Theatrical Release vs. DVD Release: Which Version Defines a Movie’s Canon?
In the world of cinema, the distinction between a movie's theatrical release and its DVD release can sometimes blur the lines of what is considered canonical. Generally, the theatrical version is deemed the most faithful to the filmmaker's original vision, as it premiered in theaters and represented the initial public unveiling of their work. However, this is not a hard and fast rule, as some DVDs or Blu-rays include additional scenes or edits that the filmmakers consider part of the official narrative.
Complexities in Franchise Universes
Franchises with expansive universes, such as Star Wars and the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), add layers of complexity to the concept of canon. In these cases, different versions may be acknowledged in various media, from standalone films to spin-offs and sequels. The intentions of the creators ultimately determine which version they endorse as canonical.
For instance, in the case of Star Wars, the original theatrical releases of certain films such as Star Wars: Episode V - The Empire Strikes Back and Star Wars: Episode VI - Return of the Jedi have had their significant alterations noted. However, the changes made to Star Wars: Episode IV - A New Hope are considered a pivotal debate. Does a director's subsequent edit automatically make it canonical? This question is akin to debates in religious canon, where there are factions that hold certain narratives as unquestionable or where others have their own interpretations. For instance, within Star Wars fandom, there are those who view changes as necessary and improvements, while there are others, like the author, who hold firm to their original experiences and memories of the film.
Impact of Extras and Extended Cuts
The DVD extras and extended cuts do not necessarily contradict the original scenes but rather add context or expand on them. They may slightly alter the viewer's perception of a character's motivation or provide additional background information. For example, Steven Spielberg re-edited E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial to remove the guns, only to later reinsert them. Similarly, Close Encounters of the Third Kind was visually re-cut but did not significantly alter the characters' motivations.
In contrast, Swiss Army Man presents an example where the director edits to change the narrative, affecting the perception of the scene and the characters. While Superman Returns was re-edited to change the framing of Superman II, the core narrative and characters remained consistent.
Determining the Canonical Version
Ultimately, the determination of which version of a film is canonical lies with the filmmakers or the franchise owners. In the original theatrical release of Star Wars: Episode IV - A New Hope, it was stated that Han Solo shot Greedo first. However, a subsequent re-release of the film reedited this detail, and this updated version is now considered canonical as part of the franchise's official narrative.
The term "canonical" in the context of film typically refers to the authoritative version, which may include changes made by the filmmakers or studio for various reasons. This can be particularly challenging when dealing with older films, as the original cuts may not reflect the director's current vision. In such cases, the studio may issue new releases to align with the director's vision or to address obligations to the source material of a franchise.
For viewers and fans, establishing which version of a film is canonical depends on their personal appreciation and adherence to the original experience or the updated vision. Some may rigorously defend the initial theatrical release, while others may prefer the new edits as they add to the depth and complexity of the story.
As cinema continues to evolve, so too will our understanding of what makes a film's version canonical. Whether it is the theatrical release or the DVD release, the most important aspect is to respect the intentions of the creators and the experiences of the audience.