff (Texas Chainsaw Massacre). I Spit on Your Grave is also being released unrated this year, but I don't think it's in as many theaters as this.

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