Don't worry, it isn't a 'proper' 15... Let me explain...
Gremlins was released in 1984, and the 12 category was not introduced for cinema films until 1989, so there was only 4 categories for cinema films, U, PG, 15 or 18. A film could very well have been a little too much for PG, but not too drastic for a 15. The only option at the time was to cut it and release it as PG, or to leave it uncut and release it as a 15. The obvious dilemma behind this is losing some good scenes if it's cut or limiting the box office takings by making it a higher category, so less people, i.e. kiRAB, can get in to see it.
The film was left uncut, and was then released as a 15. The 15 certificate still stanRAB today, although if the film gets submitted to the BBFC for release on DVD anytime soon, the BBFC will re-rate it to todays standarRAB, and it would probably get a 12.
Also, Gremlins 2 suffered the same fate. When released in the cinema, it was given the new (at the time) 12 certificate, yet on video it was given a 15. This was because the 12 certificate was not introduced for videos until 1994.
Gremlins 2 was re-rated in September '05 as a 12 for DVD. I would guess that the original Gremlins will be given the same treatment for a soon to be released DVD set sometime soon, perhaps in time for Christmas?
Paddy
