Summary
- Deleted scenes are cut for various reasons like time constraints, pacing, or not aligning with the artistic direction of the show.
- Deleted scenes offer deeper insights into the characters, offer more background, and can sometimes significantly alter the main plot or ending.
- Find deleted scenes on YouTube, streaming services, or physical copies of DVDs for high-quality viewing and bonus content.
I used to think that deleted scenes in movies and TV shows were removed for a reason. Maybe the quality wasn’t there, or they had major plot holes. But after watching a bunch of them recently, I realized I was seriously missing out.
Why Do Deleted Scenes Exist?
If you have ever watched a deleted scene, there’s a good chance that it looked like any other scene that made it into the final cut. The actors are in costumes, the writing fits into the larger narrative, and it’s fully directed, shot, and edited. Hundreds of human-hours and thousands of dollars go into shooting these now-deleted scenes, so isn’t it a little strange that they still end up on the cutting room floor?
The reasons why deleted scenes are cut are numerous. If the TV show airs on a network with strict time slots, scenes have to be cut out to fit the designated length. Sometimes, they’re cut because of odd pacing within the episode itself, or the scene simply doesn’t contribute any value.
Scenes can also be removed if they don’t align with the show’s artistic direction, or after test screenings, when audience feedback suggests that something about the scene felt off.
A great example is a deleted scene from The Sopranos, where Tony goes shopping with Paulie. Aside from showing how much of a cheapskate Paulie is, the scene plays out more like an awkward product placement reel with two gangsters than a meaningful moment between the characters.
Deleted Scenes Bring Fictional Worlds to Life
Watching deleted scenes feels a lot like reading lore. You’re going the extra mile to learn and see everything the show has to offer, and in turn, you’re rewarded with nuggets of entertaining content and, if you’re lucky, crucial information that ties back to the main plot.
If you ask me, you haven’t watched all of Twin Peaks if you skipped Twin Peaks: The Missing Pieces—the 2014 compilation of deleted scenes from the movie Twin Peaks: Fire Walk with Me. I won’t give away any spoilers, but the deleted scenes offer a deeper dive into the prequel lore, especially when it comes to the central character of the show, Laura Palmer.
Another reason you should watch deleted scenes is that they offer a deeper look into the characters’ lives. They humanize the characters, making them both more relatable and believable. We can see what they’re like in their off-time.
Watching these scenes almost feels as though the cameras are off, and you’re secretly observing the characters through a hidden lens. The Sopranos has a deleted scene that perfectly encompasses this: Tony and Carmela visit Christopher and his wife while they’re having guests over, offering a rare glimpse into what Chris is like at home, when he isn’t with his gangster friends or in AA meetings.
On rare occasions, deleted scenes can significantly alter the main plot of the show or the ending. One of the most famous deleted alternate endings comes from I Am Legend, where Neville learns that the Darkseekers are intelligent creatures, making him the real monster all along. If you ask hardcore fans, many would agree that this is the true canonical ending of the movie.
I also wanted to briefly mention bloopers, which are essentially the polar opposite of deleted scenes. Instead of adding context or humanizing the characters, bloopers completely break immersion, reminding us that it’s just a show. They also humanize the actors who portray them. Just like us, actors laugh when they shouldn’t or make hilarious mistakes. Bloopers are entertaining, so be sure to watch them too!
Where to Watch Deleted Scenes
Looking up the title of the TV show or movie you’ve watched, followed by “deleted scenes,” is a pretty solid starting point to find deleted scenes online. Naturally, most results will come from YouTube, which is a great place to watch deleted scenes, provided they’ve been uploaded by fans. However, due to copyright issues, these kinds of videos sometimes get removed, and the quality isn’t always the best.
Interestingly, some streaming services like Netflix, Hulu, and Disney+ also provide a limited selection of deleted scenes, which you can find under the “Extras” or “Special Features” section on websites like Netflix Tudum or through their YouTube channels and social media pages. Some shows even release complete, uncut editions to streaming services, such as The Office: Superfan Episodes.
Disney+
Disney+ is a streaming service that offers one of the best selections of deleted scenes within its app. It also includes commentary from the actors, making-of documentaries, and various other bonus content.
Perhaps the most reliable way to watch deleted scenes is to track down a physical copy of a DVD or Blu-ray that includes special features, such as deleted scenes and alternate cuts. This way, you’ll get to watch the scenes in full quality, and they won’t disappear from streaming services or YouTube.
Nearly every show and movie is bound to have a few scenes that didn’t make it in the final cut. While there’s usually a good reason for their removal, many of these deleted scenes still offer a wealth of entertainment for fans, so don’t skip them!
Related
Did You Know Disney+ Has Special Features Like DVDs?
Watch commentaries, deleted scenes, and more.
Source link
