Highlander II [VHS]

*NOTE: This article relates to the Renegade Version and not the Cinematic release of Highlander 2*
I remember the anticipation of the release of the sequel to 1986's 'Highlander' and only too well the disappointment of the confused and mucked up product which appeared in our cinemas.
The story behind the 'Renegade Version' of Highlander II is simple. The reason for the botched cinema release was pressure exerted on the production company by the films insurance companies after the movie went over budget. They went over the directors head and made sure a 'film' was released to recover any overspend. The fools.
This version is the way the movie was meant to be. McLeod is not from Zeist, nor is Ramirez. Look back to the first frame of the original first movie. There lies the answer. In all there is about 20 extra minutes including scenes where Connor's wife dies (giving him the reason to construct the shield and save man).
The best part of this re-edit is the movement from scene to scene, just like the original movie.
I was a sceptic, but this version restored my faith in Russell Mulachy. Watch you won't be disappointed.

.... unfortunately this film really isn't any good. I spent several years barracking the film until I came across a nice surprise. Whilst whittling away the hours sat in my office, I came across a Highlander website. I noticed that Director Russell Mulchacy, along with the producers, had been given permission to 're-edit' this film. The result being 'Highlander 2 The Renegade Version'. Apparently the original idea for Highlander 2 was quite different from what was actually produced. The studio's did not like the script and several scenes were cut down, changed, or removed altogether, resulting in this 'Quickening' Version.
I was fortunate enough to have been able to obtain the 'Renegade' version and no longer do I feel that this is a bad film. There is over 20 minutes of unseen footage, all reference to the planet Zeist has been removed, and what we now have is a film that does follow on nicely from the original.
What the producers and director wanted, was a film that did follow on from the original, but also a film that could stand alone, so people who had not seen the original could still watch the film without having to have seen Highlander 1.
Although this 'Quickening' version is poor, the 'Renegade' version is well worth checking out!

The 'renegade' version of 'Highlander 2' is the only version any self respecting film fan should bother with.
For anyone unfamiliar with the 'renegade', it's quite simple.
Director Russell Mulcahy, who had successfully helmed the original 'Highlander' movie, pretty much had 'Highlander 2' taken off him during the production of the film as greedy producers wanted a quick cash in and felt that Mulcahy was taking too long and spending too much money on the picture. As a result, the version of 'Highlander 2' released in theatres was a world a way from the directors original vision, hence the poor reviews and horrendous reputation the film has garnered ever since.
This, the 'renegade' version of the film, shows director, Mulcahy getting his hands on the original rushes and footage he shot, and reconstructing the film the way he wanted it in the first place.
The results are strikingly familiar to those of Ridley Scott's when he finally got to piece together 'Blade Runner' the way he had originally intended, without film company suits, sticking their noses in.
'Highlander 2' now has certain scenes switched to different points in the film, which makes it flow much more smoothly.
The idea that the immortals are aliens from the planet Zeist has also been changed, and with the use of extra/added scenes, the film now has more continuity with the first film, as we see the reason why Macleod builds the 'ozone layer' device to begin with, as well as the reason for Ramirez's return.
The digital remaster shows off the excellent production designs in the movie, and the touched up special effects give 'Highlander 2' a much slicker feel. In fact the overall cinematogrophy on 'Highlander 2' is vastly superior to the original.
The cast is still a strong one with Christopher Lambert and Sean Connery reprising their roles in good form, Michael Ironside at his villainous best and solid support from Virginia Madsen as a romantic interest who can hold her own in a scrap. Watch out for 'Scrubs' John C. McGinley as a greedy, weedy businessman.
Stewart Copeland's score is also worthy of note.
It's a shame that this version of 'Highlander 2' never made it to the cinemas. Watching this version of the picture simply reinforces the point that film directors should be left to do their own work, without men in suits ruining everything for everyone concerned.
'Highlander 2' the renegade version is a far cry from the Paul Verhoevenesque trash originally seen in the early 90's. Mulcahy's reconstructed version is a smoother, longer, more satisfying film with more emotional depth and better continuity. It makes more sense, and comes across as a more intelligent picture.
Coupled with the terrific special effects and production values that were already in place, as well as some top shelf action set pieces, this incarnation of 'Highlander 2' is a quality sci-fi adventure.
It's the only one to watch, and restores faith, not only in the 'Highlander' franchise, but in Russell Mulcahy as a director.