Criterion Set Puts Both Kubrick-Approved 'The Shining' Cuts Side by Side
The 30-disc "The Complete Kubrick" boxed set includes the 143-minute American cut and the 119-minute international cut in pristine transfers.
Criterion's 30-disc "The Complete Kubrick" boxed set includes both of Stanley Kubrick's approved theatrical cuts of "The Shining" in pristine transfers, according to IndieWire. The 143-minute American cut and the 119-minute international cut can now be viewed side by side in the set.
Kubrick designated the shorter international version as his preferred release.
The two cuts exist because of changes Kubrick made after the film's initial run. On opening weekend in the summer of 1980, David Birke saw "The Shining" with an epilogue in which Mr. Ullman tells Wendy and Danny that no supernatural evidence was found. After the first few days of exhibition, Kubrick removed the epilogue and ordered the footage destroyed.
After the film's U.S. opening, Kubrick cut about 24 minutes for the international run. "The Shining" received mostly negative reviews when it was first released.
Quick answers
How long are the two cuts of "The Shining" in the Criterion set?
The American cut runs 143 minutes and the international cut runs 119 minutes.
Which cut of "The Shining" did Stanley Kubrick prefer?
Kubrick designated the shorter 119-minute international version as his preferred release.
What is included in Criterion's "The Complete Kubrick"?
It is a 30-disc boxed set that includes both of Kubrick's approved theatrical cuts of "The Shining" in pristine transfers.