Witcher: The Last Wish, The

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Faneditor Name:
Original Movie Title:
Fanedit Type:
Original Release Date:
2019
Original Running Time:
476
Fanedit Release Date:
Fanedit Running Time:
156
Time Cut:
320
Subtitles Available?
Available in HD?
Netflix
Brief Synopsis:
As a fan of The Witcher books I anticipated this adaptation but was eventually disappointed by it. The main reason of that disappointment was the fact that the writers decided to add unnecessary filler (in order to enlarge roles of Yennefer and Ciri which I consider to be huge mistake), and at the same time omitted important parts that were crucial to the story. This caused the show to be crippled version of the book, full of incosistencies, logical errors and boring plotlines. It is not possible to fix all of this, but I could at least make it closer to the books, especially the first one in the Witcher Saga, titled "The Last Wish". As it is in fact a collection of short stories, this edit aimed to create exactly that. A collection of stories about Geralt of Rivia based on what was actually in the books (more or less).
Intention:
To see how the series would work, presented in more traditional way (without mulriple timelines) and without most of the filler created by the writers which wasn't based on the books.
Other Sources:
- soundtrack from "Wiedzmin" ("The Hexer") by Grzegorz Ciechowski
- soundtracks from all three Witcher games
- Open Folk "Branle" CD
Release Information:
Digital
Editing Details:
Only Geralt stories based on "The Last Wish" book were used to create this edit which means it consists of five stories from episodes 1-5 from season 1. Everything else was cut.
Cuts and Additions:
- Geralt is the only main character here (as it was in the first book of the series), we stay with him most of the time, there's no Ciri (yet), and Yennefer shows up just when Geralt met her.
- Episodes 2 and 3 were switched here, so Jaskier doesn't disappear just after he is introduced. Because of that, prostitute's line in scene from Episode 3 mentioning bard was cut.
- a couple of little cuts here and there for better flow
- Re-scored audio tracks in english and polish were created with music from Witcher games soundtracks and polish "Hexer" TV show music by Grzegorz Ciechowski, but for all those who enjoyed Sonya Belousova and Giona Ostinelli's work, there's original audio track too.
- New title card added

User reviews

6 reviews
 
83%
 
17%
5-7 stars
 
0%
3-5 stars
 
0%
1-3 stars
 
0%
Overall rating
 
9.5
Audio/Video Quality
 
9.8(6)
Audio Editing
 
8.7(6)
Visual Editing
 
9.7(6)
Narrative
 
9.5(6)
Enjoyment
 
10.0(6)
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Overall rating
 
9.6
Audio/Video Quality
 
9.0
Audio Editing
 
9.0
Visual Editing
 
10.0
Narrative
 
10.0
Enjoyment
 
10.0
This was a HUGE step up from the way it was presented on Netflix. I've wanted to re-watch it multiple times but I just couldn't bring myself to because of the amount of bloat and how it never felt like Geralt was the main character (and that problem got so much worse as the show went on!) I also couldn't stand how confusing it was the way it jumped all over time and it was pretty much impossible to tell when we were in the timeline.

This edit improves the flow of the story immensely and makes Geralt truly front and center like he should have been from the very beginning!

This edit has been crafted with care and is a big improvement of the vanilla version. Its a shame that Netflix wasted the golden opportunity they had.

Definitely recommend this!

User Review

Do you recommend this edit?
Yes
Format Watched?
Digital
F
1 reviews
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Overall rating
 
9.8
Audio/Video Quality
 
10.0
Audio Editing
 
9.0
Visual Editing
 
10.0
Narrative
 
10.0
Enjoyment
 
10.0
When Netflix adapted Sapkowski's renown fantasy series, The Witcher, Netflix should have had a slam dunk of their hands. With Netflix money, the Authors blessing and a passionate and charismatic lead in Henry Cavil, the sky was the limit. Sadly, the series was a colossal flop. While Henry Cavils delivered and inspired performance as Geralt that was universally loved, the poor writing, lack of respect for the material and pretentious editing was enough to drive away even the most desperate fan.

Luckily, that's where Gieferg steps in. This edit seeks to make The Witcher a much more focused and enjoyable experience. The Last Wish follows Geralt of Rivia as he goes on a series of exploits that stand as a remarkable step up from the original Netflix series, as it focuses on the one thing that really worked, Henry Cavil's Geralt. Ciri and Jen both take a back seat in this edit and the pacing is remarkably improved for it, as it feels as if there is no tedium or fat and this makes it remarkably exciting compared to the original. There is a clever use of remastered music in this edit, which I feel could have been dialed back during the first act of the film, but in act two onwards Gieferg really hits his stride and I was genuinely excited for what would happen next in this edit of the show.

If you were remarkably disappointed in the original but liked Cavil's portrayal, this is an absolute must watch. Its such a shame the original wasn't this well put together but at least you; should you choose to watch The Last Wish; will have seen this great film.

User Review

Do you recommend this edit?
Yes
Format Watched?
Digital
C
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Overall rating
 
9.6
Audio/Video Quality
 
10.0
Audio Editing
 
9.0
Visual Editing
 
9.0
Narrative
 
10.0
Enjoyment
 
10.0
This edit makes The Witcher much more watchable. Not having multiple timelines and story lines is really the key. It does follow the book pretty well, as I remember it. The Last Wish is a bit more monster of the week and I think this is a good thing. As an intro to Geralt, it shows what his life is about and doesn't focus on Ciri, Jen or others much. It does strengthen Renfy and Dandelion's roles, as another reviewer said. This helps level out the pace and allows the story to grow into the next edits that Gieferg has done. I do think there could be chapter transitions or something to let you know that you've gone from one story to the next. The edit works as a movie but it's definitely a multi chapter one. I didn't have an issue with the music and integrating the music from the game was a good idea. Thank you, Gieferg.

User Review

Do you recommend this edit?
Yes
Format Watched?
Digital
A
2 reviews
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Overall rating
 
10.0
Audio/Video Quality
 
10.0
Audio Editing
 
10.0
Visual Editing
 
10.0
Narrative
 
10.0
Enjoyment
 
10.0
Will review this based on enjoying this cut from bringing the content available into a Witcher movie as that is what Gieferg was aiming for.

All is well put together from using right scenes available and music score to underline the movie. The movie keeps getting better as you move along. Not sure if that is because of the cuts or the story line with scenes available. Really enjoyed this and the next cut he did.

Really wrapped the story into a nicer flow and to the point story of the Witcher that the seasons seem to have a hard time with. Can say same of next cut.

If you are new to Witcher or not seen seasons, these cuts done by Gieferg is highly recommended and enjoyable. Great way to review past seasons if you have watched the The Witcher Seasons. Thank you Gieferg.

User Review

Do you recommend this edit?
Yes
Format Watched?
Digital
Report this review Comments (0) | Was this review helpful? 0 0
Overall rating
 
8.8
Audio/Video Quality
 
10.0
Audio Editing
 
8.0
Visual Editing
 
9.0
Narrative
 
7.0
Enjoyment
 
10.0
To be honest its been ages since I watched the originals after they started going downhill. And are yet still in the process of crashing and burning. Netflix is such a mixed bag. I did watch the first series (represented beautifully here in 'The Last Wish') a good few times though. It mostly appears to be intact and is not missing out on anything to my mind although I do sense some pace adjustments and trimmings here and there.

Renfrey came across alot more strongly, as did Dandelion. In fact all the characters seemed somewhat stronger. Maybe thanks to the brilliant musical scoreing (garnered from the video game). Some people like to quibble over overly overt soundtracks although Im not one of those. Music is the food of love... No? I only wonder if some environmental sound effects might be worth throwing in. Wind and rain, thunder, birds tweeting. Some of the breaks in the music are somewhat harsh!!

My main thoughts are that even though the movie keeps good pace and scenes weave together well enough. What it needs is some interlude screens. We are only ever going to get a broken version of this show. Might as well as break it up properly. Inspiration for what needs to be in these interlude screens escapes me at this moment. I do not know the books. Maybe even some original exerpts, plot overviews, something to linger on between acts. To read or not to read!?! Can we get in some mention of Kaer Morhen and Witcher history? Some information on the regions Geralt is passing through? Something for the action to stand on.

User Review

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Yes
Format Watched?
Digital
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