DVD availability
I thought film fans may like to know that this film is now available on DVD. I obtained my copy a couple of days ago through Amazon. Excellent film!!!
Worth noting that the UK DVD is the full 136min Roadshow cut, while the US release is the much shorter Directors Cut. Most, if not all, of the cut footage is on the R1 disc as deleted scenes though.
Its hard to know which is the definitive, prefered version. Despite the "Director's Cut" title, it seems likely that the cuts were forced on Edwards by Paramount following the film's flop. On the other hand, I've heard it said that he didn't think it should have been a roadshow musical in the first place, so it seems down to personal preference.
To be precise, the UK DVD runs 137 minutes, which (with PAL speed-up) equates to 143 minutes including overture and entr'acte. As for the Director's Cut, it seems it really is a director's cuit as it was prepared by Edwards for TV broadcast at his own request, not for theatrical general release or reissue.
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Yes, I think I was momentarily confusing it with Star, which was cut by the studio for theatrical reissue.
I'm still not quite sure though, whether or not a "director's cut" should always be considered the definitive version. Generally one would think so, but in many cases I think the majority would prefer the film they first saw and loved.
This is especially true where a director removes from, rather than adds to, a film. Once we know scenes existed we can't quite forget or "unlearn" them, so a shorter cut, while perhaps better suiting the director's intent, can often simply feel like it has bits missing to many viewers.
It's a pity the DVD's didn't include both versions, although at least both ARE available. Seeing the shorter version may work for those viewing it for the first time, but I suspect most older viewers want the film they first saw.
Yes, as an "older viewer" I want to see the film as I first saw it in 1970. I hope there will eventually be a Blu-Ray that provides that superior version.
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