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Thank you for acknowledging the importance of art and how it is a reflection of the individuals creating it. Art has to be a "true" expression. Without that, we are spoon-feeding ourselves with false and "sanitized" versions of films (or whatever) that do not help us learn what makes people tick, or what observations of life that we might have missed. Life can be beautiful and blessed, but it can also be quite ugly at times. We need to see both sides.
David C. Waggoner

If a video company legally purchases a movie and edits it and then resells it to those who want to buy it, everyone benefits. The Hollywood corporation makes a sale they might not have made otherwise, the video company that does the editing benefits from the value they added to the movie they purchased, and the consumer benefits from receiving a produce he desires. If I as a private party purchase a work of art, I own it. If I want to put drapes over the private parts of my statue, I am free to do so. It is ridiculous to think the artist could sue me for what I do with what I purchased and now own.
Jim Newheiser

Thanks for your commentary. You made me think about the issue from a deeper perspective. We must respect another's art even if we don't enjoy it. How would a Christian filmmaker feel if all references to Christian themes were "cleaned up"? As usual, it can go both ways. Again, as Christians we settle too easily for following the world and not creating our own art. If people are so upset by the filth in movies, create something positive and of quality to put out there.
Rachelle Reitz

I agree that parents should be the filter for their children; I do the same things with my own children, skipping scary moments and whatnot. However, I think that the author has missed an important point. We can only edit for our children if we've seen the movie before. But what if I haven't? What I don't want to subject myself to the "offensive" parts? That's where CleanFlicks comes in.
Jeff Hunsel

While I don't subscribe to the sanitizing services (I do think a movie loses something when it has been edited), I recognize there's an audience for services like this. Maybe the solution is that the studios themselves should provide CleanFlicks, etc., with the sanitized versions that will eventually be used on broadcast TV or by the airlines. And then everyone wins. Those of us who still prefer the unedited versions can continue to use Blockbuster, but those who want a clean version on DVD can have an option.
David W. Crenshaw

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Related Elsewhere:

No More Smut Editors?	Printer view
A federal judge has ruled that it's illegal for companies to "sanitize" videos by editing objectionable content. And in principle, I tend to agree.