You’ve seen the film. Whether you thought it was okay or you hated it (because let’s be honest, those are the only two options you have), Snyder thought it was necessary to release an ultimate edition with over 30 minutes of additional content, giving this film a whopping three-hour running time. Is it worth the watch? Have these magical 30 minutes produced a better film altogether?
Yes and no.
More scenes are dedicated to Lois’ investigations of the incident in Africa and the congressional hearing explosion. This clears up a lot because I distinctly remember being confused as hell in the movie theater, especially during these two parts. So kudos to Snyder for giving Lois a better purpose other than a damsel in distress. Don’t get me wrong, she’s still a damsel in distress, but she does more than scream and touch Superman’s chest.
Clark Kent’s investigation into the Batman’s influence in Gotham City is explored. This is where the ultimate edition benefits the most. One of the main problems with the theatrical version was that Superman and Batman hardly had enough motivation to fight each other. Yes, a lot of effort was put into Bruce taking the destruction in Man of Steel personally, but any real Batman fan knows that he’s smart enough to understand Superman only has the best intentions at heart. Batman would have conducted careful observation and realized Superman was a good guy, at most threatening him or capturing him if he proved to do more destruction than good. No, Batman would not have jumped to conclusions and immediately tried to kill Superman.
Meanwhile, Superman did little to nothing in terms of research in the theatrical version. He found out that Batman branded people, so he immediately went to Gotham City and ordered him to give up vigilantism. The conflict was so forced, and it still is in the ultimate edition. However, the additional scenes attempt to smooth out the rough edges. Superman investigates more and more into Batman’s effect on Gotham City, realizing that Batman’s methods are in stark contrast to his own. Overall, his motives for fighting the millionaire playboy/caped crusader are a bit more justified.
Unfortunately, that’s the extent of the major changes. No, I did not watch the two movies side-to-side so I can list all the minor changes to you. You can do that yourself. There may have been some extra blood here and there, but in the end, casual viewers will probably only notice these two enhancements that I pointed out. They work to create a more cohesive and natural story, but in the end, it doesn’t make up for the moody disappointment that is “Batman V. Superman: Dawn of Justice.” Superman still broods, Batman still broods, and Lex Luthor is still weird. If you thought the theatrical version was okay, you’ll be happy to know this edition makes a bit more sense. If you hated the theatrical version, keep on hating.
