This week, I've decided to write about alternate endings on movies. This past week, I watched The Butterfly Effect and realized that there was more than one ending. I hadn't known that before. (I watched it once before). I was confused as to why Evan ended up watching a different home video on the end of the movie. I guess I watched the theatrical version this time, and the first time I watched the director's cut version. The plot was pretty much the same, except for a few scenes different, until the end. I was a little disappointed with the ending, mainly because I didn't know there were two endings. The one I watched this past week had a happier ending, but it was the one I saw second. Even if the ending was horrible, it was the first ending that was instilled into my mind. However, once I open my mind to actually watch the alternate ending, I usually end up liking it.
DVDs make alternate endings possible. Sometimes I like the idea of DVDs having alternate endings, so I can see all the different outcomes for the movie, but I also think that sometimes it just ruins the movie, especially if I had seen one ending that I really liked or just accepted. This is a link to a blog about a person's opinions on the seven worst alternate endings. You'll see some familiar movie names, including The Butterfly Effect, though the author of this blog liked the theatrical version ending better.
USA Today writes about alternate endings. The article beings by asking, "What if you could change the ending to you favorite movie?" This article states the positives of alternate endings. "'An alternate ending is a great way to provide added value because it brings film fans into the creative process,' says Ken Graffeo, executive vice president of Universal Studios Home Entertainment." Even though I can be skeptical about alternate endings, I do agree with Graffeo here. It does allow for different endings to suit what different people may like. Moreover, the article states that Universal's research has identified alternate endings as consumers' favorite bonus feature.
What's one of the reasons I don't like alternate endings? Because it makes me realize that it was just a movie, and it can be changed. Have you ever watched a movie that you liked so much that you just wanted to watch it over and over again, playing out the plot in your head? When I find a movie like that, I don't want to know that all it takes is a click of a button to completely change the ending. Same goes with deleted scenes. They're fun to watch, but they also make me realize that the wonderful plot that I just fell in love with was just a movie.
What are your thoughts on alternate endings? What are some positives? Negatives?...
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I have also seen both of The Butterfly Effect's endings. However, this was quite some time ago but I do remember that I was very unhappy after watching the alternate ending. It made the movie so less real and made me realize that they are just acting and none of this really has even happened(thank gosh for this movie huh). But I do believe if we see an alternate ending we start to imagine for ourselves what we want our movie to end like which is good for us. Deleted scenes are another thing...I do like to watch them but overall I think it just ruins things in the end.
ReplyDeleteI Love the Butterfly Effect. I think that the alternate ending is an ok Idea. It gives a little more to the story. I guess I just feel that you can watch the same movie over and over and it turn out a little different.....I know there are movies I have watched before that I wish had a different ending. So I think they may be on to something with the alternate ending thing.
ReplyDeleteI also like the movie the Butterfly Effect. I also like the idea of it providing an alternate ending. It's fun to be able to watch a movie and then decide what you want to happen. I hate when you watch a movie and you get really into it and then when you think it's going to end the way you want it to end with a happy ending or something like that, then it takes a turn for the worst and ends up totally opposite of what you wanted. But, with an option for an alternate ending, you can make it turn out to what you want it to be or close to what you want at least. I like alternate endings!
ReplyDeleteThis was a very interesting post Heidi. First, I would like to say, I agree with you that the theatrical ending to the movie was much better than that of the director's cut. This was interesting, because it made me think of a new movie "phenomena" taking place, where the viewer can actually choose the fate of the characters. This is relatively new, however, but it was successful with books....I don't know how successful it will be with movies though. This creates a whole new experience for movie watching where the "audience" can get more involved. What are your thoughts on this style of movie? Well done.
ReplyDeleteI also hate alternative endings as well. One of the best movies i like is called The Guardian. The movie is a good one and the end is very sad so you really are into the movie. Have you ever watch it? I found alternative endings on the special features sections and as i saw them, I just was not that interested in them as the regular one in theaters. Sometimes alternative endings can be good but for me most of the time it is not good. Good Post.
ReplyDeleteI like the alternate ending. Some people might be to happy with the first but hey you got another one to look at. It may make it worse i suppose if it butchers it and thats all you think about, but i still approve the alternate ending i like the idea of it.
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