What is a Director’s Cut?

Why do studios choose the theatrical cut? 

The studio releases a cut different from the director’s imagination for several reasons. Often a studio might cut scenes to fit a deadline, shorten the length, or simplify the story. They also might edit scenes to remove obscene scenes or due to budget restraints. The more money and resources a studio raise for a film, the likelihood of the studio deciding the final cut increases. 

If the studios ultimately get the final decision, some may believe the director’s cuts aren’t necessary, but the director’s cuts are still an integral part of the editing process. To this day directors collaborate with the editing team.  

Additionally, most creatives will say a project is so much more than a project. It’s truly a manifestation of their thought process, emotions, and imagination. Every creative wants to see the fruition of their hard work; directors are no different. Director’s cut versions are a way to realize their vision.

Beyond the need to finish a project, movies are visual stories and interesting stories have different perspectives.  So, what is a director’s cut?  Simply, the director’s cuts are different perspectives to a story. Audiences enjoy watching these different perspectives.

Real-life examples of a theatrical cut vs. a director’s cut

Ridley Scott’s movie, the Kingdom of Heaven, shows the importance of different cuts. Unlike the Lord of the Rings extended version, the Kingdom of Heaven director’s cut was only 50 minutes longer than the theatrical version. Despite being less than an hour longer, fans raved that the director’s cut added more context and character development. 

Airing several different cuts can be costly and confusing to the fans. Another Scott movie, Blade Runner, is famous for its many editions. Since its theatrical debut in 1982, Blade Runner has undergone many alternatives including international editions and workprint.

It wasn’t until 1992 that the Blade Runner director’s cut was released. Although the 1992 version was closer to the director’s vision, Michael Arick, not Scott, largely controlled this edit. This deviation made fans ask, “what is a director’s cut?” In this case, Arick, a film preservation, and editor had the final authority in the director’s cut. 

The 2007 Final Cut version was the closest to Scott’s vision. Between the theatrical version, director’s cut and final cut, there’s only a minute difference. Like Scott’s other film, fans say Blade Runner’s final cut provides the most context and development to the plot.

What is a final cut and how does a director get a say?

As mentioned before, studios often decide the final version that goes to the theaters. Sometimes directors agree beforehand that they will have the final say in the version released to the public.

Many directors desire final cut privileges but rarely receive them. Tenured commercially successful directors most often receive this freedom.  Even then studios can rescind this privilege due to budget or time reasons. 

If you’re a new director, how do you get final cut privileges?

They are especially rare but even if you’re a new director, it is possible. Stay independent. Instead of going to a studio for a budget, raise it yourself. This is an incredible feat that requires hours of networking, but in this age, networking is easier than ever.

There are many websites to help to crowdfund and ways to connect with others. If you have some experience directing, small studios may provide smaller budgets, but they may allow more control over the final version.

A smaller studio may provide more leniency to a director with experience. Receiving final cut privileges isn’t easy, but if creative control is important to you, it’s worth the hardship.