10 Movies With Amazing Alternate Cuts

5. That Thing You Do

20th Century Fox20th Century FoxThe director's cut of That Thing You Do is not going to make or break anyone's enjoyment of the film. If you found the music annoying in the theatrical release, having an extra half hour or so isn't going to make you suddenly like it. But if you're a fan of the underrated film about a 1960s band shooting to brief stardom, watching the extended cut gives you so much more context for all the scenes and really creates an entirely different movie. Sure, you can see why some of the edits were done, but on the whole it allows the entire film to breathe a little bit more, and shows deeper relationships between all the characters. There are a number of new or extended scenes of the band before they make it famous, as well as added footage demonstrating the connection between Guy and Faye. In addition, we are introduced to Mr White's male lover (played by Howie Long), which adds depth to the character, and we see the interracial relationship between The Bass Player (he apparently doesn't get a name) and one of the members of The Chantrellines.
Contributor
Contributor

Audrey Fox is an ex-film student, which means that she prefers to spend her days in the dark, watching movies and pondering the director's use of diegetic sound. She currently works as an entertainment writer, joyfully rambling about all things film and television related. Add her on Twitter at @audonamission and check out her film blog at 1001moviesandbeyond.com.