How An Iconic 80s Sci-Fi Spawned An All Time Worst 90s Sequel

[@RM47319]

There should have been only one.

[@RichWards-Wins]

Best comment on here.

[@13thcentury]

The series wasn't too bad

[@spencers4121]

Never watched it, but I hear the series was good.

[@AmandaFessler]

@@13thcentury As a 90s kid, my first ever exposure to Highlander was the series while channel surfing. It was the second intro with Dawson's narration, Duncan walking out of the mists, drawing his sword, cue Princes of the Universe... Never got into it at the time. Saw a bit of the Raven around 00, when it was oddly showing at 530am when I was getting up for school. I did get curious though. So when I was in my teens in the early 00s, I rented the films. That added more context to the series. First film was such a satisfactory ending though.

[@13thcentury]

@AmandaFessler loved that series

[@mattwhorlow9900]

Without watching the vid - "Worst 90s Sequel" - are we talking about Highlander 2 by any chance??

[@Vodkanipples]

Same

[@THEchiQ]

I knew what it was immediately too 🙃

[@matthewdavison7486]

That was my first thought

[@lenlooksback7981]

Either that....or, Escape From L.A, I guess.

[@mattcernjavic9999]

Escape from L.A. is a very close second.

[@RRCesconeto]

My friends and I left the screening thinking the movie was so messy and nonsensical that the projectionist must have skipped some reel of the film.

[@YalelingOz]

My highschool friends group loved Highlander. When the sequel was announced, none of us could figure out good reasons for Ramirez to be back or where these new immortals came from, but of course we were going to see it at the cinema. On walking out into a summer afternoon, we agreed our flawed ideas were better than what we just saw. We rented Highlander (for about the 6th time) and rewatched it. That was the best thing we could've done.

[@Snapper314]

I remember this film, but can't cite a single detail. It must be my brain protecting me from a traumatic memory.

[@Leftysrev3nge]

Hey fun fact: Ridley Scott had zero input on the so-called "Director's Cut" of Blade Runner that Warner Bros released. They wanted to capitalize on negative sentiments about the original film and thought they could make some extra money by hyping up an alternate version. Hence why Scott dropped his Final Cut years later to finally put his definitive stamp on the picture.

[@Kilgore6549]

We rented it on VHS in its original form, and I wouldn’t be as disappointed in a sequel until The Last Jedi.

[@killingragethrowback]

And now I struggle to figure out which of the two films is worse.

[@ozzwepay]

Saw Highlander in the theater, loved it. Saw Highlander 2 in the theater, wanted to light things on fire, including myself.

[@brnzro]

Usually lightning doesn't strike twice, or so they say. I Always found it funny that Christopher Lambert played at least 2 characters that have something to do with lightning. Great video, cant wait for the next one. :) LLAP

[@TheBilgepumper]

I didn't know about the Renegade cut until now. I've only ever seen the original VHS rental release. I knew some big Higlander fans around 1998/99. A running joke was that Highlander 2 didn't exist, they never mentioned the Renegade cut. We joked about the insanity of the theatrical version, so I think they probably hadn't seen the Renegade cut. They were big fans of the TV show, and frequented Internet forums on the series. Maybe they knew it existed, but hadn't watched it because of the stigma against the film overall.

[@volvotl22]

Me too, never watched it since and I have the VHS original!!! It is now on Amazon prime, might have to take a squint and see if it is the renegade version. Highlander 3 did make a better attempt at a sequel, in my opinion anyway.

[@kriscollinstunes]

I was taken to see the film by my older sister and her bf I think. I would’ve been 12 or 13 at the time. Having not seen the first film beforehand I remember being very lost with what was going on. I don’t think I ended up watching the first film about a decade later and was surprised just how good it was compared to the sequel. Wasn’t aware of the renegade cut until this video. Thanks for sharing. I’ll have to check it out one day. Perhaps the studio should’ve listened to the film’s tagline before making the sequel - “there can be only one”😂

[@baroncalamityplus]

I haven't seen Highlander II since opening night. I didn't even know there was an improved cut of the film. I knew of the Renegade cut, but I couldn't imagine anything could have been done to save the film. So, I never watched it.

[@GiantFreakinRobot]

Your right, there was nothing that they could have done to save it it was more destructive than a lost cause.

[@travis_mitchell]

Without even clicking the video, I knew that this was about Highlander II: The Quickening, Which I unapologetically love.

[@odysseusrex5908]

Fascinating! Please tell us what you like about it, what you find that even makes sense about it. I'm sure many people would like to know. Have you seen both versions or, if not, which one have you seen?

[@travis_mitchell]

@@odysseusrex5908 I’m pretty sure I saw the theatrical cut. But I was already aware of the changes going in, so it could’ve been the Renegade Cut. For me, I think similar to Ghostbusters 2, which was at one time seen as a bad sequel, that Highlander 2 just ages better with time. Many, modern, bad, sequels are so much worse than the sequels that were seen as bad in the 80s/90s. So movies like the Star Wars prequels or Spider-Man 3 are looked at more fondly. As for the movie itself, I love the contrast between the futuristic, dystopian, world of 2024, contrasted with the Highland, Scottish aesthetic of the original movie. It isn’t great, but it’s creative and original. The stylistic choices in the sets and action, usage of shadows, and emphasis on heavy machinery, creates such a cool mood, I think. Sean Connery of course, steals the entire movie. When he shows up in the middle of Hamlet, reacts to being called “Sh*thead”, Arriving in 2024, getting a new suit, And everything with him being the fish out of water, is hilarious, and Connery plays it all with charisma and fun. Ramirez and Conner driving the car while getting blown to pieces by bullets is just badass. Conner regaining his immortality, and emerging from the explosion as a young man, is so well done. The action, violence, effects, music. and performances of everyone give me everything I want in an 80s/90s action sci-fi movie. The perfect mixture of so many other movies that feels like a highlight reel instead of ripping them off. And of course the line from Ramirez that I printed out on the wall of my work, and one that resonated with me more than any line from the first movie: *Most people have a full measure of life. And most people just watch it slowly drip away. But if you can summon it all up, at one time, in one place, you can accomplish something glorious.* Overall, While it seems lazy and dumb, Having Conner call out to his dead friend in desperation, and without real explanation, he appears, giving him one more day, a final piece of wisdom, Before leaving once more, Is kind of magical and awesome, In a way that could only be, in a movie of this time.

[@Valkron11]

Funny, I only saw the theatrical version. I didn't even know they re-edited it

[@GiantFreakinRobot]

You could watch it, unless you don't want to bother watching it which I understand.

[@Valkron11]

@GiantFreakinRobot I told my son about this, so we decided we would give it a shot, with tempered expectations. Thanks!

[@colinguyan9704]

Same here, not sure I want to check it out, but feel I have to.

[@13thcentury]

​@@GiantFreakinRobotIf given the choice... of Highlander 2... or the video tape from The Ring (complete with edgy girl)? Yep... bring that little minx on... I'm watching that cursed tape.

[@asksearchknock]

Same… I never knew they did a different version (to be fair, I think I blocked the whole thing out of my mind) - what about the 3rd one 😂

[@lordshell]

I saw it in the theater and Roger Ebert was being kind.

[@Danbatio]

I didn't know they where other version than the theatrical one. I will gonna give it a try, maybe. Fun fact: most of the sets are now the most expensive real state in Buenos Aires.

[@benlime1235]

I saw the alien version on TV in the 90s. Had no idea there was another version of it. Don't remember much about it other than the shield and one or two set pieces.

[@ShawnJones]

I've definitely never heard of this film and certainly didn't excitedly see it in the theater on opening weekend only to leave in a confused and befuddled daze of disappointment ...

[@GiantFreakinRobot]

Been there, I felt the same way when I saw it.

[@thedarkknight1971]

I LOVE the first, watched part of the 2nd then gave up on it, and ever since, I STILL believe that 'Highlander' SHOULD have been a one and done work of art... And now I SHUDDER to think of the remake they're planning 🤨😒

[@odysseusrex5908]

They could have made one or more good sequel movies if they had just done what they did with the TV series and set them *before* The Gathering.

[@YalelingOz]

I had no idea of the other versions. (Highlander 2 wasn't something I was EVER going to watch again. But I agree with your point that mistake of hibris, greed and stupidity needs to be remembered and be accessible l.

[@dcspooky6903]

I've seen all three cuts of the movie. I concur with everything said on the video........great review and presentation....zeist forever!!

[@GiantFreakinRobot]

Thank you so much! I am glad you agree!

[@Consonat]

I love you giant freakin robot ❤️☘️ I rented the original sequel in the video store when it came out and I was not impressed but I am intrigued about the renegade version since I've never seen it. I was a teenager in that magical time of the 80s video rental era where anyone could discover an amazing movie just by chance. Keep rocking the good fight 🤟☘️

[@Dilligff]

I saw the theatrical version and remembered thinking to myself that the only way to save things was to add a scene of Connor waking up at the end having had one long and bizarre nightmare. Never did see the Renegade Cut, and the only other Highlander movie I ended up watching was the one with Mario Van Peebles. Was obsessed with the OG movie and the series, however.

[@lenlooksback7981]

The only way of getting that theatrical Zeist cut is to fork-out on a (preloved) Japanese HD reissue bluray; I think called "Reimagined Warrior Edition" or something. There are a handful still floating around.

[@markdohrmann5983]

I'm definitely on Team Renegade Cut, but I will say "One Dream" that plays over the end credits is a fun song that would fit in perfectly with other soundtracks of the late 80s like Nightmare on Elm Street 4. Also, I'm surprised you didn't mention the TV cut either that had the fairy tale ending. No idea why they thought that was a good idea, but it was a thing!

[@jeffgaboury3157]

I saw this crapstorm when it originally released. As a huge fan of the first film, I was curious to see what it was, although puzzled, given how well the first film wrapped up the story. Needless to say, the "sequel" didn't change my mind on that front. It was so bad that I lost all interest in watching anything else that came afterwards - the other movies, the series - any of it. I had no idea they made a new version of the sequel. I have no desire to see either version of the sequel. You're absolutely right...none of it ever needed to be made. On the other hand, the original film is endlessly re-watchable and timeless.

[@kevint1719]

As a huge fan of the original Highlander who was lucky enough to see the European version on its UK cinema release, I remember going to see Highlander II with my hopes high, and rarely have I hated a movie quite so much. I actually didn't know the backstory or that there was a different cut but what I remember was so bad that I can''t imagine any amount of changes saving it.

[@DafyddNZ]

I think I've only ever watched the theatrical version. I remember being so disappointed because the first one was one of my favorite movies. I kind of think of it fondly nowadays though, of course I've probably forgotten all the worst bits and only remember the funny, weird and/or cringe bits.

[@JakTheRipper-01]

There was never a need or option for a sequel. Highlander itself told us there could be only one.

[@bdgza]

I saw Highlander II on TV a long long time ago but all I remember from it is the shield.

[@brianbankler3422]

I actually remember seeing this in the theater and -- when looking for movie times -- spotting the review that said "Aliens fight for earth with swords" and laughing that they didn't even watch the movie with my friends. We weren't laughing later ...

[@micaelhildenborg5712]

I saw Highlander 2 on premier day at the cinema. I wish I could forget. But the memory remains like a really bad scar.

[@RudyNess]

I saw Highlander 2 in the cinema, I really enjoyed it. I was also 9 years old.

[@Cathmoytura]

I'm sorry you went through that at such a young age.

[@13thcentury]

And no one called Child Protection 😅

[@DarkLorde]

I owned the original theatrical cut on VHS back in the day. I might have even seen it in theaters when I was young. That being said, when I got the Renegade Version on DVD the VHS copy didn't stick around very long.

[@Bedonkabonk]

5:45 "The bleak, dystopian setting of 2024" -- Towards the end of 2024, but things are really taking off in 2025 and beyond.

[@chassoto]

All this time and I never realized there is such a difference between versions. I haven’t seen either. Well, technically I saw about a third of the theatrical release. Back in the day, there were these things called “dollar movies” and you could watch a first run, but not exactly premiere movie for, you guessed it, $1. My brother and I watched the first half hour or so of the Zest movie. We got up and left. Even though it was only $1, I still felt ripped off.

[@GiantFreakinRobot]

I thought it was a scam, not a movie. Man, a movie ticket nowadays can set you at least 15 dollars depending on where you go.

[@RothLepard]

In July 1991, at Con-Version VIII (a Calgary SF, Fantasy and Horror Con) someone had gotten a copy of Highlander 2: The Quickening from overseas. I hadn't even heard there was going to be a sequal. Watched in one of the movie rooms and wondered how stoned people were to make this film. Then a few months later it was released in the US and Canada. I still wondered. Not sure if I've seen the Renegade version. Now I'll have to

[@MTTT1234]

Just read up on wikipedia, that apparently in most European countries they even only ever saw the Renegade version in cinemas, as it took long enough for the movie to be recut into the second version before they would be dubbed into German or French or the likes.

[@kurtb8474]

I love Highlander! Being of Scottish descent I was delighted that they chose a Scotsman for the main character. And ancient Scotland to be the place of his origin. I'm also a fan of Christopher Lambert. What I didn't understand is why the chose to cast an American, who was raised in Switzerland and with a strong Swedish accent, to play a Scotsman and a Scottish actor to play a Spaniard.

[@KennAKALeo]

I still remember the Friday night, 1 November 1991... It was maybe six months since my group of college friends had gone their separate ways, having graduated or transferred. Yet we all went to go see it that night. Not in one large group. But several small groups spread out over two states. And we all had the same reaction... See RM74319's comment. or "Highlander II: the Sickening".

[@longwelsh]

In the UK they were still showing the theatrical cut on TV until at least 2003. I do have a soft spot for well made films that completely lost the plot on script and editing.

[@EricBinford]

My best buddy and I, being huge fans of the 1st film, drove to another state to see part 2. As long as I live, I'll never forget my vest friend, in a full theater screaming... "What The F**?" Folks really didn't do that then. Ahh...memories. The poster art was awesome.

[@samson7842]

I had no idea there was a different cut. I saw the original in the theater on opening weekend. It was so bad. Just. So. Bad.

[@siamiam]

i watched it in the theater when it first came out and that was the only version i had ever soon O_O

[@SFox-if9id]

Interestingly, the original version is the only version I've seen..

[@jamesabernethy7896]

Highlander was a great movie and one that I only appreciated a little more as I got older. I have an older brother who gave me access to some great movies. I mostly think about movies like Aliens, Dune, Jaws and Terminator first but Highlander did so much with its budget. Highlander 2 was such a weird direction to go.

[@samuraiartguy]

I think my had and I saw the original theatrical version when I ran on HBO, and… welllllll. I mean Sean Connery makes any film he is in better, or at least more watchable. But yeah, for the most part we were, “da fuq dis?”

[@kwinni78]

I loved the first Highlander, I heard about the 2nd and watched it on VHS and remember thinking 'but there's was no mention of Zeist or the immortals being aliens in the first movie and when he (Connor) killed the Kurgan, he got to live a normal life but now you're telling me that the ending was bs?' I dismissed the film from that point on. And don't get me started on the 3rd Mario Van Peebles effort! How could Connor have won the "Prize" if there were still 2, it's just one is trapped under a pile of rocks somewhere. Yeah right!

[@RHampton]

I saw the original cut when I was stationed in Germany. At that time, I knew very little German. The visuals were fantastic but the story was difficult to grasp. It was still great since I was such a big fan of the original.

[@theknave69]

Um, yeah. Loved Highlander. A very definitive ending. They had to kludge some garbage explanation to cash in on a sequel. My favorite quote is from Roger Ebert's written 0.5 star rating: "Highlander II: The Quickening is the most hilariously incomprehensible movie I've seen in many a long day-a movie almost awesome in its badness. Wherever science fiction fans gather, in decades and generations to come, this film will be remembered in hushed tones as one of the immortal low points of the genre … If there is a planet somewhere whose civilization is based on the worst movies of all time, Highlander 2: The Quickening deserves a sacred place among their most treasured artifacts." Gosh, I miss Roger.

[@speedmastermarkiii]

I loved the original Highlander when I saw it on first release when I was a teenager, and couldn't believe it when i found out years later that it was a flop.If you want confirmation of Russell Mulcahy's cinematic chops check out his earlier film "Razorback".It's the best giant killer pig movie ever.

[@PiR8Rob]

I've only ever seen the theatrical cut of the movie and never the Renegade version. The movie is so bad that I can't imagine any cut of the movie making it a worthwhile film to watch. There's a reason why every subsequent movie or television series completely ignores all versions of the film. Sadly, it isn't the worst thing the Highlander franchise has produced. That dubious honor belongs to Highlander: The Source. Frankly, I'm fine with both of these films being memory-holed.

[@Conner3030]

I can not hate on Highlander 2 too much I did not know Highlander existed till I saw the commercial for The Quickinng.

[@peterdubois7276]

The sets were for another movie that never got made. Mulcahey would have made it at least watchable in the theatrical release if he had the chance.

[@richc3253]

I remember watching the theatrical version. I walked out and said "That movie would be have been 10x better if it was called anything but Highlander 2"

[@marxnutz]

I actually walked out of the theater, and that is RARE for me to do. And I cussed it ever since.

[@notagooglesimp8722]

Funny enough, I never saw Highlander 1 as a kid. Didn't until I was 30. I never understood any of wtf was going on in the series when my dad was watching it on Syfy channel. But my first and only exposure was seeing Highlander 2 the theatrical cut on VHS and I still like it. Its plot kinda makes sense if you just want a cool Sean Connery flick and that was what I needed at like 11 or 12. To see James Bond as an immortal. Now that I've seen the first movie and watched Mr. Krabs slaughter his way thru time, I'm still into both and understand both schools of thought on how it could ruin the cannon but dang, going it cold.. I liked it.

[@twunt2000]

Watched it on VHS, kinda liked it, I need to see the Renegade cut now.

[@keithklitses6433]

I remember how in the box set of Blade Runner, they gave multiple versions. They should give the same option!

[@GenXCynik]

I remember leaving the theater on opening night and my friend quipped, “Remember Highlander, there should be only one.” I’ve never rewatched any version of this awful movie.

[@ClayHales]

I never saw it. Between how perfectly stand alone the original was, and talking to people who had seen it before I got the chance, I never bothered. I did see the TV spin off they did, and that was hard enough to watch, but my wife liked it. She never saw the original, so she didn't even realize how bad it was.

[@SuperLocrian]

This is why I have like 4 different versions of Blade Runner😁. Sure I've seen Highlander II, but must have deleted it from memory... the Highlander TV show certainly had it's charms!

[@UPCM01]

Highlander is one of my absolute favorite movies! I didn't get to see it when it was released in theaters, but I do remember watching the trailer promos on tv. Then I rented it on VHS, watched it during a thunderstorm while listening to that Awesome AC/DC soundtrack, it was an Incredible movie experience! Watching the original cut of Highlander 2 The Quickening, Sucked! The Renegade cut and special edition visually are a little bit better. But either version of the film, the story and plot (whether they're from another planet or earth's ancient past) Still doesn't make any sense! Aside from watching Lambert & Connery together again, new edited cuts putting AC/DC's music back in and Michael Ironside's wonderful, over the top acting. Highlander 2 is a horrible sequel.

[@adrianonhilton]

The Theatrical version deserves to be locked away with the immortal snail.

[@doordashdriver]

Did you ever see that episode of the Goldbergs where Adam introduces this movie to the entire school!?

[@MbisonBalrog]

At least we got really good series out of it

[@kellycochran6487]

Highalnder....2? No such movie exists.

[@Cathmoytura]

Oh, they accidentally called it "Highlander III: The Final Dimension."

[@kellycochran6487]

@@Cathmoytura I recall something about that. With Mario van Peebles and no mention of immortal aliens, right? Immortal aliens would be a stupid idea for a sequel.

[@RichWards-Wins]

I fully agree. Also, there are no Crow sequels or disney star wars sequels. In my mind...they do not exist. I kinda feel the same about the matrix sequels.

[@Cathmoytura]

@ Yes, Highlander III completely ignored the existence of Highlander II and acted like it was Highlander II. A lot of people didn't like it. I thought it followed the original Highlander nicely and gave a good explanation for how there was another immortal on Earth even after the Gathering.

[@kellycochran6487]

@@Cathmoytura There's no such move as Highlander 2.

[@wernerviehhauser94]

there shall be only ONE

[@JustaFanBoy]

... One version of Highlander II. There, I fixed it for you.

[@wernerviehhauser94]

@JustaFanBoy if it ain't broken, don't fix it.

[@VAULT-TEC_INC.]

0:37 The original TIK TOK duo! 😂

[@shf500]

I still think the movie originally was an original scifi script centering around the company maintaining planetary shield and the group of freedom fighters who are trying to bring the shield down. Then some executives saw the script and shoehorned the Immortals into the script. I agree the whole "planetary shield" plot literally has nothing to do with the Immortals.

[@keithriley6597]

I Saw it in the theater as a teenager. I didn't even know they changed it...😮 I definitely have a VHS copy but now I have to check which one it is is...

[@joshuakarr-BibleMan]

I don't know if I agree with your position on keeping the original version available. The definition of property includes excluding others crom it. If the owners want to exclude evsryone, then that's their business. If the owner of the IP wants to hide the first version, then I don't see how it's effectively any different than a beta test. [Edit:typo.]

[@wokky02]

The reason it failed is it was awful beyond imagination. The fact it Retconned every aspect of the first is quite secondary to how awful it was. Lambert and Connery should have had the integrity to refuse to participate in it.

[@theMonkeyMonkey]

I watched it in the Cinema when it came out. The world is just that little bit better off that it no longer exists.

[@VAULT-TEC_INC.]

5:09 How do they grow crops?

[@doctor49152]

My friend and I got to see the movie on 2 people for $2 tuesday, with $2 off!! And we still felt ripped off watching the original cut. My friend called it 360 degrees of suck, no matter how you looked at it.. it sucked. We called it 'Highlander 2: The sickening.'

[@stvnhthr]

I remember sitting in the theater watching Highlander 2 thinking this is some sort of elaborate hoax. I really thought the theater was playing a trick and showing something they made in their garage rather than the real film of Highlander 2.

[@EwanV]

I didn't even know there was a directors cut... quite frankly, after seeing the original sequel didn't pay any attention to the films and skipped straight to the TV show (and side bets on how many people would die this week!)

[@JustaFanBoy]

HIghlander III, anyone?

[@jaquigreenlees]

just as bad. no Highlander sequel has held a candle to the original.

[@andrewmoody4087]

Have only seen this film once and have not even seen it on dvd, let alone blu ray.

[@PathfinderMan123]

Ref your comment that unless you saw it back in the nineties or have the original on tape or laser disc... you wont be able to see it again. The original is currently streaming on Amazon Prime

[@RelwarctheMighty]

Actually did see the theatrical cut on VHS back in the 90s. Odd to think that's the only version I've seen too, since I obviously had no desire to rewatch it at all, lol. Wonder how much better the new cut was? Can one truly polish a turd? And before anyone answers, yes, I watched Mythbusters. Let me have this one.

[@vidvicious]

They also didn’t pack up production when the Argentinian economy collapsed. That was precisely the reason they shot there, because they could get locations and crew for pennies on the dollar.

[@HikaruKatayamma]

I saw this in the theater.... man, to say it was bad was an understatement.

[@zombi3947]

Saw Highlander 2 the theatrical cut as a kid. Probably a VHS rental. I enjoyed it okay. Haven't seen any of the other movies in their entirety

[@DanQcaT]

I have seen Highlander 2 in cinema... I was about 13/14 years old boy, and I really liked it. It was manic fun! And my friend enjoyed it too. Sure, we have to treat it not as sequel, but totally different beast from alternate reality, but I liked that director totally changed genre and style and made something new. Higlander 3, on the other hand, was just cheap copy of original...

[@solotraveler3]

I found the LaserDisc in 2010 for $1.50. Bought it but still haven't ever played it.

[@jasonblalock4429]

I'm not sure I'd call myself a "Zeist apologist" but I'd say if the choices are A)Immortals are aliens or B)Immortals are from the ancient past, I'd still go with option A as the slightly less daft choice. To me, the ancient past thing makes ZERO sense, and time travel is such a bizarre way to dispose of enemies. Exiling them to another planet is at least a little more reasonable. But otherwise, the director's cuts are definitely far better than the original hack job.

[@tobynormoyle637]

I wouldn't call myself a fan of Highlander 2, but I saw it in the theater before I saw Highlander and didn't think it was that bad of a movie. Once I finally got to see Highlander, I thought it was amazing. I watched the Renegade cut of 2 a few years back and it was so much worse than I remembered. Maybe the theatrical version is better. But what do I know, after all, I cannot stand the director's cut of Blade Runner. The theatrical tells a much more entertaining story.

[@my2commonsense476]

I'm proud to admit I've never seen Highlander 2.

[@fnsmike]

My big question is which movie was worse: Highlander II or Highlander: The Source?

[@craigb2615]

I know of the Renegade version, but have never seen it. I did see the Theatrical version. The only sequel that I deem worse than this one was A Nightmare on Elm Street 2. Those two started my curse of the 2 theory for films where number 2 is usually bad.

[@SneakyNinjaDog]

Sorry to dissappoint. Saw it in the cinema back in the day and it was horrible. And even back then in the pre-internet days I still had a strong idea before going in, that the whole idea of a sequel to a movie that ended with such finality as Highlander, was bonkers. How could they pull it of? And the answer was, they couldn't.

[@BarbarosaAlexander]

I was soooooo disappointed. Within the first 15 minutes or so, I knew it was going to suck. Aliens? WTF? Dude in the Zest commercial at the end looks like he's having the greatest bidet experience of his life.

[@GrantSharkey]

I went to the cinema to see Highlander II - we had to sneak in because we weren't quite of age to see it. But this means we couldn't leave early either or we thought we'd be caught. It was definitely a first-class lesson in style over substance, money over art and bullshit over story.

[@frankiechan9651]

Was/ am still a massive fan of the original (and in my mind ONLY Highlander). I have never heard of the renegade cut, likely because I mentally block all mentions of H2 after seeing it in the theaters. Aliens? Really????? Aliens that become immortal when "banished" to Earth????? And yet, the mortal Katana is still around thousands of years later to go to Earth to fight Connor? Bringing back Ramirez? So why didn't he bring him back in Highlander after beating any one of several other immortals? H2 was the worst idea ever - at least until the recent Crow reboot I probably won't seek out the director's cut but I am, in some way, glad that it exists?

[@killingragethrowback]

I can understand why the creators wanted the theatrical film erased. If you get constantly mocked by for something you did, your natural reaction is to hide it. These days specially, you can't afford to show weakness. Social media has made it possible for people to be cancelled, and corporations won't back you with their money when that happens. But yes, the movie is objectively bad. Even the Renegade cut is bad, even if it's better than the original.

[@kurtfranklin2680]

I guessed the movie by the video title. For the record. Highlander 2 is a good cult movie. It’s just way too different from the original which is sequel-proof. The problem is that it’s a sequel to Highlander. It would be loved as a stand-alone film. Either make this movie and not call it Highlander. Or, better yet, make a buddy movie with Connery and Lambert. Also, the subtitle “renegade version” is some super cringe 90s bull. I’m surprised that I just called it the “extreme edition.“ if if it came out in the early 2000s it would’ve been the “unrated edition. “

[@DroosterH]

I love both cuts of this movie. Highlander 2 was weird and insane and I appreciated that as an impressionable 15 year old in '91. My thoughts on Zeist? I'm still on board with that idea. The whole vague notion of immortals of varying adult ages living on earth always bothered me. The Zeist stuff was cool and campy and strange and I stand by it.

[@TKs3DPrints]

well though i loved watching highlander in the cinema the clip you show at 3:13 was filmed near conwy in wales i was in conwy watching it. and we all screamed whaaahooo when we seen the area.. then watching the credits there was not even a mention it was filmed in wales.. just england and scotland.. sad.. the most important part of the film and nothing about wales..behind where the camera is there is a small car park for tourists to enjoy the view.. lol daft but true fact