To edit or not to edit - Return of the Joker

[TheHuntressDiana]

I just got into DVDs (bought a player yesterday) and I keep hearing about the edited and non-edited version of ROTJ.

Are the changes that noticeable? Is it worth getting the un-edited version over the edited...especially since both versions aren't on the same DVD...

[Clark J. Kent]

The unedited version is MUCH better, and yes, the changes are very noticeable. It's worth the money, if you ask me.

[James Harvey]

I recommend you get both of them. THey are both quite different when viewed in succession, and it'll help you pick which one you like better. Plus, they both feature animation not found in the other copy (you'll know what I mean when you get them). I';d say get them both if you can afford it.

[TheHuntressDiana]

Well, I can't afford them right now...bought three DVDs yesterday so it'll be another little while before I get more.

I'll keep it in mind though. Maybe if Blockbuster has them both in, I'll rent them and take a look-see...

[Toddman]

Originally posted by TheHuntressDiana
I just got into DVDs (bought a player yesterday) and I keep hearing about the edited and non-edited version of ROTJ.

Are the changes that noticeable? Is it worth getting the un-edited version over the edited...especially since both versions aren't on the same DVD...

If you don't mind spoilers, there is a complete list of changes made between the original release and the un-edited release on this website.

Also, the un-edited version doesn't come out until April 23, so you have some time to save up. In the meantime, I'd recommend renting the original release from Blockbuster, if you want to check out the extra features on the DVD before you decide to buy it. (Those features will be included on the new DVD as well.)

Toddman

[Ed Liu]

Howdy,

Your local Blockbuster should have the old RotJ on video for rental, and I imagine it'll have the new cut for rental in April. I'd recommend renting the edited one now and the uncut one later, personally, and see which one you like better.

If you are interested in seeing the cuts that were made (though admittedly out of context, and WITH GREAT BIG HUGE SPOILERS), you can hit http://www.davisdvd.com/Miscellaneous/batmanbeyond.htm (found courtesy of Maxie Zeus' exhaustively thorough analysis of the RotJ cuts/edits at http://www.scrye.com/~jallman/anbat/essays/killing.html).

I haven't seen the edited version, but the unedited one is pretty intense. I'm still not sure if it works (not a fan of BB in general), but it's worth a look, at any rate.

-- Ed/Ace

[TheHuntressDiana]

Originally posted by Toddman
If you don't mind spoilers, there is a complete list of changes made between the original release and the un-edited release on this website.

Also, the un-edited version doesn't come out until April 23, so you have some time to save up. In the meantime, I'd recommend renting the original release from Blockbuster, if you want to check out the extra features on the DVD before you decide to buy it. (Those features will be included on the new DVD as well.)
I don't mind spoilers...especially since I've seen it already. I've seen the edited version on VHS when it came out.

And I'll probably rent a lot of DVDs before I buy them...just so I can play with them and see if I find it worthy of my money.

Thanks for the input. :)

[Calhoun07]

No matter the movie, if you have a choice between edited or uncut, get the uncut. The cut versions are made only for two reasons: either because of "family friendly" stores like Wal Mart and Blockbuster actually have enough influence that if they say they won't carry a title if it's uncut, then the studios have to put out edited versions. American Pie and Road Trip are two examples of that, where edited and uncut versions were released, and the main focus for the edited versions were to sell to family friendly stores. Another reason is influence inflicted from certain political groups of people who shall remain unnamed as I don't want to spark a converstion about politics. Batman Beyond ROTJ suffered due to influences from certain political groups.

The uncut version is always the way to go because that is the director's cut. The directors of ROTJ wanted you to see the uncut version and the edited version was released against their will. So support the directors of that movie and get the uncut version. It will also send a message to WB to now screw around with stuff like that again if it sells really well.