A SERBIAN FILM U.S. Release Details & Red Band Trailer

The most controversial movie of the last year is finally getting a US release.  A Serbian Film was first shown at SXSW in March of 2010.  Since then is has scarred audiences at the Brussels International Festival of Fantasy Film and Fantasia in Montreal, and has been making its way around the world in various forms since then.  Now, Americans will get the chance to see for themselves what all the fuss is about.

Invincible Pictures, of whom I knew nothing before this, have picked up the film for theatrical and home video distribution in the US.  They are taking an interesting approach toward the marketing and distribution, since this film has turned out to be not only controversial, but has also gotten at least one person arrested. 

A Serbian Film will open on May 13th.  In theaters, audiences will see an edited version that was recently passed with an NC-17 rating.  The list of theaters is not yet available, though I'm assured that I'll get it as soon as it is.  They will be starting with a limited opening with hopes for a wider opening as demand increases.  The same day, Invincible Pictures will offer a VOD version via FlixFling with a much stronger cut.  I'm told that the VOD version still has two "minimal" cuts that amount to less than one minute.  The NC-17 version will run 98 minutes, while the FlixFling version will run 103 minutes. 

I have also seen rumors that A Serbian Film won't get a home video release due to the controversial nature of the film.  I am assured that A Serbian Film will be coming to Blu-ray and DVD later in the year. From what I understand the Invincible Uncut version will be available exclusively on Blu-ray, while the DVD should be the same as the theatrical NC-17 version of the film.  This is still a bit up in the air, we have no date nor strong confirmation of home video details yet, but it WILL be out.

I have not had the opportunity to see this film yet, and I am cautiously looking forward to seeing it.  I've had people tell me everything from "it's not as bad as I'd imagined" to "its something you can't unsee".  I'm not a timid soul, but this one certainly has me interested and a bit nervous about my own reaction.  I kind of know what to expect so far, I've read the spoilers, but somehow I imagine it will be different seeing it onscreen.

The new US Trailer is embedded below.  Grown-ups only, please.