The Silver Screen column discussion

[Robert Siegel]

Nicholas, thanks....alot of research goes into these, so you can imagine that at times the wrong date gets in there. It's funny because I used to have that recalled disc before I sold it on Ebay, I think I got around $150 for it. Funny, I wateched the movie tonight with the Director's cut ending, with my mother. Then I showed her the last 20 minutes of the theatrical cut, and we both liked the theatrical cut better, though those "Godzilla" like scenes (I am a big Godzilla fan) are really incredible.

Anyone else subscribed to this thread care to comment on which ending they prefer?

Thanks for the correction Nicholas.

Originally Posted by Nicholas Vargo

I just read the new article for Little Shop of Horrors and I found it to be meticulously researched. But I have one gripe with it that can be easily fixed.

You mention in the section about the original ending that the original recalled DVD was released on May 27, 2003. That date is incorrect. The correct date was January 27, 1998. Just wanted you to correct that is all.

[Nicholas Vargo]

I personally think that both endings are terrific, but for different reasons. The original ending though is pretty dark though, so I understand immediately why audiences rejected it, but I think in order for that sequence to truly work in the new director's cut, it needs the original scene with Audrey and Seymour after he runs away from the reporters. The "Suddenly, Seymour" reprise was originally in there (You can see a glimpse of it in both the outtakes reel and the teaser trailer), and the new version desperately needs that. Too bad they couldn't get it in there. Still, seeing the actual original ending in color is such an awesome treat, and the ending sequence finally looks finished with all of the additions that Oz wanted to make to it.

The theatrical ending though is the one I grew up with, and maybe because of that, I still somewhat prefer it. Both endings have their strengths and weaknesses. For instance, I prefer Paul Dooley over James Belushi as Patrick Martin, but I also think that the sequence where the plant takes over the world still goes on a little too long. By trimming it by another minute or two, it could get to the same place quciker and still get the point across. Still, I know why it wasn't shortened further (The model work is absolutely amazing!).

It's a close call, but I think the original ending is going to just squeak past the theatrical, but it's very close. I think it needs a few more viewings though before I can make up my mind for certain though.

[Captain Eggsalad]

Hey,

I wanted to say thanks for that great read on Frankenstein...wonderfully assembled. I loved all the rare posters and newspaper ads...

Please tell me you have part 2 lined up?

Thanks again...great work.

The Cap'.

[RCinOttawa]

Where are all the columns on the classic movies?? They all seem to have vanished, I looked high and low.

One of the best things about the website.

???

[Pirate King]

Is this column no longer active? I really enjoyed the Silver Screen articles.

[Arkadin]

I noticed that a few weeks ago.
Robert seems to have left the building as far as new columns are concerned.
I think the old columns are still up, but they are kind of hard to find.
It would be nice to know what happened since those columns were very amazing imo.
Robert's last post was in November except for a single post in Feb of this year, so he appears to be pretty inactive at this point.
EDIT: actually his last activity is 3/7/13 so he has been on here recently.
who knows what the story is.
Robert?? Are you out there?

[Jowiko96]

So, no one knows what happened to the silver screen articles?

[Robert Siegel]

Thanks for all your comments and I appreciate all your readership. Blu-ray.com was not interested in continuing the column. I appreciate all of the kind remarks I received over the 20-some months I was posting. I am glad I was able to share some of the original theatrical publicity materials from my collection with all of you to some amazing films. If you like columns like this you can always write the site managers for whatever site you may be reading, I always looked at it as a nice gift back to the readers. I am, after a break, actively seeking a new home for The Silver Screen. My personal email is mntwister@yahoo.com if you want an update as to finding a new home for the column. Again, thank you all and thanks to Blu-ray.com!!!!