Director Cuts or Theatrical Cuts: Which one do you typically prefer? - Page 4 - Blu-ray Forum

Popcorn_Bliss · 02-09-2016, 09:10 PM

I suspect the answer is that it depends on the film, but which is more definitive in your eyes?

Are you one who believes that the theatrical version is always the one that should ultimately be remembered? Or do you believe that a director is the one who has ultimate say over which cut is the "definitive" one?

In my experience, most people seem to default to theatrical cuts probably because A) It's how they first seen it, or B) Many "director or original cuts" aren't always offered in a Blu/DVD package.

When it comes to films of which I have seen both cuts, I'm a mixed bag. Here are a couple "director cuts" I prefer:

Apocalypse Now Redux 1979
I'm not popular with this preference (most say the Redux pads the film and makes it plodding or unnecessary) but I welcome the additional scenes. The added length accentuates the never-ending feel of the maddening mission in which the lead character is thrust into, making "the horror" all the more weaving and epic. At least that's how it comes off to me.

JFK Director's Cut 1991
This cut is unusual in that it is used on all the blu releases to date and it's the THEATRICAL cut that is absent. Nonetheless, I like it that way (although I do wish the theatrical cut had been added to the original digibook for complete-ness sake). In a film with this much attention to detail, testimony and viewpoint, more is always better. Perhaps an ironic statement since I'm usually a "less is more" person. But not in this case.

An example of where I favor the theatrical cut despite the fame of the director's cut...

The Exorcist 1973
While I'm glad to have both cuts, I've finally come to the conclusion that the theatrical version works best. Despite the addition of the hospital test scenes (of which I welcome), I'm less enthused with the "spider-walk" scene (kinda goofy in my opinion) and of the superimposed demon faces (not necessary - our imagination works much better). So when I add it all up, I like the original best.

Feel free to discuss your stance on director cuts versus theatrical cuts and which ones stand out for you.

02-09-2016, 09:10 PM	#1
Popcorn_Bliss Special Member Member since:Mar 2010 Blu-ray collection:163 DVD collection:34	Director Cuts or Theatrical Cuts: Which one do you typically prefer? I suspect the answer is that it depends on the film, but which is more definitive in your eyes? Are you one who believes that the theatrical version is always the one that should ultimately be remembered? Or do you believe that a director is the one who has ultimate say over which cut is the "definitive" one? In my experience, most people seem to default to theatrical cuts probably because A) It's how they first seen it, or B) Many "director or original cuts" aren't always offered in a Blu/DVD package. When it comes to films of which I have seen both cuts, I'm a mixed bag. Here are a couple "director cuts" I prefer: Apocalypse Now Redux 1979 I'm not popular with this preference (most say the Redux pads the film and makes it plodding or unnecessary) but I welcome the additional scenes. The added length accentuates the never-ending feel of the maddening mission in which the lead character is thrust into, making "the horror" all the more weaving and epic. At least that's how it comes off to me. JFK Director's Cut 1991 This cut is unusual in that it is used on all the blu releases to date and it's the THEATRICAL cut that is absent. Nonetheless, I like it that way (although I do wish the theatrical cut had been added to the original digibook for complete-ness sake). In a film with this much attention to detail, testimony and viewpoint, more is always better. Perhaps an ironic statement since I'm usually a "less is more" person. But not in this case. An example of where I favor the theatrical cut despite the fame of the director's cut... The Exorcist 1973 While I'm glad to have both cuts, I've finally come to the conclusion that the theatrical version works best. Despite the addition of the hospital test scenes (of which I welcome), I'm less enthused with the "spider-walk" scene (kinda goofy in my opinion) and of the superimposed demon faces (not necessary - our imagination works much better). So when I add it all up, I like the original best. Feel free to discuss your stance on director cuts versus theatrical cuts and which ones stand out for you. Last edited by Popcorn_Bliss; 02-09-2016 at 09:18 PM.

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