> OK, it was still four hours long, even with the changes. That's because they made the wrong changes. Yes, they got rid of the dance number, but they need to eliminate the pointless montages. Young Actors montage? History in the Movies montage? Scrap 'em.
>

I disagree. The montages are the best part; see the link below. :) The montages remind us of how we got to where we are today. The History in the Movies montage was especially impressive.

I think the producers should just assume that the ceremony is going to be four hours long, and then if it turns out shorter than that they actually look good!