director's cut
Filmmaker's preferred edit
A director's cut is a version of a film reflecting the director's original vision rather than the theatrical release, which studios often edit for length, pacing, or commercial appeal.
Director's cuts may be longer, include alternate scenes, or restructure the narrative: The director's cut restores forty minutes of footage.
The term extends loosely to any revised version of creative work that better represents the creator's intent.
Not reduced or shortened
- restoredReturned to original condition
- expandedMade larger or wider
- full-lengthExtending the entire distance
- unabridgedNot shortened or condensed
extended edition · complete · comprehensive · enhanced · reimagined · revised · reworked · workprint
Re-enhanced for quality
- restoredReturned to original condition
- color gradingAltering image tones digitally
- aspect ratioWidth-height relationship of images
- sound mixCombined audio track levels
4K · transfer · preservation · archival · digitized · cleaned up · home video · anniversary edition
Director with total control
- visionaryImaginative planner of futures
- filmmakerOne who makes movies
- creative controlAuthority over one's work
- artistic integrityFidelity to one's vision
personal · uncompromised · definitive · authentic · signature · final say · artistic freedom · Ridley Scott
Footage removed before release
- alternate endingsDifferent ways stories conclude
- commentaryExplanatory remarks on events
- behind-the-scenesHidden from public view
- making-ofBehind-the-scenes production documentary
featurette · outtakes · gag reel · interviews · production notes · special features · concept art · storyboards
uncut
Not reduced or shortened
- restoredReturned to original condition
- expandedMade larger or wider
- full-lengthExtending the entire distance
unabridged · extended edition · complete · comprehensive · enhanced · reimagined · revised · reworked · workprint · rough cut
remastered
Re-enhanced for quality
- restoredReturned to original condition
- color gradingAltering image tones digitally
- aspect ratioWidth-height relationship of images
sound mix · 4K · transfer · preservation · archival · digitized · cleaned up · home video · anniversary edition · special edition
auteur
Director with total control
- visionaryImaginative planner of futures
- filmmakerOne who makes movies
- creative controlAuthority over one's work
artistic integrity · personal · uncompromised · definitive · authentic · signature · final say · artistic freedom · Ridley Scott · Blade Runner
deleted scenes
Footage removed before release
- alternate endingsDifferent ways stories conclude
- commentaryExplanatory remarks on events
- behind-the-scenesHidden from public view
making-of · featurette · outtakes · gag reel · interviews · production notes · special features · concept art · storyboards · screen tests
- cinemafilm, films, film studios, movies, movie
- Filmmakingcamera, camcorder, directing, script, editing
- HollywoodHollywood, Tinseltown, Hollywood Sign, silver screen, movie stars
- film termsfilm, auteur, genre, celluloid, mise-en-scene
- versionsversion, edition, variant, variation, revision
- Post-productionediting, editor, color grading, film editor, color correction
direction, director, directive, directors, indirectly, undirected, misdirection, directorship, directorial