LOS ANGELES - The Motion Picture Association of America has granted an R rating to the re-edited version of Digital Playground's porn blockbuster Pirates II: Stagnetti's Revenge.
The R-rated cut of Pirates II will arrive on DVD and Blu-ray disc Feb. 24 through a partnership between Digital Playground and MTI Home Video. The mainstream-friendly version of the movie will be sold in Best Buy, Blockbuster, Albertson's, and other major retail outlets.
Digital Playground was successful in marketing the first Pirates in an R-rated version through MTI, and expects the sequel to outperform the original.
"The R rating is a testament to the all-around production value that went into Pirates II: Stagnetti’s Revenge," said Joone, co-founder of Digital Playground and the director of both Pirates movies. "MTI shares our vision, and we're thankful for the great partnership."
MTI Home Video execs echoed Joone's enthusiasm.
"Pirates II is larger than life, with incredible talent, story, sets, and of course, the blockbuster F/X," said Jay Grossman, MTI's vice-president of sales and acquisitions. "Joone and the Digital Playground team have once again outdone themselves, and fans of action-adventure films will be very pleased with the R-rated version MTI is set to release next month. We congratulate and celebrate Digital Playground on their historic success."
Digital Playground CEO Samantha Lewis commented on the phenomenal success of the XXX version of Pirates II and the market appeal of the cut-down version.
"The adult version of Pirates II is surpassing our expectations in every way," Lewis said. "Since its release four months ago, the movie remains a lock on the top of sales charts around the world. The R version appeals to those looking to ease into adult entertainment, as well as fans of thrilling epic movies. The massive number of pre-orders indicates the extensive interest in this historic achievement."
Pirates II swept the 2009 AVN Awards earlier this month, scoring 15 trophies including Best Video Feature, Best Director for Joone, Best Actor for Evan Stone, and Best Supporting Actress for Belladonna, whose outstanding sex scene with Jesse Jane contains some moves unlikely to appear in the R-rated version.
For more information, visit PiratesXXX.com.
