10 Unreleased Director's Cuts: What We Missed in Iconic Movies

Have you ever thought about all the crazy and amazing work that goes on behind-the-scenes of those iconic films? Well, it's about to get interesting. Some directors and producers take the liberty to put out some new Movies that reflect what they intended for audiences all over the globe. There is a fascinating look behind these big movies!

Director's Cuts And What They Mean For Film Fans

If you really know films! It is clear that there is always a lot going on behind-the-scenes. Directors have visions for Movies, that is what drives their creativity but there are situations that change how those stories play out on the screen!

Sometimes the studio comes in. Often with the money, so naturally their demands for changes can have huge impact. We're not talking about slight tweaks, but instead some changes in the story and what ultimately is what is seen! Even more, when things are changed the film might take on a completely different perspective and a much different energy that may or may not satisfy those involved! There has been some notable "director's cut" for many classic movies! This has made fans get even more excited about the movies, showing some of the amazing visions and unique twists from the creators.

Also Read: Alien 3: Assembly Cut vs. Theatrical Cut - Which Version Is Better?

Director's Cuts Worth a Second Look:

Many of these classic films that were re-released have been incredibly well received. Sometimes with just small additions. Other times they give audiences a fresh, exciting view and new understanding that gives films a completely new light! There have also been a good number of movies that haven't had a director's cut, however, leaving some incredible stories out for movie watchers!

Also Read: Denis Villeneuve: The Sci-Fi Mastermind Behind 'Dune' and Beyond

10 Films with Unreleased Director's Cuts

Also Read: Batman & Robin: Where Is the Cast Now?

1. Event Horizon (1997):

Nicholas Cage in The Dying of the Light Image

The sci-fi, horror movie is full of an iconic, thrilling story of what could happen to an "astronomical crew" out on a mission.
The ship had a serious event, as their distress calls came from deep space! When they finally made it to their target. The location? Right next to Neptune!
This amazing concept in the film "Event Horizon," took viewers on a very chilling adventure with plenty of scares that only grew after it had been released!

In 1997, the movie "Event Horizon" came out! Fans didn't love it so much! Critics at that time didn't seem to have any idea what was being made. Critics went as far as saying that this film is "all style over substance" however over the course of time, audiences had a major change in what they were hoping to see! As the series' reputation rose, people clamored to see the movie that was directed by Paul W. S. Anderson.

You can find some great movies out there but none quite like "Event Horizon!". Some may even argue that the film draws similarities from classic films that included "Alien", which gives that sense of eerie terror.

Fans can find this thrilling horror movie full of the unknown, just like "H.P. Lovecraft" stories

What really got the fans talking was that the film was shortened from its original length and its release was a bit over 90 minutes, but Anderson really put an effort in with this movie as it was supposed to be over 130 minutes. The main problem was that when it came out DVD's had not made their major splash.

This left this Director's Cut in an almost unreachable state! So it might just stay a fantasy unless someone gets lucky with discovering some of the movie's lost footage.

Also Read: Dune 3: 3 Must-See Plot Twists We're Dying to See!

2. Alien 3 (1992):

A continuation of the classic film series!
You have Sigourney Weaver back in 1992, returning for a role in the Alien franchise.

You'll find that the "Alien" series has incredible filmmakers!

One of those names that keeps popping up in these discussions is the director Ridley Scott.

He really started off this long-lasting and thrilling horror franchise and in addition, there's the incredible "James Cameron," a legendary filmmaker known for bringing us incredible series as well! And to top it all off, the creator David Fincher! In fact, this new, original Alien 3 was about to give a completely new dimension and creative style.

Sadly, Fincher's version didn't work out. This was largely because there was heavy interference by the studio who was changing the movie, cutting big elements out.

There are multiple iterations of this iconic film with one attempt called the "Assembly Cut". In this version, you will see an additional 30 minutes of footage that give you another side to the show.

While it might have changed things for the movie, and for the director.
It's important to note, it didn't really represent the whole vision, and it is far from a director's cut!

3. Dying of the Light (2014):

Paul Schrader is known to make films that are both great, exciting but also a few duds as well.

One thing that fans will always love is his ability to go from creating these classics! One such movie is the critically acclaimed film "Taxi Driver" which brought "Raging Bull" to life!

It's easy to think this is a really incredible director. Sadly there is the side of the coin when those films aren't well received. We have two, "Forever Mine" and "The Canyons," a side of Schrader not as known by audiences!

The movie that didn't get "Schrader's" stamp of approval!

"Dying of the Light, and it seems this was largely due to the studio cutting parts of it without his permission! A truly bad situation, that might leave audiences thinking about what Schrader originally imagined!

What was so unfortunate is that a star who was really ready to deliver on a memorable movie role, Nicolas Cage!

This movie really got criticized with its main subject- an agent, who struggles with the ability to focus. It was a tough story, however it never really felt as if the story was complete due to all the studio changes!

4. Annie Hall (1977):

Eddie murphy and Nick Nolte in Another 48 Hrs Image

"Annie Hall", directed by Woody Allen is a special movie that took a unique look at relationships! What's amazing, though? That's its enduring popularity.

The award winning rom-com has stayed with fans! It is a perfect mix of drama and comedy that brought us the incredible on-screen pairing of Woody Allen and Diane Keaton as a couple with an on-again, off-again dynamic!

A truly classic pairing with this mix of neurosis and fun! It brought a unique approach to comedy as well!
It influenced plenty of iconic movies! Everything from "Chasing Amy" to "500 Days of Summer," and made those filmmakers' visions of romantic comedies completely new.

However, this almost wasn't the story.

What's more, if Woody Allen's original vision had stayed true, we would have had a two hour, twenty minute film, making the theatrical version look incredibly short!

5. Scooby-Doo (2002):

What would a list of iconic movies be without those awesome, kid friendly classics? It's all thanks to those characters in Scooby-Doo!, who were re-imagined into live action movies!

The fun in this film is the great cast that brought to life those iconic cartoon characters! With actors, including Freddie Prinze Jr., Sarah Michelle Gellar and the recognizable, Matthew Lillard! This show had to get rid of those cheesy jokes to create something incredibly campy.

Even with critics' harsh judgments! The show became super popular!

There was also one really incredible moment that's hard to forget- there was the possibility that "Scooby Doo" could have had a much edgier movie if it had stayed its course! You might think that this wasn't going to happen, but this story had some very adult moments and had been given an "R-rating."
You could also get a new perspective of the actresses Sarah Michelle Gellar. You can also see it from an era that had tons of concerns about things appearing on television and what it means for viewers of a younger age. It really created a special experience. It would have been pretty cool, but it seems the world's ability to CGI parts of these actors out was a move to make it a "G-rating,"

6. Another 48 Hrs. (1990):

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone Movie Poster Image

Sometimes the biggest surprises come from buddy cop movies! This dynamic duo, the original 48 Hours, is a classic! But what if they re-made it in 1990 and made Another 48 Hours?. The stars Eddie Murphy and Nick Nolte were back, and audiences were hyped!

That was, until they got to see it! You might think those buddy cop duos are iconic but the initial reception was rough. In addition, critics called it a movie that had an incredibly similar story line, which could lead viewers to get bored!

The original movie that director "Walter Hill" put together. It ran for about 145 minutes, a huge length.

Sadly, those at Paramount had another vision. This studio changed the movie and even shortened the time! As movie goers would get a new release and an even shorter story to enjoy!

This led to a movie full of holes in the story, things were removed! It ended up with a new shorter run time, and as if this wasn't enough.

7. Batman Forever (1995):

A great moment when a director comes to this iconic franchise and puts together some incredibly well-known roles and characters.
Tim Burton came out to bring the superhero series back.

With these incredibly iconic, and dark, classic films. Audiences knew something had to happen! Then, a major director stepped up to the challenge.

He took his place at the helm. This new, talented director took his spot and the new Batman movie was in the works!

There was the new movie directed by Joel Schumacher.

Sadly, while Schumacher worked to bring out his style it didn't sit well with some. He received so many negative criticisms for those two movies, including, Batman Forever (1995).

Batman & Robin. A movie that just seemed over the top!

But here's something really intriguing:

There is the idea of a director's cut. that could be the exact opposite of what audiences got! With some truly darker moments, giving "Batman Forever" an entirely different spin. Fans got a good hint at just what might be out there. Sadly the news has a sad truth since "Schumacher" is no longer with us.

Even though there have been no "official releases," for a director's cut for "Batman Forever," and it still feels as if the chances for an "official" release aren't likely. There have been moments of optimism, though, giving fans something to cheer about.

There was one source where it's suggested there may have been more content for the film that wasn't released and even more that director "Kevin Smith" might have seen! It looks as if there's a true sense of what was lost, and with the original content sitting there and the ability for "Smith" to see this film, there is that possibility that fans could get the amazing director's cut that has been lost for so long.

8. Harry Potter And The Sorcerer's Stone (2001):

Gary Oldman and Kate Beckinsale in Tiptoes Image

If there is a series that really left a long lasting impact, and even has had some crazy changes, the books of J.K. Rowling really have captured imaginations around the world.

"Harry Potter and The Sorcerer's Stone" The book series, adapted for film. These incredible movies really gave us the start of a franchise. It set a high bar and for good reason!
Fans got a lot to look forward to with those movie releases. Even after its 2001 release, fans knew they were going to want more!

That’s why this series really left fans in an uproar as some plot points, characters and elements of the book weren’t brought to life in these iconic movies! As movie goers waited in lines to see these movies it seemed to give an entirely new way for fans to get even more lost in these incredible films. While this may have happened in later releases such as "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows," one particular character was supposed to appear.

In "Harry Potter and The Sorcerer's Stone" we can see that there is this incredibly cool, but unseen ghost who made a huge, but unseen impact in the world!
That ghost, was Peeves the Poltergeist.

It was the real magic! A British icon that could really leave audiences with great humor and energy. He brought such a dynamic role! His presence brought so much to the stories that many fans might still remember.

But, the big shock! That wasn't released and had been totally cut out. What might be the biggest shocker, was that he wasn't missing by accident, as this happened intentionally. We have been talking about an even longer film with the full-length director's cut clocking in at three hours. The theatrical version is also over two and a half hours!

Even the talented, and recognizable performer that played Peeves, the one and only, "Rik Mayall," has been missed by all the fans of this franchise.

9. Dune (1984):

If you were looking for the most complex and intricate story for fans to truly understand, it's no surprise that "Dune is one of the top candidates for director's cuts that would really make an impression!

David Lynch had been taking the reins with a vision to create the film that could make it from the book to the big screen and had a long time as he tried to bring Frank Herbert's classic science fiction novel, a story about Arrakis!

One thing fans were excited about is the power that Dune relies on! The planet Arrakis is also known for "Spice Melange,", a super critical substance!

This film is super memorable and has the power of its powerful visuals. While fans thought about what this story was supposed to look like, they did get a sense from the work of the director that it would be something wild!

What’s so unfortunate about "Dune."? That Lynch's movie didn’t quite get to see the light of day and get fully released!

The story went as far as the director having his name removed from the film as it hit theaters.

Fans might never get to see a truly "official" "Director’s Cut."!

That is because some of the original footage has been lost.
The "Director’s Cut" has remained a fan fantasy that never really happened! However, it has gained more attention from the more recent film releases, of the more current versions!

10. Tiptoes (2003):

To wrap things up, and to keep audiences truly in awe of what could have been, here's an amazing example of a film that could have brought more to fans. There's a story that's about as bizarre as it can be and one that had a rocky road. It's also about a movie that didn’t quite make it! You can get some sense of a film that might not be as well-known, though!

In "Tiptoes," you get the pairing of the popular and highly recognizable, "Matthew McConaughey.". But here's what’s truly notable about this movie, it’s about a family that had people who are very small! So it goes as far as casting one of those stars to bring to life those memorable performances! With one twist!

The main character in the film is Matthew McConaughey and it turned out that one of his main relationships with the world had him being in a family with characters of varying heights!

There was a special challenge in finding that right actor and they turned to Gary Oldman!

This story is interesting!

In the story, it is a world that is super judgmental of "Little People." There was a story about what would make it stand out.

What happens next is the most bizarre element to the story.

The director Matthew Bright wanted to make the movie in an extended cut. He originally intended to release it at a length of over two and a half hours and released it on film festival back in 2003 (during a famous film festival).

The movie then fell off the rails.

Unfortunately, "Bright lost his directing role after it appeared that there was a very unsuccessful run. This is one of those director’s cuts that really is in that in-between area! Because it was seen during the film festival.

While, the main idea to create a positive story about people in a special community that didn't feel like it captured the main ideas and thoughts.

There may be many reasons to check out "Tiptoes," with a long history and one of the most fascinating stories that movie goers can encounter in all of film history.

If it weren't for these missed opportunities. Perhaps these films could have changed the course of film and even created some very long lasting works!