Stephen Hart wrote:
 
"re: editing video.  One reason why editing for videos happens, aside from
cutting out excessive violence, sex and the like--and this is
speculation--is to fit a 125 minute movie on a 120 minute tape.  Going to a
larger tape for the sake of a few extra minutes would cost more.  I can't
understand why Showtime would time compress a movie like the networks.
It's not like they have to get x-number of commercials in, or adhere to a
rigid schedule."
 
It was total speculation and it's totally wrong.  VHS duplication stock is
available (in quantities of 1, even) in five minute increments and are
commonly custom loaded to exact length (in meters) for large orders.  Look on
the edge of a videotape you rent -- there might be preprinted numbers in a
very dark ink saying something like T134 or T-103.  This are tape lengths.
The costs associated with a dup tape are mostly in the shell, which must be
manufactured to JVC specifications (they own the patent) and that's what
costs so much.  Lots of little parts in there.
 
I don't have any of the pay stations, but they would time compress films for
the same reasons the the networks do:  time is money.  On the networks it's
very clear:  Shorter film means more commercials in the block.  But there are
other reasons:  transponder time costs money, air time costs money, channel
slots sometimes cost money.  If they managed to speed up a couple of movies a
day by a couple of minutes, they may have a couple more minutes of relentless
self-promotion for themselves andupcoming movies, which can translate into
better numbers.  Or they can move something up so it starts at 8:00 and beats
HBO by five minutes and thus pulls a bigger share on a Saturday night.
Obviously, since there aren't any artistic or creative reasons for time
compression, then there's only one reason left:  business.
 
Ya'll asleep yet?
 
Otto
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