Blockbuster unrated policy

[electricsheep22]

I always hear from everyone that Blockbuster has a policy against stocking unrated or NC-17 versions of films, and I used to notice this too, but lately I've been seeing quite a few of these at the local one. Ones I remember offhand: Y Tu Mama Tambien, Original Sin, both the American Pie movies, Tie Me Up! Tie Me Down!, In the Realm of the Senses,(those two even said "NC-17" on the case), and it was kind of surprising that they'd have the first season of Queer as Folk there also.

Ironically the only version of Requiem for a Dream they have is the edited one.

Hollywood Video seems even more lax (NC-17 Crash, The Cook the Thief His Wife and Her Lover, Pillow Book) yet they still only stock the edited Requiem and edited Y tu Mama Tambien.

I'm sure as hell glad that they aren't really enforcing that stupid rule. I'm wondering if all Blockbusters are like this, or if these films just slip under the radar.

[FurryHumanBeing]

Yea I too have noticed this lately. I bought a used Y Tu Mamma Tambien Unrated there. At first I thught WTF!? But I can dig it.

[Cap42086]

Originally posted by electricsheep22
Hollywood Video seems even more lax (NC-17 Crash, The Cook the Thief His Wife and Her Lover, Pillow Book) yet they still only stock the edited Requiem and edited Y tu Mama Tambien.

At my store, Y Tu Mama is Unrated and Requiem is the R-rated version. As for other stores, your guess is as good as mine.

[limacharliewhiskey]

Originally posted by electricsheep22
I'm wondering if all Blockbusters are like this, or if these films just slip under the radar.

This seems to apply to a store-by-store basis. I tried to find the unrated version of Sex and Lucia, but my local Blockbuster only had the R-rated version.

I also tried to find the unrated version of Killing Me Softly,but they only had the R-rated version in stock.

I think your local Blockbuster either doesn't care about stocking unrated version, or they aren't paying attention to which films are unrated, especially titles that aren't well known to the average viewer.

[moviezzz]

Blockbuster seems to choose films on a case by case basis. Mine carries many unrated films.

A lot of the stories about Blockbuster censorship (such as employees editing tapes in the backroom) are urban legends as well. They are an easy target for criticism.

[JimboQ]

I have found many unrated movies, for sale and for rent at both Hollywood and BlockBuster, for years. I think it may just be a poicy that is upheld at certain stores. A dollar is a dollar, people.

[sub780lime]

dont forget Van Wilder Unrated which i believe is NC 17 (i may be Wrong) it seems like with the DVD movement they have eliminated there no NC 17 standard

I would guess that Requiem will probably remain the R rated version on their shelves, as those editions were acquired back when their policy was in full force. Now that it looks like the may be relaxing this (and reversing their lack of commitment to widescreen) I suspect that they'll get the unrated versions of films only going forward. I don't think they'll go back and replace any older ttitles though...

[DVDgod237]

Originally posted by sub780lime
dont forget Van Wilder Unrated which i believe is NC 17 (i may be Wrong) it seems like with the DVD movement they have eliminated there no NC 17 standard

What is so NC-17 about the uncut version. (I know about the menu) but I wanted to know what was in the movie since imdb doesn't list anything.

[moviezzz]

Originally posted by sub780lime
dont forget Van Wilder Unrated which i believe is NC 17 (i may be Wrong) it seems like with the DVD movement they have eliminated there no NC 17 standard

Van Wilder was released theatrically as an R. When it went to DVD, they released an "Unrated" version. I didn't see the R version, but there was nothing NC-17 about the unrated version.

Same with KILLING ME SOFTLY that was also mentioned. I've only seen the unrated version, but nothing in it that would cause an NC-17.

They can add some more scenes, not resubmit it to the MPAA and release it and call it unrated. It is a marketing ploy.

[nimrod's son]

Blockbuster seems to be really weird when it comes to ratings (but probably differs with location). I mean, they have the hypocritical rule disallowing any true NC-17 rated movies, but carry some unrated ones like there's any difference. I guessing that's due to the stuffy soccer mom type who complains if their kids picks up a case that says NC-17 on the back, but has no idea that films can also go unrated. So then they carry some unrated movies like Y tu Mama Tambien, American Pie, and Van Wilder, while they only have the R rated version of L.I.E (I'm pretty sure there's two versions). Plus, for some weird reason, they have an unrated edition of Requiem for a Dream on VHS, but only have a censored DVD.

[odisn]

I worked for Blockbuster through most of the 90's, and the only official policy was that the stores would not carry anything rated 'NC-17' or 'X'. As many of you have seen, many stores carry the "unrated" versions of some titles. In those cases, the company usually will classify the titles as "Youth Restricted" which is Blockbuster's internal 'R' equivalent.

[Soggy Bagel's Revenge!]

If Blockbuster is starting to stock NC-17 fillms, that's incredibly wonderful news. Perhaps now studios will be inclined to acknowledge NC-17 as a valid rating, and beign greenlight more films that, due simply to their subject matter, are NC-17 films.

Arigato,
Brook