Theatrical vs Unrated Version: Difference and Comparison

The terms theatrical and unrated versions are commonly used in the film industry to describe what kind of movie is being released. The directors or filmmakers send their submissions to the Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA) to decide on a rating.

Key Takeaways

1. A theatrical version of a film is the original cut released in theaters, adhering to the guidelines and rating requirements set by the film classification board or organization in a particular country.
2. An unrated version of a film is a cut that has yet to be submitted for review by a film classification board and may include additional scenes, extended footage, or content that was deemed unsuitable for the theatrical release.
3. The main difference between theatrical and unrated versions lies in their content and target audience, with unrated versions often containing more explicit material not included in the version approved for general audiences.

Theatrical vs Unrated Version

The theatrical version of a film is one that has been edited and approved by the Motion Picture Association of America to meet certain guidelines. An unrated version contains more or extended scenes that were not included in the theatrical release and may have more mature or explicit content.

The film’s theatrical version is the final version made by the filmmakers and submitted to be released and viewed in theatres. This version gives a clear view of the scenes the director thought was best for the film.

The unrated version of a film contains any deleted scenes that the filmmakers, for various reasons, did not want to release in theatres. Removing a few scenes might be to maintain the film rating, or maybe the scenes shot were not attractive enough.

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Comparison Table

Parameters of comparison	Theatrical version	Unrated version
Definition	The film’s theatrical version is the final version made by the filmmakers and submitted to be viewed in theatres.	The unrated version of a film contains added deleted scenes that the filmmakers did not want to release in theatres.
Rating	Theatrical versions have a rating given by the MPAA that offers insights into the type of movie displayed.	Unrated versions normally are not submitted to the MPAA for attaining a rating, as they won’t be released in theatres.
Censorship	Censorship is done here so that family-friendly movies can be viewed with ease by those who are underage.	Censorship is removed from unrated versions of movies so that audiences can get the complete picture.
Reason	They are rated so people can make a safe choice when viewing movies, such as whether it is family-friendly or not.	It is sometimes released for mature audiences, or ugly deleted scenes are added.
Examples	Theatrical versions of movies include – All released “Avengers” sequels, “Seven”, all sequels of “Saw”, “Baywatch”, “Salt”, and “the Magic of Belle Isle”.	Unrated versions include – “Saw 2-6: unrated”, “Hatchet”, “Now & Later”, “Salt: unrated”, and “Antares”.

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What is Theatrical Version?

The movies viewed in theatres must be screened beforehand to determine what audiences can see them. A film’s theatrical version is the final version made by the filmmakers and submitted to be released and viewed in theatres.

These final submissions are sent to the Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA) so that a rating can be provided for the movie. The ratings determine the age groups that are eligible to view the film.

Movies are rated so people can make a safe choice when viewing them, such as whether it is family-friendly or not.

The system for rating movies is different in a few countries, but the most common categories are –

1. Rated G: General audiences – All ages admitted
2. Rated PG: Parental guidance suggested – Some material may not be suitable for children.
3. Rated PG-13: Parents strongly cautioned – Some material may be inappropriate for children under 13.
4. Rated R: Restricted – Under 17 requires accompanying parent or adult guardian.
5. Rated NC-17: Adults Only – No one 17 and under admitted.

All movies showcased in theatres are the “Theatrical versions,” and a few examples are – All released “Avengers” sequels, “Seven”, all sequels of “Saw”, “Baywatch”, “Salt”, “The Magic of Belle Isle”.

 

What is Unrated Version?

The unrated film version contains deleted scenes that the filmmakers did not want to release in theatres.

Scenes can be deleted from movies for various reasons, such as –

1. A few scenes are categorized as the “director’s cut” and removed so the film can be re-released with additional footage.
2. At times a few scenes are removed due to being inappropriate for the targeted audience, and the filmmakers wish to maintain the ratings given.
3. Some scenes are considered unwanted or unattractive by the director or the filmmakers and are added to the unrated version so the audience can get the complete picture of what they might have missed.

Unrated versions normally are not submitted to the MPAA for attaining a rating, as they won’t be released in theatres. Examples of unrated versions of movies are – “Saw 2-6: unrated”, “Hatchet”, “Now & Later”, “Salt: unrated”, and “Antares”.

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Main Differences Between Theatrical and Unrated Versions

1. The movie’s theatrical version is the final cut submitted to be viewed in theatres, while the unrated version has a few deleted scenes and is released online or on DVD.
2. The theatrical version of a movie has a rating, while the unrated version does not.
3. The theatrical version of a movie undergoes heavy censorship, while the unrated versions aren’t checked as thoroughly.
4. The reason for censoring the theatrical version is to provide a safe choice for audiences, while the unrated versions are released for mature audiences.
5. A few examples of theatrical versions of movies are –  “Seven”, all sequels of “Saw”, “Baywatch”, “Salt”, “The Magic of Belle Isle”. Examples of unrated versions – Hatchet”, “Now & Later”, “Salt: unrated”, “Antares”.

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References

1. https://decider.com/2017/10/17/fifty-shades-darker-unrated-just-how-unrated-is-it/