Hmmm to reconstruct a Uk theatrical release it would need the German Broadcast and that Finnish VHS audio.
Friedkin, to be honest I don’t know much about him or this film but he is one of those tinkerers who likes to mess with his films. Yet he is slamming the other cut and doing the same himself what a hypocrite.
The European or international cut despite the Flashbacks instead of prologue would be the proper extended cut of the film. as far as movie censorship report goes for the Tangerine dream tracks, 4 tracks seem to be omitted due to scenes being cut short. Considering the film is hailed for it’s wonderful soundtrack this is a real shame. It’s not like it would not be against Friedkin’s morals to restore those cut’s and the music, if you are going to tinker with the film at least tinker with it in a way that would actually restore something rather than change it.
Furthermore there was a 16mm scan done by someone I came across a site showing some pictures and saw the original subtitles briefly there.
https://sorcerer1977.wordpress.com/about/
Again let me re-itterate I have not seen this film so I have little knowledge only what I am reading on the internet.
Friedkin is not sueing anybody the case was withdrawn before a proper trial ensued.
UPDATE
I have just seen it, I streamed the film as I did not feel like paying £70.00 to see it.
I am going to give a small review.
It’s a good slow burner. And I can see how it’s labelled classic but by no means is it a masterpiece.
It is all very clear that the some scenes from the German version are missing from the film where we have abrupt cuts. Although if the report from movie censorship is accurate then at least 2 shots have been included that were not in the DVD version. which I would identify as rope on the bridge snapping and the truck wheel blowing out on the mountain top.
The Subtitles are awful looking. And the translation is sparce. So far as the french translation goes it seems only one word is missing when he shouts in the office. The Spanish translation is almost lazy and chooses to skip over many of the people speaking in Spanish or Spanish dialogue.
I could understand some of the Spanish being spoken but for someone who has no knowledge of the language it would get confusing.
I honestly cannot tell you any names of any of the characters in this film because they never really speak to each other.
I think it is a good film but also I feel it really fails in a lot of ways and I also think William Friedkin tried to make Roy Scheider less of the main character in some respects when looking at the German version report from movie censorship as they all more or less revolve around Roy Sheider. William Friedkin also claims that he wished he had got Steve McQueen instead.
It does get gripping but it’s a bit dismal and none of the characters really get developed enough even though we are not meant to care about them. It’s one big stitch up and that does come across in a strong way. That everyone in this film is screwing someone over and the reason you end up in this sort of place is because they have been screwed over and screwed others over and this is where these types can only really go to hide.
All in all I’d like to see the other cut or a mixture of both with better subtitles. This film could be better with a bit more TLC.
The main flaws reside in Wanting to diminish Roy Scheider to not being the main Character
Not enough character interaction
Translating selective Dialogue not for the benefit of the Audience
Abrubt choppy video editing a various points
Abrupt music editing.
Plus points
some stunning cinematography
some good use of music
Mean and gritty / raw and believeanle
2nd half is much better
5/10
I would be interested in doing something with this film because I feel it has unlocked potential. Send me a PM if you are interested in it and wish to share some ideas. Would be interested in a preservation of the other international cut. But my ideas have definitely become broader.
Some further information I have garnered is there is a missing scene regarding Leaving the note for the other truck to find. Which featured in a one release.
There is a sub-plot missing that Nilo the Hit man is ill perhaps malaria.(unconfirmed)
There should be a shot where the truck is shown through the view of a telescopic sight before the trucks wheel get’s blown out.
Movie Script
https://issuu.com/lafamiliafilm/docs/sorcerer__8-1-1975_