I’ve been watching the Sopranos on basic cable, on A&E for a while. How much am I missing from the original HBO version? It’s obvious that there’s a lot of cursing dubbed over, but that doesn’ bother me because it’s easy to figure out. Are there a lot of things cut out for time? I noticed that Buffy the Vampire Slayer had some important lines cut right out of the middle of conversations in its syndication on FX. Also, it’s clear that there’s nudity, and sometimes they show the scene with the nudity blurred over. Do they cut any whole scenes? And, is is just extras and guest stars, or do the principal actors also do nude scenes as well?
I actually think A&E has done a pretty good job of editing the Sopranos. The f-bombs and other harsh language have been edited out or overdubbed as you’ve mentioned, but I haven’t noted any scenes that have been hacked to pieces or completely cut. As far as nudity goes… except for Drea De Matteo lounging around the apartment in lingerie, and maybe the occasional teddy shots of Meadow in bed with her boyfriend –none of the regular cast is shown in the nude. The most prolific nudity was typically the dancers in the Bada Bing (which are always blurred out as you mentioned), and the scenes of Tony and his guys with their girlfriends/strippers/whores bouncing around with their tits hanging out.
In other words, you’re not really missing anything critical to the plot.
I guess I’m just a diehard fan, but it does feel a little lame when they’re saying “freaking” for “fucking” and so forth. I prefer the uncut version on DVD, but I guess you’re not missing anything crucial by seeing it on A&E.
I can only watch those edited movies and stuff for the entertainment value. I love it when they say “bloodsucker” for “cocksucker” and “forget you” for “fuck you.” But I could never watch the Sopranos mangled like that - the swearing is an integral part of the show in my opinion!
Or like when Lorraine Calluzzo offered to suck all those guys’ toes when Phil was about to have her shot. Riiiight, that’s what she was saying.
Another reason I don’t like A&E is that they get rid of the songs over the closing credits. They compress the closing credits and show the opening credits for the next episode. And the songs they choose are very important to the overall tone, so I dislike that aspect of it.