[UPDATE: Petition Closed]
The filming of The Blair Witch Project generated over 19 hours of usable footage. This raw footage was edited down to the 90-minute theatrical version we all know today. For diehard fans, the coveted 19 plus hours of unseen footage is the holy grail of Blair Witch lore.
On the latest episode of our Found Footage Files podcast [written transcript] we interviewed Eduardo Sánchez, co-creator of The Blair Witch Project (1999) and executive producer of the much-anticipated sequel, Blair Witch (2016). We’re excited to report that Sánchez is eager to create an extended version of The Blair Witch Project (akin to the original pre-theatrical cuts) using the untapped raw footage from the original 1999 film:
“In a couple of weeks I could probably take the original movie and edit a longer version. The fans are like ‘everybody wants to see it’ .
. . it would be cool to do, honestly. I wouldn’t hesitate to do that if Lionsgate Films hired me. I think it would a lot of fun.
aaa
“Start a petition . . . if I can get enough interest from the fans, I can bring it to Lionsgate Films’ attention.”
This official petition to Lionsgate Films is the joint effort of Eduardo Sánchez and the Blair Witch fan community. The success of this project depends on the worldwide support of fans and the film industry. Here’s how you can help:
- Share this link on your social media accounts (Hashtag #BlairWitchPetition)
- Post this link in relevant forums
- If you write for a website, please link this petition
- Use the banner below for linking with the catch phrases “Release the Footage!” and “The Version You’ve Never Seen”
- If you are in the film industry and would like us to highlight a quote from you, please reach out to us on Facebook
Banner for Linking to the Petition for The Blair Witch Project Extended Version
Sign the Official Petition [Closed]
Haunted World of CW Cast Promote the Petition
What Industry Insiders are Saying
Oren Peli, Director Paranormal Activity (2007) – “As a long-time fan of found-footage movies and Blair Witch Project, I would love to see an extended version released!”
Jamie Nash, Writer Lovely Molly (2011), V/H/S/2 (2013), Exists (2014) – “BWP was a master class in ‘leave ’em wanting more’. We want more! Show us!”
Brad Miska, Bloody Disgusting – “I think it would be a really interesting experiment and exercise in filmmaking. Recutting the found footage film that started it all AFTER 15 years after the evolution of the Subgenre would be so surreal.
”
Dean Alioto, Director The McPherson Tape (1989), Alien Abduction: Incident in Lake County (1998) – “Having made two found footage films of my own before Blair Witch Project, I didn’t realize what an exciting new genre I was working in until I saw Blair Witch. Would love to see the raw, uncut, version of BWP!”
Amanda Gusack, Director In Memorium (2004) – “I would love to see an extended edition. Blair Witch gives me chills to this day.”
James Cullen Bressack, Director Hate Crime (2012), To Jennifer (2013), Pernicious (2014) – “An extended edition of Blair Witch would be amazing. I remember the first time I saw the film was with a group of friends and everyone thought it was real!
”
Tom Jorgensen, Director St. Osmund’s (2013) – “The Blair Witch Project isn’t just a horror masterpiece, it’s a cinematic landmark. To get an extended cut of the movie would help fans and filmmakers for decades to come get a more complete understanding of this piece of cinema history.
”
Johnny Macabre, Owner, TheBlood-Shed – “Blair Witch is one of the most important movies in the horror history. Few other films have changed the genre upside down like this film about 3 kids in the woods with a camera.
”
Jay Kay, Host, Horror Happens Radio, HorrorHappens.com – “It’s not a question on where this film belongs and sits on the list of the most influential horror films and found footage in history… It is the list and has been a hallmark of what horror has been about for the last 15 years that will extend with this needed footage .”
Doc Rotten, Owner, Gruesome Magazine, Host of Horror News Radio – “16 years ago, The Blair Witch Project scared me silly. As a fan of found footage films, an Extended Director’s Cut would scare me even more today!”
‘Tweek’, Owner BlairWitch.net – “Dying to see the rest of the story. The more footage the better. Fans have wanted this for years. Let’s make this happen.”
Rob Hauschild, Owner, Wild Eye Releasing – “The Blair Witch Project is a milestone for independent horror. Every unseen frame should be made available for fans and filmmakers alike.
”
Nicolas Sébastien Landais, Director On Vous Ment (Mockumentary Film Festival, France) – “Like many people, The Blair Witch Project was the first Found Footage movie I watched. Now is the perfect time to rediscover this cult found footage classic in a very new way.”
Dustin Austen, Showrunner, Haunted World of CW – “Seeing an extended version of Blair Witch would be a revelation to film students and cinema fans alike. This version needs to be seen.”
Gav Chuckie Steel, Director Preternatural (2015) – “The Blair Witch Project is legendary in the found footage genre. To NOT see a longer cut is almost criminal.”
Javier Attridge, Director Wekufe: The Origin of Evil (2016) – “Just to think of an extended version of “The Blair Witch Project” gives me Goosebumps; this movie has inspired so many of us to go beyond the just making of a movie.”
John Heatz, Owner GamersSphere.com – “Such an iconic horror movie as The Blair Witch Project deserves an extended cut, even if it is 16 years later”
Michael Varrati, Screenwriter Tales of Poe (2014), Flesh for the Inferno (2015) – “The preservation and presentation of this additional footage would be a boon to horror fans and a great addition to the Blair Witch legacy.”
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