Highlander

[Eidolon]

Originally Posted by MikeK

I have a simple question that I hope someone can answer for me. The last copy of Highlander I bought was on DVD, and it was the first to feature a remastered 5.1 soundtrack.

That soundtrack came complete with a number of really horrible, incongruous sound effects that were not in the original US release or earlier "director's cut" releases.

Does this Blu-ray release eliminate those superfluous and distracting effects?

My dream version of Highlander, frankly, would be the original US edit (yes, I like it better without the additional scenes), with a faithful-to-the-original remaster of the audio. Bonus points if it also had a way to enable the director's cut version.

the anchor bay dvd also had 2 lines of dialogue missing.

[FendersRule]

So I take it all audio tracks on the Blu-ray are terrible?

This is pretty much the only thing keeping me from spending $25 to get it. I wish I could have it for much cheaper....I've been wanting to re-experience this movie.

[kdo]

Originally Posted by MikeK

My dream version of Highlander, frankly, would be the original US edit (yes, I like it better without the additional scenes)

I couldn't agree with you more, and I frankly find the Director's Cut (a.k.a. 'International Version') overly long, boring, and slow in pace. The biggest weakness in my opinion, is by far, the stupid 'Blade-Runner-like' (Daryl Hannah) back-flips performed by Fasil when he's fighting MacLeod in the M.S.G. parking garage. The one flip off the hood of the car, which is in the U.S. version, is acceptable, but all the rest are ridiculous. They didn't work for "Blade Runner," so I don't know what made Mulcahy think they'd work for "Highlander." Just plain stupid in my opinion!

Having only seen the U.S. cut up until the film was released on DVD in the extended version only, I was very disappointed to not even have a choice of which version I wanted to watch, something they could easily have offered via 'seamless branching.' I love, absolutely LOVE, the U.S. theatrical release, and I refuse to own the film in any other display. In all honesty, I might even break down and purchase it, were it to have the back-flips omitted, even though the rest of the extra footage does still slow the film down. But I can promise that I will never, ever own this film as long as that 'Daryl Hannah tribute' sequence exists in the movie while I'm watching it. I do hope that if and when the movie gets released here in the U.S. on Blu, there'll be an option as to which version we can watch, otherwise I'll be passing on it once again...

[FendersRule]

Originally Posted by kdo

I couldn't agree with you more, and I frankly find the Director's Cut (a.k.a. 'International Version') overly long, boring, and slow in pace. The biggest weakness in my opinion, is by far, the stupid 'Blade-Runner-like' (Daryl Hannah) back-flips performed by Fasil when he's fighting MacLeod in the M.S.G. parking garage. The one flip off the hood of the car, which is in the U.S. version, is acceptable, but all the rest are ridiculous. They didn't work for "Blade Runner," so I don't know what made Mulcahy think they'd work for "Highlander." Just plain stupid in my opinion!

Having only seen the U.S. cut up until the film was released on DVD in the extended version only, I was very disappointed to not even have a choice of which version I wanted to watch, something they could easily have offered via 'seamless branching.' I love, absolutely LOVE, the U.S. theatrical release, and I refuse to own the film in any other display. In all honesty, I might even break down and purchase it, were it to have the back-flips omitted, even though the rest of the extra footage does still slow the film down. But I can promise that I will never, ever own this film as long as that 'Daryl Hannah tribute' sequence exists in the movie while I'm watching it. I do hope that if and when the movie gets released here in the U.S. on Blu, there'll be an option as to which version we can watch, otherwise I'll be passing on it once again...

Then again, the Theatrical releases are usually not what the director is intending for the audience to be seen, like in Blade Runner and probably like in Highlander. I prefer the director's cut in Highlander, because of Lambert's cool one-liner during the WW2 scene.

The biggest problem with this Blu-ray is the audio; it really suffers. Choosing either the 5.1 or the 2.0 DTS-HD track is a double edged sword. Both tracks sound very reverby, but the 5.1 is just unlistenable, but the additional surround effect is nice for several scenes. However, the stereo 2.0 track even suffers from some abundance "reverb", but it's listenable, but not very encompassing. They should have really redone the audio for this movie.

That's much more of a flaw than the theatrical edition not being included.

And I disagree with you about the backflipping not working for blade runner. Daryl Hannah was actually able to do that, and I think it's very artistic and cool, just like everything in Blade Runner. In highlander, it's actually comical, and brilliant IMO.

[Azyiu]

Originally Posted by FendersRule

The biggest problem with this Blu-ray is the audio; it really suffers. Choosing either the 5.1 or the 2.0 DTS-HD track is a double edged sword. Both tracks sound very reverby, but the 5.1 is just unlistenable, but the additional surround effect is nice for several scenes. However, the stereo 2.0 track even suffers from some abundance "reverb", but it's listenable, but not very encompassing. They should have really redone the audio for this movie.

I cannot agree with you more on audio. The way I put it, the audio just sounds "too 80's" to enjoy on today's HTS...

[FendersRule]

Originally Posted by Azyiu

I cannot agree with you more on audio. The way I put it, the audio just sounds "too 80's" to enjoy on today's HTS...

It's like listening to a Poison song inside of a tunnel....that is inside of another tunnel.

I don't mind alittle reverb in things. I usually always put SOME level of reverb in most of my recordings, whether it's for instruments or vocals. However, this is just way too much.

[LordCrumb]

There is only one, version to watch, and its the European Theatrical.

[kdo]

While I'll never be able to understand the unnecessary backflips, there's still a side of me that can very much sympathize with all those who enjoy the International Cut...But I'd still like it if they could offer both versions, via seamless branching, if and when they release this title on Blu in the U.S.A.

[TheOneWithThePrize]

Originally Posted by kdo

While I'll never be able to understand the unnecessary backflips, there's still a side of me that can very much sympathize with all those who enjoy the International Cut...But I'd still like it if they could offer both versions, via seamless branching, if and when they release this title on Blu in the U.S.A.

Actually three versions exist. US theatrical, European theatrical and French theatrical version. The French one is the US theatrical but adds the WWII scene while losing the brief clip where Bedsoe spills coffee on himself.

Make that four in all if you take into account the missing lines of dialogue and added buzz sound in the US Director's Cut.

[kdo]

Originally Posted by TheOneWithThePrize

Actually three versions exist. US theatrical, European theatrical and French theatrical version. The French one is the US theatrical but adds the WWII scene while losing the brief clip where Bedsoe spills coffee on himself.

Make that four in all if you take into account the missing lines of dialogue and added buzz sound in the US Director's Cut.

Thanks for the info...in that case, I'd happily take the French theatrical version as well...

[TheOneWithThePrize]

I'd welcome the French theatrical on Blu-ray if it includes English audio, the French DVD box sets made available over the years has it on a separate disc but only dubbed in French. Strange that Studio Canal didn't add that to the French BD release (their own release information incorrectly state that it is included).

[kdo]

Originally Posted by TheOneWithThePrize

I'd welcome the French theatrical on Blu-ray if it includes English audio, the French DVD box sets made available over the years has it on a separate disc but only dubbed in French. Strange that Studio Canal didn't add that to the French BD release (their own release information incorrectly state that it is included).

Come to think of it, you're absolutely right! A few years back, I remember searching around for a version anywhere in the world that had something along the lines of the U.S. theatrical running time. And I remember seeing a release in France that was close, but it was in French dialogue only that must've been the version you were talking about in your last post...

And that is odd they didn't put it on their BD release. I think it's because Mulcahy wants his film out there in the International Format that's most currently accepted. I however, am in complete agreement with the cuts that the U.S. producers forced him to make, and I would've done the same thing if I'd been in their shoes...

[TheOneWithThePrize]

Originally Posted by kdo

And that is odd they didn't put it on their BD release. I think it's because Mulcahy wants his film out there in the International Format that's most currently accepted.

I don't think Mulcahy has any input whatsoever as to what cut is issued anywhere. Listening to the newer Mulcahy-only commentary issued on the European DVDs and BD, right before the WWII episode is to come up he is unsure if that scene is in there or not.

I believe the version that was premiered in Cannes is the same as that French theatrical cut that has appeared on DVD. I think Studio Canal in France will eventually put out the French cut on BD as well, given there is enough of a demand for it (and going by the numbers of French DVD-reissues I'd say there is), but I doubt they'll bother to include the original audio for it.

One can only hope Lionsgate see fit to include both the US theatrical and the longer cut (be it the European or the US DC one) on the North American BD. I would also like to see an isolated score available as there is little to no chance of there ever being a true soundtrack on CD. I think the chance is slim of either happening but one can always dream. Right?

[kdo]

Originally Posted by TheOneWithThePrize

I don't think Mulcahy has any input whatsoever as to what cut is issued anywhere.

This could in fact be quite true, although from what I understand, Mulcahy did at least somewhat blame the failure of the film in the U.S. to those cuts, which could possibly be why it was only released on DVD, at least in the U.S.A., in the 'International' form. But I'm happy that when 'Highlander' airs on TV, it's still the U.S. cut...

Originally Posted by TheOneWithThePrize

One can only hope Lionsgate see fit to include both the US theatrical and the longer cut (be it the European or the US DC one) on the North American BD. I would also like to see an isolated score available as there is little to no chance of there ever being a true soundtrack on CD. I think the chance is slim of either happening but one can always dream. Right?

Yes, I very much agree with you. And an isoloted score would be fabulous! Kamen's and Queen's music for Highlander was some of the best, and it rates as one of my all-time favorite soundtracks...I did have a complete German import cd release of the soundtrack at one point (which was really quite good), but I sold it for almost $60 a few years back because I needed the money. I wish I could've kept it or should've probably at least made a cd-r...

[TheOneWithThePrize]

Originally Posted by kdo

And an isoloted score would be fabulous! Kamen's and Queen's music for Highlander was some of the best, and it rates as one of my all-time favorite soundtracks...I did have a complete German import cd release of the soundtrack at one point (which was really quite good), but I sold it for almost $60 a few years back because I needed the money. I wish I could've kept it or should've probably at least made a cd-r...

Sadly, those imports are all bootlegs. None of those floating around on eBay, be it "promo CD-R" or factory made ones, are sanctioned by Queen or Kamen. The Queen tracks do all appear to be lifted mainly from the "A Kind of Magic" album since those were altered somewhat from how they appeared in the film. The film version of "A Kind of Magic" has so far only surfaced on the "Live at Wembley" DVD as it is used in the photo gallery in the extras (playing during the slideshow).

It would appear that Davis/Panzer at least in part holds the rights to the Kamen score given they did put out a "highlights" compilation soundtrack of the first three Highlander films (5-6 tracks per film) but I also heard that they didn't check that with the composers beforehand since J. Peter Robinson said he wasn't consulted about the inclusion of his Highlander III score. They were at least given due credit so I would assume the composers received their royalties from that release at least.

[kdo]

Originally Posted by TheOneWithThePrize

Sadly, those imports are all bootlegs. None of those floating around on eBay, be it "promo CD-R" or factory made ones, are sanctioned by Queen or Kamen. The Queen tracks do all appear to be lifted mainly from the "A Kind of Magic" album since those were altered somewhat from how they appeared in the film. The film version of "A Kind of Magic" has so far only surfaced on the "Live at Wembley" DVD as it is used in the photo gallery in the extras (playing during the slideshow).

It would appear that Davis/Panzer at least in part holds the rights to the Kamen score given they did put out a "highlights" compilation soundtrack of the first three Highlander films (5-6 tracks per film) but I also heard that they didn't check that with the composers beforehand since J. Peter Robinson said he wasn't consulted about the inclusion of his Highlander III score. They were at least given due credit so I would assume the composers received their royalties from that release at least.

Very interesting info thanks for that! You're quite the "Highlander" expert. Yeah, the CD must have been a bootleg then, even though it was 'factory pressed,' and it did sound quite good in my opinion (actually, better than some official releases I also collected lol...go figure, right?...Cool stuff though nonetheless!

[Psycho Judge Dredd]

I wonder when they'll release Highlander on blu-ray in the US, they better get crackin'.

[kdo]

Originally Posted by Psycho Judge Dredd

I wonder when they'll release Highlander on blu-ray in the US, they better get crackin'.

I'm with ya on that one! Certainly a movie that should've been out by now

[Jeff Kleist]

I wonder when they'll release Highlander on blu-ray in the US, they better get crackin'.

When the "re-imagination" comes out or when they give up on it, whatever comes first

[Psycho Judge Dredd]

Originally Posted by kdo

I'm with ya on that one! Certainly a movie that should've been out by now

Agreed, oh yes!

I have to mention as your avatar reminds me, I actually watched Avenging Force a couple months ago. Michael Dudikoff is THE MAN.