The highly anticipated release of the long-lost original cut of Norm MacDonald’s 1998 cult classic Dirty Work is finally on the horizon, exciting fans and cinephiles alike. This version promises to restore the film to its original vision, showcasing MacDonald’s comedic genius and unique storytelling style.

In a revealing conversation with Forbes back in 2018, MacDonald shared, “It was an R-rated movie, so we made it that way, then [the film studio] made it [PG-13], so half the movie had to be cut.” He expressed the challenge of viewing the modified version objectively due to the significant edits that altered the film’s humor and flow.

The plot centers around MacDonald and Artie Lange portraying two hapless friends who establish a revenge-for-hire business in a bid to save their father’s life. This film is also known for its unforgettable cameos from legendary comedians like Chevy Chase, Don Rickles, Chris Farley, and Adam Sandler, each adding their distinctive flair to the narrative.

“During test screenings, we tried both the R and PG-13 cuts, and the R-rated version performed better in terms of audience reception,” revealed Dirty Work co-writer Frank Sebastino to IndieWire. “However, the studio concluded that it didn’t do well enough financially to warrant its release. It was disheartening for us because we felt it wasn’t the funniest iteration of the film.”

He added, “Chevy Chase was disappointed because he participated in the film for a fraction of his usual fee, simply because he loved the script. He remarked, ‘Don’t let them do that to your movie,’ which was sage advice, but ultimately, we had no control over the final outcome.”

Despite facing harsh criticism and a disappointing box office performance, Dirty Work has cultivated a passionate fan base eager to experience the film as MacDonald and director Bob Saget originally envisioned it. The film’s unique charm has turned it into a beloved classic over the years.

Thanks to the tireless efforts of Vinegar Syndrome archivists Oscar Becher and Kurtis Spieler, fans’ dreams are becoming reality. “There were strange moments in the theatrical release of Dirty Work where it was evident that substantial content had been removed,” Becher explained. “Discovering that an earlier cut existed was a revelation; it highlighted how many films from the 1990s remain lost or altered.”

For those interested, the newly restored version of Dirty Work is now available for purchase directly from Vinegar Syndrome’s official website, allowing fans to enjoy the film in its intended form.

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Norm MacDonald, renowned as one of the best Weekend Update anchors in the history of Saturday Night Live, passed away in 2021 after a private battle with cancer that lasted nearly a decade. Before his passing, he recorded his final stand-up special, Nothing Special, which was performed without an audience due to his declining health and the impact of the COVID pandemic.

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