As an avid movie geek, I love having the chance to watch both the theatrical release of a film as well as any extended cuts that emerge later. To me, the theatrical version represents the core film that the director and studio crafted for the big screen. But extended cuts give hardcore fans like us an intriguing look at deleted scenes and extra footage.
In this article, I‘ll break down what exactly a theatrical version is, how it differs from director‘s cuts, and why I believe every film lover should watch the original theatrical release first whenever possible. There is something special about experiencing the movie as audiences first saw it in cinemas.
Defining the Theatrical Cut
The theatrical cut refers to the version of a film that underwent final editing and received studio approval for its initial theatrical release. This is the cut screened for test audiences, tailored to receive a certain MPAA rating, and ultimately the one released worldwide into movie theaters and seen by critics.
According to MPAA data, over 74% of major studio films receive a PG-13 rating compared to just 14% landing an R rating. Directors and editors have to make tough choices about certain scenes in order to avoid the commercially unviable NC-17. So the theatrical cut represents the vision that balanced artistic integrity with critical and commercial viability.
Crafting the Definitive Storytelling Experience
More than simply deciding what scenes to cut or keep, editing a film theatrical release is an art form that greatly impacts storytelling and pacing. Even a brilliant film can feel dull or disjointed if not properly edited. Skilled editors help weave disparate scenes into a cohesive narrative that resonates emotionally with audiences.
This editorial process for the big screen results in a specific runtime and viewing experience that feels definitive. While extended cuts are interesting, they can often lose that pacing magic, much like adding extra chapters to a perfectly structured novel.
Extended Cuts Offer Cool Deleted Scenes
Now extended and director‘s cuts have become popular for home media releases, giving fans a peek into deleted scenes and extra footage left on the cutting room floor. For example, Peter Jackson‘s extended cuts of the Lord of the Rings trilogy added over 2 hours of runtime to an already massive undertaking.
Getting to see scenes like Frodo having a vision of the Shire in Galadriel‘s mirror added richness for Tolkien devotees. And many fans argue the 4-hour director’s cut of Batman v Superman vastly improves on the disjointed theatrical version.
Many Films Deserve to be Viewed Both Ways
So which is better? The answer is that it truly depends on the specific film and personal preference. Whenever possible, I enjoy watching both versions of movies like Once Upon a Time in Hollywood to see the slight yet impactful differences. But some extended cuts like in Superman II make unnecessary additions that actually detract from the iconic theatrical experience.
Having both cuts widely available thanks to DVD and Blu-ray gives fans options. Perhaps the best way is to watch the theatrical cut first to appreciate the core vision, then follow up with the extended scenes.
The Magic of the Original Theatrical Experience
As a life-long cinema obsessive, I have a nostalgic attachment to the theatrical experience shared with an audience. That‘s why I feel every film buff owes it to themselves to watch the theatrical cut and judge a movie by how it first resonated with fans and critics.
Yes, sometimes studios force changes against the director‘s wishes. But more often than not, the theatrical version represents the full potential of the filmmaker‘s vision as realized with a studio‘s resources. Appreciate this polished theatrical gem before later exploring alternate cuts.
Rise of Streaming Provides New Life for Extended Cuts
In the age of streaming, exclusive extended director‘s cuts have found new life as promotional tools. HBO Max touted the 4-hour Snyder Cut of Justice League and Paramount+ premiered a 45-minute longer cut of Top Gun: Maverick to attract subscribers.
Meanwhile, physical media remains a huge $21.9 billion market especially among home theater aficionados looking for premium technical presentation of both theatrical and alternate cuts. Fans like us want access to the highest quality Blu-ray releases across various versions of beloved films.
The Magic Persists in Either Cut
Whichever version you choose, there is irreplaceable magic in watching a great film unfold before your eyes that our home theater setups try their best to emulate. Getting lost in an engrossing fictional world portrayed by talented artists remains timeless.
So while the theatrical cut will always be first in my heart, I appreciate companies giving fans options whenever feasible. We‘re fortunate to live in an era where both versions can be appreciated back-to-back by true cinephiles. Hopefully this breakdown helps explain the key differences between theatrical and extended cuts while encouraging you to check out both!
