Streaming Media & Corporate Censorship

prinCZess

Warrior, Writer, Performer, Perv
I'm relatively certain it's happened much more broadly than this example (and I'd be curious of any instances people know) because it's been a criticism/concern I and others have had since streaming media started (and, even to different degree, beforehand *cough* Song of the South *cough*), but this is the example I saw referenced today of post-release editing and, for lack of better term, censorship:

^Disney editing gore/violence out of two scenes in one of their Marvel direct-to-Disney-plus shows

The article: Disney+ Just Edited Falcon and Winter Soldier to Censor Violence
That said, in this instance it seems to be...well, allegedly a 'software control issue'?
The Hollywood Reporter's Ryan Parker shared that the reasoning behind the episode's censorship was due to a "software control issue" on Disney+. The Hollywood Reporter's Aaron Couch chimed in by confirming this, while also assuring that the original version of The Falcon and the Winter Soldier's third episode will be reinstated on the streaming service soon.

Can't say I care much about Falcon and the Winter Soldier since I never watched it, but the phenomenon of anything getting tinkered with post-release (presumably without director/editor knowledge or input?) to make it more 'family friendly' or such seems concerning. Hell, even when stuff is tinkered with after release with input from directors and the like you can look sideways at it pretty easily (Star Wars Special Editions--to indulge in referencing the most famous instance I think ever). This instance goes another step in raising my eyebrows just because I'm not sure if a physical version of 'Falcon...' even exists or was/is sold. Which, of course, fuels my old-person cane-shaking hatred of streaming as anything but a novelty another level--it, and especially it being some primary or dominant release of something--seriously makes this 'post-release editing' type of thing far too easy.

And, at another step further, Disney and other studios cannot be 'trusted' not to expand such editing and changes to other works in their catalog as well in the name of being family-friendly or attracting investors or whatever other justification may be offered.

But, perhaps I'm reading too much into a 'software control issue' because of my biases.

Anyways, as mentioned, I was curious if folks know/remember other instances of this kind of tinkering happening (perhaps instances that were/are permanent instead of the supposedly-temporary status this one is)? Or, for that matter, if anybody wants to step into the boxing rink against my inner old-person and offer a defense or justification for when or why they think this kind of changing stuff after release might be appropriate or beneficial? I can see theoretical justifications for it but...well, the Star Wars Special Edition releases probably bias me against believing any of those theoretical justifications are anything but cash-grabs at best.
 

bintananth

behind a desk
They're cash grabs.

One justifiable reason is if you have to meet a content rating to just to release it on the platform. Radio and TV versions of songs and movies to edit out the stuff that'll irritate the FCC, fr'ex.
 

Val the Moofia Boss

Well-known member
I don't think that the special editions were the worst things ever. In TES, you get to see more of Cloud City in the backgrounds and it immersed me more in the world. Different strokes for different people, I suppose.

why they think this kind of changing stuff after release might be appropriate or beneficial?

In the anime sphere, episodes are broadcasted regardless of whether they not they are up to standards. The timeslot for the episode was purchased several months in advance and is very expensive. A one week delay means that that is one less episode that will be airing for that run. So sometimes you see episodes touched up for the physical release that happens months after the televised broadcast, sometimes with completely redone animation.
 

bintananth

behind a desk
In the anime sphere, episodes are broadcasted regardless of whether they not they are up to standards. The timeslot for the episode was purchased several months in advance and is very expensive. A one week delay means that that is one less episode that will be airing for that run. So sometimes you see episodes touched up for the physical release that happens months after the televised broadcast, sometimes with completely redone animation.
Other times you'll get a clip show recap epside with just enough new footage and dialogue to keep the audience from falling asleep.
 

Captain X

Well-known member
Osaul
I'm still salty about not being able to get HD releases of the original Star Wars trilogy in the original theatrical aspect ratio.
 

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