The original theatrical release and the film’s later circulation are separate histories. AFI documents release information and contemporary coverage, while the BBFC’s own case study explains why British classification became a long-running controversy.
The BBFC account distinguishes local council screenings from national classification and records the eventual 1999 acceptance. A claim that the film was simply ‘banned everywhere’ erases these differences between place, medium, and date.
In 2024 the film was selected for the United States National Film Registry. Modern editions from labels including Second Sight and Dark Sky also document restoration work and supplementary histories. These releases preserve different combinations of interviews, commentaries, and audio presentations, so the exact edition matters.
AFI’s film record provides credits, release documentation, a synopsis, and references to contemporary trade coverage. Its notes distinguish the original two-word “Chain Saw” title.
The BBFC explains the film’s long UK classification history and its eventual passage. Its account distinguishes local council decisions, cinema classification, and video regulation.
The label’s own edition listing documents restoration, audio options, commentaries, and supplementary material. Consult the exact release details before assuming another edition has the same features.
Dark Sky’s fiftieth-anniversary package documents a physical release with film discs, VHS, and new supplementary material. It is an edition record rather than a recommendation or live stock report.