Close Encounters-3 Discs-What version is best?

[Donnie Darko]

Just received my copy of Close Encounters! I did not realize that there were three versions included. Maybe thats why it took so long for the price to drop.
My question is: Which version is the best? What should I watch first?

1977 Original Theatrical Version? 1980 Special Edition? 1998 Directors Cut?

[Donnie Darko]

didnt mean to say 3 discs. 3 Versions - 1 disc

[Elvis]

I prefer the theatrical when it comes to Close Encounters. The Special edition was just terrible.

[GLaDOS]

I only saw the Theatrical Cut, so there's that.

[P@t_Mtl]

I don't mind either editions when it come to this movie. But I usualy hold to the way that more is always better for movies

[Elvis]

Originally Posted by P@t_Mtl

I don't mind either editions when it come to this movie. But I usualy hold to the way that more is always better for movies

But the Special edition basically ruined the film in my opinion. There was no need whatsoever for that ending at all. I think more has been less for several films, I take it on a film by film basis.

[Donnie Darko]

and no to the Directors Cut as well?

[P@t_Mtl]

Originally Posted by Elvis

But the Special edition basically ruined the film in my opinion. There was no need whatsoever for that ending at all. I think more has been less for several films, I take it on a film by film basis.

But Roger Ebert said of the Special Edition "thought the original film was an astonishing achievement, capturing the feeling of awe and wonder we have when considering the likelihood of life beyond the Earth. This new version is quite simply a better film. Why didn't Spielberg make it this good the first time?"

Have I have notice (I only have the DVD, haven't bought the BD yet) is that I seem to watch the SE more. If I try to think about it, it must be at least 5 years plus since I last saw the original movie. But I understand where you are coming from with the SE. I have come too know you in this last year and your taste in movies. You are more into the view that certain things must and should remain a mystery in movies, no need to know every details, let's leave something to the imagination of the viewer. I agree with you that the ending and seeing of the ship in this case wasn't truly needed. It would have been just find to leave it to us to imagine what is happeing to Neary.

[Elvis]

[QUOTE=P@t_Mtl;2817345]But Roger Ebert said of the Special Edition "thought the original film was an astonishing achievement, capturing the feeling of awe and wonder we have when considering the likelihood of life beyond the Earth. This new version is quite simply a better film. Why didn't Spielberg make it this good the first time?"

Have I have notice (I only have the DVD, haven't bought the BD yet) is that I seem to watch the SE more. If I try to think about it, it must be at least 5 years plus since I last saw the original movie. But I understand where you are coming from with the SE. I have come too know you in this last year and your taste in movies. You are more into the view that certain things must and should remain a mystery in movies, no need to know every details, let's leave something to the imagination of the viewer. I agree with you that the ending and seeing of the ship in this case wasn't truly needed. It would have been just find to leave it to us to imagine what is happeing to Neary.[/QUOTE]

Agree and for me that is what I can't stand about that version. Some things are just better left unsaid. As for the Directors Cut I have not gotten around to watching it.

[P@t_Mtl]

Originally Posted by Elvis

Agree and for me that is what I can't stand about that version. Some things are just better left unsaid. As for the Directors Cut I have not gotten around to watching it.

The big difference with you and me, I know this pull's you out of the movie as where for me it doesn't bother me at all. But I always said I was weird anyway

[Dotpattern]

Originally Posted by Donnie Darko

and no to the Directors Cut as well?

IMO, the Director's Cut is the only version you need to watch. It is a perfect hybrid of the other 2 versions (including at least 2 important scenes not in the theatrical, and excluding the unnecessary ending of the Special Edition).

Spielberg says on the documentary that the Theatrical cut wasn't ready when it was released because it was missing scenes he hadn't shot, and admits he sold out with the Special Edition when he asked the studio for more money to finish it and they mandated an extended ending.

Go with the Director's Cut. It's a much tighter, leaner cut of the movie, with all the relevant scenes of the Special Edition included into the Theatrical Cut.

Edit: BTW, if you're a film student or just interested in the process of filmmaking, then taking the time to watch all 3 versions makes for an interesting study of the impact of editing, including alternate music cues. And in regards to music, I personally prefer John Williams' cue for the ending credits in the Special Edition that is not heard in the other 2 versions.

[Donnie Darko]

Thank you all - very helpul

[Elvis]

Originally Posted by Dotpattern

IMO, the Director's Cut is the only version you need to watch. It is a perfect hybrid of the other 2 versions (including at least 2 important scenes not in the theatrical, and excluding the unnecessary ending of the Special Edition).

Spielberg says on the documentary that the Theatrical cut wasn't ready when it was released because it was missing scenes he hadn't shot, and admits he sold out with the Special Edition when he asked the studio for more money to finish it and they mandated an extended ending.

Go with the Director's Cut. It's a much tighter, leaner cut of the movie, with all the relevant scenes of the Special Edition included into the Theatrical Cut.

Edit: BTW, if you're a film student or just interested in the process of filmmaking, then taking the time to watch all 3 versions makes for an interesting study of the impact of editing, including alternate music cues. And in regards to music, I personally prefer John Williams' cue for the ending credits in the Special Edition that is not heard in the other 2 versions.

Cool I will have to give the Directors cut a spin soon as long as that unecessary ending is gone it should be good.

[Duffy12]

Originally Posted by Dotpattern

IMO, the Director's Cut is the only version you need to watch. It is a perfect hybrid of the other 2 versions (including at least 2 important scenes not in the theatrical, and excluding the unnecessary ending of the Special Edition).

Spielberg says on the documentary that the Theatrical cut wasn't ready when it was released because it was missing scenes he hadn't shot, and admits he sold out with the Special Edition when he asked the studio for more money to finish it and they mandated an extended ending.

Go with the Director's Cut. It's a much tighter, leaner cut of the movie, with all the relevant scenes of the Special Edition included into the Theatrical Cut.

Edit: BTW, if you're a film student or just interested in the process of filmmaking, then taking the time to watch all 3 versions makes for an interesting study of the impact of editing, including alternate music cues. And in regards to music, I personally prefer John Williams' cue for the ending credits in the Special Edition that is not heard in the other 2 versions.

Thanks for the info Dotpattern.

I bought this recently and was wondering the same thing that the OP was also.

.