Mini Rant: 8 Mile and The Osbournes Censored (1 Viewer)

[CraigF]

I suppose this has been discussed alot, but I'm out of the loop. What pissed me off is seeing 4 versions of 8 Mile, WS/P&S/Censored/Uncensored. Why would anyone buy an uncensored 8 Mile or The Osbournes? For those with ears or beliefs delicate enough to require censored versions, why the hell are you watching Eminem or Ozzy? Surely it's not so you can present these role models to your kids without offending them? It can't be because Wal-Mart demanded it, they sell the uncensored versions. I can see selling P&S versions so you can double-dip when the consumers smarten up, or upgrade their TV's. I think a 2 disc version of 8 Mile wouldn't cost them any more than this silliness: disc 1 with WS uncensored, disc 2 with P&S censored (for the people who don't care). Or at least put the IMO superfluous packaging $$ of multiple versions into a better WS uncensored package, the way the material was meant to be seen.

[I don't know why I got so ticked off about this, just seeing Best Buy selling 4 versions of 8 Mile made me realise how stupid this business gets sometimes.]

 

[likestowatch]

Place your right index and middle fingers against your right thumb. Now, gently rub your thumb agains those two fingers. That's what it's all about.

 

[Jeff Kleist]

Why would anyone buy an uncensored 8 Mile or The Osbournes?

It's quite simple. WalMart and Blockbuster don't want to carry the full-on package. And unfortunately between them they probably purchase 30-35% of the units produced

 

[CraigF]

Yeah, but would anybody who bought a censored version EVER buy an uncensored version? That's in the head, has nothing to do with the viewing screen. I do see people maybe getting a WS version in the future if they bought a P&S one now...

 

[CraigF]

Wal-Mart, at least here, does/will carry the uncensored versions. My point is, why carry Ozzy or Eminem at all if you have delicate "family values"? It just doesn't make sense to me. It's like selling an XXX video with all the sex removed...

 

[Colin Jacobson]

Why would anyone buy an uncensored 8 Mile or The Osbournes?

This post confuses me. Why WOULDN'T you want the uncensored version? I must've missed something here - it sounds like your point is that if you like something as crude as "The Osbournes", you'd rather have it uncensored, but the quoted statement contradicts that idea...

 

[Jerry Rhoades]

I think only the extras are censored,(the rap battles that were filmed w/extras but never used). Thats the way I took it when I looked at all four versions. Four versions is so stupid. It makes confused people even more confused. I've been trying to explain wide-screen to my friends since '93. Now when I hear someone say full screen is better my brain hurts......

jerry

 

[Blu]

I'm sorry but the Osbourne's original language track had all the bleeps in it so obviously that is the way it was intended to be shown!! NO OLT NO SALE!



[sarcasm off}

 

[David Lambert]

I know you said "sarcasm off" after that, but I want to address the thought anyway:

The Osbournes was only shown in USA with bleeps, but was televised in other parts of the world bleep-free.

Buying the Uncensored version allows you to enjoy the program either way; with or without bleeps.

It's like getting a movie that has both Wide-screen and full-screen versions of the feature on it: it gives people a choice.

I therefore passed up the Wal-Mart price of $14.24 - because all the Wal-Marts around here only had the Censored version, and (at least in the US) that is all I've heard of Wal-Mart carrying for this title - and got the Uncensored version for $14.99 at another retailer.

I tried watching it both ways, first with bleeps and then without. No contest: uncensored version is quite funnier.

 

[ColeKR]

I also think the reason they have a censored 8 mile is because of the Superman video that's on the disc. I work for Hollywood and rented a copy tonight and the music video was very much censored. But still 4 different discs are not needed.

 

[Josh Lowe]

For those with ears or beliefs delicate enough to require censored versions, why the hell are you watching Eminem or Ozzy?

they did that so they can sell more units to parents whose kids like Ozzy and Eminem, but don't want them exposed to the language. Which is a very naive idea, but that's another conversation.

 

[CraigF]

Doh...I blew that line...it should have been "why would anyone buy a censored 8 Mile or The Osbournes?". I guess that was understandable from the context, but still pretty dumb...

I have only seen what I assume is the uncensored The Osbournes and 8 Mile here, so I didn't think of that they may have been presented differently elsewhere.

I guess there are market (possibly, but not mainly) and political forces at work here, I have never seen a new release have 4 different same-language versions in one market at the get-go. Regardless of the intent, it seems over the top unnecessary to me. I still say, if you have so-called family values and support these releases in any format you are being hypocritical. That may be stepping over the line, but Ozzy and Eminem should only be viewed uncensored...no reality for you!

 

[KynanD]

Wal-Mart, at least here, does/will carry the uncensored versions. My point is, why carry Ozzy or Eminem at all if you have delicate "family values"? It just doesn't make sense to me. It's like selling an XXX video with all the sex removed...

you mean like hotel porn?

 

[KynanD]

Sorry, I overquoted in my last post. I think it's funny that the censored Osbournes has the dog poop feature. I find poop way more offensive than most four letter words, but then again maybe I don't watch enough Japanese soap operas.

 

[LennyP]

Since when DVD extras became rated or even commanding whether the disc is cencored or not. DVD extras in US were always labeled as unrated, unlike in UK where everything gets checked by the nosy bastards at BBFC.
I suppose it was just a unique decision by the studio to rate their own special features.

 

[Dan Rudolph]

Do the 8 miel special features rise to NC-17 level or something?

 

[TonyD]

i don't understand why there is a censored version of 8 mile.

the movie is rated r and is not intended for young teenaGERS. the uncensored parts are only on the extras.

the uncensored extras are only uncensored likely because it's not a movie so wasnt submitted for a rating.


r rating on the movie was for all the language.
the extras would likely have an r rating too due to graphic language and also nudity in the music video.

if a parent is going to let their teen watch the movie their is no reason why they should be concerned about watching the extras.

 

[Christian Preischl]

Here's something to discuss: When Sharon Osbourne was on Larry King, she said that she and Ozzy prefer the show with the bleeps, because they think it's funnier that way.

Good thing the uncensored set has both options.

Chris

 

[Jeff Kleist]

It's a marketing gimmick is all it really is

 

[MarkHastings]

Why would anyone buy an uncensored 8 Mile or The Osbournes?

Probably the same reason why they have Non-Alcoholic beer? LOL, just kidding!

Seriously, this might actually follow the same principles as the soda industry (or any other food corp.)

Have you ever wondered why there are so many soda flavors? Why is it that we need Coke, Diet Coke, Caffeine Free Coke, Diet Caffeine Free Coke, Cherry Coke, Diet Cherry Coke, Lemon Coke, Diet Lemon Coke, original Coke, New Coke, Blue Coke, yellow Coke, Plaid Coke , etc. etc. etc.

Or how about salad dressings? Why the need for HUNDREDS of different dressings? Why does Kens need to put out 5 different versions of French? Does Kellogs need to put out 8 different types of cereal that all taste EXACTLY the same???

Why? That's easy...it's called "Shelf Space". Shelf space is a very competitive business. Usually what happens is the stores allow a certain amount of space for every product. Now if Kens just produced 1 version of French dressing, they'd be reduced to 1/100th (or what ever the percentage may be), but if Kens produces 5 different kinds of French dressing, then they get 5/100ths (or 1/20th) of the shelf space...meaning, they have a better chance for people to buy their product because by taking up more shelf space, they are more visible to the person passing by.

Most companies produce items that they KNOW won't sell well, but they need the shelf space so they are constantly flooding the market with new items.

The same must be with DVD's. Just look at the "New Releases" rack...Usually each movie gets it's own slot...if "8 Mile" only came out with a WS/uncensored version, they'd occupy 1 slot, but having 4 different versions, they occupy 4 slots, thus gaining MORE shelf space and the more shelf space you occupy, the more someone's going to see it and not accidentally pass by it because it's hidden amongst everything else.

Whew! Ok, sorry for the long reply.