MovieChat Forums > S*P*Y*S (1974) Discussion > US version (87 mins) versus UK/European ...

US version (87 mins) versus UK/European version (104 mins)

posted 10 years ago by lewisherschell
3 replies | jump to latest

The UK has just had a DVD release of this film: http://dvdcompare.net/review.php?rid=3308

However, the US release seems to run for 87 minutes (which I guess has always been the film's running time in America), whereas the UK DVD runs for 100 mins (104 mins, if you account for PAL speedup), which is the length of the film as shown in UK cinemas (and elsewhere in Europe?) in 1974.

Does anyone know what the differences are between the shorter US version and the longer version of the film that was seen in the UK/Europe? Is there a list of the differences anywhere?

'What does it matter what you say about people?'
Touch of Evil (Orson Welles, 1958).

[–] freshprinceofbel-air 10 years ago

I used to have this movie on VHS 20 years ago and it was so much better than what they put on DVD. Some minor scenes were cut, that explains the difference in length. Nothing catastrophic.
BUT the worst thing, which makes this version almost un-watchable is the ridiculous music track that is on the DVD, it makes the movie sound and look cartoonish from what was otherwise a nice charming comedy. I wish I could get the VHS back. It's a different movie!

_______________________________
Fresh Prince Of Bel-Air

[–] lewisherschell 10 years ago

Thanks for the reply! The US version does sound like a different film indeed. I didn't know it also featured a different score. - that can make a big difference to a film.

'What does it matter what you say about people?'
Touch of Evil (Orson Welles, 1958).

[–] skat1140 10 years ago

Did the music really harm the movie so much? I haven't seen the 104-min European version, so I don't know the difference, but the hokey, electronic music for the US version, while dated, didn't detract from my experience.

It's a silly, satiric "Pink Panther"/"Freebie and the Bean"-ish movie. That it had silly music didn't seem remarkable.

I would think, though, that a shorter running length would make it a better movie. This isn't "Citizen Kane"; adding 20 minutes could turn a popcorn movie into a real drag.