# A question about ‘Clerks’, censorship and Blockbuster. **URL:** \ **Category:** Cafe Society\ **Created:** [July 25, 2002, 3:39am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-question-about-clerks-censorship-and-blockbuster/120699 "2002-07-25T03:39:44Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 2
**Author:** ![ElwoodCuse](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/edb3f5/32.png) [@ElwoodCuse](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ElwoodCuse)\ **Post date:** [July 25, 2002, 5:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-question-about-clerks-censorship-and-blockbuster/120699/21 "2002-07-25T17:17:24Z")
BTW, Grand Theft Auto 3 was banned in Australia because of the prostitutes, and the fact that you could beat them up after a “trick” and get your money back. The prostitutes were the only thing taken out in the cleaned up version. ---
**Author:** ![pldennison](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/9fc29f/32.png) [@pldennison](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pldennison)\ **Post date:** [July 25, 2002, 6:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-question-about-clerks-censorship-and-blockbuster/120699/22 "2002-07-25T18:28:35Z")
Interestingly, Blockbuster will not carry films rated NC-17, but they _will_ carry films released unrated. So, you cannot rent the director’s cut of _Requiem For A Dream_ there, but you can rent softcore porn released by Playboy. ---
**Author:** ![ftg](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ftg/32/2801_2.png) [@ftg](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ftg)\ **Post date:** [July 25, 2002, 7:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-question-about-clerks-censorship-and-blockbuster/120699/23 "2002-07-25T19:20:04Z")
MPAA ratings aside, Blockbuster _has_ refused to carry some R-rated movies in their theatrical form. They “suggested” to the makers that certain edits be made. Since Blockbuster is virtually a monopoly, these edits are made _and you are not told this_. Ditto KMart etc. (How they rationalize the Playboy videos is beyond me. I guess just naked it okay. Two hot and sweaty people aren’t?) Blockbuste,r and even lesser chains, also will not carry popular movies in letterbox format. So you get pan-and-scan or clipped versions. (Unless it’s a DVD with both versions, for example.) If you think you are renting the same film that was shown in theaters, you are greatly mistaken. I don’t patronize these places as I’m still mad about dropping Beta. ---
**Author:** ![Mockingbird](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/c68b51/32.png) [@Mockingbird](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mockingbird)\ **Post date:** [July 25, 2002, 7:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-question-about-clerks-censorship-and-blockbuster/120699/24 "2002-07-25T19:24:34Z")
Beta??? I was miffed when 3/4" went out of vogue. ---
**Author:** ![WSLer](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/a6a055/32.png) [@WSLer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/WSLer)\ **Post date:** [July 26, 2002, 1:19am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-question-about-clerks-censorship-and-blockbuster/120699/25 "2002-07-26T01:19:22Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by ftg \* > \*\*MPAA ratings aside, Blockbuster _has_ refused to carry some R-rated movies in their theatrical form. They “suggested” to the makers that certain edits be made. Since Blockbuster is virtually a monopoly, these edits are made _and you are not told this_. Ditto KMart etc. \*\* Cite??? Exactly what movies were re-edited **specifically** because Blockbuster “suggested it.” ---
**Author:** ![leechbabe](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/7cd45c/32.png) [@leechbabe](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/leechbabe)\ **Post date:** [July 26, 2002, 1:58am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-question-about-clerks-censorship-and-blockbuster/120699/26 "2002-07-26T01:58:07Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by ftg \* > \*\* > Blockbuste,r and even lesser chains, also will not carry popular movies in letterbox format. So you get pan-and-scan or clipped versions. (Unless it’s a DVD with both versions, for example.) > \*\* Oh god please don’t let leechboy come back in here. That is one of his fav. rant topics. Mind you having seen “Ace Venture - Pet Detective” in wide screen and in Pan-and-scan I can see why sometimes its not a good idea to do the pan-and-scan thing. There was a whole scene where this lady is ripping his clothes off and he is meant to be nekkid but in pan-and-scan you can see he is wearing boxers. ---
**Author:** ![Mersavets](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/aca169/32.png) [@Mersavets](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mersavets)\ **Post date:** [July 26, 2002, 10:34am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-question-about-clerks-censorship-and-blockbuster/120699/27 "2002-07-26T10:34:48Z")
I was always under the impression that Australian Blockbusters were less prone to the ultra-conservative attitudes of the American parent. However, I thought it kind of odd that my local shop didn’t have any copies of **Happiness** or Solondz’ earlier **Welcome to the Dollhouse** in any format for that matter. Even stranger in that the guy I spoke to when I joined, claimed they were the only non-corporate owned Blockbuster in Australia. ---
**Author:** ![divemaster](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/divemaster/32/78_2.png) [@divemaster](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/divemaster)\ **Post date:** [July 26, 2002, 2:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-question-about-clerks-censorship-and-blockbuster/120699/28 "2002-07-26T14:19:04Z")
The other thing that Blockbuster does is put that sticker (Warning! For mature audiences only!) for _every_ movie that does not have a rating. I watch a lot of Asian movies, and I can remember one Chinese movie (_Not One Less_) that has absolutely nothing objectionable in it. This could be a G-rated movie. This mislabeling is not uncommon at all at Blockbuster. \* I asked why people were being warned away from this sweet and touching movie (and other movies) for no good reason. The answer was that Blockbuster would rather knee-jerk in ignorance than have knowledge of what they put on their shelves. \*I also saw the back of the Blockbuster box for the movie _Kickboxer_. "Catch Jean-Claude Van Damme in other starring roles, such as _Predator!_. Hello! What’s wrong with this picture??? ---
**Author:** ![Tuckerfan](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/eada6e/32.png) [@Tuckerfan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tuckerfan)\ **Post date:** [July 26, 2002, 4:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-question-about-clerks-censorship-and-blockbuster/120699/29 "2002-07-26T16:55:45Z")
For a time, Blockbuster was refusing to carry _The Last Temptation of Christ_, apparently they’ve changed their position on this as I saw a copy in my local Blockbuster the other day. (Totally surprising since this _is_ the heart of the Biblebelt.) ---
**Author:** ![Skywatcher](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/skywatcher/32/254_2.png) [@Skywatcher](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Skywatcher)\ **Post date:** [July 26, 2002, 7:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-question-about-clerks-censorship-and-blockbuster/120699/30 "2002-07-26T19:36:43Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by divemaster \* > \*\*_Kickboxer_. "Catch Jean-Claude Van Damme in other starring roles, such as _Predator!_. Hello! What’s wrong with this picture??? \*\* Not much; Van Damme was the original Predator but quit after realizing that he wasn’t going to get any credit. Accoding to the director, there’s still one scene in the movie with Van Damme in the Predator suit. ---
**Author:** ![Skywatcher](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/skywatcher/32/254_2.png) [@Skywatcher](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Skywatcher)\ **Post date:** [July 26, 2002, 7:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-question-about-clerks-censorship-and-blockbuster/120699/31 "2002-07-26T19:41:39Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by WSLer \*\*\* > > > [@](#): > > > > \*Originally posted by ftg \* > > MPAA ratings aside, Blockbuster has refused to carry some R-rated movies in their theatrical form. They “suggested” to the makers that certain edits be made. Since Blockbuster is virtually a monopoly, these edits are made and you are not told this. Ditto KMart etc. > > Cite??? Exactly what movies were re-edited **specifically** because Blockbuster “suggested it.” \*\* Likewise. AFIK, there is no proof that any video renter/retailer required editing movies for it to be on their shelves with the execption of an independent video store owner in Utah. ---
**Author:** ![ftg](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ftg/32/2801_2.png) [@ftg](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ftg)\ **Post date:** [July 27, 2002, 1:23am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-question-about-clerks-censorship-and-blockbuster/120699/32 "2002-07-27T01:23:05Z")
Regarding editing on non-NC17 movies to appease Blockbuster, just do a search on Google. Easily found [this page](http://www.toxie.com/art_imitating_life.htm) for example. There’s a partial list (halfway down) which includes the “R” rated _Lolita_ for example as well as unrated films. While searching I also found out what might be behind the original OP issue. Some people feel that independent films are getting socked with far too many “NC-17” ratings, which locks them out of most theaters and video stores. Big studio films with the same content are alledged to be getting far fewer "NC-17"s. The difficulty in appealing an “NC-17” without editing is apparent given that _Clerks_ appears to be unique. ---
**Author:** ![divemaster](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/divemaster/32/78_2.png) [@divemaster](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/divemaster)\ **Post date:** [July 27, 2002, 2:35am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-question-about-clerks-censorship-and-blockbuster/120699/33 "2002-07-27T02:35:50Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by Jeff Olsen \* > \*\*Not much; Van Damme was the original Predator but quit after realizing that he wasn’t going to get any credit. Accoding to the director, there’s still one scene in the movie with Van Damme in the Predator suit. \*\* And this justifies to you advertising _Predator_ as being a Van Damme vehicle? You don’t feel this would be misleading to someone renting the movie expecting to see Van Damme? 😕 It’s bad enough that movie distributors do this. (“Starring Jackie Chan!” and the myriad of movies “starring” Bruce Lee); we don’t need Blockbuster contributing to the problem. I know my example is ignorance on their part, rather than outright deception–but I won’t excuse it. ---
**Author:** ![handy](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/b5a626/32.png) [@handy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/handy)\ **Post date:** [July 27, 2002, 3:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-question-about-clerks-censorship-and-blockbuster/120699/34 "2002-07-27T15:19:25Z")
ftg, I read that BB bought the rights to Lolita, so they were the only store that had them for rent for a certain period. Ironic. Another local video store sent me there to buy a couple of used copies of it for $4.99 each. ---
**Author:** ![DocCathode](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/doccathode/32/18773_2.png) [@DocCathode](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DocCathode)\ **Post date:** [July 27, 2002, 4:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-question-about-clerks-censorship-and-blockbuster/120699/35 "2002-07-27T16:38:06Z")
The co-founder of Troma Films (Toxic Avenger, Class Of Nukem High, Surf Nazis Must Die, Cannibal: The Musical, A Nymphoid Barbarian In Dinosaur Hell, and many many more) says that BlockBuster does in fact edit some of the films it carries and does not notify customers of the editting. Cite- All I Need To Know About FilmMaking I Learned From The Toxic Avenger- The Shocking True Story Of Troma Studios ``` Page 194 ``` Lloyd specifically mentions that the Blockbuster version of Last Tango In Paris has a lamp superimposed over the buttocks of Marlon Brando in the “Famous buttery anal sex scene”\*. - Lloyd possesses both a sick mind and a flair for the dramatic. Since I’ve never actually seen Last Tango, I don’t know if there actually is a buttery anal sex scene, or whether Lloyd refers simply to a sex scene involving butter \*\* \*\* Having read the book, I can say Lloyd is not simply being dramatic when describing BlockBuster censorship. He is quite passionate about filmmaking, the MPAA, and censorship of any kind. \*\*\*I admit that Lloyd could be wrong about BlockBuster. But he isn’t intentionally exagerrating or lying. \*\*\*\* If we can’t rent uncut versions of Blood Sucking Freaks or Rabid Grannies, the terrorists have already won. ---
**Author:** ![Skywatcher](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/skywatcher/32/254_2.png) [@Skywatcher](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Skywatcher)\ **Post date:** [July 28, 2002, 1:17am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-question-about-clerks-censorship-and-blockbuster/120699/36 "2002-07-28T01:17:51Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by divemaster \* > **And this justifies to you advertising _Predator_ as being a Van Damme vehicle? You don’t feel this would be misleading to someone renting the movie expecting to see Van Damme?** No it doesn’t but I can understand how the suggestion got there. ---
**Author:** ![John\_Carter\_of\_Mars](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/2bfe46/32.png) [@John\_Carter\_of\_Mars](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/John_Carter_of_Mars)\ **Post date:** [July 28, 2002, 2:57am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-question-about-clerks-censorship-and-blockbuster/120699/37 "2002-07-28T02:57:13Z")
Posted by **DocCathode** : "\* Lloyd possesses both a sick mind and a flair for the dramatic. Since I’ve never actually seen Last Tango, I don’t know if there actually is a buttery anal sex scene, or whether Lloyd refers simply to a sex scene involving butter \*\* " I’ve seen Last Tango, and there is indeed a buttery anal sex scene. IIRC, there was no lamp interfering with the view. ---
**Author:** ![DocCathode](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/doccathode/32/18773_2.png) [@DocCathode](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DocCathode)\ **Post date:** [July 28, 2002, 7:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-question-about-clerks-censorship-and-blockbuster/120699/38 "2002-07-28T19:56:03Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by John Carter of Mars \* > \*_Posted by **DocCathode** : > "_ Lloyd possesses both a sick mind and a flair for the dramatic. Since I’ve never actually seen Last Tango, I don’t know if there actually is a buttery anal sex scene, or whether Lloyd refers simply to a sex scene involving butter \*\* " > > I’ve seen Last Tango, and there is indeed a buttery anal sex scene. IIRC, there was no lamp interfering with the view. \*\* Thanks for that information JC. That completes phase 1. Now, we need a volunteer to rent Last Tango from BlockBuster, and watch for a lamp.\* \*I’m ineligible. BB and other video stores require a credit card for membership. Due to the Syndicate, and the desire to keep extraneous magnetic fields out of my laboratory I have no credit cards. ---
**Author:** ![ftg](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ftg/32/2801_2.png) [@ftg](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ftg)\ **Post date:** [July 28, 2002, 8:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-question-about-clerks-censorship-and-blockbuster/120699/39 "2002-07-28T20:16:48Z")
_Last Tango in Paris_ is a stunningly beautiful film and must be seen on a movie screen to truly appreciate. It was originally rated “X” as there was no “NC-17” back then. Since it was somewhat successful, many hoped that it would finally open up the American theater market (no Blockbuster back then) to “X” but not porn films. But no such luck. (Cf. “Midnight Cowboy”) The “butter scene” only shows the girls buttocks from the side. No views of Brando’s or Schneider’s privates (in that particular shot). IMHO, nothing remotely requiring an “X” rating in the entire film. I’ve seen it twice in theaters and, IIRC, no lamp obscuring anything. ---
**Author:** ![reprise](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/ea666f/32.png) [@reprise](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/reprise)\ **Post date:** [July 28, 2002, 11:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-question-about-clerks-censorship-and-blockbuster/120699/40 "2002-07-28T23:33:48Z")
_Last Tango in Paris_ has been shown on free-to-air TV here uncut. It’s available at most large video stores, and by today’s standards it’s an incredibly “tame” movie. There’s no lamp in any version I’ve seen (cinema, rental, or TV), but then there isn’t really anything worthy of censoring in it. I agree with **ftg** that it’s a stunningly beautiful movie and one well worth seeing. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-question-about-clerks-censorship-and-blockbuster/120699.md?page=1) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-question-about-clerks-censorship-and-blockbuster/120699.md?page=3)