On the downside, the movie is still not a strong film. In fact, the entire release of this director’s cut feels as though it were simply an opportunity to cash in on a property that had otherwise outlived it’s moneymaking ability. Moreover, Paramount did not include on this 
director’s cut a copy of the original theatrical release. During all the extras however, the original theatrical cut is repeatedly referenced, and it would have made for a far more complete set and experience to have included the theatrical cut with this DVD.
More perplexing than this, however, is the fact that within the first five minutes of the first documentary that goes over the reasons for the director’s cut, Helgeland and the other interviewees discuss what the original ending was supposed to be; what Helgeland wanted the ending to be. This ending that Helgeland wanted though isn’t the one that appears on the director’s cut. I understand that Helgeland’s ending isn’t included because it was never filmed, but a movie without the ending the director wanted (and one of the main sticking points that got the director fired) makes for a poor director’s cut. 
This DVD release is a fascinating look inside the film industry and what it takes to get a film made, and what people get fired over, but it also requires that you take everything that’s said within it with a grain of salt. Virtually everyone that appears in one of the extras has a monetary incentive for appearing in the release and for having acted the way they did 8 years ago when Helgeland was fired.
In the end however, while it is interesting, it’s a shame that the film under discussion couldn’t have been better either as a theatrical or a director’s cut.
Article comments