Search - Needful Things on DVD

K. K. (GAMER)
Reviewed on 5/24/2023...

Better than average Amazon ratings but this one did not do it for us and had lots of boring spots.

Why don't they release the extended edition?

Michael Littlefield | 09/28/2004

(3 out of 5 stars)

"I have seen two versions of "Needful Things" the regular theatrical cut which runs at about 113 minutes and the extended edition that used to play on TNT (which is actually better) that has a running time of about 175 minutes, the full program with commercials was about 4 hours long.



Where this version fails is that the character development is rushed and they focus more on the "deeds" than what the book does. The novel itself is very excellent and the first part allows the characters to be developed. Part two of the novel is left to the "deeds" and part three focuses on the chaos that results and the aftermath.



However, in the movie, the "deeds" and the chaos and not on the characters nor the aftermath. I think that "Needful Things" could be put on film, as long as it's a three part miniseries and not just one movie.



However, this film does have some good things about it, the main good thing is Max von Syndow's performance (although when I read the book I imagined someone like Christopher Lee). Another good thing is how accurate to the book that the "deeds" were carried out.



Some may say that this is the worst Stephen King adaptation, but I can think of a couple that are worse: Dreamcatcher, Graveyard Shift, Thinner, and Tommyknockers. This one, is only fifth worse."

The extended version is the one to hope for.

M. Daneker | Spinnerstown, Pa USA | 09/20/2007

(3 out of 5 stars)

"There's at least a 3hr version of this film, most likely longer, it aired on television and cable, at 4rhs with commercials and with the R rated material edited.



This version is okay, but it's cut down to the bare bones of the plot(s) for time and space. The longer version has never been seen on video, but we can hope!"

A fun movie to watch.

LUCIEN LESSARD | Canada. | 03/03/2000

(4 out of 5 stars)

"In the first month of 2000. I saw the Director`s Cut of the film adding one hour of additonal footage, it had one character, we saw her in the 120 mins version needful things, but only briefly as Brain Rusk Mother played by Lisa Blount as Cora Rusk. Inculding a different opening, a car chased scene with Ed Harris and Max Von Sydow. For sure they cut a few gory scenes but is worth it waiting for a Widescreen Director`s Cut on DVD, also i wish, they add Audio Commentary, that will be great for a Stephen King Fan. Who Knows, they show it on television. I seen it on TBS SuperStation. That Version earn 4½ Stars Or maybe Five Stars, if i seen it again."