MovieChat Forums > Lethal Weapon (1987) Discussion > What's a better version, the theatrical ...

What's a better version, the theatrical cut or the director's cut?

posted 8 years ago by GoodfellaSeinfeld
8 replies | jump to latest

I've been meaning to see Lethal Weapon for a long time now, so I picked up the DVD a couple weeks ago. Just my luck that the second I do that they put the movie on Netflix.

So the version on Netflix is what is more commonly known as the "theatrical cut" while the one I own on DVD is the "director's cut".

I created this topic to ask fans of the movie which is the preferred version for a first time viewer.

It's all in the mind y'know
http://www.imdb.com/list/ls074492043/

[–] Mr-Fusion 8 years ago

Just my luck that the second I do that they put the movie on Netflix.

That always happens. It's uncanny.

So the version on Netflix is what is more commonly known as the "theatrical cut" while the one I own on DVD is the "director's cut".

I created this topic to ask fans of the movie which is the preferred version for a first time viewer.

That Director's Cut DVD was kind of a fluke. It's commonly held that Donner actually had no involvement. And when the movie was released on Blu-Ray, it was back to the Theatrical version (now with commentary).

For a first-time viewer, there's nothing wrong with the Theatrical version. If you look in the Alternate Versions section, you'll see what all has been added. And you can also see why it was deleted in the first place: pacing issues, and that information is conveyed elsewhere in the movie. A lot of people think the sniper scene should be reinserted, but that scene's point is already made with the existing jumper scene and the Christmas tree drug bust (i.e. Riggs is psycho).

In other words, the theatrical version is tighter and (to me, at least) is ideal for the first-timer. "Director's Cut" is good for rewatch.

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I mean, I could give you singles if the plan is to make it rain at the Lobster Box.

[–] kmags84 8 years ago

It really is remarkable how Netflix seems to know EXACTLY what you're buying. Now, if I purchased all of my films online, it would make SOME sense. Being that alot of that stuff is tracked by companies in one way or another...

But, I buy a ton of my collection at FYE, Newbury Comics, Best Buy etc. I like to browse, find deals and all that old school stuff. So I'll find a random DVD, something that's hardly ever shown on TV, never streams on Netflix, HBOgo, Hulu or whatever... Then BOOM, it's on Netflix lol. I remember they added the original 'Bad Lieutenant' with Harvey Keitel like 2 days after I stumbled across it at FYE for $2.99 lol. Netflix even streamed the Uncut NC-17 Version(Which I bought)... It was weird stuff and obviously it's not the first nor last time. Eventually it was taken off Netflix so it was still a great steal BUT, it's truly "Uncanny" as you said. Another recent example was 'Back To The Future'. I bought the 3 pack for cheap money at Best Buy... 2 weeks later, all added! *beep* lol

[–] club-shred 8 years ago

I'm actually a fan of Unrated and Director's Cut movies (except for the DC of Bad Santa - Jesus Tapdancing Christ that was horrible). I do like the DC of Lethal Weapon. Of course, I saw this back in the 80s and numerous times on repeats on cable. Coincidentally, I am checking the boards because I watched the DC on a plane-ride home last night. When you've seen the theatrical cut, it's cool to see it "remixed". Personally, I liked what they added in the DC so my vote goes there.

You'll work on... "We were making too much money".

[–] rindercella 8 years ago

I am so glad I watched the director's cut; it was so much better than the original. Great film from the past, and Mel and Danny are awesome together.

The gun range scene, LOL

There is thread on this on page 4 or 5 if interested. I started it.

"Guys like you don't die on toilets." Mel Gibson-Riggs, Lethal Weapon

[–] simian_ninja 8 years ago

I prefer the director's cut.

I remember there being a scene where Riggs tips a prostitute a 100 dollars to watch tv and eat with him. That scene is probably one of the best characterisations that I've ever seen in terms of a character shown being lonely.

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Death is the standard breach for a complex prize.

[–] goldenvanilla 8 years ago

Is it actually confirmed that the director's cut of Lethal Weapon and the sequels are director's cuts and not just extendend cut's done by the studio? From the audio commentary on the BD I get the impression that Richard Donner prefers the theatrical release, but I can be wrong. Any quotes?

[–] 8 years ago

[deleted]

[–] gbean2397 7 years ago

Just gotten to watching the DC on DVD - I did watch the TC on TV but I don't remember much of what was cut out, but I think I prefer the DC, cause the added scenes, especially the ones regarding Riggs, helps the movie more. I'm just watching the scene where he asks the street girl NOT to have sex with, but to just spend some lonely time watching TV, I think it's a really good scene, and a nice moment of characterization for Riggs, shows he's not a complete *beep* but a good man broken by life.