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Does Blockbuster Edit Their Movies?

I have heard reports that Blockbuster edits [censors] some of their movies. Some really "spicy" R-rated movies supposedly have some scenes cut to tone them down. Also, I was told that in their version of the movie, TITANIC, the scene in which Leonardo DiCaprio sketches Kate Winslet has the nudity cut out, and this movie just has a PG-13 rating. Obviously, any alteration in a movie's rental release would have to be approved by the film's distributor.

So, fact, or urban myth? I am just starting to rent movies again, and I need to know for sure. And please, let's not get into a Blockbuster bashing!
fatparrot
newmanoc
295 posts
 
As I understand it, directors usually have no control over what the ultimate commercial cut of their movies look like (hence, the Director's Cut releases). These final cuts are done by the people who pony up the dough to get the movie made in the first place (the studios).

As to saying that any changes made to the release should be clearly labeled, I agree. We have no argument.
rysa4
266 posts
 
I was in Blockbuster tonight and noticed several movies marked " Edited for content" on the outside of the box on the front.
philjolet's avatar
philjolet
2,306 posts
 
FWIW I was in Blockbuster last night and could not find any comments about editing on any of the 'racy' movies I looked at. I imagine it changes depending what area the store is in...
jlambrick
138 posts
 
I posted a question on the "contact us" part of their website. I received an automated reply that told me nothing about rentals. All they would say was that they movies they SELL are not edited. I can only assume that the rentals are edited.
fatparrot OP
1,314 posts
 
Jlambrick, according to my search on their website about editing
No, BLOCKBUSTER does not edit the content of its films. We offer all movies for rental or sale the way we receive them from the studios.
This is a slick answer, because it doesn't address whether Blockbuster can ask for a tamer version of an R-rated movie, instead of the standard DVD release. With Blockbuster's financial clout, this is a real possibility. I sent them an email asking specifically about studio/distributor editing...I'll be interested to see their response...if I get one!
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