Mad Men Arrives on HBO Max with Some Unfortunate (and Hilarious) Errors

The iconic series "Mad Men," celebrated for its depiction of a 1960s advertising agency, has arrived on HBO Max in a new 4K editionbut viewers are noticing some unexpected gaffes.

All seven seasons of the Emmy-winning drama premiered on HBO Max, featuring a 4K transfer boasting "crisp detail and enhanced visual clarity." However, this upgraded version appears to expose errors that were corrected in the original broadcasts.

One standout mistake occurs in Season 1, during the infamous scene where Roger Sterling becomes ill at work after a heavy lunch. In the 4K release, two crew members operating the mechanical vomit apparatus are visible at the side of the frame, along with a hose on the floor.

Another slip appears in Season 2. While Peggy walks through a setting meant to evoke 1960s Manhattan, modern advertisementsincluding promotions for cell phone SIM cards and a sign advertising "the best tacos and burritos in L.A."are visible in the background.

These oversights are likely due to using the original camera negatives for the 4K remaster without applying the post-production edits that previously concealed these behind-the-scenes details. A similar situation occurred with the HD remaster of "Buffy the Vampire Slayer" years ago, where stretching the image from 4:3 to 16:9 revealed stray crew and equipment.

Lionsgate, the studio behind "Mad Men," has confirmed it will provide corrected versions of the episodes on HBO Max, as the unedited cuts were uploaded by mistake. Until the fixed editions are released, fans can still watch the original, fully polished versions on DVD or Blu-ray.

Analysis: 4K "Mad Men" Release Exposes Hidden Errors

The recent 4K release of "Mad Men" on HBO Max has highlighted a new challenge in remastering classic television. While the upgrade offers sharper visuals and enhanced detail, it also inadvertently reveals production elements previously hidden in the original broadcasts.

Notable examples include visible crew members and equipment in Season 1's Roger Sterling scene, as well as anachronistic modern signage in Season 2. These oversights appear to stem from the direct use of original camera negatives without reapplying prior post-production edits.

Lionsgate has acknowledged the mistake and confirmed that corrected versions will be uploaded. For viewers seeking the fully polished experience, the DVD and Blu-ray releases remain the most reliable option until the 4K corrections are available.

Sources:

• Mad Men's Arrival On HBO Max Includes Some Unfortunate (And Hilarious) Mistakes