Exploring Blair Witch 2 Book of Shadows

[@IronPiedmont]

In other words, this movie got ruined by a producer pretty much saying: "But the chart says..."

[@viktorbraginski]

Nostalgia Critic is out there cringing at the thought

[@ILLUSIONFUSION1]

Exactly!!! Glad to see a NC fan :)

[@darkmage85]

@@ILLUSIONFUSION1 What about BOOMER?!

[@andrewquick4176]

Pretty much saying “the writer is MASSIVELY overthinking things and it’s just gonna bomb”

[@adamshows1142]

Also, with the idea of ambiguous ending for this movie, I can't help but also a producer saying, "But thinking gives them unclear answers!" Director: "Well, maybe that's the whole idea, god damn it!"

[@rattailtony2900]

I had no idea the studio was responsible for some of the bullshit in this movie. Huh. Now I'm dying to know what the director's cut would look like.

[@TheChugg11]

I still feel that way about Event Horizon...

[@gnolls]

@@TheChugg11 Mission Impossible 2...

[@maneoj46]

Studios usually ruin films. It's Always cash over artist

[@darkangelw8472]

It was completely improvised, which makes it so scary and genuine. First film

[@thewewguy8t88]

yeah well my personal opinion is this movie is unwatchable. like i was never able to sit through this movie and watch it fully lol.

[@ASRGRetro]

that opening sequence with Sinatra makes WAY more sense

[@somerandomguy6767]

AS:RG hell yeah

[@adiahaalexander9359]

Not to me, I didnt like that opening song either.

[@efwefwef4747]

The mason song is iconic because of this movie.

[@francisc1854]

I agree

[@derekfinch9464]

@@efwefwef4747 what?? Absolutely not. This movie wasnt that popular.

[@WiseCorpse]

Why have I only just found this video? This is an amazing journey into what went wrong with this film. I want the directors cut!

[@lynnevetter]

Same!

[@JDClair]

Me too.

[@lucasbaer9567]

I basically forgot about this movie but when KZbin has its algorithm set up it finally found something I am really happy with!

[@gdottothegamer1001]

For me, I think Im here cuz the game xD

[@jmuk3571]

I just found this video and this channel and both are amazing. Excellent video essay, one of the best on KZbin. I’ll be binge watching this channel if anyone has any must watch suggestions

[@DanielCantinero]

They should’ve released Directors cut for the 20th anniversary.

[@bchick7598]

I would have said they should have a directors burning and burn every copy of this movie that has ever been manufactured make sure that nobody has ever see it again

[@77Creation]

@@bchick7598 I dug the movie. My crew did too.

[@flightofthebumblebee9529]

People trash this film but I loved it. Plus it was filmed in the woods in Maryland. Unlike the 2016 piece of crap filmed in the summertime in Canada.

[@DavidKen878]

@@flightofthebumblebee9529 What does that have to do with anything? 😂

[@thundertits]

Pretty you can make one of your own

[@creatornat]

I think it's safe to say, *numerous* movies have been ruined by studios and producers' involvement/changes.

[@GoodBadFlicks]

creatornat far too many.

[@matthiasthulman4058]

Just wait till you get to 2019 lol

[@goldencrisp4671]

GoodBadFlicks can you name any others?

[@bojarckhoosemanschnarf5851]

The thing prequel

[@mugan5011]

Yep, like the case of one film I can't remember the title, but, it was set at the beginning of some post-apocalyptic events, according to the director, he made a completely different film; the film studio sent it to edition and post production and they returned with a generic film from the early 2000s, which isn't memorable to the point that as you can see, I can't remember the title at all. What I can still remember it's the director was in a campaign to force the studio to release his version, which sounded more interesting and more deep than the final product that studio made, he had a website to let people know about that and I don't know what else he was doing to get support, but, I imagine until this day, he wasn't able to force that studio to release the version he made.

[@DanricSanchez]

Never thought I would find a video that both solves "The Secret of ESREVER" and explains how Blair Witch 2 wasn't as bad as it was initially made out to be... The best twenty minutes I've spent on KZbin in a long time!

[@GoodBadFlicks]

Daniel Sanchez awesome, thanks! This was a lot of work but glad it was all worth it :)

[@theninjamaster67]

@callmecatalyst there's a fan edit out there just look it up it's quite good

[@Vercingetorix.Rising]

@callmecatalyst few things real quick. 1.) The secret of esrever was explained on the original DVD bonus features. It's been sold forever by anybody who took the time to watch the movie, wrote down the clues and put then together . It was a fun thing to do. But it's been simved forever ago. 2bd) as far as a director's cut I shoukd have it somewhere . Its fanmade but it is true to what the directors wanted. I have always loved the sequel and was able to see quality in it that most others had not.

[@EasyZee69]

It's an excellent analysis, and a interesting and engaging video, great job on that. But the movie still sucks. This video analysis does not change the fact that the Blair Witch sequel is total garbabge.

[@theninjamaster67]

@@EasyZee69 it is trash if you watch the garbage theatrical cut the studio put out but if you re-edit it like the director wanted it it's actually pretty good so i suggest looking into watching the fan edit of it before making an opinion it's definitely worth it

[@Lreldge]

for a video that came out in 2013 this aged extremely well. could see this coming out now without thinking twice about it

[@adamlincolnlane]

Even in 2024 this feels new

[@TheStengah]

This film has always been a guilty pleasure of mine. Love both soundtracks, used to watch it everytime it was on TV. I had no idea...this is amazing. Thank you. No longer a guilty pleasure.

[@zacgorenc]

This movie sounds like a frickin masterpiece with how clever and psychological it is! One day a directors may be available but it doesn't seem like it's in high demand :(

[@PlanetSidewinderGaming]

Let's demand :D

[@zacgorenc]

True that!

[@jimmyeng663]

Kim Director's acting in this film was really phenomenal. She embodied the quintessential Goth character.

[@azazello1784]

Director lol

[@SuPeRHeRoDuDe3124]

CACK

[@KittyGoldPaint]

Okay, am I the ONLY person who's experience with goth girls, was akin to the chubby girl from South Park?! Not to mention, I'm Mexican and grew up in an entirely Hispanic & Asian community, so we didn't have any "Nancy's" from the Craft; we had Maria Lopez in head to toe Hot Topic with Manic Panic hair dye 😏🤷🏻‍♀️

[@jimmyeng663]

@@azazello1784 That's her last name

[@jimmyeng663]

@@KittyGoldPaint That's awesome! I can imagine that going well in her family haha. I was the skinny Asian fem goth boy in the countryside.

[@KageReya]

This is one of the best movie reviews I've ever seen. You literally hit the nail on the head with this one and pointed out many of the same thoughts and feelings I had when seeing the film. BRAVO!

[@GoodBadFlicks]

Bradley Mace Thank you! I put a lot into this and I'm so glad it is appreciated

[@KageReya]

GoodBadFlicks And now look. You're taking the time to say thank you and respond to your fanbase. Y'know, you're really leaving me no choice but to support you through patreon with this kind of attitude, mister!

[@PapaLaw426]

The whole thing with the townsfolk of Burkittsville not being happy with the attention garnered by the Blair witch really interests me. Usually, a town involved in something like would be more than happy to associate itself as much as it could... kinda like what Roswell, New Mexico does to this day with aliens

[@searay83]

Kim director was so gorgeous in that movie 😍

[@ermacjones4821]

Fuck yeah lol

[@realhousewifeoftransylvania1.0]

Yesss!!🖤

[@gargos25]

I found Erica the hottest but to each their own. lmao

[@chermebrownsauce]

still is

[@briefcaseblues6061]

@@gargos25 same Erica is sexy af! She's in Wrong Turn 2 also.

[@kate.2769]

Half of the views on this are from me, I swear...this is arguably my favorite video on KZbin. Blair Witch 2 has always been a secret favorite of mine, and the validation this video gives me is absolutely addicting. Thank you for making this.

[@Darkangel-A-c8z]

Love it too they should just have cut it differently.

[@thischannelneverexisted12432]

Had a weird moment because I thought this comment was mine lol

[@Darkangel-A-c8z]

I love the wiccan views in this and the paranormal view. Yes you can be possessed it's a known fact. Persephone is a real wiccan goddess, in fact in an interview with Erica, which I found of You Tube she recalls that it all got eerie and weird when she filmed the scene when she asks for protection by Persephone. The same as when they did the beach scene in The Craft, when they try to evoke the spirit. And several studios when they filled various famous horror movies have been cursed

[@Styxswimmer]

​@ankia-w5399 I thought I was alone in my love for this film. It gets so much hate I figured I was an outlier. While I admit this film has many issues, the underlying idea is absolutely brilliant.

[@Darkangel-A-c8z]

@@Styxswimmer it's just cut terribly. But it has a great paranormal side and what happens when your mind plays tricks with you

[@jadebethel7556]

So they got mad about Tristan having a miscarriage but have a stab scene??? Only Hollywood

[@AJxxxxxxxx]

I honestly think they should have done a prequel instead, a movie about Rustin Parr, or Elly Kedwards trial, or Hecaitomix lore because the legend of the woods is what the fans were really interested in, people where more interested in the lore and mystery of the Blair witch then they were about the actual main character

[@alexakaa.charlesross8919]

That's a good idea!

[@callmeblubber5038]

I would absolutely adore a directors cut. It’s such a shame that a studio would ruin such a promising and brilliant film 😢

[@frankm.2850]

For some reason studio execs aren't willing to trust the creative team, or put the dots together that whenever they don't, a project bombs.

[@Long-HairedLuigi]

I would love a DC. & yeah, unfortunately studio heads of all kinds of studios very stupidly pull this sort of nonsense all the time.

[@SpockvsEgon]

I watched a Joblo video that was almost exactly the same as this and felt the need to dig yours up again. I can't believe this video is 7 years old!

[@stlouisrocker100]

8:09-8:23 Okay I'm a metalhead, but I hate it when metal is used in a horror movie. It just removes all tension that the movie had going for it. The Dawn of the Dead remake is one of the few exceptions.

[@GoodBadFlicks]

***** metal works in the right circumstances. Maximum Overdrive and Return of the Living Dead come to mind

[@stlouisrocker100]

GoodBadFlicks Agreed

[@kevinpeterson1398]

Personally, I would have loved the Frank Sinatra song opening this movie. It would have given a false sense of calm before everything goes haywire lol

[@jeffwalker6815]

Old producers figure if they find Manson scary, it logically fits in a scary movie.

[@xenos_n.]

Manson isn't metal, though. Go to the metal archives and type in Marilyn Manson and see what comes up. That really is the litmus test for what's metal and what isn't. Manson is hard rock.

[@KinGizzard]

I've only watched it once, but remember thinking to myself that there seemed to be so much more to the film than I had anticipated. I can't help but feel a ball of rage in my stomach when I hear of how so many films are changed by suits claiming to know what the public wants.

[@GoodBadFlicks]

What bothers me the most is in cases like this, the director delivered what he initially signed up for but then the studio forced it to be changed after the fact. Then the general audience dislikes the film and yet he takes the blame. Meanwhile, a very good movie is there but most will never see it in its proper form.

[@LuizLapin]

This is my new favourite channel, I love this movie and for years people wouldn't listen to me You've articulated your arguments so well that I kind of feel bad for not making this video myself. Thank you, Good Bad Movies!! Also, I'd love it if someone could cut this 'director's cut' together and post it online...

[@jordanallen3078]

Can you, not

[@kinjouten]

Thank you so much for this incisive commentary, I've been standing up for this film for decades as something that the studio mangled, but there's still value in it.

[@GoodBadFlicks]

Thanks for watching!

[@mr.goodwill2256]

these in-depth explorations of movies you make are amazing. these videos will be around and talked about 20 or 40 years from now.

[@greatestever184]

Wow. I can safely say that I look at this movie totally different now. It's actually brilliant, or would have been had the studio just left it alone. Good job, man!

[@GoodBadFlicks]

Thanks!

[@bloodrunsclear]

I'll admit it: Blair Witch is one of those soft spots of fandom for me. Like Phantasm it doesn't matter how bamboozling the films can get, I still love the universe they're set in. I have the official companion to the original film and it's still one of my favorites.

[@TomGallagherSuperboyBeyond]

you said you made a directors cut. Any chance at all that you'll release it somehow? Even if its a link you email to people who request it

[@sketchtown6663]

I would also love to see that!

[@Droorogers]

THIS PLEASE

[@franzmuller6260]

www.reddit.com/r/fanedits/comments/ahurgn/i_have_agent_sam_stanleys_blair_witch_2_recut_if/ there you go

[@wolfthornnholtzklau4913]

Would love to see that so much....

[@TomGallagherSuperboyBeyond]

@@wolfthornnholtzklau4913 click Franz Muller's link in this thread. I've watched that fan edit and can confirm it is far superior.

[@LittleRedTeaCake]

Here's the thing, I really liked the movie as it was. It wasn't like, the best thing ever but I really enjoyed it. This, this makes me think I would have loved it even more, I want the directors cut. Now. Thank you for this.

[@maxwellmark986]

Hello 👋 how are you doing...💕💕💕💕💕💕 And I hope you do stay safe due to the pandemic over there.?

[@LetsWatchThatttt]

Omg the intro song comparison is DEAD ON! It really changes the entire feel

[@susiebit]

You say you recut the movie according to the director's commentary on the dvd... is that cut available anywhere for us to watch?

[@KosmiskRevolution]

I second this request *cough* PM *cough cough*

[@Iggsy81]

Yes, i too wondered about this

[@UndeadLavender]

3rd

[@kylej9759]

4th

[@Gurianthe]

5th

[@jasonturno4823]

This is a VERY under rated horror movie. I'm glad you made a video about it.

[@dirkleon99]

This was such a well done documentary!!! Subscribed

[@GoodBadFlicks]

Thanks for the sub!

[@gargos25]

I still love this movie. One of the few movies that stuck in the back of my mind for many years. I often kept thinking about the last scenes and how close it described our individual perceptions of reality.

[@sandraweilbrenner67]

I wish we could see the director's cut. I saw the vcr version with the witchcraft song. I loved esrever , it was ful looking for the clues when you ran the film backwards ( esrever=reverse)also the bedroom locker padlocks are in the shape of a pentagram and in jeff's office the painting changes from a mom and child to a witch and a decapitated child.i have always loved this film.

[@curtthechameleon]

I love talking about this. I found all kinds of stuff. There's three, maybe four hidden words in nature too. The words "seek" in the trees, the word "No" in the water and the word Further in the campfire. Me and my friend just happened to notice it in the fire then pieced together the rest.

[@shamboonforever]

I can't tell you how happy this video makes me. I knew from the beginning that the public would reject a sequel to such an iconic film. However, as a horror buff, I had to give it an honest try. The new psychological take and layers of mirrored commentary of Blair Witch 2: Book of Shadows was quite a refreshing (and necessary) risk that would both further the story yet set itself apart from it's older sibling. Even as a sophomore in high school, I knew the film was not for the masses, but as a storyteller I could understand the language of Joe Berlinger. I knew something didn't fit when the actual story stood in opposition to the random cuts of violence - covered in Hollywood's fingerprints. Despite the movie's reception, I just knew there was more to it, and I had spent hours re-watching, dissecting, and trying to make sense of why I enjoyed such a rejected film. I could go one for pages, but I just wanted to say I am so glad that someone finally shed light on this movie's journey to the big screen. I would surely love to see an original cut. Here's to giving forgotten films a chance.

[@GoodBadFlicks]

Daniel Gonzalez Thanks! Its a total shame what the studio did to this movie and the public backlash against it. As I've said before, I hope the film gets a restored cut and everyone finally gets to see the real version of the movie.

[@shamboonforever]

GoodBadFlicks Agreed, my friend. I await for the day.

[@christallh24]

See this is what makes you stand out from NC and other reviewers. Nostalgia Critic reviewed this movie as it was. You reviewed it in the way the film-makers *intended*. And I'm blown away. I would have *loved* this movie (as I hated the first one) had I saw it without studio interference. Thanks for enlightening us once again, Cecil!

[@GoodBadFlicks]

Thank you very much. I'm really proud of this one. I was angry at how much hated the film was getting that it really didn't deserve and wanted to show there was more going on than people realized.

[@noreski435]

Then again hes basically making excuses

[@CandidaRosa889]

the reflection of the cop freaked the shit out of me

[@mollyt1296]

Really great video here, and now I've watched your cut, and the film is SO MUCH BETTER viewed this way.. Great job man, one of the best fan edits I've ever seen, thanks for giving enough of a shit to do all this research into the original intent of the director and doing your best to make it happen. Truly, kudos.

[@maxwellmark986]

Hello 👋 how are you doing...💕💕💕💕💕💕 And I hope you do stay safe due to the pandemic over there.?

[@abandonexplorations3896]

The van that was used in the movie is in a junkyard in AZ i got most of the parts off of it

[@MustardTigerFan42]

Any pictures? Maybe make a imgur post?!?!

[@abandonexplorations3896]

@@MustardTigerFan42 ya I have pictures of it I took the brush guard off of it and the light bar

[@brendanrouth3807]

This just pisses me the fuck off. The original cut sounds downright brilliant, and the fucking dumbass producers and marketers had to go in there and butcher it to make it more palatable. The greatest irony of course being that the shit they smeared all over the film is was turned so many people off from it. I'm actually something of an optimist. I believe that Hollywood keeps underestimating their audiences and thinks everyone is too stupid or jaded to want to watch something new and exciting. To be honest though, in the Internet age when films can be explained away for you at the click of a button, I think more and more people are looking for original and more cerebral films. I dunno, maybe I'm just naive, but this is still so fucking stupid.

[@BIGTENFanatic]

Agreed. I really wish there was a director's cut

[@GabrielTheMagolorMain]

Brendan Routh Excellent point. Movies are about so much more than they used to be and we want intelligent films. Love your comment!

[@HalloWitch93]

I feel the same way about Batman v Superman; it's by no means a perfect movie, but I feel terrible for Zack Snyder that his vision was butchered by Warner Bros. :( Regardless of your feelings on the film (all are absolutely valid) it should have been HIS complete project. No artist deserves to have their work shredded by studio execs who know more about numbers than they know about the arts.

[@wookusmaximus8107]

Quay Tgang Such a way with words you have.

[@grevallantt3362]

Wow. This review made me look at Blair Witch 2 in a whole different light. Nice job

[@GoodBadFlicks]

Thanks!

[@MrBracey100]

Even though I didnt know about all the studio interference I always liked this film (despite its flaws). I also thought it was well shot and well acted and I liked the themes at work within it. This really makes me want to see a director's cut. Guess I'll have to listen to the commentary and do a fan edit for myself.

[@nattychamps9098]

Also Erica was a hottie. I liked his statement. "If you can turn away from Erica's Stomach." Yeah if I can

[@Vercingetorix.Rising]

Fan edit already exist just search for it

[@saschamayer4050]

@@Vercingetorix.Rising where? KZbin?

[@Vercingetorix.Rising]

@@saschamayer4050 I actually found the link in this videos comment section. Have to download it. Search the comment section for this video you should be able to find it. I downloaded it a year ago maybe more.

[@saschamayer4050]

@@Vercingetorix.Rising Was it fanedit.info?

[@miintyfresj]

Can I just say, I LOVE this video!! You are so RIGHT about the intro song changing the whole vibe of the movie!!

[@GoodBadFlicks]

Thanks!

[@returnofthegoth2220]

This is a wonderful distillation of the film's background. Thanks for doing that legwork! I have always enjoyed this film and am always sad when people bash it. And that Esrever stuff was genius, forcing me to watch the movie in grand detail over and over. In a way, this film taught me to admire the tiny details of a scene.

[@JamesCarmichael]

I had such a crush on Kim Director at the time.

[@rdsasuke1]

+James Carmichael She was amazing.

[@Iggsy81]

Ikr

[@EmpressTiffanyOfBrittany]

HAD? I still do!

[@roncalabro]

James Carmichael same here. She still looks hot in her older age

[@coty6038]

Kim is loveable I've been dreaming like she's there and saying......im watching over you!!!!!!! It's strange.....i dress like Kim but just be myself kim is awesome she rocks

[@Chappell5252]

Thank you sir, I now have a newfound respect for this movie.

[@hankmoody940]

ya, right!?

[@wolfthornnholtzklau4913]

Yeah I've always had a softie fir this one.

[@KarstensCreationsKC]

"Playing it safe would have been a group of kids going into the woods found-footage style, lather rinse repeat...except with a few additional scenes and some gore added" ... Which sadly yet perfectly describes Blair Witch 2016...

[@UAPReportingCenter]

2016 movie was good

[@boomstickcritique902]

@@UAPReportingCenter It's terrible that movie is a direct remake of the original and nearly remakes the entire first film lol love Blair Witch 2 or hate it at least it's actually its own movie.

[@LeonoEnamorado]

@@UAPReportingCenter no it isn't

[@UAPReportingCenter]

@@LeonoEnamorado well that was a well thought out counter point. 👍

[@blainwilson7937]

@@UAPReportingCenter Sorry but that movie was total trash and unwatchable

[@praxicoide]

Thank you for all the background and research provided. I remember seeing this at the theaters and being baffled by a lot of it. I can see why now. Incidentally, I tricked my sister into believing the first one was real, but after the movie was over she read the poster and found out it was fictional.

[@GoodBadFlicks]

Mario Morales Thanks!

[@seanisthegood]

Thank you for this exhaustive, thorough work. I had already been a fan of this film after seeing in theaters, I have often felt it is a more rewarding and layered film than the original.You really opened my eyes up to the nuance and multiple meanings. I hope we get the Director's Cut one day. What did you think of the third film in the series?

[@musingartisan]

I never realised before how much the song playing over the opening credits can effect your viewing of the entire movie itself. That change from Sinatra to Manson changed my state of mind and how I would interpret the movie as a whole.

[@docsdomain]

Ugh when will studio suits get it through their heads to leave something alone? I have never seen this movie because I had been told it was awful but now thanks to your review I can say "hey it was messed with by suits".

[@TheHorrorGeek]

Man, this is some fantastic work. I'm subbed. Can't wait to dig into more of your work.

[@BuckarooBanzai84]

Not a big horror fan in general, but I gotta compliment you on the insights, as well as the use of Poe before and after! Thanks!

[@gscd2881]

I’m so happy to see this film reviewed in a positive light! I always liked it as a very guilty pleasure, assuming it was only appealing to me because I first saw it as a teenager. More recently however, I was reading the new introduction to Stephen King’s “Danse Macabre”, where he says “...BW2, I loved it, but I was pretty much alone on that one.”

[@Backinblackbunny009]

Happy 10yr anniversary to me discovering this channel Cecil! ❤

[@GoodBadFlicks]

Thanks for sticking around! :)

[@m0xxa.n3t]

I personally loved this movie. Now I love it even more.

[@Vercingetorix.Rising]

same, I never understood the hate . I really enjoyed it

[@coty6038]

You guys both rock I rebought this one buck wrapped mint condition...anyone who hates this movie doesn't understand that "feel" of this movie I love Kim she was always my favorite!!!!!!! And erica since I'm openly wiccan too!!!!!! Spot on guys spot on :)

[@SublimeLullaby]

Me too !! It was amazing when it came out, it still reminds me of the end 90s and all. Well nostalgia........

[@uniquerebeljaney3639]

I liked it too.

[@seanabbins5481]

@@Vercingetorix.Rising I always thought I was the only one, but looking at these comments, I see there's some other fans out there, which is great. Too bad they didn't do another movie to follow up after this.

[@katherinerauff1985]

I've always liked this movie strictly because it entertained me and I always saw that as the point...but this just made me like it even more. Understanding why it was the way it was (because I was ALWAYS confused by it) gives me an insight into what it could have been and makes me like it that much more. Thanks for this. Truly enjoyed it.

[@GoodBadFlicks]

Katherine Rauff You are welcome! Hopefully one day they will officially release the director's cut.

[@Drownedinblood]

You know after your analysis, I've found a new appreciation for this movie. It now seems like a very well thought out sequel if I were to see it from your point of view of it being a response to the hysteria of the first movie. I'm also quite happy that it wasn't a retread, unlike the paranormal activity series and even included a little mystery meta game for audiences to solve.

[@GoodBadFlicks]

Ulfbert Thanks! Now if Lionsgate would get around to releasing the director's cut...

[@Drownedinblood]

GoodBadFlicks Would they still have it? I get a feeling it would be discarded. The film might also need to hit a higher cult status for them to release, and a petition might help with it.

[@keepitsmooth9498]

Even though I’m intrigued by the idea of a different version of this movie, I can’t deny I think it was well done and I liked it the way it was. Also I believe the title “Book Of Shadows” has to do with Tristen or Erika, one of the two, taking the Blair witch book wwith them. That’s why the witch was so pissed off and started to kill everyone. That’s why she told Stephen that they brought it back with them on the bridge, meaning they brought her book with them. I would like if someone could confirm this version

[@edwardjames6610]

Interesting theory about the book, but I don’t think the little girl is intended to be the Witch. I believe it’s meant to be Eileen Treacle (whose grave Kim lays on). When she’s in the hospital she’s soaking wet, and Eileen Treacle was drowned, her appearance is similar on the bridge. ‘Seek me no further or the children will again walk free’ is absolutely correct in this video - the Witch uses the ghosts of Eileen Treacle and the children Rustin Parr killed (Kim sees them when she’s driving) to torment the main cast. ‘You brought it back with you’ has ALWAYS intrigued me, and nobody ever discusses that line from Eileen Treacle on the bridge, so I like your theory about the book. I’ve always wondered what it refers to and, as far as I can tell, that’s never ever been explained anywhere by anyone who worked on the film and nobody ever talks about it in discussions about the film. The only slight reference to it is Erika’s line ‘we brought something back with us’, but it’s never clear what she’s talking about.

[@lyzzlyzzy1023]

HOLY FUCK. I feel so badly for the director. If given the chance he would’ve made this movie an instant classic (instead of the slightly embarrassing cult phenomenon.) The opening sequence....... I fucking love that Marilyn Manson song! But the entire tone of the movie shifts when you hear ole Blue Eyes belting out Witchcraft.....I’m stunned. Joel Berlinger deserved to have artistic freedom, as do all artists. I still love the movie but it’s borderline upsetting to think how great it *could* have been. Bummer.

[@bijibadness]

I remember all that hype over _Blair Witch._ I went camping out in the woods that summer as part of this Summer Camp my Ma threw me into. I'll never forget how scared we all were-the idea of that movie being REAL was very, very convincing at the time. There weren't iPhones to the actors' IMDB pages, man. I'm sure there was a phone, but for emergencies and checkups only. No news from the wide world coming into us kids all out in the dark woods. It did seem we were on our own sometimes. One of my all-time shakiest memories is watching one of the biggest, toughest alpha-male counselors completely fall apart while sitting around a campfire one night. All us kids were out playing in the dark, though I was close to the flame. I didn't like the woods at night. Still don't. Anyway, this funny, easygoing tough guy was huddled against the dark, repeating about the movie being "Real" over and over again-his concerned friend trying but failing to talk him down. He was really in a bad state. And I just happened to witness it. I wasn't supposed to, obviously-that shit COULDN'T be tolerated in front of all of us kids, right? The appearance of order and chain of command HAS to be solid. I'm sure he got a talking to by one of the higher-ups. That type of shit doesn't leave you-that new, ugly sensation of being really young kids, off running and screaming in the dark woods-you could hear the shrieks from the other kids at play all around the campsite; capture the flag or whatever. There's that peculiar way that sound travels in the woods-it's echoed really well because its just on flat ground, and the canopy of leaves is perfect for holding all that sound in-you can hear EVERYTHING for what sounds like miles. And all this-the happy screams and branches breaking out off in the distance (that actually SOUND terrible-most kids will hoot and holler with everything they've got when they're allowed to) while your LEADER - the Adult Person In Charge - totally falls to bits. It was the first time I had to realize that those some of those people who are trusted in CHARGE just simply aren't UP TO IT. It was the first time I had to realize that The Adults actually DON'T have _all the damn answers._ In fact, maybe sometimes The Adults have LESS answers than The Kids do? Just that real uneasy feeling of command breaking DOWN-if the Ones In Charge are freaking the fuck out, what chance do us KIDS have? A real wondering about total mental and morale breakdown from the Top on Down. We were really young, and I wasn't the youngest. Those were scary nights, man. I was a very emotional kid. AM. I AM a very emotional kid. Adult. Whatever. Still. •b18

[@LibraGamesUnlimited]

It will never cease to amaze me how many movies are ruined by studio meddling and how the studios never seem to learn to just hire a director and trust their choices.

[@LibraGamesUnlimited]

@Doubleswee I can't think of a single movie where a studio-mandated change made the film successful when it would have otherwise failed. I'm not saying it's impossible, but every story I've heard of studio-demanded changes being made has hurt the movie.

[@LibraGamesUnlimited]

@Doubleswee I may be misremembering but it seems like the ones that are hailed as being the best movies of their times had no studio involvement or actively ignored their 'advice'. Do you have a specific example of a movie where the studio demanded a change that is thought of as making the movie better?

[@LibraGamesUnlimited]

@Doubleswee and what exactly did the studio want them to do with movies? I don't remember hearing about studio changes to them.

[@LibraGamesUnlimited]

I'll take your word for it. I'm still willing to bet they ruined more movies than they saved. Suits need to stick to money and business and let creatives handle the creative side things.

[@LibraGamesUnlimited]

@Doubleswee I'm not talking about that I'm talking about specific executives making creative choices based on money or other factors. Also, independent films are very much a thing. Not every movie has to be a multi million dollar special effects heavy popcorn movie.

[@joeyclemenza7339]

8:00 ....the song choices go from artfully intriguing, to eye rolling.. and thats exactly what i was doing when i heard marilyn manson.

[@mikaelafox6106]

On one hand the Manson version reminds me of the Manson song used in House on Haunted Hill. For some reason, the opening to Blair Witch 2 also made me think of Senza Fine from the Ghost Ship opening.

[@projectmayhem162]

The intro Song kicks me back to Alan Wake..... Instant like ^^

[@funnymom7]

I have watched this video on more than one occasion because I guess I was among the few that liked this film because I always thought it had so much going for it only I could put in words. You did such a great job filling in the gaps with your research, that I had to rewatch armed with info you shared. In fact, it was this review that got hyped & hooked on Good Bad Flicks and subscribed that very day. Now, you know your videos are good when they generate rewatches that are enjoyed as much as the first viewing. Keep doing what you do.

[@GoodBadFlicks]

Thank you!

[@hylianbatman3153]

This is one of my favorite movies...I didnt realize it had so much to it. Neat

[@Books-de8wo]

This has always been one of my guilty pleasures. A director's cut would be amazing! Can we petition for it?

[@Ylatch]

I honestly thought I was the only person who liked this movie. I knew there was a lot going on beneath the surface, but I didn't know about the Esrever stuff, that's pretty amazing.

[@GoodBadFlicks]

Ylatch its a great movie when seen in its original form. I hope they can release it some day

[@xJONNYFATXMOSHx]

So I LOVE this movie as a sequel, and I can’t believe it’s been ten years since I’ve found this video. It’s such a worthy sequel. The film vs movie stuff is incredible and I’m so happy that esrever atuff was covered. Great video

[@GoodBadFlicks]

Thank you!

[@pairashootpants5373]

This is one of my favorite early 2000s horror movie, can you please make your version of the directors cut available to subscribers? Ive seen it 100 times and would love to see it as the director intended!

[@GoodBadFlicks]

Unfortunately, there is no legal way for me to get it out there

[@KoolKeithProductions]

Look...I have to admit, for years I thought "the first Blair Witch was awesome, and for the sequel they completely switch up the format? WHAT WERE THEY THINKING?!" But after watching your review, you have convinced me that the route they took was indeed the correct one, so good job. That being said, this movie still sucked ass. lol Maybe it COULD have been good without the studio interference, but all we can do is judge what the movie was, not what it could have been, and what it was in one of the worst sequels ever made.

[@leecain5460]

Kool Keith Productions I disagree with u. The core of the movie is still there. I think it was a great movie that didn't try to just redo the original. It used elements of the original, but didn't retred the same tire. If you put the two movies into context with each other u can almost begin to wonder, what really happened to those kids out in the woods in the original. Was thier film manipulated as well? Hmm.

[@lyzzlyzzy1023]

Kool Keith Productions they just couldn’t let the director (the man with talent, not some stupid uptight studio exec) do his fucking job. By the way, I still enjoy this film and I watch every October- Hello Halloween ! 🧡🖤🎃👻🧟‍♀️🧟‍♂️👻🎃🖤🧡

[@pyrobison2002]

Both movies scared me

[@thelemonddropskid5445]

The last Jedi still is the worst sequel...

[@MilwaukeeF40C]

For another sequel someone should do a Stand By Me/River Runs Through It style "coming of age" retroreflective type thing of the original three castmembers with them narrating themselves.

[@PaigeSinclaire]

If you read up on the blair witch lore, Tristen being pregnant then having the miscarriage makes alot of sense. Elly, the supposed witch before migrated over to America from Ireland had a few miscarriages and one still born. So idk if Berlinger knew that or did that on purpose or not, but it was a nice touch.

[@lynnevetter]

First off.. Love the Poe! Second, I always liked this movie, and thought the gore seemed misplaced. Glad to hear some explanation of this.

[@heyheyhey33351]

In some ways, the original story for Blair Witch 2 sounds a little like the book House of Leaves, especially with the meta parts. Interestingly, the song Haunted is by Poe, sister of the writer of House of Leaves, and the album it's on is a companion piece to the book.

[@GoodBadFlicks]

Hm, really interesting.

[@keithmartin9816]

Points for using Poe's " Haunted" the best thing about BW2.

[@deleimagutierrez9013]

When VHS was still the "thing to have"- I purchased this film with my allowance-Because I was super obsessed with the First. My brother's & I went as far as to play the Hunt that was at the very End. It creepd us out, But we lived for shit like that. By the way I was like 13.......Lol. Hysteria is real. Thank's for the review man-

[@FrostiKing]

Thank you, so much, I really, really have always had this weird fascination with the second movie, I always liked it and everyone called me stupid for enjoying it, it taught me to enjoy guilty pleasures, but your insight behind the movie makes it so much better, it makes me want to see a directors cut of it.

[@GoodBadFlicks]

Thanks for watching!

[@singIeservingfriend]

I always love that aspect to the film, what [your memory] is real what was not.

[@GabrielTheMagolorMain]

singIeservingfriend For sure, I was probably 20 when it came out and it freaked me out!!

[@TheAvatarNerd3]

This is the video that got me into this channel, and will forever be one of my personal favorites 😁

[@GoodBadFlicks]

Thank you! :)

[@joshuafrohm921]

This is my favorite video of yours ive watched it a lot.

[@Xsector360]

Is anyone here not because of Chris stuckmann but because they actually liked goodbadflicks before?

[@HorrorShowEntertainment]

Yup, me.... Been a fan since I think 2013

[@crusty.kamikaze]

I came from Chris but I've been a fan of goodbadflicks for a while

[@WithLoveThomas]

yeah

[@BustlingKiwi]

I mean. I knew about this video before, watched Chris's video, and came back to this video. So kind of.

[@bigtime39384]

ditto

[@AnDaPaVapE]

Finally... thank you. I allways thought that there was something wrong with the editing of this movie. I hadn´t much backround Information about it (because i live in Germany) but I liked most of it, just the murderscenes seemed out of Place and the editing was confusing as hell. Thanks to you I now know, I wasn´t wrong. :) If there would be the directors Cut somewhere available, I would definitely buy it.

[@WobblesandBean]

That's a shame...studio interference ruins another good idea.

[@GoodBadFlicks]

+Amelia Bee The extra sad thing is, all they would have to do is a re-edit of the film to fix it. (plus, one song change) The real movie is there, just edited out of order, with additional gore mixed in for no reason.

[@WobblesandBean]

+GoodBadFlicks You said that you edited it yourself to mimic the director's original intent, right? I wonder if there's any way to watch that. The tourist gore scenes and mental hospital stuff ruined it for me.

[@GoodBadFlicks]

+Amelia Bee if I could legally share it I would. I have had friends over who hated the movie but after seeing the way it was supposed to be, they loved it. There is a copy that someone else made floating around out there but it is increasingly hard to find.

[@WobblesandBean]

+GoodBadFlicks I figured as much. Damn. At least I have your review. :p And you're a Poe fan, to boot! Hell yes!

[@EnzoFuturistic]

I say, edit it and release it.

[@TheArtistV1]

I was hesitant to watch this video because I love this movie so much, but I learned some new things about this movie I never knew and im glad there is another person on this planet that likes it!! Well done!

[@GoodBadFlicks]

Thanks!

[@Film0Graphic]

I remember when I first saw this video, i never saw either of the Blair Witch movies but I had a basic idea of them, I didn't want any distractions when I finally sat down and watched the first one a couple months ago, I turned off the lights and muted all my devices and sat in the dark in front of my laptop. This is easily the best way to watch this movie next to actually being inside a tent in the woods. The first movie is easily one of my favorite horror movies to date, I'm working on trying to get my hands on this movie as well. I can't wait to watch it.

[@GSnickerz]

This video has made me requestion my hatred for the movie. So cool. I'm gunna watch it again as soon as I can.

[@WordUnheard]

I had actually requested this movie because I LIKE Book Of Shadows. Why request for him to cover a movie that you hate, especially when he only covers movies that he LIKES and finds and points out the good qualities of the film?

[@GSnickerz]

+Word Unheard I came here from Chris Stuckman. I loved the first one and thought this one was on too much of a different wavelength. But I can respect it now that my horizons in horror have expanded since first discovering there was a sequel.

[@backwardsbandit8094]

It's still gonna be shit

[@wolfthornnholtzklau4913]

Loved this flick

[@KillinSmallz]

despite its flaws, i really actually enjoyed the sequel.

[@toothyluna4042]

She's the witch man!

[@JeNn0mic0n]

@@toothyluna4042 Witch bitch…. (Lol)

[@loucifer9618]

@@toothyluna4042 Fuckin' WITCH

[@CERTAIND00M]

I have been claiming there was a good film buried in this dumpster fire for years. Finally, a little fucking vindication! On a related note, this just became my new favorite channel.

[@aolivia1754]

yeah, I saw the film around 2006 and loved it. most everyone I've shown it to hates it, but those are the best films in my opinion. the ones only you can appreciate.

[@interglacticdimension2671]

I prefer this over the first, prob only few, it's well shot apart from the forced scenes and had the eerie theme. I have the 2 disc with the docs which is good.

[@jordonhanlan]

The thing about this film is like...was Elly Kedward responsible for the films events or did the group go insane?

[@glitterandthorns]

This was FASCINATING! Thanks for a great video

[@jasonblalock4429]

Wow, I thought I was the only one who had an appreciation for this movie. I thought that even in the weird theatrical cut, the major themes still came through, and it worked as an effective deconstruction of the original.

[@xavierst.pierre8072]

So the studio ruined the film.

[@GoodBadFlicks]

Xavier St.Pierre sad but true

[@CyberSpider35]

Well, not for the first and not for the last time, I'm afraid.

[@chrisadlc1]

You can't ruin a good film. They messed with it but it's not ruined

[@Malum09]

Directors and Writers: We have this great idea! Studio Producers: Let me Stop you Right there!

[@sphsingleplayerhorror2493]

Very glad I've still got a copy on dvd, saw it was on Amazon Prime the other night and was pretty disappointed to see it was a version without the ESREVER scavenger hunt

[@LukeKorolowiczArt]

I have this video to thank for introducing me to the song haunted. it was a big inspiration for my first completed comic pain machines

[@xXhogarthXx]

Excellent, excellent video. New favourite movie channel. Gonna be here for a long time. Haven't seen BW2, because I heard it was rubbish. Sad that the studio made it that way. Subbed! Keep it up!

[@GoodBadFlicks]

Thanks for the sub!

[@watcherg5]

What about the new one?

[@TheTonyShowShow]

Damn it now I wanna see a directors cut too.

[@godvandamme9921]

Great vid. I'd love to see a directors cut of this and Event Horizon

[@ya2710]

Great analysis, very fascinating to learn what this could've been

[@bruggeman672]

Any chance of getting a working link to this directors cut? I tried goig through the reddit post someone else posted and it lead nowhere that i could get to. Sorry not that tech savvy any assistance would b appreciated?