moviefan2k4

I have a few questions about this...

1) Which version of the first film is included in this pack? I read reviews for the standard American release, and it seems like a rush job. I don't like to import movies, but I heard there was an "Immortal Edition" Blu-Ray from the UK that's a lot better, by a company called Optimum.

2) Which versions of "The Quickening" are included? I hated the theatrical release, and I know there's at least two more out there, one called a Renegade Version.

Amazon currently lists the Optimum UK version at 24 pounds + shipping from a third party, or $38.50 US. Any better ideas?

Solid Snake

Might need to browse around for that info. Have you googled for it?

Why So Blu?

I own that UK Blu-ray of the first highlander - I have the steelbook version:

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Highlander-B...rds=highlander

It's also a region B release, so you won't be able to play it on a non-region free Bu-ray player.

I own the Renegade Cut of the second film and that one was released by Lionsgate here:

http://www.amazon.com/Highlander-2-B...s=highlander+2

RocShemp

It's my understanding that the BD in that boxset is the Director's Cut which is also available separately and that part 2 is the third cut of the movie (also available separately).

That's not the renegade version. That's the third cut of the movie with brand new special effects and a minor action sequence removed (when Virginia Madsen killed all the security guards prior to the final sword fight of the movie).

This is the Renegade Version: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/Hig...=ATVPDKIKX0DER

Keep in mind that the Renegade Version is devoid of special features.

moviefan2k4

I just want the best picture and audio for the first film, without paying a hefty premium. I'm also interested in the 80-minute documentary from the UK disc; is it any good?

Why So Blu?

Never new about no 3rd cut of part 2. Dafuq?

Why So Blu?

I liked it. Here's a review:

http://www.blu-ray.com/movies/Highla...y/5417/#Review

RocShemp

Yeah it was a big deal at the time because they redid the special effects (some new statues during the prologue and shield is now blue instead of reddish). However, no one knew about the slight edit until it was released.

Oh and I misspoke about the Renegade Version BD. It's not the same cut as found on the Renegade Version VHS/DVD. It's actually the third cut with a slightly better transfer than the Lionsgate BD but devoid of any special features.

Solid Snake

I'd argue that it isn't a film that will ever look amazing on BD. Not to say it can't look good either.

One thing I've learned from going somewhat international with my buying habits is that... Sometimes to the get best of what you love...you need to throw it all in. Granted... all my BDs are Region Free or Region 1. Some of those Asian films though have me wanting to break the region barrier down for myself to just get it in it's proper form.

Ropes Pierre

I wish i knew what you guys were talking about. There was only one Highlander movie.

BuckNaked2k

Indeed!

BuckNaked2k

Yea, I have that SteelBook too. It's pretty bad-ass, but I do believe it is region-free.

Here is the actual link: Highlander Immortal Edition

Spottedfeather

I'd like that myself, but it doesn't have the great commentary from the 10th anniversary version....which is a big deal breaker.

Why So Blu?

You're right.

Why So Blu?

True, but the U.S. version, which is also the director's cut has the commentary and that can be had for $6.97 off of Amazon.

RocShemp

Yeah, I have the US release. I'm glad they used the UK theatrical cut for the US BD rather than the US director's cut. For those that don't know, the US director's cut completely redid the sound design. Although the quickening sequences sounded much more badass on the US director's cut, they removed musical cues and exchanged them for "wooshing" sound effects (which fans of the TV series call the buzz) to make it seem more like the TV series.

Those "wooshes" where also added to the Renegade Version of Highlander 2: The Quickening and then removed for the third and final cut of that sequel.

Why So Blu?

That, I did not know. Now I have to get the US cut of the first film, because I'm stupid like that.

RocShemp

Only the US director's cut (not to be confused with the US theatrical cut) of Highlander has the new sound mix and it's only available on VHS/DVD. I will say the sound design for the quickening sequences is far more bombastic than that found in the US and UK theatrical cuts but I hated the wooshing and loss of the musical cues.

This is the DVD with the US director's cut (the one with the alternate soundmix): http://www.amazon.com/Highlander-Imm.../dp/B00005RYL9

Why So Blu?

So this one doesn't have it?

http://www.amazon.com/Highlander-Dir...rector%27s+cut

RocShemp

No. That's actually the UK theatrical cut with the original sound effects and musical cues. As I said, the version with the wooshing and more bombastic explosions is exclusive to VHS and DVD.

Why So Blu?

I think I even had the DVD at one point but sold it when I went with BD. Gonna have to get used for $4 shipped then.

Spottedfeather

The US version doesn't have the commentary.

Why So Blu?

Wow, then I'm totally lost right now. What a clusterfuck. My old LDs of the remastered versions of both films had the commentary tracks.

Josh Z

Yeah, me too. Reading this thread is utterly confounding for someone who isn't intimately familiar with all the cuts of each film. I think it would be helpful if someone with the time and inclination to do so could make a list of each version and what they do or don't include (sound effects, bonus features, transfer quality, etc.).

Solid Snake

Rocshemp?