Italian version vs. MGM cut

[depp91]

Hello guys!
This is my first post on this forum, but I've read the discussions on this forum for quite some time now:)

Yesterday I ordered this Italian Sergio Leone BluRay Boxset online:
http://www.blu-ray.com/movies/Sergio-Leone-Collection-Blu-ray/21788/

I know that these releases are not English-friendly, but what the hell, I had to get these movies (GBU especially) in decent quality!


Now I've read on this forum that there are several differences between this Italian version and the restored MGM version. I'll list those that I know here, but I'd like to ask you to add other differences which I might have forgotten or don't know about:)


Differences between the restored MGM cut and the Italian BluRay release:
- The "Il Grotto" scene is exclusive to the MGM cut
- The torture sequence is missing a reaction shot of Angel Eyes on the Italian BD
- Finale of "The Trio" is slowed down and contains a wailing horn on the 5.1 mix of the Italian BD
- "Sorry, Tuco" scene is missing on the Italian BD
- Different shots of Tuco screaming "You dirty son of a ..."


Are there more differences? Especially concerning the torture sequence!

[Lil Brutto]

I believe you covered most if not all the differences. The Tuco torture scene is cut totally different between the 2 versions. The order of scenes of the international cut is more consistent with the extended torture scene.

What do you mean the finale being slowed down in the Italian cut?

[depp91]

What do you mean the finale being slowed down in the Italian cut?

I refer to this discussion on the forum:
http://www.fistful-of-leone.com/forums/index.php?topic=5606.0

Sorry, I problably should have written that the music is slowed down, to avoid confusion!

[Lil Brutto]

Ah, yes. Thanks for clarifying.

A bit strange that they used modified version of the score for the 5.1 soundtrack. I prefer the original.

[depp91]

Me too, but I have a theory - although I haven't checked if it's true.
Maybe the last part of the composition wasn't available, so they had to repeat the previous part?

[Lil Brutto]

I noticed another difference in the soundtrack between the 2 cuts.

There are no high pitch strings (I believe that's what they are) when the 3 bandidos are just about to break into Blondie's hotel room and take him out, while he's rushing to reload his pistol. The International cut has strings that fade in (while the background noise of the confederates leaving town fades out) which add to the suspense.

I just thought it's worth pointing out.

[dave jenkins]

I noticed another difference in the soundtrack between the 2 cuts.

There are no high pitch strings (I believe that's what they are) when the 3 bandidos are just about to break into Blondie's hotel room and take him out, while he's rushing to reload his pistol. The International cut has strings that fade in (while the background noise of the confederates leaving town fades out) which add to the suspense.

I just thought it's worth pointing out.

Absolutely. Thank you very much.