Re: DVDin' In MohicanLand! ... Part 2

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: : : We'll have lots more to say after seeing it in its entirety, but ... 

: : OK ... we've seen it! On Sunday, on the Director's Cut Drive Page, we will have as thorough a review as we can muster up for the benefit of all those who haven't yet seen it.

: : Meanwhile, I just want to say a couple of things ... my opinions, of course ...

: : One is that this is not some hatchet job by Michael Mann. I know that there are some, and we'd be in that category early on, who will be bitterly disappointed that this isn't a full-blown director's cut with gobs of extra footage added. However, once you get past that, you will see, I believe, that someone very definitely knew what they were doing. I agree, wholeheartedly, with Ben's previous comments. Real "subtle"-like, Michael Mann has, in my opinion, transferred his original masterpiece into a MASTERPIECE!

: : There is not one change made in this film that I didn't think was for the betterment of the overall film, with the possible exception being that the roar of the waterfalls at the cave were toned down a bit much.

: : One other thing ... It is a misnomer to label Chingachgook's words at the end of the film a "speech." Far from it ... it comes off as conversation with Hawkeye, and is very powerful stuff. Left me with a lump in my throat, for sure.

: : My suggestion to all my friends out there in MohicanLand is to forget what you know, let go of your expectations, and immerse yourself in this new look at LOTM, enjoying the added depth provided by the new lines & takes ... I think you'll enjoy it! Elaine & I most certainly did!

: : More soon ...

: *****

: Yes, a review will be forthcoming but meanwhile ...

: A couple of thoughts;

: I think the biggest obstacle to really enjoying this DVD version is expecting a director's cut to be MORE of something, anything.
: Most DC releases are just that ... more scenes, more dialogue, more footage in general. Believing that sometimes more is simply ... more, I have to say Michael Mann knew EXACTLY what he was doing. If that is sedition then ... Nah, not sedition; it's his vision. We know it was he who worked on the editing & Michael Mann's reputation is such that I can't imagine he intended the changes to be anything less than the perfection of his work. This is no rushed, thoughtless, poorly edited release. Not at all.

:  My impression is that he reflected a great deal upon his objectives and sought to strengthen the underlying political conflicts and intrigues. The added lines and lengthened scenes here and there, while not at all extensive, really fleshed out these conflicts, motives, intentions, etc. I would think those involved in historical reenacting would be pleased with the result.

: What he omitted; his removal of particular Hawkeye lines strengthened the character. I always thought, though I got used to them in time, certain lines were out of place, bordering on smugness. Hawkeye is a better man without them!

: Clannad ... if you can forget it was ever there you might conclude, as I have, that the scene has a stronger, thematic flow without it. 

: Chingachgook's words at the end ... PERFECT!

: I really expected to be disappointed. I wasn't. Mann has fine-tuned it, enhanced it, perfected it ... all subtly done, but done very well. 

: Do see it! 


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