The General HD Releases Thread!

[Tutut]

Don't think so. Only the standard cut was released in 94 then later in 96 came the VL with the extra 26 mins.

The VL that was released in 1996 in France was the original cut, in 1994 Besson had to remove the 26 mins after some preview and because of the pressure from Portman's parents.

[bradavon]

Not all the cut scenes are risqué though.

[Markgway]

The VL that was released in 1996 in France was the original cut, in 1994 Besson had to remove the 26 mins after some preview and because of the pressure from Portman's parents.

I heard that. Besson never calls the VL a director's cut though. Both cuts are director approved. Only outside France has the VL been marketed as a director's cut. The version originally released in French cinemas was the standard theatrical cut. Besson may prefer the VL but I'm not convinced myself that it's an improvement.

[bradavon]

It's way better. The scenes are so pivotal. I'm always surprised, when you say you prefer the theatrical cut.

[Markgway]

The TC is a faster-paced, tighter movie, IMO. The VL elaborates on character, perhaps, but weakens the film as a thriller. I don't think the story needs those extra scenes, but I understand that fans may enjoy them. That's why it's important that the BDs offer both options.

[bradavon]

Likewise, you lose a hell of a lot of Matilda's motivation and emotional aspect by removing those scenes. I don't find the extended cut drags at all by having them. Also instead of just talking about being a hitman you see her actually train.

I do agree more definitely isn't always more though. IM has always wanted the Terminator deleted scenes to be part of the movie. IMO it would do nothing but drag the film down by including them. The Gladiator Extended Cut is very much an Extended Cut, adding little not already dealt with in the Theatrical/Director's Cut. One scene even showing what we're about to be literally told soon after anyway. You can see on the DVD Scott thinks the same.

[Markgway]

I'm kinda glad the TC removes some of Mathilda assassin/sexual stuff as for me it's in dubious taste. She is still a child and the more the film dwells on the creepy nature of what she does with Leon the less appealing it is. Better to hint and suggest. Really she's just looking for a father figure not a lover or an employer.

[HungFist]

I can understand Mark liking it more as a slick action movie, but most fans, including me, think it's the extra characterization in the long version that makes Leon so special and different from all the other standard action movies. It's those scenes that is the most important part of the movie for many.

And I don't see any dubious taste in it. Only very interesting and troubled characters.

[bradavon]

I completely agree Hung. It would be dubious if he slept with her but he doesn't, she asks for it and he turns her down. She asks because she's a confused little girl and "thinks" this is what he wants/makes a relationship. The film is much weaker without it.

Really she's just looking for a father figure not a lover or an employer.

Definitely but that's why it works so well. She's very young and confused. The meaning is lost a great deal in the theatrical cut. The suggestion is barely there at all.

[saltysam]

A Few snippets on the new Gladiator disc

http://www.blu-ray.com/news/?id=4265

[bradavon]

Great to see it confirmed.

PocketBlu btw is much like Digital Copy but instead of a hard copy on a separate disc, it gives you access on your SmartPhone. It's also not locked to just the iPod/iPhone or Windows Media hardware.

[IronMonkey]

I do agree more definitely isn't always more though. IM has always wanted the Terminator deleted scenes to be part of the movie. IMO it would do nothing but drag the film down by including them.

Excuse me, but don't talk for me like you know me. You don't. I haven't "always" wanted to see the deleted scenes as part of the film.

Yes, at some point I do think it would be a good idea to see those scenes reinserted in a branching version of the film - i.e. both cuts on one disc. DVD & BD technology is so advanced now that this is easily possible and there's really no reason to not do it. This would give everyone a choice as to which version they want to watch. I personally have a custom DVD of The Terminator with the extra scenes included & quite like it, as an occasional change to the theatrical version. When you've seen the film as many times as I have it makes a nice change to see something relatively new, and to change the flow a little...

[romerojpg]

Excuse me, but don't talk for me like you know me. You don't.

But he does, he knows everything about everyone and is NEVER ever wrong just like he Knows Avatar is Rubbish

[grim_tales]

I completely agree Hung. It would be dubious if he slept with her but he doesn't, she asks for it and he turns her down. She asks because she's a confused little girl and "thinks" this is what he wants/makes a relationship. The film is much weaker without it.

Really she's just looking for a father figure not a lover or an employer.

Definitely but that's why it works so well. She's very young and confused. The meaning is lost a great deal in the theatrical cut. The suggestion is barely there at all.

IIRC Matilda doesn't "ask" him for it, but she just implies it She says he wouldnt be a good lover or something like that.

[bradavon]

Excuse me, but don't talk for me like you know me. You don't. I haven't "always" wanted to see the deleted scenes as part of the film.

WTF! You've said in the past, you'd like the deleted scenes to be included. The rest of what I said, WTF! Talk about overreacting. You're splitting hairs, "always said" or "have said". Who gives a fuck?

Oh Fuck off! I was making a general remark in context to another point.

Yes, at some point I do think it would be a good idea to see those scenes reinserted in a branching version of the film - i.e. both cuts on one disc. DVD & BD technology is so advanced now that this is easily possible and there's really no reason to not do it. This would give everyone a choice as to which version they want to watch.

Right, which is basically what I said and your point for throwing your teddies out of the pram was what again?

just like he Knows Avatar is Rubbish

Erm. You've many times commented on things you've not seen or know nothing about. Salty's picked you up on it. So you can fuck off too.

This is the Internet. You guys take this forum "way too seriously"! Go get some sex, get wankered or just masturbate. Whatever, just take a chill pill.

[bradavon]

IIRC Matilda doesn't "ask" him for it, but she just implies it She says he wouldnt be a good lover or something like that.

You're splitting hairs. You get my point .

[romerojpg]

Cock

[saltysam]

Hey Brad,have you seen the 198 minute Versione Even Longuer,where Leon professes his gay love for Stansfield?

[bradavon]

No but point me to a DVD and I'll consider it.

[Markgway]

I can understand Mark liking it more as a slick action movie, but most fans, including me, think it's the extra characterization in the long version that makes Leon so special and different from all the other standard action movies. It's those scenes that is the most important part of the movie for many.

Not sure you can speak for "most fans" unless you've polled everyone who's seen it.

LEON gained critical praise and a cult following BEFORE the VL was even released.

And I don't see any dubious taste in it.

Well, you wouldn't would you...?

I completely agree Hung. It would be dubious if he slept with her but he doesn't, she asks for it and he turns her down. She asks because she's a confused little girl and "thinks" this is what he wants/makes a relationship. The film is much weaker without it.

Actually I was thinking more about the assassin stuff... which he does let her become involved in. Take your point on the sexual business though. He does say 'no'.

[HungFist]

I can understand Mark liking it more as a slick action movie, but most fans, including me, think it's the extra characterization in the long version that makes Leon so special and different from all the other standard action movies. It's those scenes that is the most important part of the movie for many.

Not sure you can speak for "most fans" unless you've polled everyone who's seen it.

You're right. I was only basing my statement of the fact that you are the only person I've ever seen preferring the short version.

And I don't see any dubious taste in it.

Well, you wouldn't would you...?

I guess you're right. I never come to think of sex when I see children. I guess I'm different from some other people.

Actually I was thinking more about the assassin stuff... which he does let her become involved in.

Again, I don't see anything dubious about showing that on screen. It's not like the film is presenting it as a good thing. Nor is the film presenting Leon as an "intelligent" person, even by assassin standards. He's a near retard.

[saltysam]

[bradavon]

Nice. When's it coming?

[Markgway]

NO MONO!!!

[saltysam]

Nice. When's it coming?

7th June. i'm hoping for separate releases...already have the italian BD of Fistful and the USA GBU.