Software developers have recently marketed a number of programs, such
as MovieMask and ClearPlay, intended largely to sanitize movies by screening
out or altering foul language and violent or sexual scenes. And in 2003,
some video stores were renting altered, sanitized tapes of Hollywood hits.
Similar technology can be used for a contrary purpose, too, to spice up
films by adding rough language and more skin. Is this a blatant form of
copyright infringement, or the rightful privilege of a DVD owner? Does
it matter whether the copy of the film is substantively altered or merely
muted in places?