Director Cuts or Theatrical Cuts: Which one do you typically prefer?

[stigdu]

Originally Posted by Markgway

As has been said previously... it depends on the film, what the cuts/changes were, and the reason for them. Generally, I stick with the theatrical cut.

I usually prefer the theatrical.

Kingdom of Heaven was the first one I thought of when I saw the discussion title - a fantastic director's cut, as are Pearl Harbour and the Dawn of the Dead remake, which I feel benefited from the extra violence.

But things like Dumb and Dumber (mean-spirited), E.T. (walkie-talkies instead of guns? CGI ET?) and Donnie Darko (too much explanation) are just rubbish and never should have been created.

[notops]

Originally Posted by Col. Zombie

I honestly can't say that I prefer a DC over the TC in every instance. For example,

I loathe the DC's for; Donnie Darko, Rob Zombie's Halloween, and Payback. I prefer in every way the theatrical releases of these films and it's bloody shame I can't get the TC's for any of these films on Blu (unless someone knows something I don't).

But I do prefer the DC's for; Kingdom of Heaven, Gladiator, and The Abyss.

In a nutshell, it depends on the film.

Zombie's Halloween TC is available from Alliance in Canada (as a double feature with the TC of Halloween II). Payback has the TC available in the region-free UK release from Warners, both of which are easily imported.

As for Donnie Darko, yeah we're still screwed on that one.

[Coenskubrick]

Here in Australia I've seen the Donnie Darko theatrical cut available, and the Directors cut only rarely.

[Buscemi]

When talking about the debate, I forgot a personal opinion of mine that's bound to ruffle some feathers: I prefer the Director's Son's Cut of Erik the Viking over the theatrical cut that's on the US Blu-ray. For me, the problem with the film in its theatrical form is the unbearably slow pace (and Terry Jones agreed with this, which is why there is also the international version that's slightly shorter) and the Director's Son's Cut fixes this by flowing much better than before. For me, it's a good example of why shorter is sometimes better in the comedy genre.

[prozacnation1978]

Probably best direct cuts are aliens and kingdom of heaven

[MrClarke]

It's all depending on the movie itself. Lord of the Rings, for example, I don't think I COULD watch the theatrical after seeing the extended. But then other movies, sometimes it just comes off as extra fluff

[SillySauce]

Dances with Wolves -

Apocalypse Now Redux - I think people are just used to the original and Redux throws them off. The expanded Tiger scene is fantastic. An extra hour of madness is great for me. It's simply more character development.

The New World -

Kingdom of Heaven - This is another obvious one. The story is better fleshed out.

Legend (1985) - I like the tangerine score better than Jerry Goldsmiths. Certain scenes like the witch scene are much better and show character development. The ending fits better with me as well.

Blade Runner - This one is obvious

Lord of the Rings - I love the extra time fleshing out the books. It's better if you view it as a mini series.

Das Boot - More character development. There's even a 6 hour cut that I want to see. Cinematographer Roger Deakins watches it every winter with his wife.

Gettysburg - The story is more grand in the 4 hour director's cut.

[AmrlKJaneway]

Originally Posted by MrClarke

It's all depending on the movie itself. Lord of the Rings, for example, I don't think I COULD watch the theatrical after seeing the extended. But then other movies, sometimes it just comes off as extra fluff

I agree with you as much as I don't.

All depends on the film. LOTR and King Kong extended are terrible. Way too long, so I won't even bother with the Hobbit (never got around to watching ROTK extended either).

Does the Star Wars Special Edition count as a director's cut? I think we can all agree on the answer to that one. Obviously the SE is superior, especially how they did away with that annoying scene that made Han out to be a cold blooded killer, and instead made him shoot Greedo in self defense.

T2 went too long and had some unnecessary, but kinda funny stuff (like learning to smile), but ultimately it doesn't bother me when I watch the original cut. Director's cut of Alien is better.

Blade Runner DC is better. So is Sucker Punch, but I haven't got around to Watchmen.

And all those "unrated cuts" on comedy blus, with this one scene too rude to make the PG13 or R or whatever they were going for are a joke, like the super **** scene of Hancock, and the sodomy scene of Step Brothers. Although I do prefer the cut of Ted that shows the villain as a child, because it adds some character development and delivers his motivation earlier in the story that the theatrical cut does.

[darkness2918]

I prefer directors cuts. If I buy a movie I haven't seen & it offers both I always watch the dc & ignore the tc unless its a vast difference. Sometimes the dc of a movie can actually make people like a movie they didn't when they saw the tc. For example Daredevil.

[Hello ChoCho]

Both, Alien directors cut & Alien theatrical.

[levcore]

Usually i prefer a longer cut unless its a comedy, in which case that normally means that loads of terrible improvised scenes are put back into the movie.

[P-Rock]

I usually prefer Director's Cuts. Only in a few instances I prefer the Theatrical version (Alien, Alien: Resurrection, Mezzo Forte, Donnie Darko, Erik the Viking).

[jPod]

I'm hoping that MGM and Screen Gems will release the Director's Cut of the recent Carrie remake. What a lot of people don't know is that Kimberly Peirce did opt to make a film that was faithful to the Stephen King novel, but, unfortunately, due to the re-shoots and multiple re-edits requested by the studios, the Theatrical Cut was virtually a scene-by-scene remake of Brian De Palma's film.

The Original Cut was all ready to go in March 2013, then the studios looked at the release date and thought they could make more money on Carrie during the Halloween season. So they demanded re-shoots and multiple re-edits to make it more Horror. It would explain why Lawrence D. Cohen (the writer of the 1976 film) was credited after the film was delayed -- they re-shot a number of scenes from the 1976 screenplay. The downside to the re-shoots and multiple re-edits is that a lot of scenes would have to be dropped or trimmed to fit the new running time. The shorter the film, the more viewing sessions the film has.

1. Hail: Otherwise known as "The Rain of Stones" (this was originally the opening scene) - reference the current Blu-ray edition. It's been speculated that the version available on the Blu-ray edition was heavily edited. Fans would still prefer to see Carrie's birth scene as the opening and the Hail scene as a flashback during The White Commission.

2. The White Commission: The film had integrated several courtroom scenes with witnesses giving testimonies of their experience with Carrie White leading to the prom incident, essentially structuring the film as a series of flashbacks and recollections. It begins with an interview with an adult Estelle Parsons (who witnessed the Hail as a teenager), Sheriff Otis Doyle, Dr. Dean L. McDuffy, Erika Gogan, Ms. Arlene Walsh, and others who had some kind of experience with Carrie White and/or theories about the Black Prom.

3. The Found Footage that had been filmed by Freddy "Beak" Holt - and there is currently speculation that other found footage from gymnasium security cameras also played a role in the film.

4. Sue's Video Diary apparently took place in her bedroom as she documented her daily life and thoughts concerning Tommy, Carrie, Chris, and the prom.

5. Scenes detailing more in-depth character development.

6. "Wipe that smile off your face!" - Chris to Carrie at the pool: reference the full-length trailer from April 2013, B-Roll Footage, and/or the main menu of the current DVD/Blu-ray edition.

7. The locker room scene (Extended) - Chris turning the cell-phone toward herself and the mean girls: reference the full-length trailer from April 2013.

8. The prayer closet scene (Extended) - apparently there was missing dialogue in the theatrical version. This scene is very important to the mother/daughter theme which runs deep throughout the story. Fans hope to see this part of the film in its entirety.

9. Scenes involving Social Media - Facebook in particular: The e-mail from Chris to Donna Kellogg. The students were using Facebook and Twitter to send each other the locker room video (according to one source). Producer Kevin Misher stated that "elements of Facebook and internet bullying" were put in to the film to modernize it for a new generation.

10. Billy's wild ride (similar to the 1976 version) - reference the current Blu-ray edition.

11. Chris and Tina kiss - reference the current Blu-ray edition.

12. Tommy and Sue's backseat love scene (Extended) was originally longer in the first cut of the film but then shortened for the theatrical cut due to timing: reference Kimberly Peirce's audio-commentary on the Blu-ray edition.

13. A scene featuring actress Ally Feliciano: The mean girls teasing and making fun of Carrie - This scene supposedly took place before the bathroom (mirror shattering) scene.

14. A scene/s featuring actress Kim Roberts: Ms. Arlene Walsh having a brief interaction with Carrie in the library - it's speculated that one of The White Commission scenes featured Ms. Walsh recounting her experience with Carrie.

15. Carrie using her powers to levitate the books in her bedroom: Apparently there were a couple variations of this scene shown to test-audiences. Fans would appreciate an extended/alternate version of this scene given that the theatrical one felt a bit lackluster for such a poignant moment in the story.

16. An interaction between Carrie and Chris outside the dress shop.

17. Drive to the pig farm (Extended) - reference the current Blu-ray edition.

18. Carrie levitates Margaret (Extended) - reference the current Blu-ray edition.

19. The meaningful conversation between Miss Desjardin and Carrie at prom.

20. Tommy and Carrie kiss - reference the current Blu-ray edition.

21. Billy kisses Chris - reference the current Blu-ray edition.

22. Margaret escaping from the closet and cutting herself with a knife - reference the current Blu-ray edition. It's been speculated that the version available on the Blu-ray edition was heavily edited and removed the shots revealing Margaret's escape.

23. Sue tries to call Tommy from outside the school to warn him but he rejects the call.

24. Chris and Billy rushing from the school (after the blood dump) to find that Sue's parked automobile is blocking them from leaving.

25. The Prom Scene (Extended) was said to be longer and more violent than the theatrical version.

26. Tina on fire (Extended) - reference the current Blu-ray edition.

27. A scene or shot revealing Erika and George's fate - According to test-audiences, George was impaled by one of the star decorations as Erika watched in horror. Erika detailed what happened during one of the scenes in The White Commission.

28. The electrocution sequence (Extended) which was supposed to feature graphic shots of "dead students" dancing and being toyed with by Carrie. Carrie then levitates herself and the bodies of those she's killed (according to one source) and soars pass them and out a window.

29. Carrie outside the school using her telekinetic powers to kill off some of the prom survivors who escaped.

30. Chris and Billy's Death scene (Extended) was said to have been a minute longer. This is the last time Carrie and Chris interact with one another - the last confrontation - and so it would be most appropriate to have the scene without any edits.

31. The Town Destruction: According to test-audiences, Carrie uses her telekinesis to set "some other buildings" on fire aside from the school. It was said that the majority of this scene consisted of areal shots intertwined with some close-ups - reference the teaser trailer from October 2012.

32. The Church Scene: There is a lot of speculation/theories about this particular scene! On-Set-Photos do imply that there was a scene involving the Congregational Church on Carlin Street. It is believed that Carrie went there to pray before setting the church on fire using her telekinetic abilities (as described in the Stephen King novel). Test-Audiences have made no mention of this scene (unfortunately) and there isn't much to say whether or not such a scene exists - aside from the On-Set-Photos. Fans would like for this to be included in the Extended Director's Cut if such a sequence of events was actually filmed.

33. Sue seeing Tommy's body on a stretcher and Miss Desjardin saying how sorry she is for what has happened.

34. Carrie taking a bath to clean herself (Extended)

35. Margaret's original death scene which was said to be closer to the novel. It was changed to the theatrical version when re-shoots were done in May 2013.

36. The multiple endings: Five alternate endings were filmed for Carrie. The first ending was very similar to the 1976 film but without Sue waking up. The second ending was exactly the same as the 1976 film. The third ending is a "morning after voiceover" by Sue as the audience sees what's become of the town and how they're coping. The fourth ending shows the town filled with news crews, reporters, and police officers talking about what happened and describing the event as "a conspiracy" to apparently "cover up what really happened" in Chamberlain. The fifth ending was not shown to test-audiences - though many Carrie fans presume that this fifth ending was the one released on the Blu-ray edition. Many hope that all five endings will somehow be "mashed together" for a definitive close.

[darkness2918]

Originally Posted by jPod

I'm hoping that MGM and Screen Gems will release the Director's Cut of the recent Carrie remake. What a lot of people don't know is that Kimberly Peirce did opt to make a film that was faithful to the Stephen King novel, but, unfortunately, due to the re-shoots and multiple re-edits requested by the studios, the Theatrical Cut was virtually a scene-by-scene remake of Brian De Palma's film.

The Original Cut was all ready to go in March 2013, then the studios looked at the release date and thought they could make more money on Carrie during the Halloween season. So they demanded re-shoots and multiple re-edits to make it more Horror. It would explain why Lawrence D. Cohen (the writer of the 1976 film) was credited after the film was delayed -- they re-shot a number of scenes from the 1976 screenplay. The downside to the re-shoots and multiple re-edits is that a lot of scenes would have to be dropped or trimmed to fit the new running time. The shorter the film, the more viewing sessions the film has.

1. Hail: Otherwise known as "The Rain of Stones" (this was originally the opening scene) - reference the current Blu-ray edition. It's been speculated that the version available on the Blu-ray edition was heavily edited. Fans would still prefer to see Carrie's birth scene as the opening and the Hail scene as a flashback during The White Commission.

2. The White Commission: The film had integrated several courtroom scenes with witnesses giving testimonies of their experience with Carrie White leading to the prom incident, essentially structuring the film as a series of flashbacks and recollections. It begins with an interview with an adult Estelle Parsons (who witnessed the Hail as a teenager), Sheriff Otis Doyle, Dr. Dean L. McDuffy, Erika Gogan, Ms. Arlene Walsh, and others who had some kind of experience with Carrie White and/or theories about the Black Prom.

3. The Found Footage that had been filmed by Freddy "Beak" Holt - and there is currently speculation that other found footage from gymnasium security cameras also played a role in the film.

4. Sue's Video Diary apparently took place in her bedroom as she documented her daily life and thoughts concerning Tommy, Carrie, Chris, and the prom.

5. Scenes detailing more in-depth character development.

6. "Wipe that smile off your face!" - Chris to Carrie at the pool: reference the full-length trailer from April 2013, B-Roll Footage, and/or the main menu of the current DVD/Blu-ray edition.

7. The locker room scene (Extended) - Chris turning the cell-phone toward herself and the mean girls: reference the full-length trailer from April 2013.

8. The prayer closet scene (Extended) - apparently there was missing dialogue in the theatrical version. This scene is very important to the mother/daughter theme which runs deep throughout the story. Fans hope to see this part of the film in its entirety.

9. Scenes involving Social Media - Facebook in particular: The e-mail from Chris to Donna Kellogg. The students were using Facebook and Twitter to send each other the locker room video (according to one source). Producer Kevin Misher stated that "elements of Facebook and internet bullying" were put in to the film to modernize it for a new generation.

10. Billy's wild ride (similar to the 1976 version) - reference the current Blu-ray edition.

11. Chris and Tina kiss - reference the current Blu-ray edition.

12. Tommy and Sue's backseat love scene (Extended) was originally longer in the first cut of the film but then shortened for the theatrical cut due to timing: reference Kimberly Peirce's audio-commentary on the Blu-ray edition.

13. A scene featuring actress Ally Feliciano: The mean girls teasing and making fun of Carrie - This scene supposedly took place before the bathroom (mirror shattering) scene.

14. A scene/s featuring actress Kim Roberts: Ms. Arlene Walsh having a brief interaction with Carrie in the library - it's speculated that one of The White Commission scenes featured Ms. Walsh recounting her experience with Carrie.

15. Carrie using her powers to levitate the books in her bedroom: Apparently there were a couple variations of this scene shown to test-audiences. Fans would appreciate an extended/alternate version of this scene given that the theatrical one felt a bit lackluster for such a poignant moment in the story.

16. An interaction between Carrie and Chris outside the dress shop.

17. Drive to the pig farm (Extended) - reference the current Blu-ray edition.

18. Carrie levitates Margaret (Extended) - reference the current Blu-ray edition.

19. The meaningful conversation between Miss Desjardin and Carrie at prom.

20. Tommy and Carrie kiss - reference the current Blu-ray edition.

21. Billy kisses Chris - reference the current Blu-ray edition.

22. Margaret escaping from the closet and cutting herself with a knife - reference the current Blu-ray edition. It's been speculated that the version available on the Blu-ray edition was heavily edited and removed the shots revealing Margaret's escape.

23. Sue tries to call Tommy from outside the school to warn him but he rejects the call.

24. Chris and Billy rushing from the school (after the blood dump) to find that Sue's parked automobile is blocking them from leaving.

25. The Prom Scene (Extended) was said to be longer and more violent than the theatrical version.

26. Tina on fire (Extended) - reference the current Blu-ray edition.

27. A scene or shot revealing Erika and George's fate - According to test-audiences, George was impaled by one of the star decorations as Erika watched in horror. Erika detailed what happened during one of the scenes in The White Commission.

28. The electrocution sequence (Extended) which was supposed to feature graphic shots of "dead students" dancing and being toyed with by Carrie. Carrie then levitates herself and the bodies of those she's killed (according to one source) and soars pass them and out a window.

29. Carrie outside the school using her telekinetic powers to kill off some of the prom survivors who escaped.

30. Chris and Billy's Death scene (Extended) was said to have been a minute longer. This is the last time Carrie and Chris interact with one another - the last confrontation - and so it would be most appropriate to have the scene without any edits.

31. The Town Destruction: According to test-audiences, Carrie uses her telekinesis to set "some other buildings" on fire aside from the school. It was said that the majority of this scene consisted of areal shots intertwined with some close-ups - reference the teaser trailer from October 2012.

32. The Church Scene: There is a lot of speculation/theories about this particular scene! On-Set-Photos do imply that there was a scene involving the Congregational Church on Carlin Street. It is believed that Carrie went there to pray before setting the church on fire using her telekinetic abilities (as described in the Stephen King novel). Test-Audiences have made no mention of this scene (unfortunately) and there isn't much to say whether or not such a scene exists - aside from the On-Set-Photos. Fans would like for this to be included in the Extended Director's Cut if such a sequence of events was actually filmed.

33. Sue seeing Tommy's body on a stretcher and Miss Desjardin saying how sorry she is for what has happened.

34. Carrie taking a bath to clean herself (Extended)

35. Margaret's original death scene which was said to be closer to the novel. It was changed to the theatrical version when re-shoots were done in May 2013.

36. The multiple endings: Five alternate endings were filmed for Carrie. The first ending was very similar to the 1976 film but without Sue waking up. The second ending was exactly the same as the 1976 film. The third ending is a "morning after voiceover" by Sue as the audience sees what's become of the town and how they're coping. The fourth ending shows the town filled with news crews, reporters, and police officers talking about what happened and describing the event as "a conspiracy" to apparently "cover up what really happened" in Chamberlain. The fifth ending was not shown to test-audiences - though many Carrie fans presume that this fifth ending was the one released on the Blu-ray edition. Many hope that all five endings will somehow be "mashed together" for a definitive close.

I had no idea about any of that thanks for the info. I'd love to see that cut of the film as well now. I know chances of that happening are slim though.

[SuperDarthKelly]

Most directors cuts are an improvement. I really prefer access to both cuts though. I'm still pissed off I can't get the theatrical cut of The Warriors on bluray.

[P-Rock]

Originally Posted by Col. Zombie

Payback. I prefer in every way the theatrical releases of these films and it's bloody shame I can't get the TC's for any of these films on Blu (unless someone knows something I don't).

The Dutch release of Payback contains both the theatrical and the director's cut.

[Roonan]

Whichever the director/creator prefers.

[Col. Zombie]

Originally Posted by notops

Zombie's Halloween TC is available from Alliance in Canada (as a double feature with the TC of Halloween II). Payback has the TC available in the region-free UK release from Warners, both of which are easily imported.

As for Donnie Darko, yeah we're still screwed on that one.

Thanks. Ordered!!

I'll check on the Payback UK release and see if it's worth the funds.

[Mahatma]

Depends entirely upon the movie.Look at Aliens how much better the DC was there.Then again look at Apocalypse now redux and how that destroyed the coherency and mood without adding anything to speak of.I know,the french plantation sequence could have been great,but it was badly acted and felt like it was just glued on.Usually I like DC,but not all.

[ThatOneGuy]

Originally Posted by AmrlKJaneway

I agree with you as much as I don't.

All depends on the film. LOTR and King Kong extended are terrible. Way too long, so I won't even bother with the Hobbit (never got around to watching ROTK extended either).

Both films are already long without the extended versions so even before those you are going to have to set aside time to fully watch them so I don't mind having an extra hour added to them since that extra hour actually fills in more of the story, at least for the LOTR series.