'Donnie Darko' Fans, Lend Me Your Ears (Err...Eyes)!

[Placebo]

Okay, I've never seen the movie before, but everyone I know has and it gets such rave reviews everywhere that I, as a lover of film, have decided to buy it.

But there are two versions available (at the same price no less) on Amazon.

There's the Theatrical Version and then the Director's Cut.

Apparently, there are some large but not necessarily major differences between the two.

So, DD fans, which would you suggest a DD virgin such as myself procure?

[Glorfindel]

1. Get the Director's Cut...it's fabulous!

Both versions are great, but you'll understand better what happens after watching the director's cut. There will still be mysteries and questions, but not as much confusion. This is a luminous, beautifully-crafted movie. You can tell that it was a labor of love for everyone involved. Enjoy!
:bounce:

[Placebo]

2. Thanks!

:)

[ghostsofgiants]

3. Personally, I prefer the theatrical version.

Leaves much more to the audience to try and figure out, and I like the soundtrack a little better, haha. Both are great though.

On that note, I can't find my Donnie Darko dvd. This is not good.

[Placebo]

5. I heard...

they changed the opening song from Echo & the Bunnymen's "The Killing Moon" to INXS's "Never Tear Us Apart."

And you better f'n find that DVD.

[ghostsofgiants]

6. That's one of the changes...

Both songs are good and work, but "The Killing Moon" works better in my opinion.

I have another dvd missing too but I'm not sure what it is off the top of my head, I just know it's missing, haha. I probably lent it to a friend, just a matter of remembering who.

[SoCalDem]

4. It's WEIRD.. I saw it for the first time last week

go to http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Donnie_Darko and read about it before you watch it the 2nd time

[Placebo]

7. I hear it's crazy weird.

Hopefully I'll see for myself on Tuesday. :hi:

[cedahlia]

8. I'd suggest buying the original first, then trying the DC later

I personally still have not seen the Director's Cut, which does supposedly give the viewer more to chew on. However, as someone mentioned upthread, the soundtrack is different, which kind of pisses me off (for example, the opening scene in the theatrical release, with "The Killing Moon" creating the atmosphere, is something I don't think should have been messed with...it's too perfect!!) But, as I said, I have not yet seen the DC myself. I really don't feel I have missed much though, because the theatrical version includes all the deleted scenes as a special feature, and if you listen to the commentary, that gives a lot of insight as well. So, while I will eventually buy the Director's Cut because I love the film so much, I don't know that it is necessary to see it in order to get the full effect.

Hope you like it!

[HiFructosePronSyrup]

9. Get the original...

Watch it, then watch the director's commentary.

The cuts made were ultimately for the better.

[Giant Robot]

10. Have not seen the director's cut yet

But try this: Rent one then buy the other. Or rent both if you can and decide from there. If you have Showtime they have been playing it often this month, just not sure which version as I have not been able to catch it except for the last couple minutes of it. Great movie to make you think. It will leave you confused but in a good way, not that confused, "Why did I just waste 90 minutes of my life on this" way.