The NeverEnding Story: Comparison of the two versions
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- Опубліковано 9 лют 2025
- Did you know there are two versions of the 80s fantasy spectacular 'The NeverEnding Story'? We compare the International Cut masterminded by Steven Spielberg with the original German Cut in our first video essay. Enjoy!
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I feel very blessed to have encountered the German version (in English) before the international version. I think it conveys the mystical and spiritual themes of the story much better than the international version.
On the point about the two soundtracks, I'm frustrated that neither the German nor the English soundtrack contains the music from the scene when Atreyu wakes up in the arms of Falkor. It's my favourite scene in film history, and the music has a consistently profound effect on me.
A couple of small details: firstly, I think the scene where Bastian struggles to butter the bread is not a sign of his grief but rather another sign of his struggling to fit into his father's materialistic view of what he should be. He hasn't been turning in his homework on time, he hasn't tried out for the swimming team and now, he can't even butter a piece of bread by himself.
Secondly, I think the scene with the caretaker in the attic in the German version does serve an important purpose: it shows the Nothing in human form. The Caretaker is what happens when the Nothing takes over.
Interesting! I hadn't imagined that reading of those scenes - thank you! Another thing I love about watching this movie is that you can always discover something new and fascinating in it.
Not swimming team, thats from part 2. In part 1 its horse riding lessons, he seems scared to ride a horse but loves them (unicorns).
If you all like The Neverending Story so much, I can only recommend to read the book. There are so much more details and characters who don't appearr in the film, and the film only shows the first half of the book. The second half, with Bastian being in Phantasia and going through all kinds of adventures with and without Atreyu, is entirely missing.
I read the book three times and may read it a fourth time. And a fifth, who knows?
The book is pretty terrifying!
Atreyu is in the book, it's just he's green skinned and a lot smaller than in the film!
I know that Atreyu is in the book, I read it. But at the beginning of the second half (which is entirely missing in the film) it takes a bit until Bastian and Atreyu get together and become friends.
The book was the first real novel i read after learning on how to read in grade 2 in 1983. Loved it so much i dreamt about it for months. Saw the movie only much later. Amazing book for children to stimulate their imagination
To be fair, the second movie very loosely follows the second half of the book though
OMG, you just cleared up a mystery for me! I watched the Nostalgia Critic reviews on the movies and he was refering to that damned song in the endcredits all the time and I had NO idea what he was talking about... as a german, of course I grew up with the german version. Now I finally know WHY all americans seem to connect this movie with this strange song.
@JasminTheDreamer Again different audiences.
The one problem I have with the Swamps of Sadness' international score is that it starts a bit too early. In the German version, when Artax stops moving, it creates a bit of tension, where we're not entirely sure what's happening, that eventually builds when he starts sinking. In the international version, when the music begins right when Artax stops, it makes it much more obvious that his fate is sealed.
That's a very keen observation - you're absolutely right. Just shows the vital importance of spotting when scoring a film.
@MisterBurgerBeachball1225 I mean watching the comparisons I still like the international because yeah I grew up with it. I think the reason why the German version is subtler maybe with the score again it’s because to appease to an American audience you need to add emotional context maybe.
or, knowing what's happen right from the get-go and for the whole scene is sadder than a little extra time thinking maybe the horse got stuck for some mundane reason.
Thankyou for the love. "Barian Balthazar Bux" I Love it. @@MovieOubliette
@@xBINARYGODx Indeed. The moment Giorgio Moroder's music hits you instantly know sh*t got real, making the agony last longer than when you're not sure what's going on at first. Also, I don't even like German version theme for that particular scene. It feels as if it belonged to a totally different movie compared to the rest of the German score. It doesn't even feel like it was written specifically for that scene, but as if someone decided to repurpose some random music. It's so weird that the first time I heard it I instantly assumed that that theme was in actuality the one that poorly replaced the original one 😅
I think the sadness swamp definitely needed the music. It's way more memorable. It fit the mood too perfectly. Who wanted to scratch their face off when the heard the redub of the Tiny man with the southern accent?????? The scene has passed and I still want to....
Yeah, the Swamps of Sadness absolutely *needed* the music. Watching the scene without a score just didn't hit any kind of nerve at all for me.
This is so incredibly thorough!
Thank you! I do enjoy a bit of detailed textual analysis...
That scene with Atréju and Gmork makes much more sense in the German version! When Gmork attacked Atréju in the swamp, he did it because he was tracking the Auryn - but he could not see Atréjus face! That is why, after Atréju lost the Auryn, Gmork could not recognize him during that later scene, before Atréju disclosed his identity!
Of course! Yes, you're absolutely right - I hadn't remembered Gmork was tracking the Auryn (although I have read the book). It's a much more satisfying version of the scene... and it's only a few seconds longer.
@@MovieOubliette I'm also fascinated by the extra dialogue when Atreyu confronts Gmork. It shows Atreyu has a merciless side since he kills Gmork even though he's weak and asked to be left alone, but I think it makes the message of that scene more complex- evil can seem pitiful but it still has to be destroyed.
You know a movie and story is good when very brief clips of it still makes (this) 45 year old man tear up.
As a A.erican, I can honestly say I wish the scenes of him sitting on the bed and at the table were left in. As well as, I wish the music stayed out of the death scene in the swamp. Both would have hit so much harder and helped kids relate to the characters so much more.
Off topic, but the death of the horse always reminds me of the scene is Full Metal Achimist when we come to the realization that the girl was murched with her dog. And vis versa. Completely different franchises, stories, and styles. But those two scenes always remind me of the other. Not sure why.
The reverb in the Gmork scene in the International cut is part of the remix done for the BD. The OG mix used on VHS and DVD releases lack it.
It kind of makes sense - it's a lot like what voices sound like bouncing off cave walls, though Gmork is arguably not in the cave far enough for his voice to actually reverberate in that way
I want a cut that keeps Deep Roy's voice. He sounded fine and natural to the character in that BTS clip.
This video is a little treasure, I'm glad I've found it after all these years. Thank you so much! I knew about some of the differences, but I really needed this comparison (I always love learning about different cuts, and this movie is incredibly important to me). As an italian, I grew up with the international version, and I must say I can't choose between the two soundtracks: Doldinger's score is a masterpiece, and you'd think Moroder's synths would make his score more dated, but it just creates a different mood. Some of the darker themes have the same unsettling, relentless quality of his work for Scarface. I love the Swamp of Sadness theme, but I feel that if we added the Artax sounds to Moroder's score, we'd have the most heart-wrenching version. And the main song is still beautiful... one of my oldest memories is stumbling upon a teacher in kindergarten who was singin' it to a little girl. The movie was still in theaters, but the song was a success on the radio. About the cuts, I think those little moments that highlight Bastian's depression are beautifully done and very significant for an older audience who can relate to those feelings; as a child, the mere concept of a kid losing his mom was horrifying enough to me, so I guess I didn't need anything more to empathize with him. As an adult viewer, you feel for him like a father would do, but as a child, you ARE Bastian.
P.S. Just a little note: Gmork's italian dub is clearly based on the german version: same vocal timbre, no pitch shift, no reverb.
Thank you so much for this excellent analysis of one of my favourite films. Musically and vocally, I do find the international version superior, but it's a shame that some of the additional footage was cut out.
Thank you again. Brilliant video!
This is absolutely amazing! The work that has gone into this is astounding. It must have taken ages. I've got both versions on Blu-ray and I thought the effects on the German version had been cleaned up significantly. I had also never seen the scales on Falcor look so iridescent. This was so well put together and thoroughly researched. Thank you.
Thanks! It was a labour of love :) Which version do you prefer to watch in general? I still go for the U.S. version just because it's the most familiar.
@@MovieOublietteIt definitely looks like a labour of love, but especially your animation and text 3D tracking. I like the German version better I think. I think it's to do with me remembering seeing the German version when I was a kid somehow because I always remembered the janitor scene in the loft. Then I never saw it again and I thought it was me imagining things as a kid. The German version confirms I haven't gone mad!
Although I prefer certain music cues from the international version, especially the Falcor rescue from the swamp.
Finally someone who acknowelges the original german version. This is one of my favourite movies of all time and i always get a little upset when everybody is talking about the re-edited version.. Klaus Doldingers music is so beautiful and powerful and emotional ... it really is a shame that the US version removed some of it. I also recommend the newly released mediabook with the 4k mastering. But thanks for this video!
Glad you enjoyed it! I'm a huge fan of Doldinger's score, too - I had to pick up his original CD when I found out it existed. Thanks for the tip about the media book - I'll check it out! I'm hoping we'll get definite 4K blu-rays of both cuts at some point soon...
I saw the film in 1984 and loved every scene of it. I bought it on VHS, Laserdisc, DVD, and BR over the years and memorized every line, every note of music, every sound from beginning to end. Consequently when it came to my local cinema in 2016, I was surprised to learn that they had cut a "No, not again!" from Bastian's escape from the bullies so that it was only said the first time. Thanks to my friend in Germany, I have found a source for the R2 BR, which I ordered last week and should be on its way to me shortly. My greatest wish is that, one day, there will be a Master Copy of the film with all the scenes restored, including the cut bits of the shrinking giant, if only as an alternate copy. I may have to build it myself out of multiple BR discs and editing software, but that's not out of the question for my private collection.
And the German version being dour and sad is intentional; the novel itself is an extended examination of the grieving process, which the film subtly suggests as well.
This is a great video and interesting about the German Version of The Neverending Story. The Climax with Bastion and The Childlike Empress is always one of my favorite scenes and and I like in the German Version that The Empress question Bastion that if he has the courage to save them because Bastion's father told to keep both feet on the ground and the more scenes of the destruction of Ivory Tower give an idea of the lack of imagination that Bastion has. I hope that WB can release the German version along with the American version on one DVD soon
Thanks! Yes, the extra lines from the Empress in that finale add real depth, even if they do make the climax longer and less punchy. It's great to be able to watch both on blu-ray... I hope someone does a deluxe 4K edition with both versions soon!
@@MovieOubliette Same so it can be restored the right way. About the scene where the janitor is falling in the attic, the scene make look unnecessary but from what I figured is that he is frustrated with himself because he lost his hopes and dreams as Gmork said about how the Nothing is creating by. That is what I can interpret plus he said the S word which it is been taken out for the American children
Definitely worth a subscription. Well done. How this channel doesn’t have way more subscribers is beyond me.
3 years later and only 2k subs. travesty
16:30 Bastian dreaming about The Nothing seems like it would be counter-intuitive to the idea that The Nothing is the void in humans' minds/lack of creativity. Bastian is the like... anti-nothing in the story.
About two years ago mt sister challenged me to show her a film that will make her cry. Didn't tell her why, and she was laughing as how 'stupid' it was...until Artex started sinking. That broke her, didn't bother telling her about the ending because she laughed at the movie. She wanted a movie to make her cry, so i gave that to her...she has not asked me for movie suggestions in a while. Which sucks cause i really want to show her the original Land Before Time.
Thank you so much for this info dump. Doing the lords work. Very informative and you can tell you have love for this story!
Wonderful! I don't believe I've ever seen a thorough breakdown of both versions like this, which I also own. You have a new subscriber and I'll gladly share this! 👍
Thanks! And Happy Holidays!
@@MovieOubliette Happy Holidays to you as well, my friend. ❄
Discovered your UA-cam channel and podcasts through #iconicon2022. Love this comparison of the two versions. Didn't realize German had a different version.
five years late to the party, but i just stumbled upon this and...what a great production. well done. i do hope a boutique label reissues the soundtrack, possibly a double version! because the international version is possibly the only score that makes me feel, almost well up even. it's so damn sad. but so so good. thank you for reminding me.
Thanks! Yes, I'm still desperately hoping an anniversary edition of the soundtrack emerges this year... nothing so far.
There is one in my opinion small but important change in the german dub when Bastian is talking about his mothers name. If I remember correctly In German he is not talking about his mother at all, which makes more sense. He says something like: "If they only could ask me, I would give her [the Childlike Empress] a wonderfull name." In the english Version you think he would give her the name of his mother, but I'm pretty shure his mothers name is not moon child.
I always figured she was a hippy and it was a nickname.
That line is exactly like the book
@@Dancestar1981 Not quite shure if you mean the english or the german version of the movie, but I recently read the book again and there is no such line as in the english version.
Another film I've not seen since the 80s. Thanks for this guys ☺️
Very interesting. Seeing the international version now for the first time. That explains why the theme song was never really a nostalgic banger in my head because I didn't know the song as a kid :D
My Blu-ray copy of the German version just arrived earlier today & I have watched the German version after having watched the International version last week.
Your general point about the German version feeling darker than the International version holds up very well.
It was really fascinating how much less music there was in the German compared to the International version. Normally this doesn't change the overall mood too much e.g. the lack of music when Artax dies & when Gmork is speaking to Atreyu don't change the mood much, but I think there is one instance really the mood feels radically different to me.
Near the end of the film when Atreyu returns to the Ivory Tower and feels that he has failed, in the German version there is no music & Falcour is silent whereas in the International version the Empress' theme is already playing & it builds to a crescendo as Atreyu enters her chamber & Falcour encouragingly says "Go on," right before he does. The silence & lack of gentle encouraging dialogue in German version make me empathize with Atreyu's feeling of failure whereas the presence of music & Falcour's encouraging voice in the International makes the viewer feel like there might be hope again.
I think as an adult the German version speaks to me just a tiny bit more than the International version, though I 100% am behind Spielburg's cuts at the climax--you are right on the money about how the International version is so much more effective here. Also, Moroder's score for the Ivory Tower is just straightforwardly superior to Doldinger's.
I love your observations on how the ending plays differently with and without score - I hadn't spotted that one, but you're absolutely right. I love that we have both versions. I flip flip between them depending on my mood. I wish we had more of Moroder's score on CD. Maybe one day!
@@MovieOubliette A (completely unofficial) fan edit that combines elements of both versions was released a few weeks ago, called "The NeverEnding Story - Hybrid Cut", looks interesting.
@@markthomas5435 Thanks! I'll check it out...
@@markthomas5435 whoa!! Where is it?
Interesting, never knew this. Whenever I heard that Limahl song I thought what does this have to do with the movie at all?
I don‘t feel at home in the international version
The Neverending Story reflects on Esotericism. Ateryu has to seek answers to himself while finding a cure for the Child-like Empress.
Thanks for the video!
Just watched the German version, and I really enjoyed it. Had no idea there were so many differences in the film. This video really shows how different it turns out.
This is a fantastic comparison video, making for a highly enjoyable and informative watch. Thank you for your time and effort (as well as your insight and sense of humor), you have earned yourself one like and subscriber.
You just made a new subscriber! Awesome video!!
Thanks! :D
Thanks for making this detailed comparison video. It’s extremely helpful! I recently watched the German version out of curiosity and I felt that certain parts dragged on a bit too long, like when Atreyu rides Falkor. I also prefer the voices of Gmork and Teeny Weeny in the international version, as well as Moroder’s Ivory Tower theme. I grew up with the international version so that’s probably one reason why I prefer it, but I also think overall it flows a bit better. One piece of music that I absolutely love occurs after the opening credits in the German version right when Bastien wakes up. The melody has a kind of sad but beautiful quality that really captures Bastien’s emotional state. I think that’s my favorite piece of music in the film. One thing I noticed is that in the international version when Bastien speaks to the Childlike Empress at the end , Doldinger’s cue for the Swamps of Sadness plays whereas in the German version they used the theme for the empress/Auryn. I think the former works a bit better. Something I recently discovered about the international version is that the Limahl song during the end credits has the Moroder synth/guitar solo edited out. That’s my favorite part of the song so I was disappointed that it doesn’t make an appearance in the film. Anyway, thanks again for this fantastic video!
Great video! I've just watched the German version myself, and will be doing a review of my own shortly.
increible trabajo!!
Fascinating! So very cool. I really want to watch the German version now.
Go and read the book instead. It's much better than the film! Which is most often the case when books are turned into films.
Based on this video I think a remastered definitive version would best be the international version with the lonely Bastion scenes from the beginning added. Otherwise the international version is better.
Atreyu is ruthless in the extended version. Gmork just asks to be left alone at first and says he’s weak but Atreyu shows no mercy and kills him anyway.
While I'm usually on the side of 'sticking to the original', I've got to give it to the international version here. It didn't change anything truly significant, those crowd reaction shots would be missed dearly; we got that beautiful opening and the classic song, I overall prefer the synth score (from what little I've heard of it here, anyway) - and good grief, I don't want Teeny Weeny to have a deep-fried 'Southern' accent; that would completely ruin the scene for me. Plus, the film is already plenty dark enough as it is - given that the plot is all about keeping the magic of the imagination alive, I see no harm in emphasizing that. (And, yeah, there's a whole bunch of childhood nostalgia influencing me here as well. But still.)
Frank Lenart also appeared on the second Neverending Story playing Bastian's swimming coach.
Great job ! Very interesting video !
Thanks!
I recently binged the trilogy with my partner. (we had no idea there were sequels and after watching them we can see why we didn't) I watched the German version and wondered why the iconic song wasn't in it and why the text on The Neverending Story book was in German. It all makes sense now. I did love the film overall and the end credits music really got to me. It was just pure fantasy and wonder
This was so good! Your deep dive into The NeverEnding Story was so thorough and mindful. I actually just bought the German soundtrack on vinyl because of this episode. Thank you!
Thanks so much! You're in for a treat if you've never heard the Doldinger album before. Even the cues that aren't in the international version are variations on themes you'll recognise, so it's just more Fantasia to love. And the vinyl will make it super nostalgic too... very jealous!
Excellent video! Didn't know you had a youtube channel!
Thanks! Hope you enjoy our occasional animated adventures!
Sir I loved this ! Thank you very much!.
This is fascinating. I love learning about differences between movies released in America vs elsewhere, and I hope you made more videos like this. Though I’ve never been a fan of this film. It butchered the original novel and I wish the movie industry would make a more faithful adaptation. I know the author didn’t like it either for the same reason.
I'm sure a remake will emerge at some point... I have a suspicion that it might not be more faithful to book though! That tends not to be a priority, but you never know! It would certainly be interesting if they approached it that way.
At first I thought this was the same channel that did the retrospective on Legend, comparing the US & Eu releases. But would love to see each channel do the other movie too! (I love all the 80s fantasy films :)
I wish there could be an edit that combines the best of both of these.
I haven't seen the German uncut version of The Neverending Story I thankyou for sharing this .I think the German Version of the Swamps of Sadness is more scarier and Darker than The US version and it still haunts me now even tho I'm 34yrs old .I can see why some of the Swamps of Sadness scene was cut.Anyways this is a fantastic Video that you did I always wondered how they did this Fantastic Film and I also Got the Book on The Neverending Story and The music in The Film is beautifully made.Thankyou very Much for this
Thanks! So glad you enjoyed it!
@Sarah Wilcox I think it has to do with pace as he pointed out in video.
Excellent video!! Good work! I had no idea Steven Spielberg was consulted about the International release!
I watched the German version a few weeks back and (being a very biased and stubborn old ox having been raised on the International Cut) I really did miss the Gorgio Moroder cues. The Swamp scene felt devoid of... 'Sadness' when Artax goes down. I also think Moroder's low, pulsating synth notes in the build up also added much more tension and sense of impending doom.
In the German cut, I didn't like the sequence when the gang are travelling to the Ivory Tower for the first time. There was no music! Felt so empty and....strange. Even awkward.
I did actually really liked hearing Klaus Doldinger's cue(s) for the Ivory Tower. Lovely stuff! But, for me, Moroder's cue just has a more immediate impact, power and sense grandeur. Same when we see it floating in space, it hits harder and has that 'wow' factor.
Same with Falkor's arrival... More magical, sense of wonder in Moroder's cue.
And finally... Tiny Man's voice (who rides the snail).... Yikes. He sounded like Herbert The Pervert from Family Guy.
But hey, had I grew up on the German cut, I guess that would be my preferred version!
Really enjoyed the video though. Again, great work!
Kids scarred in '85 by Artax and then a year later with Optimus Prime! :o
I prefer the music mostly in the international version (mainly because it is what I grew up with), but mostly because it seems to fit better. I loved the oil and salt water 'clouds' in the beginning and that fit well with the theme of the Nothing for the movie. Gmork's voice in the German version whom I assume is still the same actor is more sinister feeling to me and authentic. Gmork was already scary as hell to a 5 year old me. I don't think they needed to dub Deep Roy's voice at all; it sounded perfectly fine to me. We see the father's grief manifesting by his inability to communicate with his son, and the German version nails Bastian's isolation, depression, and his own loss. With Atreyu offering to help Gmork, that ties in with the book. He was chained up and left to starve, and it was Atreyu offering to help him. Sorry, I didn't mean to turn this into a paragraph of opinion. It's 5AM and I'm wide awake.
In the german version with german dub, Bastian screams his mothers name out the window, translated to english he actually might say Rosechild. Rosenkind in german. But after research, allot of people are not sure if he says Rosenkind (Rosechild) or Mondenkind (Moonchild). I always understood Rosenkind. Anyways, in german neither of both are actually a common name. According to the book it is Moonchild in english and Mondenkind in german.
His mother's name is never mentioned in the book, though. His parents are only called "Mama" and "Vater". And Bastian calls the Childlike Empress Mondenkind. I am pretty sure noone ever questioned that. Why would he call her anything else than that? It's the name he gives her in the book.
Nearly 30 years ago I saw this movie in the theater. About 6 months later it was out on VHS and I promise you is that the VHS tapes put out in America were most certainly a mix of the international version.
It was also played on HBO so possibly I'm getting this mixed up with the VHS as my grandmother always recorded stuff off of TV.
There needs to be a Definitive Edition of The NeverEnding Story on BluRay
I just kind of feel like the more scenes the better. I don't know if cutting any of these scenes made the film better. Unless something went wrong, like the model in the water.
loved your insight - just bought the 4k after you - thanks !
I've never seen either version of the movie, but I got curious after re-reading the book again recently, so I snooped around on youtube.
To be honest, I immediately felt kind of let down by the footage I saw here from the moment it became clear that Bastian isn't chubby in the film version. It's mentioned so many times in the book, it's the main reason why the other kids bully him, it's a huge part of his self doubt/hatred and it's literally the FIRST thing he changes with his wishes when he comes to phantasia.
But for a movie, people need to empathise with and like the protagonist. He can be a weirdo, depressed, bullied loser, but the one thing he can never be is fat. Not if audiences are supposed to empathise with him.
At the end of the book he comes back into his real body, back into who he really is, with all his imperfections, and he is happy that way and doesn't wish to be somebody else (somebody skinnier) anymore. I always found that very touching and aspirational.
I want to see the German version with English subtitles of The Never Ending Story.
Where can I get the original version I looked on eBay it wasn't there I looked on Amazon it wasn't there
Michael Dunn 1.2.1.3 Hi! This is the German version: www.amazon.com/Die-unendliche-Geschichte-1/dp/B009DW9F1G
It has an English soundtrack :)
@@conradtheeditor Thank you!
@@conradtheeditor Thank you!-- but it doesn't have regional coding for the US; it would not be playable in my "American" player...
StoryMing The disc is region free! Confirmed on blu-ray.com: www.blu-ray.com/movies/Die-unendliche-Geschichte-Blu-ray/56091/
11:00, yes!!! I couldn't agree more. Very frustrating. I want that original Ivory Tower music on CD or vinyl :(
I prefer most of the International Version's music, because it has a more Vangelis-esque quality which I really like. The only part I personally think it better in the German version is the silence as the horse sinks.
@A D it makes it more real as he pointed out in the video.
I may be wrong but I think the french version is based on the german cut, or at least some dialogues were kept
Question: In the German cut, is The Neverending Story Song actually used at all?
And will we ever get a 4K version featuring both International and German cuts?
Alas, if you're a fan of the Limahl song, it doesn't appear in the German cut at all. I'd love a 4K version of both cuts, too! Fingers crossed it happens at some point...
@@MovieOubliette Oh, well. Does the German cut use the flying theme over the credits instead?
I like the additions of more dialogue, especially from Gmork and with Bastian’s dad, but I think that the overall tone of the German cut is much more melancholic. Which does work for the movie, but I think I do overall prefer the more moody International Cut that really emphasizes the emotion of a scene. If something is sad, it’s devastating. If something is happy, we’re ecstatic. The melancholy of the German Cut does serve the depression of Bastian and the dour tone that Fantasia’s people feel with the nothing taking away their home. But also- as a movie experience, I think the added emphasis of the International Cut’s pacing and added Moroder score make it my preferred. Altho I love to switch between which cut I watch every time. If anything, I should at least be thankful that I have two distinct different versions of my favorite movie to choose between when watching!
The German cut makes Atreyu look kind of ruthless in the Gmork scene, since some of the added dialogue ("Leave me alone") implies Gmork was willing to let him walk away until he learned who he was talking to, but Atreyu doesn't care and still wants him dead.
This is a mystery to me! Not being German I assumed I had the international version and some things are definitely right (the opening theme song, the Ivory Tower theme) but I remember the full quote from Engywook's wife and used to quote it all the time with my friends.
Can't seem to find the footage- but I'm pretty sure the Gmork's mystery voice is one
Robert Easton- who is credited with additional voices, and features in footage speaking the lines with the rehearsing puppeteers. Fun fact: Also was the gross cheese-head in "Giant Spider Invasion" of Mst3k- 'You been hitting the booose agin!'
Wow - Robert Easton's list of credits is huge! That's a good call. Loving the MST3K reference too... must watch that episode again!
@@MovieOubliette found the footage
ua-cam.com/video/W4DP2rDAoRA/v-deo.html
2:04 - I don't know what version you have but I have the top one but the bottom one mine doesn't do a fade transition like that, but it is supposedly the German version. What's that fade transition from then?
Huh, never knew. I like the movie as an 80s film, but hate it as an adaptation.
Unsurprisingly, the american edit is inferior to the original german version. For the most part. If I ever get into editing, I might cut together a "best" version to my liking.
Also, what a great video. This channel deserves more subs.
I like the song at the beginning of the movie. But I think, in my opinion it's not needed for this movie. Maybe in America's vision it is. But I think the orchestal music in the german version of the opening and ending screen is a better fit.
Something of note here that I would never have remembered again, had you not shown the attic scene where Bastian is almost caught by the janitor: as a child, I watched this movie the week it was released in theaters and while I don’t remember the janitor specifically, I do distinctly remember Bastian hiding from someone in the attic behind that bookcase, then exhaling once they’d left. So, my question is, could that scene have been in the version released in the USA, because this is part of a core memory, and I wouldn’t have seen it anywhere else at the time.
the international version had superior voices and soundtrack especially the death of artex scene it added emotion to the scene for me , ive seen both versions and a much prefer the international version , maybe because im so used to it i suppose but of course to each their own
excellent video!
THE ALLITERATION!!! My goodness 🙌🏾❤️😊
3:05 I disagree with the way you present Giogio as some sort of flamboyant pop artist out of his depth instead of the Scarface/Midnight Express accomplished composer that he was when he made Neverending Story! I disagree with your premise Socrates!
Oops! It definitely wasn't intended, so thanks for calling me out on it! I'll be more careful how I present things in future. I'm a big fan of Moroder - even really under-seen stuff like 'Electric Dreams'. :) His score is definitely more upbeat than Doldinger's, which I'm sure is what they wanted for the U.S. cut.
@@MovieOubliette Lol it's all good, I totally understand the narrative of how he did actually have to make a more pop-orientated score that was more commercially appealing, so that sort of 'framing' of how you said it makes sense, just that with all the reverence to the mystery and collusion of The German versions beautiful score, and then going onto stating Giorgio's credits that don't include some of his more impressive feats as a composer for films, just left a certain patina upon rewatching this because I love this breakdown and comparison so much, and we all know Moroder's style can be quite dark if needed, which isn't what he was allowed to exercise to his fullest extent but sure showed off why he was perfect for reshaping into something with it's own feel to keep up with the cerebral neon imagery, but still maintaining the 80s pop originals that mesh with his score, much like Scarface. I never seen Electric Dreams but I'll definitely check it out, I love Giorgio because he's a very Italian-sounding composer of the era working in mainstream American films.
When I was a little kid and yet to truly discover Italian exploitation, Giorgio Moroder's Scarface soundtrack was one of the most intense soundtracks because it sounded like a horror movie soundtrack at times, very Italian exploitation in it's expression at times, I felt like I was watching a Cannibal Mondo film in retrospect.
But yeah plus I noticed he got a lot of European/projects set in Europe like Neverending Story or Midnight Express, because I guess filmmakers felt he had the sensibilities to make the films feel more organic even while being stylish as hell, but yeah I agree Neverending Story he landed because of his ability to produce pop soundtracks with his scores.
I watched this movie, both parts, never in my life have i ever see scarier movie, all the horror i watch is just jumpscares and blood, this movie isn't even a horror movie and scared me, the uncanny valley effect is real shit
Good video. I'm confused about something however. when I as a kid I remember a scene where the rock Biter saves Atraoe's life, riding his rock bicycle and saving him instead of just waiting for the Nothing to come and take him as he originally said. Downloading the movie and watching it now I can't find the scene. Is it in the German cut and not in the international one?
It's not in the German cut, and I don't remember seeing that scene... it could be one of those misremembered childhood moments or one of the sequels? I've never seen those... Or maybe you saw a cut that has not been seen since!
@@MovieOubliette Thanks! I never saw the German cut or the sequels so I'm hoping my memory is correct!! Damn it was a good movie. The director did 'Enemy Mine' too, another childhood favourite!
There were multiple cuts that went out and I recall it too
@@Dancestar1981 I knew it!! Thanks so so much. Any idea where I can get those other cuts?
@ not sure I’ve seen both films and multiple cuts of the films plus read the book I’m 43. Unless someone had an old copy and you could get it. Maybe even clean up old vhs if it wasn’t worn out and digitise it
P.s Were can I Get The German Version of The Neverending Story please thankyou
If you're in the US, you can order the German blu-ray (with an English soundtrack) on Amazon: www.amazon.com/Die-unendliche-Geschichte-1/dp/B009DW9F1G
@@MovieOubliette Thank you!-- but this version is not regionally coded to play in US players...
amazing video - subbed
Well we got a remastered 40th anniversary 4k/blu ray release from imprint of both cuts, though it’s very expensive and limited you should do a review of it
Oooo I’d love to know how to get the German soundtrack in America! The only one I see on eBay is very expensive, and the only person selling it on German Amazon doesn’t ship to America 😭
You might be able to import a second-hand copy from Amazon.de? The postage might be high, but the CDs are pretty cheap: www.amazon.de/Die-Unendliche-Geschichte-Klaus-Doldinger/dp/B000006YA4/ref=sr_1_16?__mk_de_DE=ÅMÅŽÕÑ&dchild=1
12:57 is crazy!
I‘m shocked they even replaced some voices. But why? At that time the German cut was dubbed in German an no one outside of Germany was ever to see and hear that edit. So weird. But thank god, the blu-ray made it available to everyone.
Interesting, I watched the never ending story on a tv broadcast when I was a kid. Looking back, I now realize I saw the German version.
Getting the international version..... Still love Limahl's song... Puts a smile on my face...
Thank you so much for this comprehensive comparison! It was fun to watch before I watch the German edition.
I have to admit, as far as the music is concerned, I vastly prefer the international version. As well as the voice for my favorite character, G'mork
The 'funny' thing about Artax's death scene is that, yes, it did wreck me as a kid. So when I rewatched the movie 20 years later I was shocked to realize that he dies within 10 secs of being introduced and.... we really don't care.
Normally I both hate writing and reading posts like this - but given the age of some these videos and the watch views, where the f@ck are all the subs at?
Ok just checked the channel, I guess the algorithm blessed you - but also, you dont upload a lot here.
No, it's been difficult to summon the motivation sometimes because the videos tended to go into a void. But we're thinking we might start again this year if people are watching and enjoying them.@@xBINARYGODx
@MovieOubliette
I feel that. I've made practically no art in the last 4+ years because of a complete lack of motivation. And just picking up a pencil becomes a struggle. It's "what's the point?"; right.
It'sld be great to see more work from you, but don't do it just because the algorithm decided to throw you a rare bone. Do it because YOU want to. Making these videos is a lot of work, and if you're not enjoying the process, or if it's too draining, then save yourself the struggle.
I'm not trying to discourage you or anything. I just know how this internet game works. Films like this are cult classics with a large and loving audience. Finding films/shows like that is not easy. And finding the audience is even more difficult.
I just watched your Legend video and then this one. Unless you have a video on Labyrinth, I can't think of another film.
I'm just gonna say it. Atreyu looks like a male version of Anna Kendrick. I almost wish someone would mix the international and German version together.
I was thinking the same thing. Combine the two versions to bet a "Best Of Both"... (and/or at least make both options available on the Blu-Ray / DVD)
Because the German version was the only one in 4K HDR, I bought it. But I'd love to have an international (US) version of the film I watched as a kid since my three kids are 5 and below. I'm a little afraid of showing the German Cut since it's far darker.
Wolfgang Peterson “Gifted” Auryn to Steven Spielberg for his ‘doctoring’ of the film for a more Hollywood type epic.
(Oops. I hadn’t realized very thorough you would be… 😝)
Wolfgang Petersen passed away. Although this is my least favourite of all of his movies, because it butchered the book on what it was based on, i wanted to leave a message here to honour his life achievement concerning his great Filmography. Rest in peace.
I’ve literally stumbled across the German English dub by accident and I’m so glad I found this cause I was about to say lol
Both movie has good parts. I am sadden by Artax's death. I read the book, it is way better than the movie but that is my opinion
@Movie Oubliette
Bastian did not name the childlike empress after his mother. Read the original book from Michael Ende if you really want to understand the story. Besides from that your video is good! Thank you.
I'm very confused. Saw two people reacting today to, what they say is the International Version, but it sounds more like the German Version, as described in this video? Here's the link:
ua-cam.com/video/ML3mCsjS4GY/v-deo.html
This also one film I wish they would remake but more accurate the original film and the book
I like the color of the film better on the German version. Colors are more vivid.
Yes - it's not as dark and muddy, and damage to the film has been repaired. It's just a shame some of the detail has been scrubbed out... the characters sometimes look a bit waxy.
@@MovieOubliette That's true. I just watched the German version for the 1st time last night. It was nice to see after all these years. I watched the never ending story over and over and over and over when I was a kid. I was obsessed with that movie lol.
@@allieelectra23 Me too!
Me too especially the Ivory Towers scene I hate that orangie colour
Bastian's last name is pronounced "books" not "'bucks."'
Thank you! I've never heard it pronounced before, I'd only read it... but of course, this makes perfect sense.