Re: [dvd-discuss] Chain sues to edit films

[Jeremy Erwin <jerwin(at)ponymail.com>]

On Friday, August 30, 2002, at 06:13  PM, Michael A Rolenz wrote:

> It doesn't look like they are CSS'ed, region encoded....
>
>
The DGA according to the cnn article 
(http://www.cnn.com/2002/SHOWBIZ/Movies/08/30/film.lawsuit.reut/index.html)
  was also planning on suing a number of other companies, including the 
manufacturers of "Movie Shield" (http://www.movieshield.com/) which, 
IMHO had a much stronger defense. MovieShield required no copying-- it 
was simply

  "an electronic device that connects between your VCR or DVD and 
television set. You simply download data for the movie you want to 
watch, and everything else is done for you.

We have already previewed the movie and determined when to blank the 
video screen and/or mute the sound. You can sit back, relax, and enjoy a 
movie without the offensive material!"

I don't know what to say. I imagine that many directors would be 
insulted to learn that their films could be enjoyed in a butchered 
manner.

Michael Rolenz mentioned:
" I find some of the DGA's arguments about integrity to be 
comical....remember "The Graduate" The most famous shot in the whole 
film disappeared when recut for video."

Could you supply some details, please? Perhaps the director was, in 
fact, unamused, at this abridgement. Personally, as a film buff, I find 
the unabridged OAR cuts to be the most rewarding.

Jeremy