Product ReviewsThe Natural ~ DVD ~ Robert Redford, Glenn Close (1984)

Just Another Unnecessary Director's Cut

Is is just me or does anyone else feel that not every movie needs to be revisited for a Director's Cut? When 'Director's Cuts' first started appearing in the mid-1990's (the most popular probably being Ridley Scott's disaster of a project 'Blade Runner'), I wasn't quite sure what to think...I thought it was interesting to see the extra footage and new scenes, but at the same time I noticed a feeling of disappointment...I felt that the movie was being damaged, as if the director and other filmmakers weren't satisfied with their original cut, the cut that we all grew to love in the first place (otherwise we wouldn't have even bothered with the director's cut, right?)...Well, the bottom line is that 'The Natural: Director's Cut' is just another unnecessary re-edit of a film that was perfect the first time around and it's a shame that someone even felt that this movie needed to be re-done to impress its loyal fans...

As for the quality of the dvd, Let me just say that the bonus features on the second disc are the perk of the package...I wish I could speak highly of the new high-def transfer and upgraded sound, but over the past few years I've just become frustrated with the visual and audio remastering on dvd's that has given us a much different presentation than what we remember on the big screen...High-def transfers are clear, sure...but they are usually almost always overdone, and the new transfer on 'The Natural: Director's Cut' is no exception...it seems that the shading and lighting I remember seeing originally are sacrificed all for the sake of being able to see a pimple on someones face that you couldn't originally...I don't get it...As for the audio, the new 5.1 track is definitely louder than on the original dvd, but again, it seems in some scenes, like the scene where Roy Hobbs hits the home run at Wrigley Field and shatters the scoreboard clock, that some sound effects have actually been 'added' into the mix, which is again frustrating and a slap in the face to the original mix...

Overall, I wouldn't bother spending $20 on this dvd...If you have the original version already, you've got all that you need...I will actually admit that this new version will probably hurt your opinion of the film, an all too common problem with all the recent 'unrated cuts' and 'director's cuts' flooding the market...Let me just say that I'm sure every director who ever made a film wishes he could go back and change things, or that he had more time to do this or that, but things happen for a reason, and finishing a film within the budget and time constraints given by a studio are part of the creative movie making process, and lets leave it at that...I wish dvd production companies and their fathering film studios could keep the deleted scenes and other stuff that didn't make it into the film where they belong (in the bonus features section), and save the high-def transfers and hoaky audio remixes for those who want to waste their money on HD-DVD or BLUE RAY disc systems...But Hollywood, please leave films like 'The Natural', that were perfect the first time around, alone...Read full review...

Classic Movie!

I think the director’s cut is the best version of this movie - especially in the first fifteen minutes. It was easier to follow the story if you didn’t read the book.

The Version They Were Trying To Make

Levinson said his producers were rushing everyone to release The Natural in theaters on a particular date, so he and his editor finally just gave up trying to get the first act the way it appears in this DVD. The original version's first act was just slapped together for a quick but generic result, and the mood of the feature got off on the wrong foot. The sooner you see this version, the sooner you'll agree, do-overs can bring redemption, just like it did for Roy. This set has great special features as well.Read full review...

"The Natural" - starring Robert Redford and Glenn Close. A partly fictional baseball movie reflecting the times of America's past time and Roy Hobbs.

The DVD in question is "The Natural" starring Robert Redford. I'm a collector, and the "new'" condition that was described was spot on. I'm very happy with the copy. It's one of my all time favorite baseball movies. Read full review...

Verified purchase:  Yes | Condition: new | Sold by: filmcritic7

Worth your consideration...

The director's cut is worth a look, because it presents a version of the film that flows more smoothly and has answered many questions on character interactions that the theatrical release doesn't quite explain, namely Roy Hobbs' relationship with people- the lady in black, the lady in white, his father, and others, which gives you a sense of what happened in those fifteen years before he joined the Knights, as well as, how his past experiences shaped him. The extra disc explains some of the production issues they faced and also explains similarities and differences from the book. The film is definitely a movie about optimism.Read full review...

Verified purchase:  Yes | Condition: pre-owned | Sold by: decluttr_store

The Natural, directors cut

Classic film not to be missed. Directors cut is OK, original cut is just as good. At first it’s a bit confusing, but once it gets rolling it’s fine. Some of the original scenes were removed in favor of new scenes. Does not hurt the show.Read full review...

Verified purchase:  Yes | Condition: pre-owned | Sold by: bigislanddiscshop

Great

This film was excellent the back and fort during the scenes was real smooth and touching , engaging to one’s wondering what is next

Verified purchase:  Yes | Condition: pre-owned | Sold by: goodwillsouther...

Baseball

great movie

Verified purchase:  Yes | Condition: new | Sold by: recall119

Great movie!

My son and I really love this movie!

Great film. Acting, pacing and story all top notch.

Great film. Acting, pacing and story all top notch.

Verified purchase:  Yes | Condition: pre-owned | Sold by: second.sale