This Criterion Collection features all the supplements from the 1996 laserdisc ported over. There are two versions of this set and can be very hard to tell apart. This set was
originally released in 1999 before Criterion committed to anamorphic transfers. It was re-issued in 2006 with the exact packaging, menus, etc. except for a brand new digital
transfer. The way to tell them apart is to look for the "Enhanced for 16X9 TVs" logo on the back. However, it should be hard to find an old non-anamorphic copy of it
as it has been discontinued. The first batch of this set to hit the stores didn't have the booklet, mine included, but you can contact Criterion and they'll send one out to you
free of charge and quite quickly.
About the Two Versions:
During the post production of Terry Gilliam's 1985 film Brazil, it was felt by producer Sid Sheinberg that the film needed some editing to make it appeal to a wider audience.
Of course Gilliam wanted none of this and rightfully so. Sheinberg went ahead and hired an editor to re-cut the film ultimately removing many of the dream sequences, character
story lines, exposition scenes and making a happy ending. In the end this version, nicknamed the "Love Conquers All" version makes the protagonist Sam Lowry more
of a stronger hero and less pathetic than he is portrayed in Gilliam's cut. This version ends up being less thought provoking and satisfying.
Eventually Gilliam won and his version was released to theaters. This controversy was quite huge during 1985 and there is a whole 60 minute feature on this DVD dedicated
to just this area of the film's release.
Bit-rates:
Top: Theatrical
Bottom: Alternate
Interactive Menus:
Top: Disc One (Theatrical cut)
Bottom: Disc Three (Alternate cut)
Image Comparisons:
Top: Alternate Producer's cut/ "Love Conquers All" cut (TV version)
Bottom: Terry Gilliam approved cut (Theatrical version)
Alternate Take used for the Alternate Cut
More Theatrical Cut Captures:
