Customer Reviews

Highlander 2 - Renegade Version (The Director's Cut)

5 star:		(23)
4 star:		(17)
3 star:		(18)
2 star:		(25)
1 star:		(84)

 

 

Highlander II: The Quickening 1991/90min/R **
Something went wrong here in Highlander II: The Quickening Highlander wasn't really considered a classic by all critics but to me it was. We had a 16th century warrior become immortal in 1586 and now 400 years later he finally defeats Kurgen and clames the prize of becoming mortal in 1986. Now we go into the future of 2024 where the Earth is now covered by a Sheild (which was created in 1999) due to what happened to The Ozone Layer breakdown. When Connor MacCloud was watching the Opera (very well done) he flashsback to a place called Planet Zeist??? Now just wait a minute is this film saying there aliens??? Now that just dosen't make any sense at all. The only reason why i give it 2 stars was some decent performances,and somes good effects. Otherwise the story and the plot are absoutely ludricous and stupid.
Highlander II: The Renegade Version 109min R ***1/2
After hearing some good reviews about the Renegade version i decided to check it out. When i watched boy man this film was pretty darn good it clears things up. Instead of The Planet Zeist
now its refered to as A Very Long Time Ago (sorta of what Stars Wars would start out of). So my guess is that there from the past in alternate time period instead of another planet. Now that makes sense. I also noticed with in the film some dialouges have been cut out of the Quickening version and added new scenes to it. Some of the sheilds FX were redone now there more like orange looking rather than purple in The Quickening. CGI effects were used as well like the new computer screen. Some of the scenes have been restored to the correct position like the 1999 launch of the Sheild, and a pretty good scene were Macloud visits Brenda while she is dying and she's one of the reasons why he built the sheild in the first place. Some other scenes added like where it shows Alan and Connor discussing about the radiation above the sheild is normal, and giving him the coordinates to get above the sheild. They ended up doing so and its true the Ozone Layer has repaired itself and the sheild has to come down. When the movie was almost over Connor immediately destroys the sheild and The Earth is no longer covered by the Sheild any longer.
I didn't really completely list the other scenes but i'm sure you'll understand them better and for 19 minutes of additional footage that's pretty good for a film that went wrong. Plus it explains more about what Connor and Ramiez are, Why Connor built the sheild, and why the sheild had to come down.
The DVD is of good quality i just wish that it was anamorphic instead of Letterboxed but hey its not bad i give it a 4. The Dolby Digital 5.1 (AC-3) is pretty decent though it sometimes is to low pitched in the explosions but hey its all good its a 4 as well. The Featurette is pretty good (but note its actually 17mins and 57sec. long not 22min like it said), and the still photos are a bit of a bore they go by fast so i would press Slow on your remote to look at them. The movie itself still won't live up to the original because it somehow doesn't click on me that well but overall skip the Quickening and get The Renegade Version now you won't regert it.

I can't really say much more than "This is the worst movie ever conceived by the mind of man." I've never been so amazed at such a pathetic plot, horrid FX, weak acting, contrived fighting scenes, and so on. I guess this could have some redeeming value if an aspiring director/screenwriter watched it as an example of what not to do. There IS one way to make the movie perfect, however: add in the Mystery Science 3000 guys. They'd have a field day! (And BTW, this is a review of the "Renegade" version. If this is better, I fel sorry for the poor sap who saw "The Quickening" version :P )

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.

My what a confusing film this is! What happened to the concept of the valliant poet warrior introduced in 'Highlander' and why, or better put how has Ramirez returned, head intact? Even worse, what's all this silliness about the alien nature of the Immortals and their home planet Ziest? ABSURD! (I haven't even mentioned that the original film didn't leave an opening for a sequel. MacLeod was the last Immortal left and the prophecy was fulfilled. Well, so much for plot accuracy).

There's an important lesson to be learned here. That lesson being that in the topsy turvy realm of Highlander sequels don't expect any consistency in storyline from one film to the next, The more you try and make sense of things the less you'll enjoy the movie. Just be happy that Christopher Lambert agreed to reprise his role as Connor MacLeod and be done with it. (Riddle: When is a sequel not really a sequel? Answer: When it's a Highlander movie).

For completist only and even the most hardcore fan has a tough time sitting through this mess.

I had waited a long time, years, for a sequel to Highlander to come it. Sitting in the theater with my friends rather than catching the season premier of Star Trek as I recall, we could hardly wait for the show to start. The place was packed, and as the movie progressed, we all remained hopeful, despite the fact it was not good at all. Unfortunately the movie sunk deeper and deeper into a cesspool of stupid plot ideas, and stupider characters. Finally, as we endured the lines, "Remember Highlander, remember, the planet Zeist" someone in the audience started laughing, and soon the whole audience erupted in laughter, and from that point on, jokes were constantly made as everyone laughed at the film, so in the long run, I guess we had a good time, despite being subjected to what was quite possibly the WORST sequel ever to a great movie.

Along with rewriting the original Highlander movie with the stupid planet "Zeist" idea, it felt as if a couple hyper teens had come up with the plot after staying up way too late eating candy and drinking soda. I could imagine this conversation: Kid #1 "Wasn't it cool when the Kirgan in Highlander stuck out his tongue to the nuns?" Kid #2 replies "Yeah, that was awesome, why don't we make TWO characters who stick out their tongues all the time now! And even better, lets have them ride flying skateboards!" Kid #1 "Awesome dude! And remember how cool and dark Batman was? Lets see if they want to sell us parts of their set, and we can have it dark most of the time with steam rising and everything" Kid #2 "Rock on!"

I could go on and on, but what's the point? This movie stunk, the plot stunk, the characters stunk, and the scenery stunk, but the fact that it was the sequel to such a GREAT movie makes it even more disappointing.

When Highlander II came out people were walking out of the theaters only halfway through the movie in droves! Probably no other sequal within 10 years of its making caused so many complaints from movie audiences.

There probably isnt a better example in Hollywood history of how how studio execs. took the biggest potential money making series and nearly killed it with one film.

Any reviews you read stating "its not that bad" are highly suspicious.

Dont buy it, dont rent it....its not even worth watching just because your curious about how bad it really is.

The "Renegade Version" of Highlander 2 is promised as having corrected all the things that made the film as orginally released such an abomination. In particular, they remove all references to the "dreaded planet Zeist." Well, thank heavens for small favors! Yes, the words "planet Zeist" are deleted, but that's about all you can say for it. The scenario they used as a substitute is no more coherent, it still doesn't fit into the rest of the Highlander universe, and it _still_ leaves this a gawdawful film.

The only real reason to see the Renegade Version--and this applies only to the DVD--is to hear the commentary track by a number of the movies' makers. This is interesting to Highlander afficianados mainly because it quickly becomes clear that THEY STILL DON'T GET IT. It's truly amazing that these people who engineered a marvelous first film, and a very good tv series, never actually understood what the elements were that appealed to the fans.

Don't view this movie as a Highlander experience. View it as an object lesson in filmmaking and the entertainment industry as a business.

At least H2 was consistent: The worst scripting, worst directing, worst acting, worst casting, worst editing and worst everything else I've ever seen in a movie. It's the George Bush of movies.

What's worse is that they took one of the best premises around, the HIGHLANDER concept, and so messed and muddled it. In my book this mucked-up monster has replaced BATTLEFIELD EARTH as the most incomprehensible waste of money in cinematic history. (Whew. I feel better. Not much though; but the bad mental taste is somewhat exorcised.)

I'm not going to comment on how good or bad the movie was. By now everyone remotely interested in seeing this has already seen it and formed their own opinion. I'm going to review the video quality of this film briefly: it sucks! The video transfer has some decent blacks but it otherwise is just awful. There is ringing, haloing, and uneven video quality even within the film itself! Aliasing is almost constant (the jaggies) and there is lots of video noise throughout. The audio is actually pretty decent, but seriously if you DO like this film and want to own it, try getting the DVD version instead, or at least RENT the Bluray before buying. Seriously, it's releases like these that make me always want to read reviews before buying!

Highlander 2 was originally based around the concept that the Immortals (including Connor McCleod and Ramirez)were, in fact, aliens from a distant planet known as Zeist. Only when they were exiled from their homeland to Earth were they cursed with immortality that can only be taken from them if their heads are cut from their bodies. It was an attempt to give fans of the first film what they wanted - an explanation on why Immortals are, well, immortal. But these seemingly good intentions didn't work out so well in the end. The explanation did not have to be THAT far-fetched, guys. Of course, that is why the television series and the following two films completely ignore this concept. In movie history, I don't believe there has ever been a sequel that has been so ignored by other films in the series. Highlander 2 is almost a "what if?" scenario that strays from the original formula before going right back again with Highlander 3 (though at its core, 3 is a much worse film).

The original cut of Highlander 2 was a mess, and not the version the directors, writers, and producers had been shooting for. This so-called Renegade Version revisits the material and improves upon it vastly by putting scenes in their proper order and by inserting scenes that were missing altogether the first time around. This is almost a DIFFERENT film. And, of course, almost abashedly and apologetically, the filmmakers have decided to lop out all references to the origins of Immortals as pertaining to another planet in a distant galaxy. Instead, the scenes that take place on Zeist are now supposedly part of a lost time and place here on Earth, which makes absolutely no sense at all given that there are spaceships, teleporters, holograms, machine guns and such. Though I strongly feel that the explanation for the Immortals is weak and, certainly, a mistake, I think the Renegade Version's attempt to hide from this is also a mistake. It makes the story, oddly enough, even MORE far-fetched, and confusing as well to any newcomers. But, in truth, this Renegade Version was made for the die-hard fans, so newcomers should probably not apply to begin with.

Aside from this brand new flaw in the narrative, Highlander 2 is certainly improved from its earlier incarnation. Still, the fact remains that this is a fairly mediocre film at its core, and no amount of revisions can undo this. It lacks the emotion of the original, and increases the campiness factor tenfold. The futuristic setting is been-there and done-that science fiction tripe, and detracts from the originality of the overall premise. The best thing about Highlander 2 remains the same as before, though, and his name is Sean Connery. His return is hard to swallow given he met his end in the first flick, but it's not something I question given that he almost single-handedly saves the film. He and Christopher Lambert share a grand chemistry, and it returns here. Connery also takes credit for the most comical and delightful bits of the film.

All in all, Highlander 2 is to be taken as a "what if?" in the series and then you're expected to forget about it completely. If one watches it with that in mind, it has its appealing moments. This new version, in particular, brings more to the table and imbues Highlander 2 with a tiny bit more of that Highlander essense that was lacking at first. When it comes down to it, though, Highlander 2 and Highlander 3 are disposable, and the only true sequel to the original is Endgame. This DVD is a nice addition for the less-picky Highlander zealots, though, and the commentary track is fun and enlightening, and so is the featurette.