I thought the old Columbia Tristar Home Entertainment version had anamorphic WS, but I went to Tower today and on the back it said FS only. I thought there was only one version out there which is why I am perplexed.

The one I saw looked like...

I have the theatrical version and it is anamorphic widescreen. Maybe you need to go to another store.

That disc may have been an unfortunate victim of Sony dropping the widescreen versions of older discs that used to have both versions on it. My original disc lists both widescreen and fullscreen on the back cover.

Sadly, it was.

Just to be clear, that's the US theatrical cut. The "uncut version" is simply the international theatrical cut.

Bzzzz, nope.... try again. The uncut version came out 2 years after the initial theatrical release.

I can't see why they would have censored it for Europe. Although whether or not it was censored, it was always called Leon outside the US. If you had a source on the int'l cut not being the original theatrical cut outside the US that would be great.

I was a huge fan of the film even before ever seeing the int'l cut, and getting to see one of my favorite films with that much added (and integral IMO) footage is a rare treat.

Just seems like calling it the "international cut" implies the shorter version was only for the US.

Wow, there's a movie that most look awesome in Pan & Scan

I hate that Sony does this. But IMO, just get the int'l cut. I don't lnow anyone who has preferred the US theatrical after seeing the int'l cut. But of course nwo that I've said that, someone will state they feel that way in this thread.

Someone should make a poll on that. I thought the U.S. cut was the perfect action movie already and when I saw the Integral version it became so much more than an action film. The only thing I would change on the extended version is that funky music that plays during the new door-crashing scene. It seems so out of place with the tone of Serra's score, almost as if they didn't have anything to play over it so they just concocted that piece out of the blue.

Censored. Good grief.

The shorter version is the version that played everywhere in 94. The extended version was released in France in 96.

the te is what started me on my love for this movie. the other day was the first time i saw the extended cut. i am still in awe of the great movie. i just want both versions to compare and contrast and it has been years since i saw the te. 2 stores only have the P&S, so i have to go online.

Scott,

Be very careful about buying online. Sony did not change the UPC, so even though many places will still list widescreen on the flipside, they may have the newer pressing.

Your best bet would be to buy from a reputable Amazon Marketplace or Ebay seller that specifically states that the widescreen side is included in their own words, not from the site generated info. I did this with Starman and didn't pay any more than retail for the disc.

well, if it isn't i can always return.

Just my opinion -- I thought the original version was too short and the new version too long. The first one didn't have enough character development, the new one too much and wandered a little; the last time I watched it I was thinking "this could be cut out" several times. I guess I'll have to get some editing software and create my own ideal version.

I'd try and pick up the DE if you can

i'm still on the search for the Widescreen Theatrical cut. can anyone point me someplace that definitely has this? thanks in advance.

the only place right now is ebay.

If you can track down one of these:

http://www.amazon.com/Professional-B...6930312&sr=8-2

the contained Professional disc should be the old one, as far as I know. I lucked out -- it was at my local video store and someone stole The Big Hit, so they let me buy The Professional by itself.

In any case if you see the DVD physically of course it correctly notes the aspect ratio on the back. All the new versions have the "grid" on the back, with the languages and whatnot, the earlier versions do not.

Yeah, it's bitch trying to get these original release discs unfortunately, since they have the same UPC codes. You can't trust Ebay or Amazon marketplace listings for correct info, either. I learned that the hard way trying to find a widescreen version of Hideaway.