Theatrical vs. Director's cuts

[frik51]

I am tempted to respond, but I'd better not.
After all, we're discussing movie cuts here, aren't we?

sk

[srboone]

I hope you don't think I was insulting "Babs" by comparing her to Barry Manilow (because I wasn't)...but the subject is movie cuts.

[JJ Holden]

I enjoyed the Director's Cuts of a number of films - right up until I hit Apocalypse Now Redux (Apocalypse Now being one of my all time favorites) and... and...

[MrRoland]

The director's cut of Brazil is brilliant especially when you compare it to the hatchet job that was done to the U.S. "Love Conquers All" version.

[Endless Horror Tale]

The director's cut of Brazil is brilliant especially when you compare it to the hatchet job that was done to the U.S. "Love Conquers All" version.

Totally, totally, totally. Anyone who loves film, particularly Terry Gilliam films, should check out the awesome 3-disc Criterion DVD of Brazil which contains both the director's cut and the studio cut of the film, as well as copious amounts of background information, documentaries, etc. It is insane how different the two versions are.

[frik51]

The director's cut of Brazil is brilliant

That's the one I want on BD.

sk

[Endless Horror Tale]

That's the one I want on BD.

sk

You and me both! Extra bonus points if they add some stuff we haven't seen yet, but the DVDs are already so packed full of material I don't know if there's anything else out there... Criterion does such a phenomenal job with their releases; I really hope they get on the ball with the 3-disc Brazil and release it in glorious Blu Ray!

[TerryE]

You and me both! Extra bonus points if they add some stuff we haven't seen yet, but the DVDs are already so packed full of material I don't know if there's anything else out there... Criterion does such a phenomenal job with their releases; I really hope they get on the ball with the 3-disc Brazil and release it in glorious Blu Ray!

Yes, that Criterion Collection version of Brazil was fantastic. And it really proves how screwed up some of the studios can be about what makes a great film. This is the kind of situation where the director really proves that the artist making the work should be the one who controls how the public sees his vision.

[Endless Horror Tale]

Yes, that Criterion Collection version of Brazil was fantastic. And it really proves how screwed up some of the studios can be about what makes a great film. This is the kind of situation where the director really proves that the artist making the work should be the one who controls how the public sees his vision.

I remember my reaction after first watching the "Love Conquers All" version, which I hadn't seen prior to the Criterion release. Let's just say that it wasn't favorable in the least - even though I did appreciate Criterion releasing it alongside the much superior director's cut for the sake of comparison and contrast. If I recall correctly, the commentary track that goes along with the chopped version of the film is worth a listen as well. When DVD first launched, I was all about the commentaries, but these days I don't often have the time to listen to every single commentary track that comes along.

I can't think of another director's cut which has been such a marked difference from the studio cut. Even just looking at the running times tells you a story. Gilliam's version clocked in at just under 2 1/2 hours, whereas the butchered version was just over 90 minutes.

[srboone]

I wish that Criterion wiould release the complete versions on BD. Their Brazil release is only the DC.

[MrRoland]

Yes, I've got the Criterion Collection as well and it is chock full of stuff. It seems like every time I watch it I discover something new. And I cringed while watching the "Love Conquers All" version and the story behind just makes me shake my head in disbelief at the continued stupidity of movie execs who know nothing about story.