The Formal Request to Blockbuster and Wal-Mart to carry NC-17 and Uncut films

To:  Blockbuster and Wal-Mart

I, Brian Plyler, and like-minded individuals, formally request that major retailers of films, centrally Blockbuster and Wal-Mart, that refuse to carry NC-17 and uncut films to carry NC-17 rated DVDs and original, uncut versions of films that also have cut versions available.

It is a common misconception that NC-17 or X ratings are equated with pornography, but that is simply not true. The original "X" rating was simply meant for films targeted towards an exclusively adult audience. In 1969, just one year after the MPAA ratings system was introduced, an X-rated movie- Midnight Cowboy- won the Academy Award for Best Picture. It has since been re-rated "R".

Many films currently being carried, such as Ichi the Killer, Lust Caution, and Caligula, are in a edited version, albeit edited by the studios who made the films. These films are not the true, original versions of the films, and the original versions are readily available. Films such as Cannibal Holocaust are not carried at all.

As a customer, I want to see the uncut, original versions of films, not edited versions, and I want to see the widest range of films possible in the realm of legitimate film making. It is inexcusable to alienate people by deeming certain films or even versions of films unworthy of being sold due to content. It would be beneficial for business and democracy as a whole for retailers who refuse to carry NC-17 and uncut films to change their policies and start carrying the films.

Unrated films are very popular, and said "unrated" films often have very extreme content, yet are released without provocation while the aforementioned films are refused. I formally request for Blockbuster and Wal-Mart to consider changing this and start carrying a wider and more eclectic group of films by carrying films from all ratings.

Sincerely,

The Undersigned

The The Formal Request to Blockbuster and Wal-Mart to carry NC-17 and Uncut films Petition to Blockbuster and Wal-Mart was created by and written by Brian Shane Plyler (plylers@bellsouth.net).  This petition is hosted here at www.PetitionOnline.com as a public service. There is no endorsement of this petition, express or implied, by Artifice, Inc. or our sponsors. For technical support please use our simple Petition Help form.