Directors' Cuts that Make a Difference - DVDfile.com forum for DVD, Blu-Ray, and HD-DVD

El Lancito · 08-09-2005, 04:14 PM

I'm sure that I'm not the only one who's realizing that pretty much every other movie now comes out on DVD in an Director's/Unrated/Extended/Bloated/Alternate edition. However, after reading these boards, and from my own experience, I've concluded that most of these are pretty pointless, and don't really add all that much to the movie. (The Hellboy Director's Cut and the Bourne Identity Explosive Extended Edition spring to mind.)

What I figured we could do here is create a resource that lists the alternate editions that make a significant difference to the theatrical movies. I'll start:

Daredevil: Director's Cut
The Lord of the Rings: Extended Editions

That's about all I can think of, off the top of my head. Any others?

tazer floyd · 08-09-2005, 04:28 PM

The Abyss DC adds a ton of emotional weight to the storyline, IMHO.

Aliens gives you more back story to Newt, and there's some kick ass stuff with the sentry guns in the tunnel.

Brikar99 · 08-09-2005, 05:33 PM

"Highlander 2" - Of course, it doesn't even come close to making it a better movie, but it is a very different one. I mean, which one are we really believing, here: that the Immortals are all aliens from another planet who magically become immortal while on planet Earth... or that they're time-travellers from a distant past that somehow has laser guns, holographic screens and time-travel machines?

Both versions are equally stupid.......... and equaly downright freakin' hilarious.

raptors661 · 08-09-2005, 06:09 PM

The Terminator 2 Extended cut is the best extended cut i have seen, IMO

John Yaya · 08-09-2005, 06:36 PM

There's a BIG difference between the versions of Blade Runner (theatrical cut) and the currently available DVD of Blade Runner The Director's Cut

To me it's two very different movies.... I like both versions but I think they are two distinct editions in which the differences make a big impact on the film overall.

I've noticed recently that both Bravo and AMC have been airing the original Theatrical version in the last few weeks.... hmmm

Pirate · 08-09-2005, 06:54 PM

Star Wars

-PH

deltau922 · 08-09-2005, 07:41 PM

palebluedot · 08-09-2005, 07:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by piratehunter

Star Wars

-PH

Ha ha. I think the problem with star wars is the director doesn't STOP cutting!

kevgolgo13 · 08-09-2005, 08:24 PM

I thought Tombstone was a good Director's cut of the film. It rounded out some of the cast. One that sticks out is Doc Holiday's lady friend.

I also thought that Ray could have been a great Director's cut of the film. Universal really droped the ball on that one with the shoddy way they added in the deleted scenes.

Dilmo · 08-09-2005, 08:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by John Yaya

There's a BIG difference between the versions of Blade Runner (theatrical cut) and the currently available DVD of Blade Runner The Director's Cut

To me it's two very different movies.... I like both versions but I think they are two distinct editions in which the differences make a big impact on the film overall.

Plus there's a big difference from the European Cut. So 3 versions.

Damian · 08-09-2005, 09:39 PM

I remember the directors cut of Ransom that was released on laserdisc several years ago added in some scenes that filled the story in a bit.
I think the same scenes were released on the DVD but not incorporated into the movie, just as a special feature.

tomdkat · 08-09-2005, 10:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by El Lancito

I'm sure that I'm not the only one who's realizing that pretty much every other movie now comes out on DVD in an Director's/Unrated/Extended/Bloated/Alternate edition. However, after reading these boards, and from my own experience, I've concluded that most of these are pretty pointless, and don't really add all that much to the movie. (The Hellboy Director's Cut and the Bourne Identity Explosive Extended Edition spring to mind.)

This is a great point and one that I think is a side effect of going "mainstream", as DVD certainly has. *Sigh*

The Special Collector's Edition of Fatal Attraction is definitely worth its value.

Peace...

Dilmo · 08-09-2005, 10:19 PM

I want the European Cut of Eyes Wide Shut. I hate censoring!

Brikar99 · 08-09-2005, 10:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dilmo

I want the European Cut of Eyes Wide Shut. I hate censoring!

I thought you could get that one from Canada?

LynnL999 · 08-09-2005, 10:30 PM

I definitely agree about The Abyss. I walked out of the theater from that movie going WTF, but the director's cut actually made the ending make sense. (I also think the making-of documentary on the DVD is one of the best I've seen.)

I also agree Aliens, but for a different reason. The stuff at the beginning about Ripley's daughter adds a lot of emotional resonance to her relationship with the little girl.

Larry Larry · 08-09-2005, 10:31 PM

I'm anxious to see Francis Ford Coppola's "The Outsiders" which releases in Septmember. He's adding around 20:00 minutes back into the film. Added new music, etc. Anyone seen any reviews yet?

***Wirehed*** · 08-09-2005, 10:58 PM

Brazil --The "director's cut" is the only REAL version of the film.

A lot of horror movies are a good excuse for "director's cuts", especially if it's to add back in more of what the movies are made for in the first place.

El Lancito · 08-10-2005, 05:58 AM

Cool responses...including some that I'm kicking myself for not having thought of myself (The Abyss, for instance). Maybe we should have a thread for the absolutely pointless ones as well. It could help people save some money!

plissken99 · 08-10-2005, 06:53 AM

Most of the good ones have been named already, Abyss, T2 etc. The Lethal Weapon directors cut probably doesn't make much difference to the film, but I liked the two character moments with Riggs, where he kills the playground shooter, and picks up the underage hooker to watch TV with him. Army of Darkness is another good one.

supercutz · 08-10-2005, 10:03 AM

Brotherhood Of The Wolf!

Shame on you DVDphiles for not mentioning it sooner :p

Welles and Ford Fan · 08-10-2005, 09:07 PM

What Director's Cut of Brotherhood of the Wolf? Is the original DVD Region 1 release a director's cut? Or are you referring to another region with a DC?

IS the DC simply the same as the R1 release with the deleted scenes added to it?

Brikar99 · 08-10-2005, 10:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Welles and Ford Fan

What Director's Cut of Brotherhood of the Wolf? Is the original DVD Region 1 release a director's cut? Or are you referring to another region with a DC?

IS the DC simply the same as the R1 release with the deleted scenes added to it?

I don't know, since I don't have the US R1 release to compare it to, but the Canadian R1 release I have is 3-discs and supposedly this "director's cut". But I don't know what's different about it.

Dilmo · 08-10-2005, 10:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by plissken99

Army of Darkness is another good one.

That one should be buried in my opinion.

Morticia · 08-10-2005, 10:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Brikar99

I don't know, since I don't have the US R1 release to compare it to, but the Canadian R1 release I have is 3-discs and supposedly this "director's cut". But I don't know what's different about it.

I've got both of them at home. I can't say off the top of my head what's different, but if you like the TE you'll love the DC. We lend out the TE and watch the DC ourselves.

The Canadian 3-disc DVD released October 2002 features a 152 minute director's cut -- The TE was 10 minutes shorter. For details, see --
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0237534/alternateversions

I'll submit "Almost Famous" for a better DC than TE.

Volcane · 08-12-2005, 08:56 PM

I have the 3disc Brotherhood of the Wolf and even though it lists the running time of 152 mins, it doesn't seem to say anywhere that this is an extended version. I've not seen any other other version so what is the difference with this one?

Leon (ak The Proffesional) in it's "Uncut International Version" or "Intergral Version" is 24 mins longer than the TC. And much improved.

I also agree with

The Abyss
Almost Famous
Aliens
T2
LOTR x 3

and also Alien3 in it's "special edition" even though it's not called a directors cut for being better than the TC!

videoworx · 08-12-2005, 09:27 PM

alien 3 adds an entirely new sub-plot with paul mcgann's character. It's a far better movie because of it, although i prefer the dog giving birth to the alien in the theatrical cut...

Volcane · 08-12-2005, 09:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by videoworx

alien 3 adds an entirely new sub-plot with paul mcgann's character. It's a far better movie because of it, although i prefer the dog giving birth to the alien in the theatrical cut...

I tend to agree... especially as the creature "looks/moves" liek a dog for much of the movie.

Also, as per the title of this thread, I would say Alien3 in it's "directors cut" alters the film from it's TC more than any other (The Abyss maybe coming in second place!)

Volcane · 08-12-2005, 09:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by El Lancito

Cool responses...including some that I'm kicking myself for not having thought of myself (The Abyss, for instance). Maybe we should have a thread for the absolutely pointless ones as well. It could help people save some money!

Pointless one's for me would be :

Charlie's Angels Full Throttle UNRATED (could somebody PLEASE tell what the difference is?)

Alien Resurrection (I hate this film anyway, and this alternate version didn't make me feel any different... apart from the opening and closing scenes could somebody again PLEASE explain what is different about it?)

Lethal Weapon 2 & 3 - Like the comments mentioned above, the directors cut of the first did not change the first film too much, but they were nice little character moments. The 2nd and 3rd film's additions were just pointless!

I've also heard that Gone In 60 Seconds and Coyote Ugly are pointless extended versions, but I cannot personally comment as I aint seen them!

Volcane · 08-12-2005, 09:56 PM

And I've thought of another :

Pearl Harbor

The Vista series adds quite a bit more blood n gore to the attack scenes and there's a few instances of bad language too. Not a great film but it does make the attack scene a little more shocking due to the violence!

Brikar99 · 08-12-2005, 10:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Volcane

Pointless one's for me would be :

Charlie's Angels Full Throttle UNRATED (could somebody PLEASE tell what the difference is?)

I recall reading somewhere that the only change is that Drew Barrymore spits more blood during a scene in which she gets beaten up. Other than that, I don't know what's different, either.

Quote:

Alien Resurrection (I hate this film anyway, and this alternate version didn't make me feel any different... apart from the opening and closing scenes could somebody again PLEASE explain what is different about it?)

I think those are the only differences.

supercutz · 08-13-2005, 05:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Welles and Ford Fan

What Director's Cut of Brotherhood of the Wolf? Is the original DVD Region 1 release a director's cut? Or are you referring to another region with a DC?

IS the DC simply the same as the R1 release with the deleted scenes added to it?

The U.S. release was cut while all other territories (AFAIK) got the original unaltered version. I picked up the Canadian version.

elwood731 · 08-13-2005, 05:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Larry Larry

I'm anxious to see Francis Ford Coppola's "The Outsiders" which releases in Septmember. He's adding around 20:00 minutes back into the film. Added new music, etc. Anyone seen any reviews yet?

I am very excited for this one, but are you sure on the release date? I heard last spring at one point, but I hadn't heard Septemeber.

raptors661 · 08-13-2005, 04:39 PM

has anyone seen the Tears of the Sun directors cut? i havent read one review for it.

plissken99 · 08-13-2005, 06:04 PM

The Tears of the Sun DC was actually a pretty good one. It explained alot of the motivations for why certain characters did what they did, and also gave you a glimpse of those controlling the enemy soldiers.

Volcane · 08-13-2005, 07:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by plissken99

The Tears of the Sun DC was actually a pretty good one. It explained alot of the motivations for why certain characters did what they did, and also gave you a glimpse of those controlling the enemy soldiers.

I didn't think this was a bad movie so I might upgrade this.... but the important question is.... is there more Monica in it?

3MTA3 · 08-16-2005, 06:10 PM

i agree that a lot of extended/director cuts are quite pointless and really don't add any meat or potatoes to the story - if you can't tell the difference between the original cut and the extended/director's cut then it's just a greedy money grab by the studio. that being said i consider the following excellent examples of extended cuts:

LOTR EE
T2
Aliens
The Abyss
Leon
Almost Famous

Apocalypse Now Redux added a lot but I didn't think it really helped the story.

Volcane · 08-16-2005, 06:42 PM

And of course, the most recent film with a new directors cut is ALEXANDER... how could we forget this?

(Even though I aint seen either version yet!)

tomdkat · 08-16-2005, 06:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Volcane

And of course, the most recent film with a new directors cut is ALEXANDER... how could we forget this?

I could, easily.

Peace...

Volcane · 08-16-2005, 07:14 PM

And soon there'll be the extended cut of Gladiator, can anybody yet confirm if this will be the previous deleted scenes incorporated back into the movie?

All of them?
Some of them?
One's we have yet to see?

biglyle · 08-16-2005, 09:00 PM

Definately Almost Famous.

I finally got around to watching this again last night, and yet again, it simply blew me away.
This movie touches me in a way no other movie does. IMO it is the best movie I have ever seen. Everytime I watch it, I cant help but think about it for a long time after, it just gets inside me for some reason.
Kate Hudson is beyond good. Everytime I see it I feel like I have known this girl my whole life, she reminds me of every great love I have ever had, and I cant help but feel sad at the same time. She is magical in this and simply moves me.

The directors cut just adds more to what was already a brilliant film. I wish all movies could be this good.

08-09-2005, 04:14 PM	#1 (permalink)
El Lancito Pointless Rhetorical Question Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: Martinez, CA	Directors' Cuts that Make a Difference I'm sure that I'm not the only one who's realizing that pretty much every other movie now comes out on DVD in an Director's/Unrated/Extended/Bloated/Alternate edition. However, after reading these boards, and from my own experience, I've concluded that most of these are pretty pointless, and don't really add all that much to the movie. (The Hellboy Director's Cut and the Bourne Identity Explosive Extended Edition spring to mind.) What I figured we could do here is create a resource that lists the alternate editions that make a significant difference to the theatrical movies. I'll start: Daredevil: Director's Cut The Lord of the Rings: Extended Editions That's about all I can think of, off the top of my head. Any others?

08-09-2005, 04:28 PM	#2 (permalink)
tazer floyd Actor Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: illinois	The Abyss DC adds a ton of emotional weight to the storyline, IMHO. Aliens gives you more back story to Newt, and there's some kick ass stuff with the sentry guns in the tunnel. __________________ My Collection A guy once told me, "Do not have any attachments, do not have anything in your life you are not willing to walk out on in 30 seconds flat if you spot the heat around the corner."

08-09-2005, 05:33 PM	#3 (permalink)
Brikar99 Actor Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Taxachusetts	"Highlander 2" - Of course, it doesn't even come close to making it a better movie, but it is a very different one. I mean, which one are we really believing, here: that the Immortals are all aliens from another planet who magically become immortal while on planet Earth... or that they're time-travellers from a distant past that somehow has laser guns, holographic screens and time-travel machines? Both versions are equally stupid.......... and equaly downright freakin' hilarious. __________________ "Get to the choppa!"

08-09-2005, 06:09 PM	#4 (permalink)
raptors661 Actor Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: I think my body is in Iggy's trunk...	The Terminator 2 Extended cut is the best extended cut i have seen, IMO __________________ I Am Jack's DVD Collection Can I quote myself in my sig? Or is that like... really egotistical?-MooglePorn By the way. I took my sister to the prom. Not my mom. But hell, at least I got laid.- Empire

08-09-2005, 06:36 PM	#5 (permalink)
John Yaya Actor Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Planet 10 aka: Long Island	There's a BIG difference between the versions of Blade Runner (theatrical cut) and the currently available DVD of Blade Runner The Director's Cut To me it's two very different movies.... I like both versions but I think they are two distinct editions in which the differences make a big impact on the film overall. I've noticed recently that both Bravo and AMC have been airing the original Theatrical version in the last few weeks.... hmmm __________________ My DVD List My CDs My Favorites "It was a stone groove, my man!!!"

08-09-2005, 06:54 PM	#6 (permalink)
Pirate Moderator Emeritus Loves Yellow Subtitles Join Date: Jun 2003	Star Wars -PH __________________ Early Adopting So You Don’t Have To.

08-09-2005, 07:41 PM	#7 (permalink)
deltau922 Actor Join Date: Jan 2003	Jfk __________________ SITH HAPPENS Go to http://www.cafepress.com/sithhappens

08-09-2005, 08:24 PM	#9 (permalink)
kevgolgo13 Actor Join Date: Jul 2002	I thought Tombstone was a good Director's cut of the film. It rounded out some of the cast. One that sticks out is Doc Holiday's lady friend. I also thought that Ray could have been a great Director's cut of the film. Universal really droped the ball on that one with the shoddy way they added in the deleted scenes.

08-09-2005, 09:39 PM	#11 (permalink)
Damian My dad can beat up your dad. Join Date: Jun 2000 Location: Mississippi	I remember the directors cut of Ransom that was released on laserdisc several years ago added in some scenes that filled the story in a bit. I think the same scenes were released on the DVD but not incorporated into the movie, just as a special feature.

08-09-2005, 10:19 PM	#13 (permalink)
Dilmo Suspended Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: New Braunfels, Texas. Far From Crawford!	I want the European Cut of Eyes Wide Shut. I hate censoring!

08-09-2005, 10:30 PM	#15 (permalink)
LynnL999 Actor Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: California	I definitely agree about The Abyss. I walked out of the theater from that movie going WTF, but the director's cut actually made the ending make sense. (I also think the making-of documentary on the DVD is one of the best I've seen.) I also agree Aliens, but for a different reason. The stuff at the beginning about Ripley's daughter adds a lot of emotional resonance to her relationship with the little girl. __________________ My DVD Collection

08-09-2005, 10:31 PM	#16 (permalink)
Larry Larry Actor Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Nashville, Tennessee	I'm anxious to see Francis Ford Coppola's "The Outsiders" which releases in Septmember. He's adding around 20:00 minutes back into the film. Added new music, etc. Anyone seen any reviews yet? __________________ These pretzels are making me thirsty.

08-09-2005, 10:58 PM	#17 (permalink)
*Wirehed* Producer/Admin NSFW Off 'the list' Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: Sacto, Ca --Near Galt, home of LeVar Burton	Brazil --The "director's cut" is the only REAL version of the film. A lot of horror movies are a good excuse for "director's cuts", especially if it's to add back in more of what the movies are made for in the first place. __________________ The Order of the Zombie. The world's greatest zombie culture website. "Ph'nglui mglw'nafh Cthulhu R'lyeh wagn'nagl dominos" In his house in R'lyeh, dead Cthulhu waits for the pizza delivery guy.

08-10-2005, 05:58 AM	#18 (permalink)
El Lancito Pointless Rhetorical Question Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: Martinez, CA	Cool responses...including some that I'm kicking myself for not having thought of myself (The Abyss, for instance). Maybe we should have a thread for the absolutely pointless ones as well. It could help people save some money!

08-10-2005, 06:53 AM	#19 (permalink)
plissken99 Actor Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Dallas, Ft Worth	Most of the good ones have been named already, Abyss, T2 etc. The Lethal Weapon directors cut probably doesn't make much difference to the film, but I liked the two character moments with Riggs, where he kills the playground shooter, and picks up the underage hooker to watch TV with him. Army of Darkness is another good one. __________________ “The more things change, the more they stay the same.” Snake Plissken Plissken's DVD, HD-DVD and Blu Ray collection And Plissken's home theater

08-10-2005, 10:03 AM	#20 (permalink)
supercutz Actor Join Date: Sep 2004	Brotherhood Of The Wolf! Shame on you DVDphiles for not mentioning it sooner :p

08-10-2005, 09:07 PM	#21 (permalink)
Welles and Ford Fan Actor Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: Houston, TX USA	Director's Cut of Brotherhood of the Wolf? What Director's Cut of Brotherhood of the Wolf? Is the original DVD Region 1 release a director's cut? Or are you referring to another region with a DC? IS the DC simply the same as the R1 release with the deleted scenes added to it?

08-12-2005, 08:56 PM	#25 (permalink)
Volcane Actor Join Date: Jan 2004	I have the 3disc Brotherhood of the Wolf and even though it lists the running time of 152 mins, it doesn't seem to say anywhere that this is an extended version. I've not seen any other other version so what is the difference with this one? Leon (ak The Proffesional) in it's "Uncut International Version" or "Intergral Version" is 24 mins longer than the TC. And much improved. I also agree with The Abyss Almost Famous Aliens T2 LOTR x 3 and also Alien3 in it's "special edition" even though it's not called a directors cut for being better than the TC!

08-12-2005, 09:27 PM	#26 (permalink)
videoworx Would Make a Good Incubus Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: nowhere near Nebraska	alien 3 adds an entirely new sub-plot with paul mcgann's character. It's a far better movie because of it, although i prefer the dog giving birth to the alien in the theatrical cut... __________________ And let’s not forget the fact that Tron turned the Frisbee into an instrument of righteous smiting.

08-12-2005, 09:56 PM	#29 (permalink)
Volcane Actor Join Date: Jan 2004	And I've thought of another : Pearl Harbor The Vista series adds quite a bit more blood n gore to the attack scenes and there's a few instances of bad language too. Not a great film but it does make the attack scene a little more shocking due to the violence!

08-13-2005, 04:39 PM	#33 (permalink)
raptors661 Actor Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: I think my body is in Iggy's trunk...	has anyone seen the Tears of the Sun directors cut? i havent read one review for it. __________________ I Am Jack's DVD Collection Can I quote myself in my sig? Or is that like... really egotistical?-MooglePorn By the way. I took my sister to the prom. Not my mom. But hell, at least I got laid.- Empire

08-13-2005, 06:04 PM	#34 (permalink)
plissken99 Actor Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Dallas, Ft Worth	The Tears of the Sun DC was actually a pretty good one. It explained alot of the motivations for why certain characters did what they did, and also gave you a glimpse of those controlling the enemy soldiers. __________________ “The more things change, the more they stay the same.” Snake Plissken Plissken's DVD, HD-DVD and Blu Ray collection And Plissken's home theater

08-16-2005, 06:10 PM	#36 (permalink)
3MTA3 Supporting Actor Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: toronto	i agree that a lot of extended/director cuts are quite pointless and really don't add any meat or potatoes to the story - if you can't tell the difference between the original cut and the extended/director's cut then it's just a greedy money grab by the studio. that being said i consider the following excellent examples of extended cuts: LOTR EE T2 Aliens The Abyss Leon Almost Famous Apocalypse Now Redux added a lot but I didn't think it really helped the story.

08-16-2005, 06:42 PM	#37 (permalink)
Volcane Actor Join Date: Jan 2004	And of course, the most recent film with a new directors cut is ALEXANDER... how could we forget this? (Even though I aint seen either version yet!)

08-16-2005, 07:14 PM	#39 (permalink)
Volcane Actor Join Date: Jan 2004	And soon there'll be the extended cut of Gladiator, can anybody yet confirm if this will be the previous deleted scenes incorporated back into the movie? All of them? Some of them? One's we have yet to see?

08-16-2005, 09:00 PM	#40 (permalink)
biglyle Actor Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: Ontario, Canada	Definately Almost Famous. I finally got around to watching this again last night, and yet again, it simply blew me away. This movie touches me in a way no other movie does. IMO it is the best movie I have ever seen. Everytime I watch it, I cant help but think about it for a long time after, it just gets inside me for some reason. Kate Hudson is beyond good. Everytime I see it I feel like I have known this girl my whole life, she reminds me of every great love I have ever had, and I cant help but feel sad at the same time. She is magical in this and simply moves me. The directors cut just adds more to what was already a brilliant film. I wish all movies could be this good. __________________ http://forums.dvdfile.com/your-home-...w-theater.html I dont want downloads!

Thread Tools
Show Printable Version Email this Page
Display Modes
Linear Mode Switch to Hybrid Mode Switch to Threaded Mode