Over the years, the film industry has seen a plethora of remarkable director’s cuts released, particularly during home video releases and occasional theatrical re-releases. Notable examples include Blade Runner and Kingdom of Heaven, both masterpieces by Ridley Scott. Other films like Caligula, Once Upon a Time in America (excluding the severely edited original theatrical version), and Superman II have generally been perceived as enhanced experiences over their original versions.

Conversely, some director’s cuts have gained notoriety for diminishing the quality of previously great films, often making them less enjoyable (though not necessarily unwatchable). A few films mentioned below started off poorly and still failed to improve with their director’s cuts. Additionally, this list excludes extended versions that directors have clarified are not true director’s cuts, such as the extended cut of Gladiator or the 20th anniversary edition of <em>E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial</em>.

10

‘Midsommar’ (2019) – A Horror Experience Like No Other

Directed by Ari Aster – A Visionary in Horror

While the theatrical cut of Midsommar is certainly intense and not for the faint-hearted, it resonates deeply with many horror enthusiasts. Those who appreciate grim, gory, and unflinching horror will likely find much to admire in this film, which has emerged as a defining entry in modern horror cinema. It’s not out of line to assert that the theatrical version stands strong as a solid example of contemporary horror filmmaking.

In contrast, the director’s cut of Midsommar appears more akin to an extended version, adding 24 additional minutes to an already substantial 147-minute runtime. While it technically includes more scenes, this version seems to diminish the nuance and depth associated with key characters. Furthermore, the pacing suffers, a common critique for several titles in this list, and the added elaboration on the cult reduces some of the mystery, arguably diminishing the overall horror experience.

9

‘Amadeus’ (1984) – A Cinematic Triumph

Directed by Miloš Forman – A Master of Storytelling

Labeling the director’s cut of Amadeus as bad may be a bit harsh. If this version is the only one available, it certainly remains a worthwhile watch, especially considering the theatrical cut is already lengthy, and the director’s cut only extends it slightly (from approximately 160 minutes to three hours). Therefore, the pacing remains relatively intact, yet it transforms an already near-perfect film into something that feels merely great.

There exists a certain challenge in altering perfection, and the limited availability of the theatrical version of Amadeus for many years was frustrating for avid fans. For a significant portion of the 21st century, the director’s cut was the only widely accessible version, which is acceptable if you’re already familiar with the original and interested in a longer cut, but it complicates things for those who wanted to experience the award-winning version that captivated audiences back in the mid-1980s.

8

‘The Blues Brothers’ (1980) – An Iconic Musical Comedy

Directed by John Landis – A Master of Comedy

Without a doubt, The Blues Brothers stands as a classic in the comedy genre. Although the original cut runs over two hours, it masterfully integrates a plethora of action, musical numbers, and humor. The film expertly balances its broad, cartoonish style with a fast-paced narrative, creating a uniquely entertaining experience that keeps audiences engaged throughout.

While the extended version of The Blues Brothers adds just around 15 minutes of footage, the impact of those additional scenes can be significant. What once felt perfectly measured sometimes now feels just a bit off. As with many director’s cuts, all the elements that made the original enjoyable are still present, yet the overall effect of the film feels slightly reduced. It’s akin to altering a beloved song, making it less uplifting.

7

‘The Exorcist’ (1973) – The Benchmark of Horror

Directed by William Friedkin – A Legend in Horror Cinema

During his peak, William Friedkin was an exceptional filmmaker, known for his powerful cinematic storytelling. His portfolio includes several undeniable masterpieces, with The Exorcist standing out as the quintessential demonic possession film, serving as the benchmark against which all others are measured. However, the director’s cut does alter some of the film’s original potency.

The runtime difference between the two versions is minimal, with an additional 10 minutes added to the director’s cut. Still, this slight increase can impact the pacing, and certain scenes may lose some of their intensity due to the inclusion of additional effects. While the new effects aren’t as distracting as those found in some other 1970s director’s cuts, they do tend to slightly hinder the experience of The Exorcist more than they enhance it.

6

‘Rebel Moon – Chapter One: Chalice of Blood’ (2024) – A New Sci-Fi Saga

Directed by Zack Snyder – A Bold Visionary

As previously mentioned, some director’s cuts attempt to enhance a lackluster film but ultimately fall short. Perhaps the extended cut aligns more with the director’s vision, rendering it somewhat more watchable; however, if this director’s cut is still considered mediocre, it raises the question of whether it can truly be labeled a good director’s cut. The terms “better” or “improved” do not always equate to “good” or “great.”

Take the first Rebel Moon installment, released in 2023, which debuted in a confusing shorter cut that was inevitably inferior and diluted. Subsequently, the director’s cut emerged in 2024, rebranded from Rebel Moon – Part One: A Child of Fire to Rebel Moon – Chapter One: Chalice of Blood. This effort seemed like a desperate attempt to replicate the success of Zack Snyder’s Justice League, a film that transformed a poorly received movie (Justice League) into a notably improved version. Unfortunately, this attempt did not yield the desired results.

5

‘Rebel Moon – Chapter Two: Curse of Forgiveness’ (2024) – The Continuing Saga

Directed by Zack Snyder – A Visionary in Sci-Fi

Following the criticism of Rebel Moon – Chapter One: Chalice of Blood, it’s only fair to extend that scrutiny to the second installment, which initially premiered in April 2024 as Rebel Moon – Part Two: The Scargiver. Just months later, the director’s cut was released, rebranding it as Rebel Moon – Chapter Two: Curse of Forgiveness.

With these new cuts of Rebel Moon Part One and Two, audiences were treated to an R-rated experience with extended footage that, while perhaps more thrilling, ultimately failed to breathe new life into a faltering space opera. The excitement surrounding these longer cuts was noticeably lacking. Unlike the successful rollout of the Justice League director’s cut, which was met with ample anticipation and genuine enthusiasm, the approach for Rebel Moon felt rushed and commercially driven from the outset, resulting in a lack of engagement. As of this writing, the Rebel Moon series appears to be in jeopardy of being shelved indefinitely. What a disappointment.

4

‘Léon: The Professional’ (1994) – A Cult Classic

Directed by Luc Besson – A Unique Visionary

Léon: The Professional’s director’s cut occupies a somewhat ambiguous position, often categorized as either a director’s cut or merely an extended version. Director Luc Besson has claimed that this longer cut reflects his original vision intended for the U.S. release before being forced to make edits, thus raising questions about its classification as a true director’s cut.

There are indeed some uncomfortable scenes in the longer version, to say the least. The relationship between the two main characters gains an additional layer, and while trauma and youth may explain some of the behaviors, it strays into a territory that feels somewhat inappropriate. This complexity doesn’t necessarily enhance the core narrative, making the shorter theatrical version the superior choice for an arthouse action film.

3

‘Star Wars’ (1977) – A Galaxy Far, Far Away

Directed by George Lucas – The Creator of a Legend

Similar to the situation with Amadeus, it has become increasingly difficult to find George Lucas’s original versions of Star Wars (the initial installment). The accessibility of updated versions often frustrates long-time fans, highlighting the vast changes made to the original film. While some alterations might be considered improvements (as seen with The Empire Strikes Back, which has minimal changes), the lack of choice is regrettable.

Moreover, Lucas remains steadfast regarding the originals, particularly the first film he directed. Consequently, viewing A New Hope often includes changes such as the awkward Jabba scene and the ever-evolving confrontation between Han and Greedo, along with other notable alterations in a single stretch of the movie. Return of the Jedi also deserves a mention for the infamous “Jedi Rocks” scene and Darth Vader’s unnecessary “Noooo!” during the climactic moment with the Emperor.

2

‘The Warriors’ (1979) – A Cult Classic Action Film

Directed by Walter Hill – A Master of Action

In its original cut, The Warriors embodies everything one could desire in a cult classic action film. It features a straightforward storyline centered around survival, set in a world populated by diverse and unforgettable characters. The titular gang finds themselves on the run after being wrongfully blamed for the death of a rival gang’s leader, leading to an alliance of other gangs aiming to hunt them down.

In an effort to enhance the film’s style and vibrancy, the director’s cut of The Warriors incorporates new effects in certain sequences that can be distracting at best and mood-killing at worst. The attempt to make The Warriors resemble a comic book brought to life, particularly through flashy scene transitions, ultimately detracts from the film’s original charm. The movie is undoubtedly better without these additions.

<div class="display-card type-screen medium"

Share on Facebook

Post on X

Follow us

Save