MovieChat Forums > Explorers (1985) Discussion > The deleted scene walking to school

The deleted scene walking to school

posted 10 years ago by BrickNash
7 replies | jump to latest

I had the UK VHS release back in the late 80's/early 90's and it had a scene that is missing from the DVD version.

The scene is right after Ben's mother turns off the telly in his room and we see him and Wolfgang walking to school and talking about his dream and he passes Lori's house and looks at her in the window from the street. Wolfgang then tell him to watch out for the bully in school and Ben says something smart about him then it cuts to the fight.

I have absolutely no-idea why anyone would think it was a good idea to cut this scene? It shows so many important parts like Ben giving the plans to Wolfgang and shows the romantic interest as well plus sets up the bully scene nicely.

Does anyone know if a cut of this version of the film exists that isn't a crappy VHS rip? I really liked that scene as a child and it doesn't seem quite like the same film without it.

I have a feeling I may have to do a personal edit myself!

[–] Ozymandias-King-of-Kings 10 years ago

The DVD has that scene as a special feature. It was present in the US theatrical release as well as the international theatrical / home video release. The only version that cut it was the US 'special' video release which included a small scene with Ben dreaming about the Thunder Road at the end instead. The DVD seems to have been taken from the US video release print with the walking scene taken from another source (unmastered) included as a special feature.

[–] jay_guevara-1 9 years ago

The DVD has that scene as a special feature. It was present in the US theatrical release as well as the international theatrical / home video release. The only version that cut it was the US 'special' video release which included a small scene with Ben dreaming about the Thunder Road at the end instead. The DVD seems to have been taken from the US video release print with the walking scene taken from another source (unmastered) included as a special feature.

I recorded the HDTV broadcast of this on Channel 4 (UK) earlier this morning and it turned out to be the US theatrical/international theatrical release... Since you're the resident expert on Explorers, I take it this version isn't commercially available on home video in HD?

[–] Ozymandias-King-of-Kings 9 years ago

I recorded the HDTV broadcast of this on Channel 4 (UK) earlier this morning and it turned out to be the US theatrical/international theatrical release... Since you're the resident expert on Explorers, I take it this version isn't commercially available on home video in HD?

It hasn't yet been released on Blu-Ray. If what you say is true, then it looks like the HD TV versions may be mastered using the US DVD print as source. They will likely do the same for any future Blu-Ray, but we'll see. Shame really, as the walk to school is one of the best scenes which sets up the characters well.

[–] jay_guevara-1 9 years ago

It hasn't yet been released on Blu-Ray. If what you say is true, then it looks like the HD TV versions may be mastered using the US DVD print as source. They will likely do the same for any future Blu-Ray, but we'll see. Shame really, as the walk to school is one of the best scenes which sets up the characters well.

Thanks for the confirmation. What I'm saying is totally true and here's a little teaser for you in the form of the scene where Wolfgang and Ben walk to school. :)

https://youtu.be/qAmROBeqnI0

I still need to remove the commercial breaks from the complete video but If you'd be interested in a copy, we could discuss it via PM...

[–] Ozymandias-King-of-Kings 9 years ago

That sounded like I didn't believe you didn't it?! I did of course. Just watched the clip - looks good! (Thanks for the shoutout!) I actually thought you were saying the walk to school wasn't in the broadcast version - my bad. It's good that it is - it bodes well for the Blu-Ray release.

I'm not really in a hurry for a Hi-Def copy of the movie - it's a matter of time before they release it. I appreciate the offer anyway. If however, they choose to use the DVD master as the source for the Blu, then the TV version will become the one to own, and you may get that PM...

I just wish someone somewhere would dig up the massive amount of shot footage they never used in any cut.

[–] jay_guevara-1 9 years ago

You're welcome, credit where credit is due! When it comes to Explorers, you're the most informed source on this board imho. The offer will always be there on the table and as an update, I've now managed to trim out the commercial breaks, so it's ready to go, if ever you're interested.

Totally agree with you about the lost footage, it's shocking how many studios are filled with morons who happily throw away film negatives etc. I suppose the solution is for filmmakers to ensure they have their own personal copies of whatever they shot, something that's made a lot easier with digital formats like RED. Apparently Dante had no input on the DVD release, with Paramount execs informing him that he was lucky the film was even seeing the light of day.

[–] darrynsamuel 8 years ago

Hi guys,

I REALLY wish that this film would get a Directors Cut blu ray release, but it seems that it probably will never happen... so I'm trying to get the best version available. I have the UK DVD with "Wolfgang is bullied" and "Unexpected Thunder Road Ride" as Additional Scenes in the extra features... but is there a version that includes both of these, plus the "walking to school" scene?