Donnie Darko question

bardockkun

bardockkun

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Been meaning to pick up this movie for awhile, but always been curious as to if there's any major difference film wise of the Director's Cut version compared to the normal cut DVD? I've been hearing from different people it's a different movie, but to me the runtime seems basically the same and only thing i can differentiate offhand is the extra features.
 
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According to wikipedia there is a ton of things that are different, an example is the placement of music, they changed music in many different scenes and various other things. I never saw the original so I can't comment on what is on that verison firsthand, but there does seem to be a lot of many minor things that are change.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Donnie_Darko
 
It's been over a year since I've seen either of them... if I recall correctly the Director's Cut added in a few scenes (20 minutes worth) and changed some of the music around... it was good, but it didn't do anything the normal already did (and I'd argue the normal cut does it better, but that's just my opinion). There's no major difference, just more fleshed out.
 
the added deleted scenes are nice, but the changed music bothered me a lot, because the music was so good in the original cut. if you havent seen either, you might as well go with the directors cut.

but personally i prefer the original.
 
I prefer the original. The director's cut is much easier to understand, because it virtually beats you over the head with its meaning with the insertion of those book pages. The original remains more fluid and open to interpretation, even if that interpretation is technically "wrong" according to the director's cut. I suggest seeing the original, after all, the original is the reason the movie has such a following in the first place, then see the DC when you've decided you're ready for someone to tell you the answer.
 
I prefer the original greatly to the director's cut for the music choices and like Coke said, I don't like how he spells it out a lot more in the DC. However, you should still see the DC later on for the extra stuff and slightly different perspective.
 
I have yet to see the DC, but I've heard from numerous people that the original is far better than the DC.

So, I'll echo what has been said. Do the original, and if you want to later, find the DC and watch it second.
 
Yeah, I watched the original first and didn't care for the Director's Cut. I would say go with the original, too.

Oorrriiiiggggiiiiinnnaaaalllll
 
Since it "virtually beats you over the head with its meaning", CokeCola (or anyone else for that matter) please explain this movie to me. I've watched it. I'm not saying it is a bad movie, I just don't know what the message of the movie is supposed to be.
 
I've only seen the original, but I've heard a lot of talk about how this is a perfect example of how sometimes it is best for the studio to step in and edit the movie because the director had no clue how. So, I'd suggest the original.
It's a pretty good movie, but not as great as some people make it out to be.
 
I'm a big Darko fan and I recommend seeing the Director's Cut at least once since it explains a lot whereas in the original, absolutely nothing is explained.

As others have said, the music, which plays a big part in the movie, was changed alot for the director's cut and just didn't work as well. The two versions of the film are like companion pieces though. You almost need to see both to really appreciate the story but once you've seen the DC and you understand what the hell was going on, the original is much more satisfying.
 
I bought the directors cut of this movie and it also has the original on one side, it's one of those double sided dvd's were side a is directors and side b original, so look for that !
 
[quote name='Limegreen']I bought the directors cut of this movie and it also has the original on one side, it's one of those double sided dvd's were side a is directors and side b original, so look for that ![/quote]

problem solved, im 99% sure mine isnt like that (i got rid of my original and bought the directors without knowing what i was doing) but im going to check now.
 
Throw me onto the list of people that prefers the original... the added scenes kinda detracted from the movie, in my opinion... and the music in the original is far better than that in the Director's Cut.
 
i also like the original much better

Killing Moon is the only song I can imagine opening this movie

it's like the lyrics lay out the entire plot while Donnie is riding his bike back down the mountain

Under blue moon I saw you
So soon you'll take me
Up in your arms
Too late to beg you or cancel it
Though I know it must be the killing time
Unwillingly mine


In starlit nights I saw you
So cruelly you kissed me
Your lips a magic world
Your sky all hung with jewels
The killing moon
Will come too soon


Fate
Up against your will
Through the thick and thin
He will wait until
You give yourself to him


.... and so forth

INXS is OK, but just not the same

the original soundtrack actually helps tell the story, imo
 
Hmmm now I have to find an original cut of the movie. Usually the director's cut of movies are better, because of the studio forced cuts.
 
Thanks for all the responses everyone. Though I guess I'll follow the general consensus and watch the original first and then allow the director's cut version beat me upside the head.
 
[quote name='ragtop70']Since it "virtually beats you over the head with its meaning", CokeCola (or anyone else for that matter) please explain this movie to me. I've watched it. I'm not saying it is a bad movie, I just don't know what the message of the movie is supposed to be.[/QUOTE]
Sorry, this doesn't help my case, but I don't remember. Suffice to say, it's very complex and very specific.

Hey, here we go. Obviously, massive spoilers lie within, and I wouldn't suggest that anyone that hasn't seen the director's cut, or isn't finished enjoying the original version click through.
http://www.donnie-darko.de/philosophy_of_time_travel.htm
 
The Directors Cut sucks, stick with the original.

And yeah the dark case is the original, the DC is white.
 
[quote name='peril']so having only been spoonfed the director's cut, is it still possible to appreciate the original, or is it essentially spoiled?

and do i assume correctly that this is the original?.....
http://www.deepdiscount.com/viewproduct.htm?productId=5745166

thanks to this thread i now feel the utter need to buy something i thought i already somewhat owned. like deepdiscount hasn't gotten enough business from me this week.[/quote]

It's still possible to appreciate it... the music alone makes it worth it in my opinion (as stated previously by PKRipp3r, the only way to start the movie is with 'The Killing Moon').... plus without those extra scenes, the movie kinda flows much more nicely, nothing will feel tacked on. It's worth it, to see the film the way it should be seen... and if anything, whatever appreciation you had for the DC before, you'll have more of for the original.
 
Ack, I rented the original a while back and really liked it, so I picked up the DC later on (I wanna say for $5 but I think it was $10... really disappointed with myself on that one, but I was younger then and less experienced :p) Haven't even opened the DC yet, so I'll re-rent the original and then check out the DC.
 
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