Phineasbg/ HIGHLANDER II: Extended Versions (Released) — Page 14

Shouldn't there be some uniformity to the names though?

* Restored European Version
* Restored American Cut
* Special Zeist Edition
* Extended Zeist Version

I think at least the American/European ones should be labeled "XX Cut". The Special Zeist Edition would also be better suited to "Version", no?

I'm not having a go or anything and of course if the DVDs themselves are labeled on the menus and things that makes sense. Just asking, is all.

klokwerk said:

Shouldn't there be some uniformity to the names though?

* Restored European Version
* Restored American Cut
* Special Zeist Edition
* Extended Zeist Version

I think at least the American/European ones should be labeled "XX Cut". The Special Zeist Edition would also be better suited to "Version", no?

I'm not having a go or anything and of course if the DVDs themselves are labeled on the menus and things that makes sense. Just asking, is all.

Hey Man!

How goes it? The DVD menus are labled becuase they were created at different times.

Here is the story. We originally began this project with restoring the "Early European Version" and it turned into all of these different edits..

As time moved along we created we ended up creating different versions of the film with the idea of it being for our eyes only.  Then we decided hell lets finish them all off and relese them so people could see the work. We put a ton of work into these edits why not show everyone, some took a year to make. I don't think people realize what we went through to be able to restore all these versions.

Here is a break down on why we came to these names and some other info on the edits.

Special Zeist Edition -

This version is basically the "Special Edition 2006 DVD". The reason why we named it the 'Special Zeist Edition" is because it is the 2006 DVD but edited to add the Planet Zeist, Quickening and the Prize references back in the film. All these references were cut when they came up with this future "Renegade Version" idea. The 2006 DVD has the new special effects and the new "Blue Shield" so we wanted to make clear that it is an edit of the "Special Edition" not the "Renegade Version" of the film.   IMHO, this is my favorite name for all of the Highlander 2 DVDs.  A ton of work went into this version. Note: This is the reason why it does not include the fairytale ending because it follow the "Special Edition" 2006 release to a T. The fairytale ending was never intended for the "Renegade/ Special Edition"

Extended Zeist Version -

This verison was created with the idea of adding the "kitchen sink" to the "Renegade Version of the film. This version is basically an extended version which follows the story line of the "Renegade Version" but adds and extends scenes. This edit retains the "orange shield effects"  trying to make it clear that is is an extended renegade based version. We have added all the Planet Zeist, Quickening and Prize dialog and footage back into the film.  This version even included the Cannes footage and all the deleted scenes back in the film. Yes, there is alternate footage in the Cannes 10 minute trailer (take a look, it's cool) some of the footage is really cool- includes some extened quickening explosions, cars exploding, an extended scene were Connor pulls out his sword in the warehouse when the cab driver drops from the ceiling, extended Brenda, etc.  (take a look) 

At first this was a full blown DL DVD -9 with commentary from us about the edit as well as the original score, soundtrack, deleted scenes, enhanced deleted scenes, TV spot , two trailers (including a restored French trailer) and the "To be or not to be" documentary. We also even had a text commentary ( like the Superman II RIC DVD) breaking down each added scene since there was over 20 minutes that was added to the film. This version would have been released with the European scenes in 1:85.1 (this was because wee used the old Japanese DVD footage) So NOW we were ready to go and release it to all of you!  RIGHT? WRONG! When were were getting set to put the film on that demon place a guy by the name of TRACK100 (who is credited on the SDDVD-5 ) found an old widescreen transfer of the European version from a laserdisc (In Italian only) in not to bad quality.  This version had the opening credits and endning credits in Italian (becuase this was the way it was released in Italy in theatres)  but keep in mind we needed only the alternate footage that didn't exist in the other versions only. So now we postponed the release and had to add in all these widescreen scenes, not to mention color correct, enhance, etc.  When we finished we decided that more people would download the film if it was a SLDVD-5 so we cut all the extra features except, the restored trailer, enhanced deleted scenes and the ever popular recreation of the extended script version of the "fairytale" ending. (which was now possible because of the officially released deleted scenes on the 2006 DVD SE)

Restored Early European Version -

This version is actually an alternate Highlander II version which was created with alternate funding from an outside group. (Nigel Entertainment) This is my favorite version of the film as it actually had input from the director and producers. This is the version of the film they used to create the Renegade Version.  In 1995 at a sci-fi geek convention I came across a bootleg version of this film. This version was in poor shape and had Japanese burned in subtitles and it was fullscreen.

The funny thing was is that this was the version that was common on U.S. television, namely TBS. In the past I had not taped that cut and it was no longer played on TV so I had no copies of this version until that time.

Anyways, in 1998 I came across yet another poor quality version of this film but in widescreen. Then in 2006 I came across this message board and the rest is history. I wanted a clean version of this film and the stuff I collected over the years could make that happen, so I found people to help put it together.

It was named "The Restored Early European Version" because it is based on the Euro version of the film (explained above) Actually, this version was released first in Europe and then pulled because fans hated the "fairytale ending" so much that it was quickly edited from the film and re-released in Europe a month later wthout the "Fairytale" ending (hence the word EARLY European Version). I do not think people realize how much work had to go into this version to create it. In the end this was the version we needed to be able to create the others.

Restored American Cut -

This one we decided to create just for Phineasbg and me only. I got a copy of the TF1 video and I was quickly dis-heartended because of the bad 5.1 audio that TF1 created - it has a horrible hissing noise and half way through the video it is off dialog (out of sync) (not matching the lips) with the film. So quicky we decided to fix that problem but when we attempted to clean the existing 5.1 audio you can still hear that damn hissing noise (and we hated it) We also even tried to match the sync problems but there seemed to be problems with speed of the film  (this one is a wired speed as it drops several frames). In the end EVRYTHING was tried  but all failed. We decided the best thing to do was to restore the 2.0 soundtrack from a OOP laserdisc transfer - this matched up perfectly and we were on our way.

We also color corected, enhanced footage, and used the best possible footage from several other version to have the best possible quality prints. So we named it the "Restored American Cut" because it was the AMERICAN edited version of the version first released in Europe that failed miserably in the spring of 1991.

I don't think people realize how much I like this film. As it stands I have about 24 different releases of this film in various edits.

I love your uniformity ideas but the menus and the DVDs are done and created already. Poeple are already downloading so to change the names at this time would be hell, lol!!!

I am a fan of Highlanderf - the SOURCE also, and we know that story! It is almost the same story, wierd! Released in Europe and then recut for American audiences.

Hope you enjoy this set.

Thanks so much to EDWARDSKISSORHAND for those BOSS covers.

 P.S. sorry for spelling errors and other errors I am typing this as I was on the bus and people talking and no spell cehck, lol  - BUMP BUMP!!!  

Well thanks Mitch for clearing that up. Quite an informative post and I'm beginning to appreciate all the effort that's gone into these releases.

I'm still doing my cover (don't get much time to work on it) but I also asked Paul Champagne about possibly doing a custom boxset design for those wishing to hold all 4 of these unofficial fan DVDs. I got a reply:

That sounds like an interesting project.
I am currently out of the country on business. I will be back in about 3 weeks.

I can send you the exact dimensions you will need as soon as I get back.
The price should remain the same as a regular case if you need at least a few.

Thanks,
Paul

So, what do people think of that idea? I could (or edskizzorhands could, or we could team up) design a box art image and you'd be able to buy a nice tin to store the differing versions of Highlander 2.

Anyway, I'll post here once I've worked out my multi-cover.

WoW! All i have to say his wow! Thanks for talking with him. Even though it may not happen in the end it was still nice to see someone try and do something like this.

I would go for a "metal case" any day of the week ;-)

Thanks again!

Sorry Klock,

It is a nice idea but I have to agree with Skizzorhands. The more and more I thought about it we actually do this stuff for fun and not for anyones profit. The minute money gets involved even if it is at the expense of just a "personal benefit" (ie: metal case for ourselves) it begans to take on a whole new meaning. I think it would be truely a great idea to get a case made though but when it costs money ( nothing is free) it's just not right. I wouldn't feel comfortable for some odd reason. I thank you though for takeing the time to contact him for the idea, it's people like you that are an awesome benefit to this board and the fan edit community Klock.

Also, Skizzorhands is the rightful creator of the art above. In the end it is his say in the use of his material.

Thanks for the awesome idea though, but the money issue is where that lies. The edits and material that we create on this board is for our benefit to enjoy and not for profit.

Talk soon!  Thanks for everything guys! 

Ed & Mitch; I completely understand where you're coming from and that's totally cool. I'll just keep my work as a slim multi-case. :)

Edskizzorhands: Would you mind sending me the Highlander 2 title treatment you've done? Or even just the original logo shape? I'm working on my own, but would like to have an alternate that uses that original style logo.

If anyone's up for some disc trading/PIFing these to me (can't do the bandwidth to get 'em online) please email me (see my sig).

Sorry for the double-post. I was in a bad mood tonight and decided to work on some photoshop projects to calm myself. Odd, I know. Anyway, I scrapped several ideas for my cover that I may yet go back to... however, here's a cross between what I was doing and something more simple:

Edskizzorhands, I hope you don't mind me using your art there. I'm not claiming it as my own and could easily put a small disclaimer at the bottom stating that the cover insets are yours. I want to do a "fan-made DVDs"/"don't support piracy" one anyway.

The main thing I'd like to hear about this design is if the title treatment suits and if the poster looks okay color-wise. If people like this design I can easily modify the backs to create four covers with the same front. One for each different version. Obviously those covers would be for the people who only want 1 version of Highlander 2 and choose their favorite from your offerings. You wouldn't want 4 DVDs with the same front cover.

Anywho... thoughts?

P.S. Mitch, do you have a PhineasBG/Nighthawks logo I could use on the back or the spine?

klokwerk said:

Sorry for the double-post. I was in a bad mood tonight and decided to work on some photoshop projects to calm myself. Odd, I know. Anyway, I scrapped several ideas for my cover that I may yet go back to... however, here's a cross between what I was doing and something more simple:

Edskizzorhands, I hope you don't mind me using your art there. I'm not claiming it as my own and could easily put a small disclaimer at the bottom stating that the cover insets are yours. I want to do a "fan-made DVDs"/"don't support piracy" one anyway.

The main thing I'd like to hear about this design is if the title treatment suits and if the poster looks okay color-wise. If people like this design I can easily modify the backs to create four covers with the same front. One for each different version. Obviously those covers would be for the people who only want 1 version of Highlander 2 and choose their favorite from your offerings. You wouldn't want 4 DVDs with the same front cover.

Anywho... thoughts?

P.S. Mitch, do you have a PhineasBG/Nighthawks logo I could use on the back or the spine?

This looks awesome! Lot's of work! You expressed interest on how to obtain copies of the films, I may be able to help ;-)  IM me.

Also - We don't have a logo just the names are fine ;-)

I love this box set cover!

Two changes -

The text for Special Zeist Edition - instead of saying this is the renegade version with one sequence reinstated.

Try!  

This version follows the renegade sequence of events but restores the Zeist narrative as well as one sequence.  etc.

 people will get confused in that it seems like we just added one scene.

Also, The REEV Disc - has a Trailer, Chapter Selection included You did not note teh Trailer on your cover?  -

The SZE - does not have a trailer ( but you noted it?) - The SZE is just the movie only with chapter selection.

no biggy but people would probably be emailing us left and right wondering what the hey!! lol!!

 Thanks man!!!!

Okay, well I've finished up with my cover. I brought the poster back to the more crushed look it had when I found it. I'm not sure if I overdid it... but eh, I've got many more things to get done this week. :P

So, I made the text changes, added the "warning" to the bottom of the back cover and slightly tweaked the title treatment on the back. Unless someone points out a major error, I'd say this one's done. So the full version of the cover can be found below.

Highlander 2: PhineasBG/Nighthawks 4-DVD Collection (Cover by klokwerk)

That is so awesome! thanks man! Klok, do you have that Halloween 5 - Phineasbg Recut cover laying around still? I was gonna re-up the art you did last year. thanks man!

Well, I've re-uploaded that Halloween 5 edit's cover. I'm not too fond of it (the diagonal orientation of the text is bizarre), I'll see if I can upload the original version that's really just a text-edit of Vong's original custom for H5. Anywho...

Halloween 5: The PhineasBG Edit (Cover "B" by klokwerk)

Thanks so much for everyting you guys! The covers look great. IM me Klok

Highlander 2 - Lou Gramm Music Video

I have had this up for a while now on my youtube site with a ton of hits. We have decided to add this music video to the upcoming Highlander 2 - The Quickening -Restored American Cut release.

 For anyone who has not scene this,  they are missing out!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BrUQ6tlzpvM

The complete 4 Disc box set (minus Restored American Cut) is over at Boon23s website. Yes! It's all available Mcfly (that was a two year project), have fun!!

ferdinandhudson said:

I'm currently trying to pick up the remaining songs from the H2 movie that's not on the soundtrack CD. I have the H2 soundtrack plus the combo H1-H2-H3 soundtrack as well as the An Emotional Fish CD with "That Demon Jive" on it. I also have the Gerry Laffy CD on its way with "Shoot 'em down" on it. I've tried contacting Meredith Brooks regarding the otherwise unreleased "One Breath Away" but am still awaiting response.

The piece from "Götterdämmerung" with soloist Birgit Nilsson (incorrectly spelled Nillson in the credits) is on my want list but it demands a fairly big chunk of money (even more if you decide to get the whole Niebelungen set...). 

There are still a few songs missing which appear to be completely unattainable.

Would be great to put together an extended soundtrack! IM me!