Unrated vs. Original Theatrical Version - which do you prefer?

[DRS]

Alien - Theatrical (aka the true DC)
Kingdom of Heaven - Directors Cut (Just a completely different, and better movei)
Blade Runner Final Cut (just the right balance of all elements)
Gladiator - Theatrical (Extended is essentially a bonus feature, Ridley prefers the theatrical, pacing isn't as good although some added scenes are quality)
Aliens- Extended (but theatrical should be the cut someone watches the first time)
Terminator 2 - Extended (just a more complete story)
Abyss - Extended (like Kingdom of Heaven, just radically better, huge additions and subplots reinserted)
Avatar - Extended -3 hr cut (just a more complete, fleshed out and mature story)
Apocalypse Now - Theatrical (Extended is interesting, but theatrical is definitive)
LOTR - Extended - all 3 (however I would never recommend the extended versions as a the first watch for someone)
Sucker Punch - Extended (Simply the more complete version of the film both, scenes removed are vital)
Watchmen - Director's Cut (no room to argue here, theatrical was shorter due to running time obligations only)
E.T - Theatrical ('nuff said)
The Frighteners - Director's Cut (just a better, more complete story)
King Kong - Extended (its only like 10 minutes longer and adds more dinos, why the hell not)
Exorcist - Theatrical (perfect as it is)
Donnie Darko - Theatrical (removing Echo and the Bunnymen intro is tantamount to criminal behavior)
Dances with Wolves - Theatrical (extended is far too bloated)
Chronicles of Riddick - Director's Cut (action is hugely improved and added story beats make more sense of the film)

All the random "unrated" horror and comedy movies are hit or miss. For the most part comedies are superior in the theatrical editions due to pacing, though there are some i prefer in unrated forms, like Pineapple Express, and Horror movies, if they are unrated simply due to violence cuts, like Hills have Eyes or Martyrs, then unrated all the way, if they are just adding back random scenes for no reason, then theatrical.

[Oateyboat]

While I generally prefer the extended editions of films to get the most out of them as possible, I do sometimes prefer the theatrical cuts if I want a quicker paced film. With the three editions of Watchmen, I'll rarely watch the theatrical, usually choose the Extended, and if I'm really wanting to get deep into the film I'll choose the Ultimate Edition.

[EdDave]

I prefer extended/unrated because a majority of the time it's the Directors true vision of the film.

[Dotpattern]

Originally Posted by Dotpattern

He released an "extended edition" for home media that, technically could also be called a "director's cut" because he also supervised and approved that one.

Originally Posted by Ugly Pig

Well, then, strictly speaking they are both "director's cuts", are they not?

You're not even trying, are you.

[Trekkie313]

Most Extended Cuts or Directors Cuts I find to be better than the original, probably because I watch them more often.

Dawn Of The Dead (1978) The best cut (Extended) is only available on DVD.

[AlexSing]

Originally Posted by DRS

Alien - Theatrical (aka the true DC)
Kingdom of Heaven - Directors Cut (Just a completely different, and better movei)
Blade Runner Final Cut (just the right balance of all elements)
Gladiator - Theatrical (Extended is essentially a bonus feature, Ridley prefers the theatrical, pacing isn't as good although some added scenes are quality)
Aliens- Extended (but theatrical should be the cut someone watches the first time)
Terminator 2 - Extended (just a more complete story)
Abyss - Extended (like Kingdom of Heaven, just radically better, huge additions and subplots reinserted)
Avatar - Extended -3 hr cut (just a more complete, fleshed out and mature story)
Apocalypse Now - Theatrical (Extended is interesting, but theatrical is definitive)
LOTR - Extended - all 3 (however I would never recommend the extended versions as a the first watch for someone)
Sucker Punch - Extended (Simply the more complete version of the film both, scenes removed are vital)
Watchmen - Director's Cut (no room to argue here, theatrical was shorter due to running time obligations only)
E.T - Theatrical ('nuff said)
The Frighteners - Director's Cut (just a better, more complete story)
King Kong - Extended (its only like 10 minutes longer and adds more dinos, why the hell not)
Exorcist - Theatrical (perfect as it is)
Donnie Darko - Theatrical (removing Echo and the Bunnymen intro is tantamount to criminal behavior)
Dances with Wolves - Theatrical (extended is far too bloated)
Chronicles of Riddick - Director's Cut (action is hugely improved and added story beats make more sense of the film)

All the random "unrated" horror and comedy movies are hit or miss. For the most part comedies are superior in the theatrical editions due to pacing, though there are some i prefer in unrated forms, like Pineapple Express, and Horror movies, if they are unrated simply due to violence cuts, like Hills have Eyes or Martyrs, then unrated all the way, if they are just adding back random scenes for no reason, then theatrical.

Blimey, I think I agree with pretty much all of that. Not often that happens!

[OneWayFilms]

Since it boils down to personal opinion, each version should be available on the home video release, then the fan can shoose which they prefer.

MOST of the time, I prefer the Director's Cut (Extended cut).......EXCEPT with AMADEUS. I HATE the director's cut and hope one day, we get the theatrical cut.

[Javy3]

I always prefer the Unrated version. If I enjoy a movie I always welcome more footage. I am not as sensitive to pacing as some people and as long as it's not an alternate ending that drastically changes the movie to something completely different then what I would enjoy I am fine. Honestly the whole Unrated thing is mostly a marketing tactic to get you to buy the movie one or more times because they added a few small scenes that you mostly don't even notice when you watch the film.

[lolarocks]

Ok so here's my list of just the films I own:

Bridesmaids- theatrical
Sucker Punch- Extended
LOTR- Extended
Rango- Theatrical
Daredevil- Directors Cut
Dances with Wolves- Theatrical
Anchorman- Unrated
Paranormal Activity films- Theatrical
The Town- Theatrical
Watchmen- Directors Cut
Avatar- Extended Cut
Star Wars- Original Theatrical Cuts
King Kong- Extended
Talladega Nights- Unrated
Harry Potter 1 & 2- Theatrical
Narnia (Lion Witch Wardrobe)- Extended
Apocalypse Now- Recomparing Today

[Morsoth]

Originally Posted by HD Goofnut

The pacing is much better and doesn't interfere with the continuity of Aliens. Scott has said numerous times that the theatrical cut is his Director's Cut.

HD Goofnut, can you tell me how the DC of Alien interfere with the Aliens movie? I always watched the DC of the Aliens series, and never noted a continuity mistake before. Thanks!

[SoundNexx]

I like the Unrated/Director's cut versions of movies most times, but it really depends on the genre of the film. Normally, I prefer extended cuts of action and sci-fi films because I want all of the violence, blood and sex that my eyes can absorb!

However, when it comes to comedies and dramas, I tend to like the the theartrical versions more because sometimes the additional footage can be unfunny and/or boring...

That's why I like it better when blu-rays offer both versions of a movie on one disc...

[HD Goofnut]

Originally Posted by Morsoth

HD Goofnut, can you tell me how the DC of Alien interfere with the Aliens movie? I always watched the DC of the Aliens series, and never noted a continuity mistake before. Thanks!

Sure, see below.

[Show spoiler]In the Director's Cut of Alien Ripley stumbles upon the eggs and the incubation period does not correspond with Aliens. Also, there's no indication of any queen in Alien. IMHO the theatrical cut (true Director's Cut) keeps the pacing intact and Scott has said that he cut that scene because it just didn't fit.

[Morsoth]

Makes a lot on sense! Thanks HD Goofnut!

[HD Goofnut]

Originally Posted by Morsoth

Makes a lot on sense! Thanks HD Goofnut!

You're quite welcome Morsoth.

[djgeneral]

People complaining about cuts being too long? Makes no sense at all. The whole point of releasing another cut on home media is because it typically can be 10-30 (or sometimes more) minutes longer. And for films that are already 2 hours or more....it can be hefty, but you are able to pause, rewind, start later, etc. Being too long should never ruin a cut a for you.

The only thing I hate is when a cut removes stuff in the film. Recent films I've watched: Sucker Punch and American Pie series. Both of the cuts for these films are 99% added things or extended. There is hardly anything missing from these 4 films which is how it should be. I love alternate cuts because it gives you a chance to see what the film had to cut and since you are watching at home, you can take your time to watch and enjoy it.

[Ugly Pig]

Originally Posted by Dotpattern

You're not even trying, are you.

I'm trying, just not very hard.

In any case, wouldn't you agree that perhaps the term "Director's Cut" is inappropriate when the director approved multiple versions?

[HD Goofnut]

Originally Posted by Ugly Pig

I'm trying, just not very hard.

In any case, wouldn't you agree that perhaps the term "Director's Cut" is inappropriate when the director approved multiple versions?

Inappropriate? Possibly, but with a small amount of research any person can determine which a director prefers above the rest.

[Lucy Diamond]

Let the music play
He won't get away
Just keep the groove
And then he'll come back to you again
(Let it play)
Let the music play
He won't get away
This groove he can't ignore
He won't leave you anymore
No, no, no

[HD Goofnut]

Originally Posted by Lucy Diamond

[Show spoiler]

Let the music play
He won't get away
Just keep the groove
And then he'll come back to you again
(Let it play)
Let the music play
He won't get away
This groove he can't ignore
He won't leave you anymore
No, no, no

This is applicable to this thread how?

[Lucy Diamond]

Originally Posted by HD Goofnut

This is applicable to this thread how?

Haaaaa.

I clicked on the wrong thread in my subscriptions list.

It is now in the "what are you doing right now" thread.

I'm not deleting the post from there though since it bothered you so much junior mod.

Thanks for the heads up though. Everyone is grateful to you.