Sony Changes Its Mind Regarding Clean Versions Of Movies

Search
Home

Sony messed up, but at least, they fess up when they do something utterly asinine. Recently, it was announced that Sony was going to offer “clean” versions of their films on VOD services iTunes, VUDU, and FandangoNOW. Now, people wouldn’t have been so up in arms about this decision if the films they announced were family films or even more general audience films, but a “clean” version of “Step Brothers”? No, thanks. Now, Sony is back peddling on their idea and trying to play a little bit of damage control.

After the announcement, Seth Rogen, Judd Apatow, Adam McKay, and others gave their emphatically critical thoughts on the idea that their films would be sanitized and edited without their approval. Clearly, these filmmakers aren’t opposed to editing their films for content, as each one has massive hits that are now shown in an altered form on TV. However, it’s the idea that Sony was just going to take the initiative that put them on alert.

Sony heard their anger and confusion and responded. “Our directors are of paramount importance to us and we want to respect those relationships to the utmost. We believed we had obtained approvals from the filmmakers involved for use of their previously supervised television versions as a value added extra on sales of the full version. But if any of them are unhappy or have reconsidered, we will discontinue it for their films,” said Sony Pictures Home Entertainment President Man Jit Singh in a statement.

This statement also comes after the Directors Guild of America was looking into the original announcement as a possible breach of contract, according to The Hollywood Reporter. The DGA responded to the Sony statement with a statement of their own:

“While we’re pleased that Sony is acknowledging its mistakes in this area, the DGA has notified Sony that it expects the immediate removal of all ‘clean’ versions of the affected films from availability until Sony secures permission from each and every director, and provides them with an opportunity to edit a version for release in new media — consistent with the DGA Agreement and the directors’ individual contracts. These are hard-fought for rights that protect a director’s work and vision and are at the very heart of our craft and a thriving film industry. As we have throughout our history, we are committed to fighting the unauthorized editing of films.”

Clearly, there’s going to be more to this story as Sony proceeds with their “clean version” initiative. For the time being, there’s still an opportunity to sit with your children and watch a clean version of “Captain Phillips” while it lasts. You are the captain… for now.