Australian Classification Markings

To:  The Office of Film & Literature Classification (OFLC) and local film distributors

The purpose of this petition is to express our concern over the new classification markings. In particular, those that will appear on upcoming DVD releases.

We acknowledge that film classifications are necessary. However, we do not appreciate the space that classification markings consume on DVD covers. The new classification markings are certainly more noticeable. However, the artistic integrity of each DVD cover has been sacrificed as a result.

This is the region 1 DVD cover for the film Constantine:
http://img88.imageshack.us/img88/8780/cover25wo.jpg

This is the region 4 DVD cover for the same film, featuring the new classification markings:
http://img88.imageshack.us/img88/6022/cover18wu.jpg

We suggest that a system be implemented (like the UK) whereby ratings are explained in detail on the rear of the cover, whilst only the rating symbol is placed on the front of the cover.

This is what the region 4 DVD cover could look like instead:
http://img88.imageshack.us/img88/995/cover36pb.jpg

If this change can not be made, then perhaps the classification markings could be printed on stickers that are affixed to the DVD cover (rather than the sleeve), giving customers the option to remove the rating once they have purchased the DVD.

We beg you to take this into consideration, as we believe that the new classification markings will negatively impact DVD sales in Australia. The new classification markings will encourage Australian consumers to import the titles, or may even result in increased levels of piracy. Please do not make purchasing DVDs more complicated for us DVD aficionados!

Sincerely,

The Undersigned

The Australian Classification Markings Petition to The Office of Film & Literature Classification (OFLC) and local film distributors was created by The online DVD community and written by Michael Di Virgilio (thenewtransition@hotmail.com).  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.

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