Current Events > The version of Malcolm in the Middle on streaming sites is a bad version.

(+) Yeah! (+)

Much has already been said about how they're (first Netflix--which originally had the 4:3 version--and now Hulu) using a 16:9 version when it was intended to be cropped down to 4:3 for TV (leading to lots of unintended things being seen on the sides), but what's more egregious is that this version is also missing some of the off-screen sound that was originally in the 4:3 version, making so that the on-screen actors are reacting to... nothing at all.

Three that stand out:

1. After Hal's family humiliates Lois at Hal's family reunion, she goes into her bedroom bathroom and starts crying. ...Except the 16:9 version doesn't have the crying.
2. In the episode where the Grotto is dealing with the "devil cow", in the 4:3 version, at one point Francis hears a woman scream and he rushes out to investigate. But in the 16:9 version, the scream isn't there, making it sound like Francis is rushing out there for no reason.
3. When Reese gets his apartment, there are two scenes where Reese is reacting to his neighbors speaking, crying, or yelling from offscreen and even talks with them. But in the 16:9 version, those guy's dialogue was completely left out, making Reese look like he's just talking to a wall.

It's like they're using an incomplete version (which, given that it was intended to be cropped down to 4:3, is technically the truth), but it's kinda crazy how these errors haven't been fixed when there's actually a completed version available. But I guess people want widescreen at all costs (same shit that messed up the older Simpsons episodes on FX and initially on Disney+).

Huh I watched the whole series on Hulu about 3 years ago and didn't notice an issue. Were they using a different version back then, or did I just not notice the problems?

I just watched the entire series on D+ and I dont believe any of those issues were present? Maybe the wide screen errors with production crew shit I didnt really notice.

but for what its worth youre making a good case and your examples are well explained.

Background_Guy posted...

Huh I watched the whole series on Hulu about 3 years ago and didn't notice an issue. Were they using a different version back then, or did I just not notice the problems?

Can't say. I just got Hulu in the last two months.

It is possible, though. Netflix had the 4:3 version on it years ago before they swapped it with the 16:9 version.

SwayM posted...

I just watched the entire series on D+ and I dont believe any of those issues were present? Maybe the wide screen errors with production crew shit I didnt really notice.

but for what its worth youre making a good case and your examples are well explained.

Yeah, I did a quick search and I don't think I've seen this ever brought up.

[LFAQs-redacted-quote]

It really is amazing how much funny/crazy stuff you can see that was supposed to be cropped out. Even actors just standing around in the background because they're not set to do anything in the scene yet.

Malcolm:"I love u, thats mean I like u"

Get the DVDs while you still can.

Ivynn posted...

Get the DVDs while you still can.

Why?

EyeWontBeFooled posted...

Why?

Because they have the un-messed with version on them.

Ivynn posted...

Because they have the un-messed with version on them.

There's a pawn shop in town that has the best deal on dvds and blurays in town.

Will keep an eye out.

[LFAQs-redacted-quote]


God, I always thought Dewey was kind of an ugly kidbut the casting call for his stand in must have been just murders row of faces only a mother could love.

Ivynn posted...

Get the DVDs while you still can.

I thought only the first season was released on DVD. They couldn't do the rest due to music licensing issues.

Solar_Crimson posted...

I thought only the first season was released on DVD. They couldn't do the rest due to music licensing issues.

The first four should be out.

[LFAQs-redacted-quote]


lol

It's definitely a solid show. I appreciate your passion.