Until the End of the World / Bis ans Ende der Welt

[Doctor M]

I have been waffling what to do about the Director's Cut of this film.

Years ago, with the help of a friend that spoke French, I constructed subtitles in English with translations for the non-English segments when the extended version was first released outside the U.S. (but Warner Bros. prevented a U.S. release).

Now there is the different extended Director's Cut from Criterion and I've come to the conclusion that I actually like the U.S. theatrical cut best.

As stupid as that sounds, the lead character, Claire, is much more likeable in that version. Also, there is some anti-American slams in the Director's cut that annoy me.

I was considering using Criterion's release and an old German DVD and U.S. laserdisc transfer as a guide to constructed an HD theatrical version, except it's beyond my abilities at the moment.

The problem being that there's credits in places where there isn't in the Criterion version, there's some commentator voice overs in the theatrical cut to make up for missing footage... basically there is a lot of differences. That's not taking into account some of the serious color changes.

Has anyone been considering trying to make this reconstruction?

[titanic]

Well, my post won't be helpful at all.
Just wanted to say, I had seen this film in my teens on TV, and it had a strange appeal to me, although I remember I couldn't understand much.
I think the theatrical cut should ALWAYS be released in the latest format, especially when there are many differences since 150 more minutes were added!
I guess there is no hope ever of it being released?
Unless, I don't know, a 35mm scan appears.

So, if I understand correctly, as far as DVD is concerned, there is only a German one with the theatrical cut?
EDIT: Hmmm, I guess not. AI tells me there isn't any. It's only available on LaserDisc and VHS.

[Beber]

I read there are 2 theatrical cuts. It depends if you're American or European: 158 minutes for the US, 179 minutes for Europe, and 287 minutes for the director's cut as stated on IMDB.

[Bigrob]

This is the 2,5 hour theatrical version if it helps

https://amzn.to/4fcbCeX

[Doctor M]

Well, my post won't be helpful at all.
Just wanted to say, I had seen this film in my teens on TV, and it had a strange appeal to me, although I remember I couldn't understand much.
I think the theatrical cut should ALWAYS be released in the latest format, especially when there are many differences since 150 more minutes were added!
I guess there is no hope ever of it being released?
Unless, I don't know, a 35mm scan appears.

So, if I understand correctly, as far as DVD is concerned, there is only a German one with the theatrical cut?
EDIT: Hmmm, I guess not. AI tells me there isn't any. It's only available on LaserDisc and VHS.

The only DVD version I've found is Czech Republic. It runs 2:31 thanks to PAL speed up.
There is a stereo English audio track, but 25 fps pitch change and no English subtitles or burned in text for any non-English dialog.
I'm not sure if there is any burned in Czech since all credits are in English.

It might be my last resort. Re-encode the audio, re-encode the video to 23.976, and then try to find and subtitle all the places where there are supposed to be.

Still, I wish this could go HD.

Bigrob's link is the first I've seen the UK version.

[Plissken1138]

there's a LD rip (NTSC DVD MPEG2) of US 2h37min cut at CG.

And RIP Sam Neil.