OSTERMAN WEEKEND Peckinpah's director's cut rediscovered

[Novecento]

So what?s all this about an alternative cut of The Killer Elite:

https://viavision.com.au/shop/the-killer-elite-1975-imprint-collection-192/

Separately, I will definitely be buying this:

https://viavision.com.au/shop/burn-queimada-1969-imprint-collection-194/

Plus, my copy of Dersu Uzala arrived a couple of days ago. Looking forward to checking it out.

Imprint is rapidly becoming one of my favorite labels

[Novecento]

So what?s all this about an alternative cut of The Killer Elite:

https://viavision.com.au/shop/the-killer-elite-1975-imprint-collection-192/

I?m guessing this might be the shorter theatrical version I have on my French disc. The US release only had the longer cut (I never watch the shorter one anyway), but it also came with ?Noon Wine?, which was nice!

Or Imprint have uncovered something else ?

[Novecento]

Hmmm, the plot thickens:

https://forum.blu-ray.com/showpost.php?p=20508727&postcount=111

[Novecento]

Will need to pick up a copy:

Finally got my hands on a copy.

I enjoyed your Convoy and Osterman articles on the rediscovered scenes/cuts really informative, Mike!

Of course, now I just want someone?Imprint, are you reading this??to release the Japanese cut of Convoy again.

[mike siegel]

Thanks !!

IMPRINT does not have to read here,
they will do all upcoming Peckinpah boxes with me anyway.

I have few "ultimate" releases planned, just knock on wood...

[Novecento]

So what?s all this about an alternative cut of The Killer Elite

Looks like an article on the cinema retro site has clarified the matter:

The first disc presents the ?original? theatrical version in a 1080p high definition transfer from MGM that runs 2 hours and 3 minutes, and includes a ton of bonus features, most notable of which is a fabulous audio commentary by Peckinpah expert Mike Siegel. He provides some terrific revelations about the film and its production and shows a real appreciation of Peckinpah?s work. Siegel indicates that Sam, at Bo Hopkins? suggestion, filmed an alternate ?absurdist? ending in which Locken and Mac find Miller alive and well aboard the sailboat, after having been seen getting shot to pieces. In an interview with Siegel, Hopkins confirms that bit of info, and even shows some footage of the scene that was finally excised by the bosses at United Artists, who just didn?t get it. In a separate commentary ported over from a previous Twilight Time release, Garner Simmons and Paul Seydor, two film historians whom I lovingly refer to as the Peckinpah Peckerwoods, and the late Nick Redman, make the assertion that the complete film, with the Jerome Miller ?resurrection? scene had one showing in Northern California and has never been seen again.

Well, I beg to differ with that statement. Fellow Cinema Retro reviewer Fred Blosser and I saw The Killer Elite the night it opened in December 19, 1975 at a local theater in northern Virginia. The scene in question was definitely included. Fred states that he has also seen it in the occasional TV broadcast of the film. So, despite statements made to the contrary, there probably is at least one copy of the unexpurgated ?The Killer Elite? out there somewhere. JEROME MILLER LIVES!

Mike, after your achievements with the Osterman Weekend, here?s your next challenge. Unearthing the intact scene!

[mike siegel]

I'm always looking out for stuff like this of course. Alternative TV-versions etc. No luck so far.

But 2023/2024 will be superb years regarding Peckinpah releases. I am working on big stuff. Wish I could
talk about it, but I can't of course. I never reveal anything before the labels make the announcement...

[dave jenkins]

I'm always looking out for stuff like this of course. Alternative TV-versions etc. No luck so far.

But 2023/2024 will be superb years regarding Peckinpah releases. I am working on big stuff. Wish I could
talk about it, but I can't of course. I never reveal anything before the labels make the announcement...

We don't always see label announcements, so if you'd be good enough, when they make one, copy it and add it here.

[Novecento]

I'm always looking out for stuff like this of course. Alternative TV-versions etc. No luck so far.

But 2023/2024 will be superb years regarding Peckinpah releases. I am working on big stuff. Wish I could
talk about it, but I can't of course. I never reveal anything before the labels make the announcement...

Seriously looking forward to it!

[Novecento]

Without giving too much away, could you possibly just tell me if I?m wasting my time periodically browsing Japanese auction sites to pick up a certain OOP disc ?

[mike siegel]

Without giving too much away, could you possibly just tell me if I?m wasting my time periodically browsing Japanese auction sites to pick up a certain OOP disc ?

Yes, I'd rather spend the time watching Marx Brothers films....

[Novecento]

Nice 😊