The "lost" original ending of Kubrick's "The Shining" - DVDfile.com forum for DVD, Blu-Ray, and HD-DVD

Lex M · 12-07-2004, 11:19 PM

With all the director's cuts, deleted scenes, and outtakes we're treated to now in this DVD era, it does seem the ONE famous deleted scene I'd most love to see, from Kubrick's THE SHINING, is probably one I have the least chance of ever actually seeing.

When it was released theatrically in 1980, THE SHINING apparently had an epilogue in which Stuart Ullman (Barry Nelson) comes to visit Wendy and Danny in a hospital room, and mysteriously produces the ball that Danny had earlier followed out of Room 237. It sounds kind of hokey, and I guess Kubrick thought so, too, because AFTER a few days of wide release, he ordered the scene cut from all existing prints. This is why a lot of movie review books such as Maltin continue to list the film at its premiere length, which was 146 minutes, as opposed to the 143-minute version that has played in the U.S. ever since. (The poor Brits have historically only had a 119-minute cut, so I shouldn't complain too much.)

If the scene DOES still exist in any form, I would LOVE to see it. But like the pie fight in DR. STRANGELOVE, is this another sequence that has been lost forever, at least to those of us not privy to Stanley's secret stash? I wouldn't want it reinstated into the film, but as a stand-alone deleted scene on any future DVD, it would be fascinating. As would ANY extra deleted scenes or behind-the-scenes SHINING footage.

Was anyone here lucky enough to have seen it theatrically before the cut in 1980? At 7, I guess I was a little young, though the following year when it hit HBO, I must have watched THE SHINING about 30 times, easily.

larphillips · 12-08-2004, 02:03 AM

That brings up a wish of mine that I don't know if it has been/will be fulfilled yet... looks at the amazing sets that comprised the interior of the hotel. I was shocked when I first learned that it was stage sets and not a practical location.

Another bit of footage that will probably never see the light of day is the Eric Stoltz version of BACK TO THE FUTURE.

Riedenschneider · 12-08-2004, 03:05 AM

God's holy trousers, I never heard of that ending before. Well, maybe I did, but I can't remember it now.

Though I fear there's little chance it's on it, the guy whom I sold the "Fanny och Alexander" DVD for Jan Harlan, said Harlan is currently involved in the special edition DVD (HD-DVD?) making. I asked "2001?" and he said "yes ...and others."

Yeah, Lars, that was a major bummer. But one look at the stills of Stoltz as McFly and you know there's no magic to it. Prime reason: Stoltz can't (only few people can) rival the awesomeness of Fox's hair.

larphillips · 12-08-2004, 03:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Riedenschneider

Yeah, Lars, that was a major bummer. But one look at the stills of Stoltz as McFly and you know there's no magic to it. Prime reason: Stoltz can't (only few people can) rival the awesomeness of Fox's hair.

Oh, I fully agree. I've also seen stills AND heard some of the first-person accounts of the Stoltz cut, but I want to see it not for some trace of hidden genius but merely for the morbid curiosity of it all (although, not the same morbid curiosity that made me watch each and every angle of the Twilight Zone accident footage.)

Hardcore Legend · 12-08-2004, 03:25 AM

I talked about this kind of thing in the Wizard of Oz thread. It's a shame that so much film is merely 'thrown away' either because of it's lack of use or disdain by a director.

As for the Shining ending, I don't think we will ever see it. Much of Kubrick's stuff is viewed as 'untouchable' in anyway. Similiar to getting the NC17 version of EWS released in the US. It just won't happen. Shame too.

larphillips · 12-08-2004, 03:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hardcore Legend

I talked about this kind of thing in the Wizard of Oz thread. It's a shame that so much film is merely 'thrown away' either because of it's lack of use or disdain by a director.

It was more just an issue of storage for what was considered a fairly disposible medium. Film stock is bulky, heavy, and very flammable. Studios (and their insurance companies) couldn't afford the expense and liability.

Hardcore Legend · 12-08-2004, 03:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Riedenschneider

Prime reason: Stoltz can't (only few people can) rival the awesomeness of Fox's hair.[/size]

From what I can tell, he can't rock the Aviator lenses either.

Moonraker · 12-08-2004, 04:12 AM

Quote:

Another bit of footage that will probably never see the light of day is the Eric Stoltz version of BACK TO THE FUTURE

You can see the one part he filmed, they use that footage at the end of the film when Michael J Fox returns to the parking lot.

Crow331 · 12-08-2004, 06:27 AM

I saw the Shining on it's original release and I recall the scene but only vaguely .... I was 11 ....

It would be nice to see it again but I doubt we ever will sadly.

BubbleGumUK · 12-08-2004, 12:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hardcore Legend

Similiar to getting the NC17 version of EWS released in the US. It just won't happen. Shame too.

I thought that WAS on the cards?

Frankly, I'm waiting for them to update the Kubrick box set. You can bet that the new editions of Strangelove and 2001 will mean they do some sort of upgraded box, and hopefull this will give them a chance to to include the things we've wanted all these years.

Marq · 12-08-2004, 02:29 PM

I've read about that STOP-THE-PRESSES last minute cut Kubrick did on The Shining as well, but I too fear I'll never have more than those written accounts to go by. I'd LOVE to see the scene on its own ideally.

For interests sake, a breakdown of the cuts given to the international theatrical version:
- http://www.visual-memory.co.uk/sk/films/cutshining.htm

And on a personal note... The Shining was the first movie I ever saw (or was in the presence of). I was born in 1980 and my parents brought the newborn Marq to the drive-in with them for it, weeks after my birth. I can only assume my brilliant taste in film resulted from this awesome decision.

sparky · 12-08-2004, 02:46 PM

larphillips
(although, not the same morbid curiosity that made me watch each and every angle of the Twilight Zone accident footage.)

Just out of curiosity, how could you have viewed that part of the film?

zoomgirl · 12-08-2004, 07:33 PM

Can anyone fill me in about that Eric Stolz Back to the Future that was mentioned earlier? What in tarnation are you talking about?

Dilmo · 12-08-2004, 07:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by zoomgirl

Can anyone fill me in about that Eric Stolz Back to the Future that was mentioned earlier? What in tarnation are you talking about?

Eric Stoltz was first cast as Marty. Robert Zemeckis realized he had made a mistake and let him go. Some scenes were already filmed. Fox came in to replace him. Good choice IMO.

Dilmo · 12-08-2004, 07:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sparky

Just out of curiosity, how could you have viewed that part of the film?

I thought it was sealed. Even during the court case.

larphillips · 12-08-2004, 08:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sparky

Just out of curiosity, how could you have viewed that part of the film?

One of those exploitation 'Death Documentaries' had it. I forget the title... could be Traces of Death, but I don't recall. They had the footage from every camera running during the accident. Since it was a huge stunt and effects scene, they had quite a few setups. The producers of the tape were even kind enough to show a few of the angles in super-slow motion.

larphillips · 12-08-2004, 08:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dilmo

Eric Stoltz was first cast as Marty. Robert Zemeckis realized he had made a mistake and let him go. Some scenes were already filmed. Fox came in to replace him. Good choice IMO.

Actually, the film was pretty much wrapped when they canned Stoltz.

zoomgirl · 12-08-2004, 08:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dilmo

Eric Stoltz was first cast as Marty. Robert Zemeckis realized he had made a mistake and let him go. Some scenes were already filmed. Fox came in to replace him. Good choice IMO.

Wow I had no idea! I should have known that. Why hadn't I ever heard of that?
Wow, I think I am going to have to turn in my DVDfile badge

What are you crazy?

Can't get rid of me that easily :p

larphillips · 12-08-2004, 08:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by zoomgirl

What are you crazy?

Can't get rid of me that easily :p

We'd never stand for that Zoom. You provide enough spark and femininity that we can leave our GEEK hats at home.

kevkev · 12-08-2004, 09:52 PM

i dont think stoltz did much. maybe a few scenes. they wouldnt do most of it THEN replace him. i want to see harvey keitals (sorry spelling) scenes from apocalypse now. the workprint apparently a bit but you cant see its him. and i also love my 4 1/2 hour spinal tap workprint. soooo good

Marq · 12-08-2004, 09:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kevkev

i dont think stoltz did much. maybe a few scenes. they wouldnt do most of it THEN replace him. i want to see harvey keitals (sorry spelling) scenes from apocalypse now. the workprint apparently a bit but you cant see its him.

Speaking of Keitel and speaking of Kubrick... I'd love to see his scenes from Kubrick's Eyes Wide Shut (replaced by Sydney Pollack) and well as Jennifer Jason Leigh's (replaced by Marie Richardson).

zoomgirl · 12-08-2004, 09:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by larphillips

We'd never stand for that Zoom. You provide enough spark and femininity that we can leave our GEEK hats at home.

You guys aren't geeks.....just misunderstood.....

larphillips · 12-08-2004, 09:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kevkev

i dont think stoltz did much. maybe a few scenes. they wouldnt do most of it THEN replace him. i want to see harvey keitals (sorry spelling) scenes from apocalypse now. the workprint apparently a bit but you cant see its him. and i also love my 4 1/2 hour spinal tap workprint. soooo good

The word from the folks involved was that it was ALL.

I'd much rather see Keitel's stuff from Eyes Wide Shut.

larphillips · 12-08-2004, 09:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by zoomgirl

You guys aren't geeks.....just misunderstood.....

Actually, the impression I get is that the vast majority of the people here are anything BUT geeks.

kevkev · 12-08-2004, 10:13 PM

warner bros have a habit of keeping lost footage well hidden. batman forever? blade runner?

larphillips · 12-08-2004, 10:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kevkev

warner bros have a habit of keeping lost footage well hidden. batman forever? blade runner?

There is an old coal mine in Western PA (location of Day Of The Dead) where they stash a lot of it. Let's you and I go on a little mission.

Dilmo · 12-08-2004, 10:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by larphillips

Actually, the impression I get is that the vast majority of the people here are anything BUT geeks.

12-07-2004, 11:19 PM	#1 (permalink)
Lex M Actor Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Los Angeles	The "lost" original ending of Kubrick's "The Shining" With all the director's cuts, deleted scenes, and outtakes we're treated to now in this DVD era, it does seem the ONE famous deleted scene I'd most love to see, from Kubrick's THE SHINING, is probably one I have the least chance of ever actually seeing. When it was released theatrically in 1980, THE SHINING apparently had an epilogue in which Stuart Ullman (Barry Nelson) comes to visit Wendy and Danny in a hospital room, and mysteriously produces the ball that Danny had earlier followed out of Room 237. It sounds kind of hokey, and I guess Kubrick thought so, too, because AFTER a few days of wide release, he ordered the scene cut from all existing prints. This is why a lot of movie review books such as Maltin continue to list the film at its premiere length, which was 146 minutes, as opposed to the 143-minute version that has played in the U.S. ever since. (The poor Brits have historically only had a 119-minute cut, so I shouldn't complain too much.) If the scene DOES still exist in any form, I would LOVE to see it. But like the pie fight in DR. STRANGELOVE, is this another sequence that has been lost forever, at least to those of us not privy to Stanley's secret stash? I wouldn't want it reinstated into the film, but as a stand-alone deleted scene on any future DVD, it would be fascinating. As would ANY extra deleted scenes or behind-the-scenes SHINING footage. Was anyone here lucky enough to have seen it theatrically before the cut in 1980? At 7, I guess I was a little young, though the following year when it hit HBO, I must have watched THE SHINING about 30 times, easily.

12-08-2004, 02:03 AM	#2 (permalink)
larphillips Actor Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: Cleveland, OH	That brings up a wish of mine that I don't know if it has been/will be fulfilled yet... looks at the amazing sets that comprised the interior of the hotel. I was shocked when I first learned that it was stage sets and not a practical location. Another bit of footage that will probably never see the light of day is the Eric Stoltz version of BACK TO THE FUTURE. __________________ I'm going with Jerkstore! Jerkstore is the line! Jerkstore! Yes. - George Costanza "What a lovely day for an exorcism." Demon/Regan - THE EXORCIST

12-08-2004, 03:05 AM	#3 (permalink)
Riedenschneider Actor Join Date: May 2002 Location: Hamburg, Deutschland	God's holy trousers, I never heard of that ending before. Well, maybe I did, but I can't remember it now. Though I fear there's little chance it's on it, the guy whom I sold the "Fanny och Alexander" DVD for Jan Harlan, said Harlan is currently involved in the special edition DVD (HD-DVD?) making. I asked "2001?" and he said "yes ...and others." Yeah, Lars, that was a major bummer. But one look at the stills of Stoltz as McFly and you know there's no magic to it. Prime reason: Stoltz can't (only few people can) rival the awesomeness of Fox's hair. __________________ "The Hughes wealth, power and sex appeal devastated scores of broken-hearted movie stars and made grown men shudder with envy and anxiety every time he entered a room. Mr. DiCaprio just makes any logical person over 14 wonder if he ever graduated high school." -Rex Reed

12-08-2004, 03:25 AM	#5 (permalink)
Hardcore Legend I have a "Cool Label" under my name! Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Use of the spoiler tag is highly recommended	I talked about this kind of thing in the Wizard of Oz thread. It's a shame that so much film is merely 'thrown away' either because of it's lack of use or disdain by a director. As for the Shining ending, I don't think we will ever see it. Much of Kubrick's stuff is viewed as 'untouchable' in anyway. Similiar to getting the NC17 version of EWS released in the US. It just won't happen. Shame too. __________________ Ah, but how could I enjoy the sweet of life without the bitter? Marisa Tomei: The last beacon of virtue in Hollywood. 'That doesn't mean Notoriousaurus won't be wearing his ass for a hat.'-Frank Gunn

12-08-2004, 02:46 PM	#12 (permalink)
sparky Actor Join Date: May 2001 Location: Placentia, CA, USA	larphillips (although, not the same morbid curiosity that made me watch each and every angle of the Twilight Zone accident footage.) Just out of curiosity, how could you have viewed that part of the film? __________________ ...we have a loom up!

12-08-2004, 06:27 AM	#9 (permalink)
Crow331 Actor Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: Los Angeles	I saw the Shining on it's original release and I recall the scene but only vaguely .... I was 11 .... It would be nice to see it again but I doubt we ever will sadly.

12-08-2004, 02:29 PM	#11 (permalink)
Marq Actor Join Date: May 2001 Location: Ottawa	I've read about that STOP-THE-PRESSES last minute cut Kubrick did on The Shining as well, but I too fear I'll never have more than those written accounts to go by. I'd LOVE to see the scene on its own ideally. For interests sake, a breakdown of the cuts given to the international theatrical version: - http://www.visual-memory.co.uk/sk/films/cutshining.htm And on a personal note... The Shining was the first movie I ever saw (or was in the presence of). I was born in 1980 and my parents brought the newborn Marq to the drive-in with them for it, weeks after my birth. I can only assume my brilliant taste in film resulted from this awesome decision.

12-08-2004, 07:33 PM	#13 (permalink)
zoomgirl Girl with a Rock Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: New York City	Can anyone fill me in about that Eric Stolz Back to the Future that was mentioned earlier? What in tarnation are you talking about? __________________ Sure, "Hi There" and the "Boom Boom" thing were funny the first dozen times, but he lacked Barbarinos style, Horshacks laugh, and Epsteins notes. Still he was a sweathog.

12-08-2004, 09:52 PM	#20 (permalink)
kevkev Supporting Actor Join Date: Oct 2004	mmmm i dont think stoltz did much. maybe a few scenes. they wouldnt do most of it THEN replace him. i want to see harvey keitals (sorry spelling) scenes from apocalypse now. the workprint apparently a bit but you cant see its him. and i also love my 4 1/2 hour spinal tap workprint. soooo good

12-08-2004, 10:13 PM	#25 (permalink)
kevkev Supporting Actor Join Date: Oct 2004	warner bros have a habit of keeping lost footage well hidden. batman forever? blade runner?