Wikipedia:Reference desk/Archives/Entertainment/2007 May 21

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May 21

U.S. Federal Anti-piracy regulations

When recently viewing a movie at a Regal IMAX theater, the usher stated (I paraphrase from memory) "Federal Anti-piracy regulations require that you turn off all electronic devices." I would like to know if this is true or not. So, does U.S. Federal Law require that all electronic devices be turned off before the start of a motion picture? (I facetiously pointed out that all wristwatches and pacemakers would have to be powered down as well.) Please post a link to the relevant U.S. Code. thank you. --Rajah 06:23, 21 May 2007 (UTC)

I only know about the Family Entertainment and Copyright Act of 2005, which makes it illegal to record or transmit a movie using a camcorder or similar device (a camera, phone, etc...) If you could figure out how to record or transmit a movie with a wristwatch or pacemaker, you'd be required to turn it off. However, it doesn't matter. Nobody turns anything off. If you've actually been to a movie in the last 10 years, you already know that at least half the audience spends the whole movie shining their cell phone's screen in your face while they check messages and text their friends. --Kainaw ^(talk) 12:29, 21 May 2007 (UTC)

Yes the usher phrased it incorrectly, anti-piracy should have been copyright; Federal copyright regulations. However the point that you can't record the IMAX movie is accurate according to US Code TITLE 17 > CHAPTER 1 > § 102 which basically says it's a violation of copyright law to record:

(1) literary works;

(2) musical works, including any accompanying words;

(3) dramatic works, including any accompanying music;

(4) pantomimes and choreographic works;

(5) pictorial, graphic, and sculptural works;

(6) motion pictures and other audiovisual works;

(7) sound recordings; and

(8) architectural works.

It also points out that the law applies to current and future technology, so if tomorrow a new type of recorder could capture the experience of the IMAX movie in a new and unknown way it'd still be illegal.

It's just easier to tell everyone to shut off their phones and devices rather than check each one for recording capability. Anynobody 02:48, 25 May 2007 (UTC)

Wouldn't it just be illegal to USE it. I mean cell phones have cameras in them now but I would think it is only illegal when you are using the recording feature. The law doesn't require the device to be off, just not used to reproduce the material. The theater would be the one requiring you to shut it off. Robert Beck 19:56, 25 May 2007 (UTC)

Les Fatals Picards

What does Les Fatals Picards mean in English? "The deadly sword"? (I have never read any French.) --130.236.217.186 12:37, 21 May 2007 (UTC)

I personally haven't seen "picard" used as "sword". It refers to people from Picardie. --Kainaw ^(talk) 14:48, 21 May 2007 (UTC)

Unless fatal has a slang meaning, I can't see any better translation than The Picard Fatals or The Picard Inevitables. —Tamfang 15:45, 21 May 2007 (UTC)

really nice tune

who sings this new song that is out featuring lupe fiasco, i think it goes something like 'step by step, day by day' it is a really great tune i love the video too, so does anyone know?

Joy Denalane - Change — Matt Eason ^{(Talk • Contribs)} 17:43, 21 May 2007 (UTC)

hey thanks man! :)

TOP TEN MOVIES AT U.S. BOXOFFICE BY YEAR

Is there a source for finding the top 10 movies at the U.S> box office by year from 1915 - present?

Well, there are articles for each year in film, e.g. 1939 in film, which list the top grossing films, but it's a bit hit and miss. Some years show 10, some less, others none at all, and none of them give actual numbers as far as I can see. Clarityfiend 23:45, 21 May 2007 (UTC)

Box Office Mojo only goes up to 1980, but it's worth a try. bibliomaniac15 23:48, 21 May 2007 (UTC)