Posted by Myrrh on August 25, 1997 at 12:18:56:
Hello, everyone!
I feel regenerated today, having gotten a fresh shot of LOM last night on ABC. Like others of you who commented on this, I swear, it was different from the theatrical release in many ways. I thought rather than reply separately to each of you, I'd just give everyone my observations!
The music was mixed differently...especially in the love scene.
But that was the least noticeable difference to me.
There were many sound edits, to spare the TV audience some of the gritty sounds of battle, both on the large scale, and hand-to-hand. That bothered me...not hearing the power and force of the various 'whacks!' delivered. I'm not a gore-monger, but really, these sounds added to the impact of the film overall. (As Marcia said, it didn't win an Academy Award for sound for nothing!)
Notably missing were also pieces of scenes that I assume were deemed too bloody for TV: the scalping in the ambush (which I always marvel at!); Magua holding Munro's heart...and various other tomahawk whacks to various heads, etc. ...and.I missed all of them.
Some dialog was missing, notably: "Halloooo, John Cameron!" Why??? I can't figure... Also, the little exchange between Cora and Alice when Cora realizes Alice is dozing in the saddle as they make their way up the George road (C:"Alice?" A:"Can we rest?" D:"Certainly.") Again, why?? Dunno.....
I absolutely hated the way they chopped up the film toward the end. It seemed that, from the Huron Village onward, tiny bits were chopped out....even the music refused to flow sometimes! What a shame. But I still loved what was there!
As Marcia remarked, I too was able to hear some things a lot more clearly, AND see some things I'd never seen before. It seemed that numerous times, shots were extended...we got to see a couple seconds more of the shot....often yielding delicious little looks or moments...hard to put my finger on them right now...
Am I imagining it, or was this the first time we actually saw two drops of sweat drop from Hawkeye's chin as he was peering through the bushes upon approach to the slaughter at Camerons' cabin?? (I know some out there won't care a hoot about this, but it got ME going!!) Maybe I just didn't notice it before....I DID find myself watching with new eyes!!!
There were many other, small things I can't remember...I almost took notes so I could enumerate them on the bulletin board and share with everyone!
But, all in all, I was so pleased to have watched - and taped! - this slightly different version. What a wonderful film...wonderful experience. If I ever meet Michael Mann, I think I'll fall down and worship at his feet.
God, I love this movie.
Myrrh
(P.S. Did the guy in the blue baseball cap make it into this cut??? I forgot to notice!)