[Long Cut]

If you two are having a disagreement of this magnitude, I recommend a duel...water pistols, filled with vodka, at one pace. Last one sober wins. The Theatrical Version could be offered to outlets like Blockbuster and Hollywood Video only. Hell, they ALREADY edit some of the films they rent.

I've been thinking that this "Extended Edition" phenomenon might turn into a business model. It would allow a "theater-friendly" version for initial release of a film, and let its DVD release get back a bunch of footage that was left out, but is ultimately satisfying. I know I've seen several films with their "deleted scenes" placed back in (chief among these are Aliens and Terminator 2. The Abyss, as well, benefits GREATLY from its "recovered" footage) and NONE were anything but improved by its inclusion.

Since a large part of a film's ultimate profit comes from its DVD/VHS/home video sales and rentals, this would seem to be a sure thing for the studios.

Apparently, even Steven Spielberg agrees, as he included both his "director's cut" AND his "theatrical release" in both his release of the E.T. The Extraterrestrial DVD and also for that of Close Encounters Of The Third Kind.

[Ditter]

The vodka water pistols sounds fine to me but I am not sure Dan is old enough to consume adult beverages. Sorry to mess up your thread. I only planned to voice my dislike of the film & leave but who can resist a flame war in the morning? Not me! My apologies to you.

[supercat]

I've been thinking that this "Extended Edition" phenomenon might turn into a business model.

Perhaps, though there's a certain likelihood that it could cut into movie ticket revenues, and a risk that people could become jaded from buying multiple DVD's.

Also, even with a decent home theater system, the movie is going to lose something in the big-screen to small-screen transition. How much would it cost to have a few 'big event' showings of the longer versions of the films?