Russ

Could someone please clarify if all of the original has now been found?.
I notice that the DVD has a directors cut, does this mean that the intended film is now complete?, or are there still parts missing.

Thanks

DB7

Doesn't the Special Edition contain both the 88 and 102 cut? Please check before buying.

Russ

So is the 102 minute version the complete version that was originally filmed, or are there still some scenes missing ?

DB7

I gather a lot of the film is 'lost'. There seems to be the 88 min limited version (good quality) and a 102 min theatrical release (a bit ropey) and lots of discrepancies over time because some are talking Pal and others NTSC.

From what I recall when Mark Kermode presented it on CH4 the main difference was we saw more of Edward Woodward on the mainland.

Anyhoo, there's an indepth page all about different versions HERE.

DB7

I watched the 99 min directors cut last night and in all honesty I can see why the scenes were edited out. They give away too many clues to the films ending and what is abbout to befall Woodward.

The lost 15 minutes footage is 8mm telecine so it's obvious where they are inserted as there is a noteable loss in picture quality.

HeatherMoore

Besides the latest DVD release of The Wicker Man, has anyone noticed that the past few years have resurged a renaissance of interest in the film? Fanzines, Wicker Tours of the location sites, the BBC documentary on Ed Woodward revisiting old haunts, and bands doing Wicker-inspired concept albums. Why is this?

My guess is with the current political climate in both the UK and the States, The Wicker Man provides the perfect anidote for religious fanaticism run amok in all its forms. I can only speak for what's going on in the States, but mainstream America is slowly waking up to the fact that their government has been highjacked by a bunch of right-wing meglomaniacs. The Wicker Man holds up a mirror and we see our situation reflected back at us...

\"I\'m starting to see a pattern in the men I date.\" - Miss Piggy from The Muppets\' Treasure Island

Volestrangler

Half the advertising for the film's first run in '73 let the audience know what was going to happen to Woodward "Ooh, a big burning Wicker Man with people standing 'round it! I wonder what relevance that will have?"

Besides, things like Aubrey Morris disinterring the dead hare or Britt Ekland being a strumpet with a young kilted lad do not presage Woodward's final death by fire, do they? I also resent them cutting out the number GENTLY JOHNNY on its initial release, in my opinion Paul Giovanni never did anything finer.

Clinton Morgan

You should read 'The Hungry Moon' by Ramsey Campbell. A horror novel of 'The Wicker Man' variety but only this time the inhabitants are fanatical born-again Christians.

42ndStreetFreak

If you want to r4eally know what Howie went through..read "Burnt Bones" by Canadian writers 'Michael Slade'. A man goes through the EXACT same thing.
And it is NOT nice.

The editing of this film was disgraceful! Some magic moments were removed.

The extended cut is ESSENTIAL. Some great scenes were cut.

The excellent songs play a vital part to the films atmosphere (be it in the free and joyous rites that go on on the island, like the fertility dance, to highlighting the erotic aspects, like the superb "Gently Johnny" song linking to the excellent scene where Summerisle bring the virgin boy to Willow) and help create the very mood and 'feel' of the islanders and their way of life.
And Eckland's scene was fantastic. It was all part of the movie and all part of the Islanders cruel game.

One of the finest films Britian ever made, Horror or not.
A film so damn near perfect it brings a tear to your eye.

The newer, complete, CD release of the entire soundtrack is a must have.

A true masterwork and a shining gem in the crown of British horror.

zapa

Hi, I have a little problem:
I´m from Spain and I´ve got the Wicker Man DVD, but I don´t speak english very well, so I would like to attach spanish subtitles to the film. I got the subtitles but they´re incomplete. They lack the conversation between Howie and Willow, the morning after "Willow´s song ".
Could someone post the transcription of that scene?
Thanks

aaron

Hi, not sure which version of the film you have..On the UK 'directors cut' long version dvd, bizzarely, the scene where Willow comes in to Howie's room in the morning, opens the curtains and straightens the picture, is omitted. So i assume you have the short 'theatrical'version, and this is the scene you refer to..? Anyway, heres a transcript of that scene...
WILLOW: Wake up Sergeant.
HOWIE: What time is it?
WILLOW: It's past nine. I thought you were gonna' come and see me last night. I invited you.
HOWIE:I'm engaged to be married.
WILLOW: Oh, does that stop you?
HOWIE: Aye..Aye.
WILLOW: I must say, you are a gallant fellow Sergeant.
HOWIE: It's nothing personal. Just that i don't believe in it - before marriage.
WILLOW: Suit yourself. I expect you'll be going back today. You wouldn't want to be around here on Mayday. Not the way you feel.

Now you just have to put this into Spanish translation here. Free Translation and Professional Translation Services from SDL International

Hope this helps

'He who is not one up...Is one down'

Trevor

I believe there's to be a free DVD of 'The Wicker Man' in one of the newspapers on Saturday (25th Feb). Warner are probably getting rid of their remaining copies as it's now deleted in the UK (as are all Canal Plus titles released by Warner).

This has to be the best DVD giveaway yet!

Best wishes.

Trevor

piroflip2

I agree,,,,,the superb moody songs changed W/M from a good film to a great one.

And didnt all red blooded males wish that they were the young sprog who goes to visit Britt to

further his "education". I know I did!!


regards piroflip

Steve Crook

I remember a story (could have been a book or a radio play) from many years ago where a visitor to a village discovered the hard way what the Corn Dolly is really all about.

Steve

MarcMorris

Take a look here:

The various versions of The Wicker Man

Nucleus Films:
DVD Releasing + Extras Production