Director's Cut

A Director's Cut is a specially edited version of a movie that is supposed to represent the director's own approved edit of the movie. It often comes some time after the original release of the film, where the original release differs from the director's approved edit. 'Cut' being synonymous with 'edit' in this context. With most studio films the director does not have final cut, and the studio can insist on changes to make the film more likely to succeed at the box office. This sometimes means happier endings or less ambiguity. Most common, however, is that studios ask that the film be shortened. Thus a Director's Cut is often considerably longer. Sometimes for the better ('Bladerunner'), sometimes not, ('Donnie Darko'), but then it's all a matter of opinion. Scroll below to discover Alice's treasure trove of Director's Cuts and decide for yourself.