The Wolverine The Wolverine Unleashed Extended Edition Blu-Ray: December 3

[Tehmeh]

There was the scene in the car that had added dialogue with Yukio. I think more in the house, Logan with the sandals, Mariko and her father argue before he sees Yashida. At the end there was a scene with Viper and Harada where she tells him to dip his arrows in her poison which I think was cut from the theater. It was actually her best scene in the movie. Where she's like "you'll need this" and Harada goes "he's no match for us, he's weak" and she's like "O-kay...but when you fail, you'll have this"

Yes, little stuff like that, didn't mention them for some reason.

 

[Great Mind(s)]

It was all good stuff...made the scenes flow better. It's actually most of the best stuff for these characters that was cut... it's a shame.

 

[Tehmeh]

Now watching it again with the commentary. Mangold has a nice ability to perfectly describe his intentions, what he wanted things to represent and some other associations or little things. Revealing and deepening (is that a word?) at the same time. Listening to him just makes me respect him more, even though I already respect him. He goes to lenghts about Japan, its culture, architecture too. Interesting stuff, and his voice is as soothing as Rila Fukushima is adorable.

 

[speno94]

Now watching it again with the commentary. Mangold has a nice ability to perfectly describe his intentions, what he wanted things to represent and some other associations or little things. Revealing and deepening (is that a word?) at the same time. Listening to him just makes me respect him more, even though I already respect him. He goes to lenghts about Japan, its culture, architecture too. Interesting stuff, and his voice is as soothing as Rila Fukushima is adorable.

Can you talk about some things that Mangold said that interested you... maybe about the new additions, the third act, the scene in Yashida's old house with Mariko, the films that inspired him etc

 

[Tehmeh]

Can you talk about some things that Mangold said that interested you... maybe about the new additions, the third act, the scene in Yashida's old house with Mariko, the films that inspired him etc

I was interested in everything he said. Just for being an awesome guy, I will now listen to his commentary again concerning Logan and Mariko in the cabin. Just a minute (or twenty).

 

[Tehmeh]

Can you talk about some things that Mangold said that interested you... maybe about the new additions, the third act, the scene in Yashida's old house with Mariko, the films that inspired him etc

Okay. I'll put in spoiler tags in case someone doesn't want to...well, be spoiled.

Spoiler

When they arrive to the cabin with bus, Mangold complimented the small town of Tomonoura (if I got the name right) and said that he didn't only want to show the basic "Tokio in neon lights" but also this rural, beautiful normal scenery and the fact that there's a lot of agriculture and fishing.

In the cabin, when Mariko is making soup, Mangold said everytime he'd always wanted that soup when he sees those vegetables.

Then, when they eat, Mangold says he didn't want to show japanese people or culture as something stereotypical and shallow. He's proud that he had numerous japanese people in this movie that aren't the same, but they're different from each other and he wanted this to show in the japanese characters as well.

He continues to talk about manners, ie. some kind of code of conduct that japanese people more or less obey and the sense of nationality they have. He remarks that it's something you notice when you spend some time there, and also makes a remark that unlike some may think, women in the society aren't confined or held back even though this certain code still somewhat exists.

About Logan's time in the cabin, he talks about how he's just...resting. Taking a breather and getting away from it all, but unlike in the beginning of the film, he has human contact now. He talks about some similarities to Harrison Ford film "Witness" which he likes, and how Ford's character lived with amish people. He talks about having simple joys, like food, normal human contact, and Logan actually getting tired from the wood chopping. Normal life.

He talks about atom bombs and Japan's rebuilding.

He says this is as much a drama for him as much as an action movie. He says the reason he didn't do this kind of tentpole movie before is that he's shy to go into a world where the only way to hold viewer's attention is with sound and fury. He says quiet moments and character connections have a lot of power, even just a look of the eyes or eye contacts, even for comic book characters. They hold a movie together for him.

The cabin was on a cliff in Tomonoura, he compliments it as a magical place with great views.

He talks about the "ronin" concept and how it's a strong element in japanese storytelling and mythology, and how it's relevant even nowadays. Talks about wars, and warriors who are molded by wars, and asks what do they do when they don't want to fight anymore.

When Mariko talks to Logan after he wakes up from a nightmare, it was the longest shot in the movie. He says that perhaps some young people, as Mariko in her childhood story, see Wolverine as a dangerous, unpredictable animal, but still someone as "who will not hurt me". He talks about how Okamoto's form with the lighting is something that was exceptional in some shot. "It's magic".

About the Jean Grey dreams, he says that even though they are related to previous movies, it's not made just for recognizing those movies but that he likes to concentrate on guilt, loss instead of character starting from a blank slate.

Okay. Perhaps I'll watch the 3rd act soon so I can tell you stuff about that too!

 

[Tehmeh]

Okay, I'll do it all the way, Speno. The 3rd act.

Spoiler

He talks about how there's no spaceships, no massive explosions or huge scale. He wanted to focus on intense man-to-man battles (during shingen fight scene. Sweat and muscles. He talks about the set, he loves it. compliments his editor, and both japanese actors in the scene.

About the 3rd act, he says that even though everyone knows that Viper is a bad guy, nobody really knows who else is (Harada, for example) and that the 3rd act presents a surprise in that manner.

He talks about a fine line between fantasy aspect and bigger-than-life stuff and more realistic stuff. He thinks these kinds of movies don't work without that comic cook fantasy aspect, but they also don't work without realistic aspects. He repeats that it's a fine line.

About the ninja fight, it was cut because of they thought that maybe the audience was tired of too much fighting at that point and also the flow and pacing of the movie. he also talked about the PG13 rating which has clear rules about penetrations (stabbing), and also that throwing ninjas into blades of a snowblower doesn't help the rating approval.

He talks about Beltrami's score and the piece that's playing in the extended ninja fight. Earlier in the film he mentioned he wanted a certain western feel to the soundtrack (he compares this movie in westerns in a way), not just a typical japanese sounding score.

He talks about a Kurosawa movie "Throne of blood" when Wolverine is shot with arrows. He said he believes that Miller might be a Kurosawa fan too.

He talks about the set (robot fight) and its extentions.

He talks about having a lot of japanese language in this big of a western movie again.

He talks about getting the best team to work with him in the movie.

He talks about how he wanted Logan to still be vunlerable. Even if he was vulnerable before, now he loses his claws. He feels like he had to do this and it felt like a powerful and important thing thematically. He also says that in a way Logan finds himself again. He lost the adamantium claws but naturally finds a way again (growing his bone claws back), having a piece of himself back instead of being just a product of manipulation. (not all verbatim, that's how I got it though).

He talks about CGI/Weta and how Yashida in the suit was filmed.

He talks about Logan being saved by women again which is a reoccurring thing in the film.

The scenery behind the hole in the wall in the end is a matte painting.

He talks about Logan not necessarily being free from the ghost of Jean (last dream scene), but being free from the guilt.

At the airport, he talks about sunlight and how heroes in western/samurai films don't stay with a woman. That the hero in guestion is on the move, running, will not stay.

He likes the ending in the plane and is glad that audiences liked it too. He likes that it ends with those two characters together having that moment.
He says that in many ways the relationship between these two characters were a central part of the movie.

That's it. As you can imagine, there's a lot I didn't translate here. Just a summary.

 

[speno94]

Okay, I'll do it all the way, Speno. The 3rd act.

Spoiler

He talks about how there's no spaceships, no massive explosions or huge scale. He wanted to focus on intense man-to-man battles (during shingen fight scene. Sweat and muscles. He talks about the set, he loves it. compliments his editor, and both japanese actors in the scene.

About the 3rd act, he says that even though everyone knows that Viper is a bad guy, nobody really knows who else is (Harada, for example) and that the 3rd act presents a surprise in that manner.

He talks about a fine line between fantasy aspect and bigger-than-life stuff and more realistic stuff. He thinks these kinds of movies don't work without that comic cook fantasy aspect, but they also don't work without realistic aspects. He repeats that it's a fine line.

About the ninja fight, it was cut because of they thought that maybe the audience was tired of too much fighting at that point and also the flow and pacing of the movie. he also talked about the PG13 rating which has clear rules about penetrations (stabbing), and also that throwing ninjas into blades of a snowblower doesn't help the rating approval.

He talks about Beltrami's score and the piece that's playing in the extended ninja fight. Earlier in the film he mentioned he wanted a certain western feel to the soundtrack (he compares this movie in westerns in a way), not just a typical japanese sounding score.

He talks about a Kurosawa movie "Throne of blood" when Wolverine is shot with arrows. He said he believes that Miller might be a Kurosawa fan too.

He talks about the set (robot fight) and its extentions.

He talks about having a lot of japanese language in this big of a western movie again.

He talks about getting the best team to work with him in the movie.

He talks about how he wanted Logan to still be vunlerable. Even if he was vulnerable before, now he loses his claws. He feels like he had to do this and it felt like a powerful and important thing thematically. He also says that in a way Logan finds himself again. He lost the adamantium claws but naturally finds a way again (growing his bone claws back), having a piece of himself back instead of being just a product of manipulation. (not all verbatim, that's how I got it though).

He talks about CGI/Weta and how Yashida in the suit was filmed.

He talks about Logan being saved by women again which is a reoccurring thing in the film.

The scenery behind the hole in the wall in the end is a matte painting.

He talks about Logan not necessarily being free from the ghost of Jean (last dream scene), but being free from the guilt.

At the airport, he talks about sunlight and how heroes in western/samurai films don't stay with a woman. That the hero in guestion is on the move, running, will not stay.

He likes the ending in the plane and is glad that audiences liked it too. He likes that it ends with those two characters together having that moment.
He says that in many ways the relationship between these two characters were a central part of the movie.

That's it. As you can imagine, there's a lot I didn't translate here. Just a summary.

Wow, thanks! Mangold said a lot of interesting things especially about the fishing village scene because I don't think any other comic book film THIS YEAR [EDIT] has had 'breathing' time like this film did and it was just extremely refreshing to see that.

Because that scene didn't really cut back loads to different characters and subplots, it was just about Logan and Mariko in that middle segment which I loved. I still would have liked to have seen Logan train with a samurai sword in that segment, but overall it was great.

 

[speno94]

Tehmeh, you don't have to write a big breakdown like you did in the previous posts which I appreciated, but if there are any more little tidbits that are worth mentioning that Mangold said about the start of the film or the chase through the Tokyo streets, Bullet train etc that would be great!

 

[Taka]

It's interesting to hear Mangold's reasoning for

Spoiler

getting rid of Logan's metal claws. I still think that if he wanted to go that route, then he should have taken away Logan's adamantium completely and returned him to his natural state. He also could have emphasized this fact more since as it is now, Logan barely reacts to losing his claws beyond the initial surprise. That would fit much better thematically with what hes saying since it would make Logan completely free of his past manipulation. I think I would have been happier about that as an ending, but leaving the metal skelteon, and only taking out the claws just feels weird. Also, he should have made Logan the one to actually defeat Yashida with his bone claws rather than him simply finishing Yashida off after Mariko has basically killed him already.

 

[AVEITWITHJAMON]

Okay. I'll put in spoiler tags in case someone doesn't want to...well, be spoiled.

Spoiler

When they arrive to the cabin with bus, Mangold complimented the small town of Tomonoura (if I got the name right) and said that he didn't only want to show the basic "Tokio in neon lights" but also this rural, beautiful normal scenery and the fact that there's a lot of agriculture and fishing.

In the cabin, when Mariko is making soup, Mangold said everytime he'd always wanted that soup when he sees those vegetables.

Then, when they eat, Mangold says he didn't want to show japanese people or culture as something stereotypical and shallow. He's proud that he had numerous japanese people in this movie that aren't the same, but they're different from each other and he wanted this to show in the japanese characters as well.

He continues to talk about manners, ie. some kind of code of conduct that japanese people more or less obey and the sense of nationality they have. He remarks that it's something you notice when you spend some time there, and also makes a remark that unlike some may think, women in the society aren't confined or held back even though this certain code still somewhat exists.

About Logan's time in the cabin, he talks about how he's just...resting. Taking a breather and getting away from it all, but unlike in the beginning of the film, he has human contact now. He talks about some similarities to Harrison Ford film "Witness" which he likes, and how Ford's character lived with amish people. He talks about having simple joys, like food, normal human contact, and Logan actually getting tired from the wood chopping. Normal life.

He talks about atom bombs and Japan's rebuilding.

He says this is as much a drama for him as much as an action movie. He says the reason he didn't do this kind of tentpole movie before is that he's shy to go into a world where the only way to hold viewer's attention is with sound and fury. He says quiet moments and character connections have a lot of power, even just a look of the eyes or eye contacts, even for comic book characters. They hold a movie together for him.

The cabin was on a cliff in Tomonoura, he compliments it as a magical place with great views.

He talks about the "ronin" concept and how it's a strong element in japanese storytelling and mythology, and how it's relevant even nowadays. Talks about wars, and warriors who are molded by wars, and asks what do they do when they don't want to fight anymore.

When Mariko talks to Logan after he wakes up from a nightmare, it was the longest shot in the movie. He says that perhaps some young people, as Mariko in her childhood story, see Wolverine as a dangerous, unpredictable animal, but still someone as "who will not hurt me". He talks about how Okamoto's form with the lighting is something that was exceptional in some shot. "It's magic".

About the Jean Grey dreams, he says that even though they are related to previous movies, it's not made just for recognizing those movies but that he likes to concentrate on guilt, loss instead of character starting from a blank slate.

Okay. Perhaps I'll watch the 3rd act soon so I can tell you stuff about that too!

Okay, I'll do it all the way, Speno. The 3rd act.

Spoiler

He talks about how there's no spaceships, no massive explosions or huge scale. He wanted to focus on intense man-to-man battles (during shingen fight scene. Sweat and muscles. He talks about the set, he loves it. compliments his editor, and both japanese actors in the scene.

About the 3rd act, he says that even though everyone knows that Viper is a bad guy, nobody really knows who else is (Harada, for example) and that the 3rd act presents a surprise in that manner.

He talks about a fine line between fantasy aspect and bigger-than-life stuff and more realistic stuff. He thinks these kinds of movies don't work without that comic cook fantasy aspect, but they also don't work without realistic aspects. He repeats that it's a fine line.

About the ninja fight, it was cut because of they thought that maybe the audience was tired of too much fighting at that point and also the flow and pacing of the movie. he also talked about the PG13 rating which has clear rules about penetrations (stabbing), and also that throwing ninjas into blades of a snowblower doesn't help the rating approval.

He talks about Beltrami's score and the piece that's playing in the extended ninja fight. Earlier in the film he mentioned he wanted a certain western feel to the soundtrack (he compares this movie in westerns in a way), not just a typical japanese sounding score.

He talks about a Kurosawa movie "Throne of blood" when Wolverine is shot with arrows. He said he believes that Miller might be a Kurosawa fan too.

He talks about the set (robot fight) and its extentions.

He talks about having a lot of japanese language in this big of a western movie again.

He talks about getting the best team to work with him in the movie.

He talks about how he wanted Logan to still be vunlerable. Even if he was vulnerable before, now he loses his claws. He feels like he had to do this and it felt like a powerful and important thing thematically. He also says that in a way Logan finds himself again. He lost the adamantium claws but naturally finds a way again (growing his bone claws back), having a piece of himself back instead of being just a product of manipulation. (not all verbatim, that's how I got it though).

He talks about CGI/Weta and how Yashida in the suit was filmed.

He talks about Logan being saved by women again which is a reoccurring thing in the film.

The scenery behind the hole in the wall in the end is a matte painting.

He talks about Logan not necessarily being free from the ghost of Jean (last dream scene), but being free from the guilt.

At the airport, he talks about sunlight and how heroes in western/samurai films don't stay with a woman. That the hero in guestion is on the move, running, will not stay.

He likes the ending in the plane and is glad that audiences liked it too. He likes that it ends with those two characters together having that moment.
He says that in many ways the relationship between these two characters were a central part of the movie.

That's it. As you can imagine, there's a lot I didn't translate here. Just a summary.

Interesting stuff, thanks, I am not a fan of listening to commentaries but this all sounds great. Going to get my copy of this today.

Man I cant wait to see what Mangold has in mind for the sequel.

 

[Tehmeh]

AVEITWITHJAMON, I wasn't a commentary person either. I don't exactly know when it changed. Guess I just got lucky with some movies that a) I liked and b) had good commentaries. Now if I like a movie, I will definitely check out the commentaries too. Some people are great to listen to when they have that certain passion for filmmaking.

 

[AVEITWITHJAMON]

AVEITWITHJAMON, I wasn't a commentary person either. I don't exactly know when it changed. Guess I just got lucky with some movies that a) I liked and b) had good commentaries. Now if I like a movie, I will definitely check out the commentaries too. Some people are great to listen to when they have that certain passion for filmmaking.

Yeah, I have just never gotten into them, I hate the movie being in the background, I just feel I would be better off watching the movie again. Who knows, might listen to this one.

 

[Tehmeh]

Tehmeh, you don't have to write a big breakdown like you did in the previous posts which I appreciated, but if there are any more little tidbits that are worth mentioning that Mangold said about the start of the film or the chase through the Tokyo streets, Bullet train etc that would be great!

Can't remember much now.

About the chase in the streets, he said that because Japan doesn't have a film commission and they of course couldn't for example shut down a certain street, they had to shoot guerrilla style. Actors/stuntmen running among real people who got into the movie by accident. Their reactions are natural.

 

[speno94]

Can't remember much now.

About the chase in the streets, he said that because Japan doesn't have a film commission and they of course couldn't for example shut down a certain street, they had to shoot guerrilla style. Actors/stuntmen running among real people who got into the movie by accident. Their reactions are natural.

That's why I love this film, just little things like this...

Some parts of the film felt very unconventional and un-Hollywood for a comic book film like this just shooting guerrilla style, not shutting down streets and getting natural reactions from the japanese people on the streets.

Some people didn't like the shaky cam in that scene, but I loved it because it felt like the Bourne films or The French Connection like Mangold said.

 

[LostSon88]

Really looking forward to this extended cut. For those that've seen it, Does it live up to most expectations?

 

[Tehmeh]

Really looking forward to this extended cut. For those that've seen it, Does it live up to most expectations?

I'd say so. Just keep in mind it doesn't significantly change the movie itself, so if you didn't like it before, you probably won't like it now, for example.

It just feels like it's more whole. Some characters get a little more to do, thus establishing them more. The violence is not over the top, just a little nastier and more satisfying. The language is more..."real" with a couple more F's and S's. Some added silent/dialogue shots deepen the film a bit. Don't expect anything remarkable or wildly different than the theatrical version, just a more definite one. (not sure if I used the word "definite" correctly)

 

[Ipodman]

Doesn't really change the movie, just sprinkles some stuff on top...

 

[JediMasterConor]

Is the Extended Edition only with the Blu-ray 3D set? I just picked up my normal blu-ray copy from best buy and I don't think it has it. Haven't opened it yet and will probably return to the store to get the 3D version if that's the case. To anyone who does have the 3D version. Does the Extended version come just on 3D Blu-Ray or is it on the normal Blu-Ray as well?

 

[danoyse]

The extended edition is only on the 3D set. And yes, it's on the regular blu-ray with the 3D set.

And no, it doesn't make sense to any of us either.

 

[marvelrobbins]

You can also buy It from Itunes If you don't have a 3-d bluray player.I don't know how those players work since I don't own one.

 

[def28]

No 3D TV or player required. They are just making you buy the combo in order to get the Extended. Only the 2D Blu ray in the combo set is the extended. So any blu ray player will do in short.

Like Danoyse said, it doesn't make sense. Odd decision to leave out the 3D.

 

[AVEITWITHJAMON]

^Yeah you have to buy the 3D set, but the EE is only in 2D anyway, so no 3D TV or Bd player required.

 

[kguillou]

Wasn't sure whether to post this here or in the DoFP thread but I just watched the DoFP set tour on the Wolverine blu ray and man it was short but sweet. I just love Bryan Singer's enthusiasm for this project and I know this is going to be the best most epic x-men film yet. It was so cool getting a behind the scenes look at the sets in this thing.

 

[side_47_swipe]

Wasn't sure whether to post this here or in the DoFP thread but I just watched the DoFP set tour on the Wolverine blu ray and man it was short but sweet. I just love Bryan Singer's enthusiasm for this project and I know this is going to be the best most epic x-men film yet. It was so cool getting a behind the scenes look at the sets in this thing.

I haven't seen this yet. But this reminds me of the X2 set visit on the X-Men 1.5 DVD set.