I understand that Trig... it was the best example I could think of, however.

In regards to Dust Devil, the film has been none to have been edited, as to whether Miramax is to blame is another question, that I don't think we can blame them for (someone correct me if I am wrong about this assumption). The shorter cut of the film is 87min, the longer director's cut of the film which is available on non-region 1 DVD, has a running time of 103min.

I thought that "Bend It Like Beckham" was slightly altered for it's US release?

Indeed. Added.

Weinstein defends himself
 

Harvey Weinstein defending his record on acquiring and releasing asian hits, and admitting some failures. I for one see this as mainly a problem for non-region free people, I think anyone on this forum who wants anything released overseas can just pick it up themsleves, are you guys mainly pissed off for others?

He's an asshole regardless of what he said in that article. I don't know about anyone else, but I don't like that he brings releases here and tries to change them for stupid americans. Sure, I could import and watch them on my big screen tv - but it would be great to watch some of these in the theater. And I'm not about to go watch some butchered Weinstein version of a film I've already seen. Fool me once, shame on... uh you... fool me twice... shame on... uh... shame on... you won't fool me again.

Another thing that bothers me is that he's now extending his reach overseas so that it'll become increasingly difficult to import films the way they were intended to be seen. Not to mention, he's trying to get involved with foreign productions. bleh

and now for a shameless plug to Peter Biskind's excellent book: Down and Dirty Pictures : Miramax, Sundance, and the Rise of Independent Film for very insightful and frustrating stories about Miramax and Mr. Weinstein

... :D

Re: Weinstein defends himself
 

Here is a well written response to HW's comments:

http://www.kungfucinema.com/news/2004-09-01-01.htm

I agree with that article, but keep The Touch out of the US, it can only hurt US/HK relations it sucks that bad, everything HK does isnt gold people.

Harosa, you were saying that this isn't a problem for peopel who are region free, but I am region free and consider this a problem.

I want to make sure that I get the best disc possible. At first glance, some DVDs released in Region 1 might look to be better than a counterpart in another region. You purchase the disc and then realize the film has been cut or there is something better out there.

I thought this thread could help let people who are region free know for sure which Region 1 discs to stay away from. I am not upset if I buy a Region 1 disc and there is a DTS track in another region; I am pissed if I buy a disc and realize that it had been cut from its original version.

I think its safe to say that a foreign movie for the majority of times will get a better packed DVD in its overseas release unless the movie is HUGE over here. As for cuts being made, I think its a general fact of life that some will get cut or edited, maybe for ratings sake or otherwise. I say stay with other regions if u can.

:up:

Pro-B

Indeed, it's a great book!

Can anyone give some specific details? How different is the mood with the music? I know there's a new UK release with a better transfer that I've been considering picking up for a while now, but this is the first I've heard of the Rolling Thunder release being re-edited. If the alterations are that big, I'll move it up my qeue. Anyone? Thanks.

EDITED: Nevermind, I found this at imdb.com!

"US version expands the scenes where The Blonde prepares for smuggling trip and later searches for smugglers. It also includes a kidnapping of an Indian girl which does not appear in the Hong Kong version. Sequence with Qiwu loitering outside girlfriend's window occurs earlier in US print. Indian music plays during smugglers arrival at airport in US print, in Hong Kong version the title theme plays. Song 'Dreams' sung by Faye Wong is at a different place in US version."

Like Water for Chocolate (Como agua para chocolate, 1992), originally released at 123 minutes, cut by Miramax to 105, making parts of it a bit incomprehensible.
The really bad thing about Miramax/Disney is that they tend to buy world distribution rights to films, and enforce their cut in other countries.
Case in point, Like Water... was shown in the original 123 minutes version at the movies in Norway (Norwegian distributor picked it up before Miramax showed interest), but tv stations and the home video distributor have to accept the mangled Miramax release.

DonnachaOne, great list. I'm going to have to check on alternative versions of some of those. How did you find out about Shall We Dance? It's not even out yet. Is there an alternative version in another region with English subs? I'd love to get a copy of this uncut.