What is it with Roman Numerals and TV Credits? (from TypePad)

Was I taught Roman Numerals at (primary?) school just so I could work out when movies and TV shows were made?

Why do they still use them, other than to give me some mental exercise as I blob out on the couch?

* This post is dedicated to the credits of

"Blackadder Goes Forth"

, as funny today as it was in MCMLXXXIX