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DVD Highlander 2 (Special Edition)
Theatrically released in 1991 as Highlander II: The Quickening, this sequel was later reedited and gained a small but loyal following (prompting a spinoff TV series), but at the time of its release critic Roger Ebert called it "the most hilariously incomprehensible movie ... almost awesome in its badness." In other words, you might find some guilty pleasure in this chaotic sequel to 1986's Highlander, in which Christopher Lambert reprises his role as Connor MacLeod, a member of the alien race known as "Immortals," banished to Earth from his home planet Zeist some 500 years ago. In the year 1999, Lambert owns a corporation that has created a shield to protect the Earth following the depletion of the ozone layer. But the shield is seized by an evil cartel, and Virginia Madsen plays a scientist who assists MacLeod in his mission to destroy the cartel. Sean Connery also reprises his role from Highlander as the Scottish Immortal named Ramirez (?!), but by the time he starts engaging in dashing swordplay you may wonder if he's wandered in from another movie altogether. Highlander fans welcomed the laserdisc and DVD release of this "renegade" director's cut, which attempts to clarify the original version's confusing plot. The DVD includes THX and AC-3 audio, director and producers' commentary, a generous photo archive, and an original documentary about the making of the film. --Jeff Shannon
I have seen all 4 "Highlander" movies (including "Endgame"). I just re-watched 1 and 2, and finally saw 3 yesterday. So I know what I'm talking about when I say "Highlander 2 Renegade Version" NEVER HAPPENED.
I have not seen the original "Highlander 2" so I can't really compare this version to that. This version does have a pamphlet that explains the changes made in each scene, so I have an understanding of what the original version was like. So I feel I can safely say that both versions should not exist.
Here's the thing. The plot of "Highlander 2" contradicts both "Highlander" and "Highlander 3". It acts as if the first movie never happened. For instance, Conner and Ramirez's interactions took place in Scotland in the first movie. In this movie, they are somehow in a desert place in the distance past. This obviously never happend. Plus,
a character dies in the first movie that is somehow alive in this one. And I mean REALLY dies, as in head cut off. Also, it is said that Brenda, from the first movie, died of radiation poisoning. In Highlander 3, it is said she died in a car crash.
As a matter of fact, there is no mention of the events from "Highlander 2" in "Highlander 3". Actually, "Highlander 3" seems to take place right after "Highlander". There are references to the first movie, and as I said, none to the second. In fact, you really could skip "Highlander 2" all together and go straight to 3. And that is what I seriously suggest you do. "Highlander 3" flows seemlessly from the original, making you wonder why it wasn't number 2 instead. It's as if "Highlander 2" never existed.......oh, wait. It dosn't.
There Can Still Be Only One...
After the huge cult success the original film "Highlander" enjoyed since it's release in 1986, it was merely a matter of time before Hollywood would deliver another adventure featuring everyone's favorite Scottish Immortal, Connor MacLeod. Even though many enjoyed the first film, the hardcore fans felt that a sequel was pointless since it appeared that Connor had gained the 'Prize' after defeating Kurgan. Though in my opinion how they knew the difference between Connor receiving the 'Prize' or just another Quickening is beyond me. I felt that a sequel to "Highlander" would be fine, as long as it could equal or surpass the original film. In 1991, "Highlander 2: The Quickening" was released to theaters and fans of the original could hardly wait to see this movie, yes even the nay-sayers were excited. How could they not be, I mean, with the return of Christopher Lambert as Connor MacLeod, Sean Connery as Ramirez, and adding Michael Ironside as a new villanous Immortal named General Katana, plus "Highlander" director Russell Mulcahy helming once again, what could possibly go wrong? Sadly, the answer would be, a lot. The original film as covered in previous reviews by other viewers, was a slap in the face to fans of the original film, and even to the cast and crew. Apparently, the movie studio became too involved in the filmmaking process, leaving audiences with a terrible movie, with a horrible story, and shoddy special effects. In the original theatrical release of "Highlander 2: The Quickening", the Immortals are said to be from a planet called Zeist, and they fled their homeplanet after a civil war erupted and came to Earth to prosper. This revelation completely alienated most of the 'Highlander' fans, and the ones that weren't alienated probably aren't true fans. In 1997, director Russell Mulcahy returned once again to the 'Highlander' world, editing out any references to the planet Zeist or having the Immortals be aliens. Upon completion of this newly cut version Russell released "Highlander 2: The Renegade Version", a more entertaining film than the original version of "Highlander 2", yet still the continuity was messed up. Then once more in 2004, Russell Mulcahy returned one more time to "Highlander 2" and gave all of the special effects an upgrade that they were sorely lacking, and re-edited some of the scenes again, yet sadly, this film still does not flow with the rest of the films in the 'Highlander' series. Now that I have brought you all up to speed regarding the changes made to this film through various editions, I will fill you in on the basic story for this latest 'special edition' of "Highlander 2: The Quickening".
"Highlander 2: The Quickening" takes place in the year 2024, and Connor MacLeod is living life as a normal man, since it seems the 'Game' is now complete and there are no more Immortals to vanquish, he has been allowed to grow old naturally. In the time that has passed since the end of "Highlander", Connor has become somewhat of an environmentalist and has created a force shield that will protect us from the sun's harmful rays, because of the complete destruction of the ozone layer. However, Connor is no longer in control of his company, and a new evil organization is running the shield. Though he created the shield for good, it never lets any sunlight in, not even filtered light, so the world has become a bleak place, and the people are desperate and filled with hatred. But a team of scientists, or eco-terrorists in this case, believe that the ozone layer has healed itself and that there is no longer any need for the force shield, and seeks to destroy it, in hopes of bringing back the sunlight and hope to the people. At the same time this is occurring an Immortal has been sent from the past to face Connor MacLeod and take away the coveted 'Prize'. As Connor fights to 'keep his head' and the 'Prize', he also attempts to help the leader of the scientists (Virginia Madsen) disable the force shield he created. But the evil Immortal, General Katana (Michael Ironside), doesn't care about anything more than taking Connor's head, and claiming the 'Prize'. To survive, Connor must call on an old friend to aid him in this time of need, however as the saying goes,"In the end, there can be only one."
When I first watched this sequel I saw the original theatrical release, not knowing that on DVD the 'Renegade Director's Cut' had been released. So, initially I hated this movie, because I thought it destroyed the mythology of the Immortals by taking an easy way out and having them be aliens, instead of just a mysterious race of humans. But then I saw the 'Renegade Director's Cut', and I was somewhat happier, though still the continuity is screwed up when viewed in line with the original "Highlander" and then the other 2 sequels, "Highlander: The Final Dimension" and "Highlander: Endgame". Even though the 'Renegade Version' is better, and the special effects and some other scenes have been fixed for this new special edition, "Highlander 2: The Quickening" is still a troublesome follow-up that never fully fits into the 'Highlander' series. Though, if viewed as a standalone, almost alternate reality 'Highlander' universe, then the film could be enjoyable, but that's too much hassle. Overall, it's an average standalone movie which is why I gave it 3 stars, but when viewed in line with the rest of the series, it is really only worth 1 or 2.
"Highlander 2: The Quickening" is rated R for violence, language, and brief sexuality.
The Underrated Director's Cut!
Russell Mulcahy's sequel to his original is even more stylish than its predecessor. Mulcahy has seemed to mature as a director, and it is apparent on screen.
Of course, I am referring to the new special edition, which takes the reworked director's cut (known as the Renegade Version) and brings it to an even higher level. The style of the filmmakers stand out better in this version, mainly because the special effects now hold up to the in-camera imagery.
Many people (myself included) were appalled by H2: The Quickening as it was originally released, not only because of the absurd backstory of the immortals, but also because of the laughable editing. Both were corrected in the 1997 cut.
The Renegade Version brought dignity to the edit, but the SFX still did not hold up, giving the film the feel of a bad low-budget sci-fi tv series from the 50s. It still could not be taken seriously...until now.
The original effects man worked with the director and producers to give the film a specific look. The shield is now blue, fitting in with the matte paintings. The whole film has a blue tint, giving every frame visual continuity.
Now, Highlander II is finally worthy to be beside the original. It may not agree with the direction the franchise took afterwards, but it stands as the only film to embrace the end of the first film, and it is the only one to attempt to take the story in a new direction. Innovative, stylish, and true to its predecessor: what more could you ask for?
This 1986 fantasy/action thriller has since spawned two sequels, a popular syndicated TV series, numerous comic-book spinoffs, and a loyal (if somewhat oddly obsessive) following of fans. Directed by music video veteran Russell Mulcahy (which explains the dizzying camera work), the original theatrical release made hash of an intriguing story about an "Immortal" from 16th-century Scotland (Christopher Lambert) who time-leaps to modern-day America with his archenemy (Clancy Brown) in hot pursuit. It becomes a battle to the death (yes, Immortals can die), and Lambert seeks survival training from an Immortal mentor played by Sean Connery. Dazzling, energetic, and altogether confusing in its original form, the film has since been released on video, laserdisc, and DVD in this revised widescreen... More Info about this DVD Actor(s): Christopher Lambert - Clancy Brown - Sean Connery Director(s): Russell Mulcahy DVD Release Date: Released the 16 April 2002 Usually ships in 24 hours
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Despite a typically haphazard plot, Highlander: Endgame is a marked improvement over previous sequels. This is the "torch-passing" chapter, in which the Immortal Connor MacLeod (Christopher Lambert) passes his life force to his heroic brother, Duncan (Adrian Paul, star of the 1993-96 Highlander TV series). These appealing stars make a fine onscreen duo, and Paul is a terrific choice to keep the franchise alive--strikingly handsome but possessing enough gravitas to make the prospect of future sequels unexpectedly promising. The movie is incoherent to the uninitiated, but established fans will be reasonably impressed by Endgame's cagey mix of romance, swordplay, and history-spanning action. While the movie's chaotic construction is regrettable, the frequent battles... More Info about this DVD Actor(s): Adrian Paul - Christopher Lambert - Bruce Payne Director(s): Douglas Aarniokoski DVD Release Date: Released the 27 February 2001 Usually ships in 24 hours
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One must assume that Christopher Lambert signed a contract forcing him to make this second sequel to the 1986 cult film Highlander. Unless he was paid an enormous amount of money, there is no explanation for his appearance in this abysmal movie. The original feature, which was graced with the presence of Sean Connery, was a critical yawn but attracted a cult following on the strength of its supernatural story line. An overproduced and muddled sequel followed, as well as a syndicated TV series and a video flick spliced together from the series. One would think audiences had had enough of this clansman who can die only if decapitated. This installment begins 400 years ago, when Lambert is in Japan perfecting his swordsmanship with the aid of another immortal, a... More Info about this DVD Actor(s): Christopher Lambert - Mario Van Peebles - Deborah Unger Director(s): Andrew Morahan DVD Release Date: Released the 04 March 2003 Usually ships within 1 to 2 weeks
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