The Issues with HBO Max's 4K Stream of 'Mad Men' Extend Beyond Just Technical Difficulties

If youre eager to watch Mad Men like never before, HBO Max is the destination but fans might want to act quickly before things are corrected. The AMC classic, produced by Lionsgate Television, arrived on HBO Max in 4K this Monday, yet the rollout hasnt gone smoothly.

Initially, the episodes in 4K are appearing out of order and incorrectly labeled, which is frustrating for viewers. However, the bigger issue occurs in the seventh episode of season one. In what is meant to be The Hobo Code, viewers can now clearly see a crew member handling a prop puke hose behind Roger Sterling (John Slattery) after he overindulges in oysters a detail that was carefully hidden in the original broadcast.

According to The Hollywood Reporter, Lionsgate mistakenly sent the wrong 4K file to HBO Max. The standard definition files were correct. Lionsgate is reportedly working on supplying the correct 4K files, and HBO Max plans to replace the incorrect files once they are received. Lionsgate has not publicly commented, while HBO Max referred inquiries back to Lionsgate.

HBO Max promoted this release as the first time Mad Men would be available in 4K, aiming to give fans a refreshed viewing experience. Royce Battleman, EVP of Global Content Acquisitions at Warner Bros. Discovery, called the series a great addition to the HBO Max library and highlighted the enhanced 4K quality. Jim Packer, president of Worldwide Television Distribution at Lionsgate, emphasized the series enduring popularity and noted that HBO Max was the ideal platform to introduce it to new audiences and longtime fans alike in ultra-high definition.

Previously, Mad Men had been streaming in non-4K format on AMC+ since 2020, which remains unchanged.

Author: Sophia Brooks