MovieChat Forums > Dark City (1998) Discussion > Which version?

Which version?

posted 11 years ago by LivingDeath
12 replies | jump to latest

I have never seen this movie before and I'm wondering whether I should watch the theatrical release or the director's cut first. Any suggestions?

"With great power comes great responsibility." - Stan Lee, Amazing Fantasy # 15 (1962)

[–] XanderDevil 11 years ago

Watch the director's cut. The theatrical cut has a narrative at the beginning that spoils the movie.

[–] LivingDeath 11 years ago

Thanks. I'll definitely watch the Director's Cut first.

"With great power comes great responsibility." - Stan Lee, Amazing Fantasy # 15 (1962)

[–] plvstic-hvtchet 11 years ago

If you watch the movie with no sound until you first see Kiefer Sutherland's character open a pocket watch, the theatrical cut is just fine. The opening narration spoils a pretty cool plot twist.

[–] sploiter 11 years ago

Yeah, most director's cuts are worse than the theatrical cut but not in this case.

[–] BrianRaess_Is_FinallyGone 10 years ago

That's a generalization.

[–] sploiter 10 years ago

OK sure but it's true for me - I hate most director's cuts, they always seemed to be filled with redundant junk that do nothing except drag it all right out and put my a$$ to sleep.

[–] kronos251 10 years ago

Haven't seen the movie - who does the narration in the beginning? Is it Kiefer's character?

Rommel...you magnificent bastard, I read your book!
-- PATTON

[–] wormholeboy 8 years ago

Yes, Sutherland's character does the opening narration. He explains about the identity of the Strangers and their motivations. In the actual story, those points don't become fully clear until about halfway through the film.

[–] 8 years ago

[deleted]

[–] jeffer23 10 years ago

Another difference is that Jennifer Connelly supposedly lip syncs the singing in the theater version and actually sings in the directors cut.

[–] DrStevenBrule 10 years ago

I first watched this film on VHS in 1998.
Miraculously I didn't know my audio was low, and I missed the narration at the beginning of the film!
I've never forgot because so many people complained. Stupid movie studio execs! LOL

________________
For your health.

[–] audiopinions 10 years ago

Not sure about the theatrical, but I just saw the director's cut. For a little I was frustrated at the beginning trying to piece together what was going on, but ultimately that's part of why the film is satisfying as you realize how everything ties together.

I can't imagine enjoying it as much if I had been given a lot more exposition right at the beginning.