International Pictures initially submitted this film to the MPAA for  a rating, the ratings board split as to whether to give it an X or R rating.  AIP insisted on a GP (later renamed to PG) rating. The film ended up going  before the ratings board six times. In order to secure a GP rating for the  film, AIP ended up cutting several minutes out of the film for excessive gore  and sexuality, and changes in the soundtrack were made to lessen the impact  of other violent scenes that remained in the film.