MikeD--
You make some very good points, but because of tough competition AMC has had to change its format. For AMC to get back to basics there would have to be some major changes that honestly I doubt would occur. As much as I HATE commercials, I could deal with them as long as they weren't so intrusive (ie banners and breaks in mid sentence). Additionally, the quality and variety of films should be improved and expanded. I think we all know by now that Turner Classic Movies has a huge database it draws from it's parent company Warner Bros who owns the MGM/UA, RKO & Warner film catalogs. AMC needs to access other studios catalogs--other than relying primarily upon 20th Century Fox & Universal. There has been some cooperation with Warners over the past few years, which is good. I was surprised to see an old RKO film (Fort Apache) the other night, and am happy to say that the commercials were adquately placed and the print was beautiful. Usually the amount and length of commercials renders classic film viewing a nuisance on AMC. I'm not against original programming, and AMC has made some terrific documentaries and series--even it's more recent Mad Men is a very good show (although I don't watch it, as I love films). Lest we forget American Movie Classics figured heavily in Film Preservation in years gone by. What I think loyal viewers resent(ed) is that the format changed so abruptly. Commercials are hard to take when a station has been commercial free for 20 years. Apparently, AMC does quite well these days. In fact they allegedly are doing better as a commercial station than in their former incarnation. I have written on boards before BEGGING them to go back to their old format, but folks it's just not going to happen. If they had wanted to keep their old format they could have become a premium station back in 2001 (I would have been it's first subscriber). Nonetheless, they still play terrific older films, and even some good newer movies. When I watch AMCI DVR it and forward thru all the annoying ads....usually it's the only way I can get through a film I love. Thanks for starting this conversation it has made me wax nostalgic for the OLD AMC with Bob Dorian and Nick Clooney.