James Cameron’s iconic 1989 sci-fi thriller, The Abyss, has been removed from Disney+ in the UK due to a controversial scene involving a rat. In the original film, a rat was submerged in a vat of fluorocarbon liquid, a scene that caused significant outcry from animal rights organizations like the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA).
Although the rat survived the ordeal, the RSPCA and other groups have long pushed for the scene’s removal due to concerns over animal cruelty.
The British Board of Film Classification (BBFC) had already mandated the scene’s removal for all theatrical releases, DVDs, and Blu-ray versions, citing violations under the Cinematograph Films (Animals) Act 1937 and the Video Recordings Act 1984. Despite these restrictions, the version with the banned scene was uploaded to Disney+ UK earlier this year, sparking renewed controversy.
The RSPCA argued that streaming platforms were exploiting a loophole, as they are not bound by the same regulations that apply to traditional film releases. David Bowles, the RSPCA’s Head of Public Affairs, expressed concern over the ease with which such content could be streamed into homes without oversight. He highlighted that streaming platforms need to align with existing standards to protect animals and ensure that viewers aren’t exposed to harmful content.
In response, Disney decided to pull The Abyss from Disney+ UK. However, the company has not yet indicated when, or if, the film will be re-uploaded. The RSPCA clarified that their aim wasn’t to ‘cancel’ the film, but to remove the specific scene in question, which is already omitted in most formats.
This incident underscores the ongoing tension between streaming platforms and traditional media regulations. As digital content becomes more prevalent, many are calling for legal frameworks to evolve and ensure responsible content distribution.
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