Posted by Jo on January 24, 2000 at 05:49:49:
In Reply to: DVD Director's Cut posted by Pilgrim Penny on January 23, 2000 at 13:21:34:
: :Okay--I watched the dvd last night for the first--and probably the only--time. I may not be very good at putting my emotions into words but I will do my best. When I hear the words Director's Expanded Edition, I expected new things to be added--not old faves deleted. Mann managed to chop out the few good zingers that made Hawkeye such a humorous fellow in a dry sort of way. What?! No "Someday I think you and I are going to have a serious disagreement"...No "Got nothin better to do on the lake today major?"...No "My father warned me about people like you..." and no "Breed apart we make no sense"....damn! Damn! And one of the most emotional scenes that I have loved since first seeing it on the big screen in 1992--the part with "I Will Find You" by Clannad playing as they are running after the Hurons. Without the music there, my emotions fell flat...of all the things to remove! Did Mann have a problem with paying Clannad more royalties? And even though I knew there was no added footage of Uncas/Alice (which I thought was one of the main reasons to have a director's cut), I would have been happy with a tiny little scene that showed how Alice got her hair braided. That part in the cave still was disjointed. Even just having Uncas lead Alice back in by the hand when the Hurons approach would have held things together. As it is, that scene will continue to bug me for eternity I guess. Now, if I HAVE to come up with some good points they would be (besides my Jiffypop and RC cola!) the added scenes/dialogue with Montcalm and Munro. I also loved the overall picture quality and sound. No wonder they won an Acadamy Award for sound. This was my first opportunity to hear it in stereo (besides at the theater), and my little multi-media speakers kicked butt! I actually jumped at some of the explosions at the fort--they sounded so clear! But my biggest beef? I despised the new ending. The original ending was so emotional and Chingachgook spoke so eloquently and humbly. The new ending was way too long and rambling--jeez what an old wind bag! All I know is what my feelings told me after it was over. I felt cheated and plundered. And my one question was..."Why?" I plan to go out and buy another couple copies of the video in case some day the only version left is the DVD--THAT would be unbearable! Sorry for rambling but I am quite insensed at the whole thing. As my MMMM said--why fix what ain't broke....A Disillusioned Pilgrim Penny
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Penny, do feel like you do; however, there are a few redeeming qualities of the DVD (but taken as a whole....); I still can't get over how bright it is compared to my VHS; I didn't care for the sound on the DVD - the THX little signature at the beginning comes out loud and clear on our surround sound; but that's the last I hear of any surround sound on the DVD. But it is a clear picture; but a good idea to buy a few more copies of the VHS.....
Jo