[Long Cut]

I wasn't aware that such chains as Fry's offered films rated "X". In the ones I've been to, here on the East Coast, I don't recall seeing any. I DID see some "unrated" horror/shockers and a few "Playboy" style softcore videos.

Once again, it shows just how confusing the whole ratings process really is...and that it loses all effect when it comes to the VIDEO releases.

I believe that the whole system may need to be scrapped, and a new, universal one for both theatrical releases and video should be adopted, with exactly what will result in a particular rating being clearly spelled out.

For example, should a violent, gory movie get a lighter or stronger rating than a sexual movie? Why? What constitutes "gratuitous" sex and violence, specifically?

[weegee]

Some of the Something Weird titles releaed by Image Entertainment are X. Some of the Italian exploitation/horror (things like Emanuelle in America and Cannibal Holocaust) are also X. Even John Waters' early films like Pink Flamingos are X (which could still easily be labelled obscene for everything from the chicken decapitation in a sex scene (real) to the end shot of Divine eating fresh dog excrement).

"Friendly" looking stores carry some extreme material. Someone somewhere along the way is green lighting these titles. I'm not even saying "ban" them but it is another element of the culture war (this along with Lord & Taylor selling FCUK t-shirts for teens).

[weegee]

I believe that the whole system may need to be scrapped, and a new, universal one for both theatrical releases and video should be adopted, with exactly what will result in a particular rating being clearly spelled out.

It will never work because some "X" items will never be submitted for rating. If there is no store policy against stocking unrated films, they will still find their way there.

I am a drive in critic. I know some of these films even if I prefer to watch other ones. My point is that what used to be confined to the grungiest theater in town can now be bought at the corner electronics store (and I doubt there is much ID checking; ever see Best Buy stop a CD sale to a minor because of a lyrical content warning sticker?).