My wife and I recently watched the 1980 version of The Blues Brothers. It’s been a while since I’ve laughed that much. Nobody can dance like John Belushi. 

We’ve been Netflix customers since prehistoric times when movies were sent through the U. S. Postal Service. Netflix has always offered a variety of options, including some which should be rated U for Unfit. 

But that’s more of an opinion than a complaint. It’s our choice what we watch and no one is forcing us to subscribe to your service. I am, however, hoping you’ll consider making a slight enhancement.

My suggestion is to offer two versions of movies when appropriate, with one of them suitable for all audiences. This idea surfaced as we were enjoying the comedic antics of John Belushi and Dan Akroyd, while cringing at needlessly crude language.  

I noticed the R rating, but pressed the play button anyway. It had been decades since we’d watched a televised broadcast of The Blues Brothers. I soon realized the TV version had been edited. It didn’t have the f-word, s-word, or use God’s name irreverently.

Taking God’s name in vain is the most offensive of the three to me personally. It seems that would be the case for Christians, Jews, and Muslims alike, since we all claim to worship the same God. That should be reason enough to avoid disrespectful usage. 

The f-word ranks an easy second in offensiveness, yet it’s increasingly common in the entertainment industry. It’s not just in movies or other shows. It’s frequently employed by celebrities in every arena, including top-tier athletes whose young fans idolize and imitate them. Censorship, though, is rarely a viable solution. That’s why I’m suggesting you voluntarily offer G and PG alternatives.

It’s a simple and inexpensive process to dub substitute words and phrases. Existing movies as well as new ones could be offered in dual versions. And here’s the part you’ll love – Netflix should profit from an expanded audience.

Rather than reinvent the wheel, my thoughts are to follow standards set by the Federal Communications Commission several decades ago for over-the-air broadcasts. Cable is not subject to those rules, which has led to a plethora of foul language, vulgarity, and gratuitous violence. That’s not going away, so why not provide multiple viewing options when feasible?

Except for coarse language, I found little about The Blues Brothers objectionable. It’s a hilarious plot and even has a hint of redemption as two lovable scoundrels become unlikely heroes on a self-proclaimed mission from God.  

Another easily adaptable film that comes to mind is the original Annie. My memory may be faulty, but I think there’s a scene where Daddy Warbucks uses the gd expression. It struck me as odd that a show targeting kids used God’s name in a disparaging manner. One tiny change could take care of that.

Christmas Vacation with Chevy Chase is a great example of a movie that could readily be made family friendly. Chase has starred in countless comedies which would be ideal for modification. Productions featuring Will Ferrell, Adam Sandler, Jim Carrey, and Steve Martin also come to mind. My personal playlist would mostly be comedies, but the possibilities of two-tiered versions in multiple genres are limitless. Netflix is only one of many streaming services, but you’ve always been a leader. This could be an opportunity to launch a positive effort while adding to your bottom line. 

Thank you for your consideration, and please let me know as soon as the family-friendly version of The Blues Brothers is available. I’d love to watch it with our grandchildren. Nobody can dance like John Belushi.