Release "The Black Dahlia" director's cut

liam dunne

I really enjoyed the source novel, and didn’t hate the theatrical release, but I can’t help but wonder what the original cut was like

Do it

Do it.

Release!

Good stuff, agreed, let's do it

I saw the film in theaters and thought it was mid. Yet, I am intrigued in what de Palma was forced to cut out for this director's cut.

Release the DePalma cut

People will buy this, even if it’s a morbid curiosity

Yes please!

Great book, mess of a movie.

My momy and your momy are both big breasted.

I am writing as a passionate admirer of Brian De Palma’s work, and more specifically, as someone deeply interested in seeing the full realization of his original vision for The Black Dahlia (2006). It is widely known that De Palma's initial cut of the film ran approximately three hours and was a more faithful and psychologically layered adaptation of James Ellroy’s novel. This version reportedly delved far deeper into the emotional and mental disintegration of Dwight "Bucky" Bleichert, placing greater emphasis on his obsession with Elizabeth Short’s murder and the moral fallout of the investigation. Author James Ellroy himself viewed this longer version and was so impressed that he penned an essay titled The Hillikers in response — a piece that was published in re-issued editions of his novel ahead of the film’s release. However, between the time Ellroy saw the director’s cut and the film’s theatrical release, The Black Dahlia was significantly edited — reduced in length and narrative complexity. Upon seeing the final theatrical version, Ellroy notably declined to comment, a silence that speaks volumes. While the released version of The Black Dahlia is still notable for its strong performances, atmospheric cinematography, and evocative period detail, many viewers — myself included — have long felt that the story’s depth, emotional resonance, and narrative cohesion suffered under the constraints of studio cuts. Therefore, I respectfully urge the rights holders to consider releasing Brian De Palma’s original director’s cut of The Black Dahlia on DVD and Blu-ray, or through streaming platforms. This version deserves to be seen, discussed, and appreciated on its own merits. As film history continues to celebrate restorations and director’s cuts (Blade Runner, Kingdom of Heaven, Once Upon a Time in America), there is an audience hungry for cinematic visions in their intended form. Please sign this petition if you, too, wish to see The Black Dahlia restored

Release the director’s cut. Someone will surely stream it for money. Brian De Palma and James Ellroy both approve.

J'ai toujours préféré les films director's cut, qui pour moi révèle le talent du réalisateur. C'est comme si sur une œuvre picturale, vous ajoutiez un voile qui modifie la perception .

Show Brian's vision like he wanted it

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.

Release the original cut.

Really need to push this much harder. The material is still there — just needs to be reassembled.

Long, long overdue.

Sure