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April 1994

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Subject:
From:
Sean Axmaker <[log in to unmask]>
Reply To:
Film and TV Studies Discussion List <[log in to unmask]>
Date:
Thu, 14 Apr 1994 21:21:05 -0700
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Re: MMAN BITES DOG at Blockbuster.
 
This general information may be helpful to prospective renters.
Blockbuster will not carry NC-17 films or those films it deems
"innapropriate" to its family atmosphere (that includes Scorsese's LAST
TEMPTATION OF CHRIST!) Therefore small companies like Fox-Lorber have been
forced, by economic circumstances (look at me, defending this practice!),
to provide R rated versions of films that were originally NC-17 or
unrated. Thus, MAN BITES DOG is available in its original theatrical
version, but not at Blockbuster, which carries the edited "R" version.
 
Being the manager of an independant video store dedicated to diversity and
artistic rights, I have a big beef with Blockbuster, not only with its
exclusionary policies on videos but also its economic practices of citing
themselves next to existing, often small, independent stores, with the
purpose of draining their existing customer base and putting them out of
business (I laugh at the chain for placing itself a mile from us and
losing money!!! Hah!)
 
What is the relevance of this information on a film conference? I think it
nicely puts into perspective how our options to see cinema as it was
originally presented (forgetting about aspect ratios, etc...) is being
limited by a company that, in the last Video Manager survey, outdistances
the next largest Video chain by threefold (1908 franchises, many owned by
the corpration itself).
 
It's only partly my business, but when you go for a video, try to help out
the conciencious independent whenever possible and only grudgingly give
your money to the corporation built by ex-McDonald executives. Wayne
HUizenga doesn't need out money to build his Florida theme park.
 
                                        Yours in Cinema.
                                        Sean the Ax

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