Here is the thing :
"Brian De Palma's initial cut ran at roughly three hours and was a faithful adaptation of the book, with more time dedicated to Bucky's psychological breakdown during the investigation and his obsession with avenging the Dahlia. James Ellroy was shown a print of this version and wrote an essay praising it; entitled 'The Hillikers', it was published in re-issued prints of the novel which were released before the film premiered. In the interim between Ellroy's having seen the director's cut and the publication of his essay, the film was significantly edited. After seeing the theatrical cut, Ellroy refused to comment on it"
I, along with many others, believe 'The Black Dahlia' to be a great film in its original form. The theatrical cut has solid acting and great cinematography. But the storyline has a lot of flaws.
So, please sign this petition if you also wish the makers of "The Black Dahlia" to release the original director's cut of the film on DVD and Blu-ray.
Updates
Reached 250 supporters
March 19, 2026
Reached 100 supporters
August 9, 2017
103 Comments
I love Ellroy's work and De Palma's work about would be thrilled to see this. As it was, I thought there were great things about the released film, but it ultimately became incoherent.
I would pay 100$ for a blu-ray or 4k disc of the original director's cut. In my opinion Brian De Palma is the greatest director of all times!
The 3 hour directors cut needs to be released on blu ray as there are subplots in the theatrical version that need clarity and help improve an awkward ending.
Dear Brian De Palma, Set up a Kickstarter. Set up an IndieGogo. You have thousands of devoted fans who would happily pay for the original 3-hour version of this film which Ellroy praised -- and which represents your original vision. Your loyal fan, Adam
The Black Dahlia is a fairly difficult book. James Ellroy was really starting to stretch out here. I haven't seen any version of the film yet, but I can't imagine anything less than 3 hours could even get close to the book.
Brian De Palma is my favourite director and The Black Dahlia deserves it's 3 hour cut if it has survived!
Great director, great author. What more need be said?
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Here is the thing :
"Brian De Palma's initial cut ran at roughly three hours and was a faithful adaptation of the book, with more time dedicated to Bucky's psychological breakdown during the investigation and his obsession with avenging the Dahlia. James Ellroy was shown a print of this version and wrote an essay praising it; entitled 'The Hillikers', it was published in re-issued prints of the novel which were released before the film premiered. In the interim between Ellroy's having seen the director's cut and the publication of his essay, the film was significantly edited. After seeing the theatrical cut, Ellroy refused to comment on it"
I, along with many others, believe 'The Black Dahlia' to be a great film in its original form. The theatrical cut has solid acting and great cinematography. But the storyline has a lot of flaws.
So, please sign this petition if you also wish the makers of "The Black Dahlia" to release the original director's cut of the film on DVD and Blu-ray.
Updates
Reached 250 supporters
March 19, 2026
Reached 100 supporters
August 9, 2017
103 Comments
PLEASE let Brian De Palma go back and re-cut this film to the 3 hour epic it was intended to be and should have been! The 2 hour version makes little sense and is a mess.
I love Ellroy's work and De Palma's work about would be thrilled to see this. As it was, I thought there were great things about the released film, but it ultimately became incoherent.
I would pay 100$ for a blu-ray or 4k disc of the original director's cut. In my opinion Brian De Palma is the greatest director of all times!
The 3 hour directors cut needs to be released on blu ray as there are subplots in the theatrical version that need clarity and help improve an awkward ending.
Dear Brian De Palma, Set up a Kickstarter. Set up an IndieGogo. You have thousands of devoted fans who would happily pay for the original 3-hour version of this film which Ellroy praised -- and which represents your original vision. Your loyal fan, Adam
The Black Dahlia is a fairly difficult book. James Ellroy was really starting to stretch out here. I haven't seen any version of the film yet, but I can't imagine anything less than 3 hours could even get close to the book.
Brian De Palma is my favourite director and The Black Dahlia deserves it's 3 hour cut if it has survived!
Great director, great author. What more need be said?
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PLEASE let Brian De Palma go back and re-cut this film to the 3 hour epic it was intended to be and should have been! The 2 hour version makes little sense and is a mess.