I haven't seen this movie before, but plan on purchasing the new Shout factory blu-ray.
Can anyone recommend which cut to watch first? I'm wondering if seeing the theatrical will ruin the experience of 'Legion' which is supposedly the better version.
Seeing the theatrical cut first will not ruin your experience. Pretty much all of us saw the theatrical cut and only now were exposed to the Director's Cut, and we're able to appreciate the good things about either versions regardless.
shareI agree 100%. Regardless of which version you end up preferring, seeing the theatrical cut will at least allow you to appreciate the director's cut more because you'll see both the studio's and Blatty's perspectives and understand why such a difference of opinion was present.
shareI just watched the director's cut for my first time seeing the movie. I really enjoyed it, but my wife, who'd seen the theatrical cut previously (but not for some time) was perplexed when the credits rolled, feeling like she'd missed seeing a number of things she remembered from the film. So we fired up the last 25 minutes or so of the theatrical version for comparison.
I vastly preferred the director's cut.
I had never watched this movie before getting the new Bluray. A friend spoke very highly of it and was talking about the new release from Scream Factory, so I pre-ordered it. As a rule, I always watch theatrical cuts first. It just seems better that way, and then allows one to know the differences when watching the new special version.
Being brand new to both versions and having no prior bias, I honestly enjoyed the theatrical version a lot more. It just feels more complete, even if some of the ending was overdone. I know that Father Morning and the exorcism was tacked on, but I feel that it gives the movie a much needed boost. There is just something about the DC ending that feels incomplete. My brother offered his opinion and said that it was how the third act was filmed that makes it feel incomplete. He said that, narrative-wise, it works fine, but the way it was put to screen seemed very lacking. The confrontation at Kinderman's home is just not up to being the final big scene of the film, while it works just fine as a part of the buildup to the theatrical cut ending. Also, he said that there needed to be more to the death scene at the end. It is just too bland and unsatisfactory. I agree with him. I think he was able to put into words why I feel that the DC lacked somewhat. I also would like to add that the presence of Jason Miller does help the film overall, making it feel a lot more connected to the original film.
That is NOT to say that I don't like the DC. I am very pleased to own both versions when all is said and done.
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I am not a fan. I just happen to enjoy movies. Fans are embarrassing.