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Kingsman 2 - UK & International Version Analysis

We Checked and Found No Differences

In 2015, Kingsman: The Secret Service was released without censorship in markets such as the US, UK & Germany. Prior to that, rumors of a cut version circulated. Back then, we wrote an analysis of the situation and found that the Czech Blu-ray does indeed feature a separate version that omits a whole chunk of the movie (see comparison).

In 2017, the sequel, Kingsman: The Golden Circle, was released with a BBFC 15 rating in UK cinemas but no word of censorship was uttered beforehand or afterwards. However, Matthew Vaughn mentioned that his original cut of the movie had a runtime of almost four hours. Vaughn didn't rule out entirely that there might be an Extended Cut along the way. If it's any indication for the future, it should be noted that the Blu-rays that only contain the theatrical version do not feature a single deleted scene.

Still, the BBFC prompted us to take a closer look at Kingsman: The Golden Circle. The reason is that its online database features two entries for the home video releases: an International version and a UK version. Unfortunately, no further info could be found elsewhere and the runtime is completely identical - just as the rating itself. Furthermore, no British home video release mentions any special aspects regarding this version and features only one cut of the movie. Is this even a censorship case after all?

The Kingsman movies are a British-American co-production and thus aimed at an international audience. Still, they contain a lot of references to the British secret service and the UK culture in general. Keep in mind that there are films that are available in special versions in Japan that feature a few alterations such as Kill Bill (see comparison) or 47 Ronin (see comparison). Since Kingsman 2 doesn't have a runtime difference, we still could assume some digital alterations - is it a case like Demolition Man that uses Pizza Hut logos instead of Taco Bell in all non-US releases?

In order to clarify this for ourselves and everyone else, we ordered the British Blu-ray and compared it to the German and US Blu-rays. In all instances, we couldn't find a single difference. We put a strong focus on violence and sex scenes, as well, but they were unaltered just like more local aspects (similar to Taco Bell vs Pizza Hut). There's still the theoretical possibility that this "UK version" will be released in a different way. At least the Blu-ray does not have any changes.

Release: Feb 14, 2018 - Author: Muck47 - Translator: Mike Lowrey

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