Big Sleep: Extended Cut, The

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9.4
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A big Thank You to ParanoidAndroid for this great hybrid of the two versions of such a classic! It's not just 'more of a good thing' but a legit improvement in terms of seeing our detective do a lot of detecting and putting pieces together, but still not losing the great witty dialogue of some of the new '45 version scenes.

I'm not sure what the setup was that other reviewers were watching this on, but just on my laptop it was extremely obvious when the footage switched to a scene from the '45 version. I won't say it was "jarring", but I could easily tell every time it happened without seeing the cutlist (I checked after watching and was right). And even in the normal footage, it's not really "restored", it LOOKS like it's from '46. Some scenes are only partially in focus, or have degraded edges, and while the audio from the '46 scenes is pretty clear, there's a near-constant hiss in all of the '45 scenes. I'm not sure how bad the footage was before being edited, so even getting it to this level might have been a great achievement, but I will say that I never stopped noticing it while viewing. Thankfully, the film is so good that the A/V never pulled me out of it! (Thoughts on the movie as a whole here: https://boxd.it/5r8umP )

As far as the scenes being inserted though, you can't fault any of the editing here. This version flows like the story was meant to: still a complicated series of murders and double-crosses, but you follow Marlowe as he gradually figures out what questions to ask and then who to ask them to.... and eventually figures out all the answers. The narrative changes here make this a great detective story on top of being a great piece of Noir, and it's really a must-watch. Maybe you'll want to watch this first, maybe the theatrical release, I can see arguments for either way. But for me, this is a shelf-replacer. Thanks, PA!

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(Updated: August 31, 2023)
Overall rating
 
9.8
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10.0
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10.0
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10.0
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9.0
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10.0
Who can resist EXTRA BETTY & BOGGIE....

I must say, this has polish and luster and is the go to version of this clsasic for me. It may not be refernce level HD due to the source material, but I don't mark down (nor should anyone frankly) when the limitation is the source.

Those extra Betty scenes and dialogue, and the clarity brought to this by having itall in one place is a joy to behold.

Sure, there are a few narrative quirks, but given that we get the 45 and 46 material in one place...MEH to quirks, it adds to the noir feel all over.

The 45 scenes are a touch softer, but on smaller setups will be missed by most. The pacing is exquisite, the tongue in cheek moments glorious and bot, they don't make 'em like this anymore...and more the shame..

Thanks "Marvin" for your diligence and hard work.
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
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10.0
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10.0
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10.0
The Big Sleep is one of those stone classics that has its merits in both versions; they’re both so good it is, indeed, a rare occasion when, as Roger Ebert mentioned, “studio interference was exactly the right thing” (we’re specifically talking about that horse conversation).

I’ve always enjoyed comparing both versions, but Paranoid’s cut brings it all together. One may question the pacing, but that’s not due to the editing - this film ain’t no Maltese Falcon by nature. It’s a witty slow burn, and every scene is essential in trying to sort out the myriad plot.

Thanks, Paranoid, for presenting one of the all time classics in a way that preserves it all so preciously. Flawless.

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Digital
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This is one of those edits that belongs more in the category of "important contribution to film history" along with LastSurvivor's "Phase IV: The Evolution Cut" and many of TM2YC's preservations. No longer will viewers have to choose between the two different but excellent versions of TBS, this one has everything you need all in one place. More atmosphere, more saucy banter, more plot details -- no need to ever watch this classic in any other version. Thanks to the original editors and to ParanoidAndroid for dusting it off and sprucing it up a bit for us.
R
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10.0
This our 4th time watching this essential Noir. I'd have to say we felt this edited version was the most satisfying experience of them all.

It was overly distracting to make sense of the plot before, however it now all threads comes together.

This edit is the way to see the film. Have an entertaining time with Bogart and Bacall in this complete version.

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