When DVD was launched in 1998 it was agreed by the BBFC and the video industry that there was to be no formal requirement for DVD audio commentaries to be submitted to the Board for classification. However, this was subject to the proviso that if there was anything contained in a commentary that would be likely to conflict with the overall classification of the disc itself then that commentary must be submitted for classification. The most likely situation in which such problem might arise is with the use of strong language. For example, if a DVD bearing a 'PG' classification contains an audio commentary in which one - or several - uses of strong language occur, then the overall certificate of the disc is invalidated.
Could we please remind submitting companies, therefore, of the need to check carefully the contents of audio commentaries before releasing them on DVD? If you have any reason to suspect that the content of a commentary may be in conflict with the certificate awarded to the other contents of the DVD, then that commentary should be submitted to us. If there are a number of different commentaries present, then all of these should be carefully screened and any commentary (or commentaries) containing contentious material should be supplied to the Board. Furthermore, if you would prefer the BBFC to check all your audio commentaries for peace of mind, we are happy to do so. A VHS PAL tape of the film with the commentary laid over the soundtrack is acceptable for submission. Several tapes may be required if more than one commentary is likely to be affected.
The cost of rectifying a mistake once made can be large since it will almost inevitably result in the disc in question being withdrawn from the shelves.
It should also be noted that the same situation applies to non-English language works (eg Hindi, Tamil, Cantonese) if the audio commentary (or commentaries) contain material that might be at variance with the classification of the film itself.