Parents and guardians can 'call the shots' on what films their children see this Christmas by using the British Board of Film Classification (BBFC) App to check film classification ratings and information when they purchase DVDs as presents or select films for younger children to watch on Video On Demand services over the Christmas period.

This Christmas entertainment retailers expect to sell at least 32.2m* videos on Blu-ray and DVD destined to be given as presents, reflecting a surge in new film content being introduced to households.

The BBFC free App is available on iPhone and Android devices and lets users check the latest film and DVD classification decisions from the BBFC. A useful tool for parents and guardians, the App gives instant access to the classification, running time and detailed information about why a film or DVD got the classification it did.

David Cooke, Director of the BBFC says:

"We designed the App to equip parents with the tools they need to make informed decisions about the films their children see, whether they are watching a new film at the cinema or on DVD. The Christmas period is often a time when children and their older siblings receive DVDs as gifts and we hope the App will make it easier for parents to decide what is suitable for their children."

All BBFC film classification decisions come with Extended Classification Information (ECI) which, in the case of cinema films, is available on the App 10 days before the film opens.  ECI explains the classification issues in any film, enabling users to make informed decisions about what they or their family watch. The BBFC App is available for Android, iPhone 4, iPhone 3GS, iPhone 3G and iPod touch. To download the App, search for "BBFC" in the App Store or click on the links below to open the App Store directly.

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Notes to editors

The BBFC is an independent, private, not for profit company which classifies films, videos, DVDs and certain video games, advertisements and trailers.  The BBFC operates transparent, well-understood and trusted co-regulatory and self regulatory classification regimes based on years of expertise and published Guidelines which reflect public opinion and the risk of harm; and is accountable to Parliament.

*Retail sales figures are provided by the Entertainment Retailers Association projections and based on 2010 market trends.