I’ve just realised that I forgot to post the most recent update to this forum. Sorry for the delay.
I am finally able to release the entirely unrestored scan of a Russian Theatrical 35mm print of Highlander II: The Quickening!
This is the 100 minute European/International cut of the film, which is very different from both the US Theatrical Cut and the later Renegade Version, and features none of the CGI additions of the Special Edition.
The MKV contains chapter points at the start of each reel, and both English stereo (from the Hong Kong laserdisc) and Russian mono (from the print) audio. Both are unrestored, so expect even the English laserdisc audio to sound a bit rougher than the restored English track I used on my Standard Definition preservation.
Time to set some expectations though. Reel 1 of this print is what I would describe as “splicey”. There was a lot of damage to the first reel resulting in many splices and jumps in the footage. I’ve synced the laserdisc audio to the spliced footage but it can make for a sometimes difficult viewing experience. However things significantly pick up once reel 2 starts (around 19 mins, when MacLeod goes to the bar). The other reels fair a lot better but there are still some (but far fewer) splices during the rest of the film, along with the usual scratches, dirt and occasional discolouration.
So this grindhouse presentation may be a little more “grindy” than others.
Despite the damage the colours and detail remain excellent throughout. In most comparisons I’ve made so far the detail of the print usually outdoes the detail available on the Blu Ray, and of course this offers the original theatrical colours.
I plan to use this scan, combined with the Blu Ray and other sources, to attempt to re-create the film in full HD. However as you’ll see from this scan there is a long way to go.
I’ve already completed a first pass of cleaning up and patching a scene and have posted the results on vimeo (full screen recommended).
Restored: https://vimeo.com/436071918
Unrestored: https://vimeo.com/420285494
For now I hope you enjoy, and please let me know if you have any feedback
Thank you to everyone who made this project possible! This would not have happened without you.