Earlier today I promised there would be more written on the subject of so-called "unrated" DVDs. So here I am, fulfilling my obligations.
In short, what's the point? I saw an iMDB post about Epic Movie where someone asked what the difference was between the theatrical release and the DVD version of the "film." Someone responded with a list about twenty items long that basically boiled down to more unfunny jokes than before.
What it's all about - and we each already know this - is marketing. And I for one hate it.
A major reason many of us buy DVDs is because we liked what we saw at the movies. So why change it? Why not let the movie sell itslef? Of course, in the case of Epic Movie, anything that could be construed as a selling point might be the DVD's only selling point.
I can think of only one instance where a DVD labeled Unrated was worth it, and I think you'll all agree why. Requiem for a Dream. I believe the movie was released Unrated for DVD because it had to be censored for theatrical release. It's the turn-around of the former stigma. Instead of changing the movie for home viewers, it changed for theatergoers and finally found a way to be seen in its originally edited form in a market where MPAA guidance doesn't hold as much weight. And I still find myself hyperventilating by the time Sarah Goldfarb is running down the sidewalk toward the TV studio.
I sincerely hope that one of these days, I'll get to rent a movie at Blockbuster without having to watch an extended cut of what I already apparently thought was good in its original form.
Tune in next week for a new "unrated" version of this post that's TOO LUSCIOUS for spout.com. It'll contain SIX NEVER-BEFORE-SEEN WORDS!