If you are a physical media collector or just a die-hard fan of the classic 1987 Masters of the Universe live-action movie, grab your Power Swords, because it actually happened. My 4K copy from Toy Robot Video finally arrived in the mail, and I immediately popped it in to watch the highly anticipated, legendary “Preview Cut”!
As we talked about back when the release was first announced, this alternate cut clocks in at about four minutes longer than the theatrical version we all grew up with. Four minutes might not sound like a lot, but having finally watched it with my own eyes, I can confirm that every single second of extra footage is there, but does it add to the movie? That will be up to you.
So, what exactly is different in this Toy Robot release? Here is the breakdown of the extended and alternate scenes I caught during my viewing (Warning: Minor Spoilers ahead!):
- Alternate Opening Credits: Small change to the opening credits. Names fade in and out vs. flying onto the screen.
- Arrival on Earth: When He-Man, Man-At-Arms, Teela and Gwildor first arrive on Earth, there is extra footage where Teela tells He-Man that Man-At-Arms is hurt.
- More Skeletor: We get an extended scene with Skeletor speaking to the Sorceress. (Honestly, you can never have enough Frank Langella chewing the scenery!)
- Skeletrooper Addition: A completely new scene of a Skeletrooper informing Skeletor of Evil-Lyn’s message she sends from Earth using the Cosmic Key.
- More Cosmic Key Rocking: More Kevin rocking the Cosmic Key.
- A Different Goodbye (Part 1): An alternate take after Lubic decides to stay on Eternia and Kevin saying he’ll say goodbye to everyone back on Earth for him
- A Different Goodbye (Part 2): Gwildor shuts down the idea of He-Man, Teela, and Man-At-Arms can visit Julie and Kevin on Earth someday. Gwildor explains the massive disturbance and unleashed a tremendous power the key caused, and because of that, the Key will be locked away forever.
The best part? This entire Preview Cut has been fully remastered in 4K right alongside the theatrical version, and it looks absolutely stunning. The picture quality is crisp, the colours pop, and the new scenes blend in seamlessly.
Have any of you received your Toy Robot copies yet? What do you guys think of these changes? Are you as glad as I am to finally see Gwildor’s alternate warning about the Cosmic Key? Drop your thoughts in the comments below, and until next time… Good Journey!
Masters of the Universe
- Director: Gary Goddard
- Starring: Dolph Lundgren, Frank Langella, Billy Barty, Jon Cypher, Courteney Cox, James Tolkan, Chelsea Field, Robert Duncan McNeill
- Genre: Action, Family, Fantasy, Adventure
- Runtime: 106 mins
- User Rating: ★ 5.9
