MovieChat Forums > The Awakening (1980) Discussion > DVD sound edit

DVD sound edit

posted 16 years ago by robhowe
8 replies | jump to latest

I used to have a VHS tape of this movie, taken from a showing on British TV some years ago, but the tape broke and I had to throw it out. I now have the DVD but I remember clearly from the VHS that the sound is different in the doctor's consulting room scene (approx 1h 20m in the DVD; scene 10 in the index).

Just before Margaret attacks the doctor she goes into a kind of fit, and it's clear from the camera angles that Kara is in control. When Margaret tries to say the name Kara, she is unable to articulate the word properly despite several attempts. In the DVD version it's just Zimbalist's voice (superb acting, I have to say) but in the TV version I distinctly remember that her voice was edited at that point. Instead of a natural human voice, the name Kara came out in a dry, hissing, rasping parody of a voice, like air passing over vocal cords that hadn't been used in thirty centuries. I remember it as one of the most exquisitely chilling moments in the movie. And it's not there in the DVD!

Has anyone else noticed this?

[–] ianalexblease 16 years ago

Thanks for the post Rob. I kind of mentioned a similar line of thought in an earlier post. Running times seem to vary, my DVD has a running time of 95 mins ( Regions 2) and obviously omitted some scenes. And from what you say, they've doctored some existing scenes. In the DVD , when the shrink suggests she book herself into the Clinic for tests, Kara takes over, and Margaret speaks in what we assume to be ancient Egyptian. She then, ummm terminates the shrink with an attack of astonishing savagery. A great scene in any event.

I am really miffed they left out the sound effects you mention. It's not likely we'll ever get to see the deleted scenes, which I would love to have on a special edition DVD. The movie was never that popular with the masses. I've thought about contacting or least trying to contact EMI over this, although I doubt they would even bother to reply to me.

The Forum here is very slow, I'm glad I looked in today.

Cheers

Ian

Liberate tute me ex inferis

[–] laminarflow 16 years ago

I have the laser disc version of this movie, and the raspy hissing voice is present. BTW, laser discs were the fore runner of DVD's. They resemble the 12" LP.

[–] robhowe 16 years ago

I remember laser discs. Enormous great things that you need an enormous player for. Wonder if it's possible to burn the laser disc version onto DVD ...?

[–] ianalexblease 16 years ago

Anything is possible, but I imagine, even if you find someone with the means to do so, it would be expensive as a one off.

Liberate tute me ex inferis

[–] ssubzero2002 16 years ago

I have the UK Optimum dvd release.Though the sleeve indicates a 95 minute running time the disc actually runs just under 101 minutes so it's the full 105 minute cut previously released by Thorn EMI here.The US & Australian versions would seem to be the 101 minute cut(the australian one will run about 95/6 minutes)The voice seems unedited here though in the 1980s the UK video re-issue from Weintraub/Warner contained the shorter US cut so maybe that was altered the same ?.

[–] ianalexblease 16 years ago

I have the same DVD, it's interesting that you mention it's actually 101 mins, I've never thought to time it. Margaret does speak in what we assume to be Ancient Egyptian just before poor Dr Richter gets' his syringe where he didn't expect it. I thought the first poster was referring to sound effects not on our Optimum release, but maybe not. It's a problem when you don't have another version to compare it too.

Cheers

Ian

Liberate tute me ex inferis

[–] superman1 16 years ago

It's a pity Dr Richter didn't use The Force to ward of Kara but I suppose he hadn't turned to the dark side then.
Just seeing Supreme Senator Chancellor Emperor Palpatine in his youth was a shock! Not quite Palpateen, but certainly Palpitation when he got shot

Roger, Roger. What's your vector Richtor?

[–] gressos 10 years ago

Thank you so much,this is valuable information.Unfortunately,I had a VHS transfer somewhere and I can't remember if the voice of Kara was present.There's been a new Warner Archive edition for which I have no knowledge.I am also a fan of this movie,I believe Newell proved his directorial skill even there.It seems that the only chance is to have an LD source recording but it's a little difficult and pricey.If there is any newer info,I'd appreciate if you let me know.Thank you in advance.