The theatrical release of Stephen King’s IT (2017) clocks in at approximately 2 hours and 15 minutes (135 minutes). The sequel, Chapter Two (2019), extends the duration to a considerable 2 hours and 49 minutes (169 minutes).
A Deep Dive into the Running Times of IT Adaptations
Stephen King’s monumental horror novel, IT, has been adapted into various forms, each with its unique approach to telling the story and, consequently, differing runtimes. Understanding these variations is crucial for fans seeking the complete IT experience. This article aims to provide a comprehensive overview of these adaptations, focusing primarily on the theatrical releases while also acknowledging other noteworthy versions.
IT (2017): A Modern Horror Phenomenon
The 2017 adaptation of IT, directed by Andy Muschietti, was a box office smash and a critical success, credited with revitalizing the horror genre. Its focus on the childhood narratives and the terrifying presence of Pennywise the Dancing Clown resonated deeply with audiences. As mentioned, the film’s runtime is 135 minutes, which allowed the filmmakers to meticulously craft the characters of the Losers’ Club and establish the chilling atmosphere of Derry, Maine.
Why the Runtime Matters
The 135-minute runtime is significant because it balances character development with horror elements. The film dedicates ample time to exploring the individual fears and traumas of each Loser, making their collective battle against Pennywise all the more impactful. This carefully crafted pacing contributes significantly to the film’s overall success and enduring appeal.
IT Chapter Two (2019): Confronting the Past
IT Chapter Two, released in 2019, picks up the story 27 years later, with the Losers’ Club returning to Derry to confront Pennywise once again. This installment is significantly longer, boasting a runtime of 169 minutes.
Balancing Nostalgia and Closure
The extended runtime of Chapter Two allows for a deeper exploration of the adult Losers’ memories and their lingering trauma from their childhood encounters with IT. The film attempts to balance the nostalgic return to familiar locations and characters with the need to provide a satisfying conclusion to the narrative. However, some critics argued that the runtime felt excessive, with certain scenes feeling less essential to the overall plot.
Other IT Adaptations: A Look at the Miniseries
Before the 2017 and 2019 films, the most well-known adaptation of IT was the 1990 television miniseries. While significantly shorter than the combined runtime of the modern films, the miniseries offered a different approach to adapting King’s sprawling novel.
The 1990 Miniseries: A Different Kind of Terror
The 1990 miniseries, starring Tim Curry as Pennywise, was initially broadcast as two episodes. The first part, focusing on the children’s experiences, ran for approximately 96 minutes. The second part, dealing with the adult Losers’ return, lasted around 93 minutes. This brought the total runtime of the miniseries to roughly 3 hours and 9 minutes (189 minutes), excluding commercials.
Comparing Adaptations: Length and Content
Comparing the runtimes of these adaptations highlights the challenges of adapting such a lengthy and complex novel. The miniseries, despite its shorter length, attempted to cover both timelines of the story within a single presentation. The modern films opted for a two-part approach, allowing for a more focused and detailed exploration of each timeline.
FAQs about the Movie IT and its Length
This section addresses frequently asked questions regarding the runtime and content of the IT adaptations.
FAQ 1: Does the extended edition of IT (2017) have a different runtime?
Yes, the extended edition of IT (2017) features approximately 15 minutes of additional footage, bringing the total runtime to around 150 minutes. This version includes deleted scenes and extended sequences that add depth to the characters and the story.
FAQ 2: Is IT Chapter Two longer than the first IT movie?
Yes, IT Chapter Two is significantly longer than IT (2017). Chapter Two has a runtime of 169 minutes, while IT (2017) has a runtime of 135 minutes (or 150 minutes for the extended edition).
FAQ 3: Why is IT Chapter Two so much longer?
IT Chapter Two is longer because it covers a significant portion of the novel dealing with the adult Losers’ Club and their return to Derry. This necessitated more screen time to develop the adult characters and explore their backstories. The filmmakers also aimed to provide a more conclusive and emotionally resonant ending to the story, which required additional time.
FAQ 4: Which version of IT is considered the scariest?
Opinions vary, but many consider the 2017 film to be the scariest due to its modern horror techniques and its focus on the childhood fears. However, the 1990 miniseries, particularly Tim Curry’s portrayal of Pennywise, also holds a special place in the hearts (and nightmares) of many viewers. Ultimately, the “scariest” version is subjective and depends on individual preferences.
FAQ 5: Are there any scenes cut from the theatrical release of IT Chapter Two?
Yes, like many films, IT Chapter Two had some scenes that were cut during the editing process. These scenes were not included in the theatrical release but may be available in the extended edition or as deleted scenes on the home video release.
FAQ 6: Is it necessary to watch the first IT movie before IT Chapter Two?
Absolutely. IT Chapter Two directly continues the story from the first film. Understanding the events, characters, and relationships established in IT (2017) is crucial for comprehending and appreciating IT Chapter Two. Watching the first film provides the necessary context for the second.
FAQ 7: Does the length of the movie affect the quality of the storytelling?
The length of a movie can certainly influence the storytelling. In the case of the IT films, the longer runtimes allowed for more detailed character development and a deeper exploration of the themes. However, a longer runtime does not automatically guarantee better quality. Pacing, editing, and the effectiveness of the storytelling are all crucial factors that contribute to the overall quality of the film.
FAQ 8: Is there a definitive version of IT that includes all the deleted scenes from both movies?
As of the current time, there isn’t a single, definitive cut that combines all deleted scenes from both IT (2017) and IT Chapter Two into one seamless narrative. While extended versions exist, they don’t incorporate all the cut content.
FAQ 9: Are there any plans for future IT adaptations?
While there are no confirmed plans for a direct sequel to IT Chapter Two, discussions about potential spinoffs or prequels have circulated. Given the popularity of the franchise and the rich lore of the IT universe, further adaptations are certainly possible in the future.
FAQ 10: How accurate are the IT movies compared to the book?
While the IT movies capture the essence of Stephen King’s novel, they inevitably make changes and omissions due to the limitations of adapting a lengthy book to the screen. Some characters and storylines are condensed or altered, and certain themes are emphasized more than others. Overall, the movies provide a faithful adaptation while making necessary adjustments for the cinematic medium.
FAQ 11: Where can I watch the IT movies and the miniseries?
The IT movies and the miniseries are available for purchase or rental on various digital platforms such as Amazon Prime Video, iTunes, and Google Play. They may also be available on streaming services like HBO Max or Hulu, depending on licensing agreements. Check your local listings for availability.
FAQ 12: Is the extended version of IT Chapter Two worth watching?
Whether the extended version of IT Chapter Two is worth watching depends on individual preferences. If you enjoyed the theatrical release and want to see more of the characters and the story, the extended version may be worthwhile. However, keep in mind that the additional scenes may not significantly alter the overall narrative or address the criticisms leveled against the theatrical cut.
Conclusion
Understanding the runtimes and content of the various IT adaptations is crucial for fans seeking to fully experience Stephen King’s terrifying tale. While the 2017 and 2019 films offer a modern and visually stunning take on the story, the 1990 miniseries holds a nostalgic charm. Ultimately, the best version of IT is subjective and depends on individual preferences. Regardless of which adaptation you choose, prepare to be scared – because Pennywise is waiting.