Why aren t movies released in both R rating and PG 13 versions?

Question

There is this constant problem where adult based movies, like Terminator/Die Hard for example, are being criticised for being giving PG 13 ratings,  which dilutes the film.

But on the other hand, PG 13 allows for much larger audience to see the film.

Why don t they just make the film how they want, and then during editing, make two cuts. Basically have the same film, but with small cuts due to language, gore, violence. Then show the cut PG rated during the day, and the the r rated at night.

Problem solved. Anyone can go see the cut version, but then adults can go see a legitimate action film that doesn t have to be watered down to suit their kids, at night

Ducky · Answer

Costs a lot more to do that as they also have to pay for 2 films to be shown in theatres, not just the 1 film. Sometimes you see these films become R rated when the DVD comes out as they release the uncut version. And then end of the day, or they look for is what is the best and cheapest way to get people to watch our film? And the solution to that is to cut it so it fits a popular age range to get the most viewership.

It also messes with critics, some will be reviewing the PG-13 version and some may review the R version. When it comes to people concerned about adult content then they may not watch it/let their kids watch it due to the fact that they've read the parental guide for the R rated version and not the PG-13 version.

PoohBearPenguin · Answer

It would cost a lot of money - take all the costs for marketing and distribution and multiple them by 2. 
It would cause confusion among theaters and movie-goers.
Frankly, no one is going to go see the "toned down" version.

Do you honestly think that given a choice between a PG13 and R version of a movie, that kids under 17 are going to "do the right thing" and only go to the PG13 version?   Heck no.   In fact time I went to the movies to see an R-rated movie, the theater was FULL of young teenagers who were clearly unaccompanied.

Most movie theaters don't enforce the movie ratings.  Why should they?  Every ticket they sell is a chance to sell overpriced candy, soda, and popcorn.  So if a pack of 12 year olds want to go see an R-rated movie, why stop them?

? · Answer

Because that would confuse audiences. There should only be one version of a movie, not two. Otherwise things just get too hard to keep track of.
If anything, I think if they make an R-rated cut it should go straight to DVD, like unrated cuts do.

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Why aren t movies released in both R rating and PG 13 versions?

3 Answers