MovieChat Forums > Chiefs (1983) Discussion > Why no full-length copies for the U.S.?

Why no full-length copies for the U.S.?

posted 17 years ago by Coqui80
4 replies | jump to latest

I just recieved the DVD version of Chiefs, and while it's a pleasure to see this again for the first time since childhood, I'm disapointed that the 204 minute running time isn't even close to the original 3-part mini that originally aired. At 2 hours per part, minus commericals, this should run for anywhere between 240-252 minutes. The DVD for Germany even lists all 3 parts as being a total of 283 minutes long! Why does every U.S. version list so few minutes?! It's as if an entire chapter has been cut from this movie.

"It's alligator, darlin'...al-li-gator"

[–] griffic-2 17 years ago

I don't know. My hope is that someday, this will get the DVD treatment it deserves, with multiple discs and handsome case. Like Shogun. It really deserves the best DVD release possible. They way Chiefs utilizes wonderful performances with authentic southern locations, expertly put together by director Jerry London. It's a chilling portrait of a murderer, yet blended seamlessly into the mix is polics, racism and humanity.

[–] daddyd-2 16 years ago

Unfortunately many mini series are trimmed for the US market and that is so sad since they were orginally US broadcasts. Another comes to mind, BACKSTAIRS AT THE WHITE HOUSE which has been trimmed from the original just like CHIEFS. I find it in bad taste that the producers would even allow them to be released on DVD if they never intend to release the FULL versions. I remember the VHS copy of CHIEFS was in deed the full version so why not the DVD version as well? I guess the only way to fully understand is to bombard whoever actually did the release and complain on a constant basis until we get an answer or a decent DVD version.

[–] pholmer 15 years ago

I bought the VHS version of "Chiefs" many years ago; I found it in the discount videos section of a store we happened to go into while on vacation. The VHS version was on one cassette playing at the slowest (6 hour) speed, which also means lowest quality. While it was okay for viewing back then, it probably would look pretty bad on today's HD screens. This may also be why it was only 200 minutes long; that was the most video you could get on to a VHS tape in those days. Eight hour VHS tapes came later (I told you it was many years ago).

[–] rogerscorpion 15 years ago

This site shows the US version @ 200 minutes, while the Brazilian version, is 229.
Since it was made for US TV, I can't understand cutting any of it. It wouldn't be for censorship or for running time, like when they're trying to fit a film into a 2 hour slot (with commercials).

Carpe Noctem