MGM has settled a class action lawsuit about marketing DVDs as widescreen, when they were actually Pan&Scan with the top and bottom chopped off. Replacements are being offered through a tortorous process detailed at the MGM site on the class action suit.
The DVD list includes hundreds of films like Y Tu Mama Tambien, the Rocky films, Raging Bull, Terminator, Hannibal, the James Bond films and many more.
As per the settlement notice,
Class Members have the right to return to the Claims Administrator one copy of each DVD title manufactured by or on behalf of MGM which was created for a film shot in the aspect ratio of 1.85 to 1 or 1.66 to 1 (“Eligible DVD”) for either
(1) a new MGM DVD from a list of 325 titles or
(2) a cash refund of $7.10.If you are eligible to participate in the Settlement, the Claims Administrator will send you a Proof of Claim Form, a List of MGM DVD Titles and a postage pre-paid mailing label which is sufficient to allow you to return the Proof of Claim Form and each Eligible DVD to the Claims Administrator.
The retailers named in the suit are:
METROGOLDWYN-MAYER HOME ENTERTAINMENTINC.,
BLOCKBUSTER, INC.,
BEST BUY COMPANY, INC.,
TARGET CORPORATION,
COLUMBIA HOUSE HOLDINGS, INC.,
AMAZON.COM, INC
A good definition of Pan&Scan, etc from dvdtalk.com:
What does 2.35:1 and 1.85:1 mean? Why do I have Black Bars on my TV? What is Anamorphic, Widescreen or 16 x 9?
Aspect ratio refers to the width to height ratio of a film's presentation. Most home televisions are 4x3 (also expressed 4:3). Films, however, are presented in a variety of very different sizes. Armageddon, for instance, is in 2.35:1 (when you watch this film in its widescreen presentation, you will see that it is approximately 2.35 times as wide as it is tall), while As Good As It Gets is in 1.85:1.
Article comments
1 - Aaman
Slashdot is reporting and discussing this issue in their inimitable style today
2 - david macnaughton
I live in canada am I eligable for this??
3 - GIL ARROYO
Are there correct replacements available for each of the listed DVDs?
Will MGM just send out the $7.10 and not return your DVDs if there are not new correct 16/9 format DVDs available?
SOUNDS RISKY. I do not want to lose my 58 DVDs.
4 - Aaman
Try one or two - the process is very murky.