Date: 2006 July 28 09:09
Posted by Azure
UK viewers will no doubt have noticed that the UK airing of Naruto has been further cut down from the US Toonami cut. There has been much discussion regarding the poor quality of edits, such as the use of static low resolution screen shots or editing out entirely of important shots rather than relying solely on the toned down Toonami edits.
A forum user at Animeuknews.net got the following response after e-mailing Jetix:
"Jetix UK aims to provide exciting and entertaining content for our audience whilst being a responsible kids broadcaster. We therefore must ensure the content of our programmes is suitable for our target audience and we follow strict OFCOM regulations to ensure that these standards are adhered to. Where certain content from the original has been deemed unsuitable for our younger viewers it has been edited from the version which Jetix will be broadcasting. These edits are subtle and we don't believe alter the quality of the viewing experience. If Jetix fans in the UK wish to view the uncut version of Naruto Manga is releasing the DVD of the first 13 episodes, entitled Naruto Unleased, on 21 August. The next 13 episodes will be released on DVD at the end of November."
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So the response seems to be either put your money where your mouth is and buy the uncut DVDs or put up with the TV edit. Considering the length of the series many fans will have a difficult decision to make.
Whilst it makes a change that a heavily edited anime shown on TV will be available uncut, many fans are worried that poor editing will put off viewers.