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Release: Oct 28, 2012 - Author: Muck47 - Translator: Tony Montana
- external link: IMDB
Compared are the Theatrical Version (US-DVD re-release by Warner) (also available on the Blu-ray) and the Director's Cut (Blu-ray by Warner).
60 differences, including * 31 scenes with alternate footage * 8 scenes longer in the Theatrical Version * 6 recuts Difference: 558.4 sec (= 9:18 min) The Director's CutThe wonderfully freaked out Musical Horror Comedy from 1986 by Frank Oz was premiered on Blu-ray in October 2012. Ans surprisingly, the Blu-ray contains a 10-minute-longer Director's Cut, besides the actual Theatrical Version of course. Technically, the only difference is an alternate ending in which Audrey gets killed by Audrey II and Seymour gets eaten. Then the plant breaks loose to paint America red. The above-mentioned huge amount of differences results from many tiny scenes from the original ending being used as well which is why a detailed comparison make much more sense than a rough summary of the alternate ending being considered one alternate scene. Basically, there are two huge alterations representing almost the entire difference in running time. To emphasize these scenes, they've been marked red. Also not uninteresting is the fact that James Belushi's cameo has been completely removed for the DC. All the other differences concern the song 'Mean Green Mother from Outer Space' which is still in both versions. Basically, it's nothing but fine-tuning (e.g. alternate footage for short scenes with Audrey who died just before in the DC). Some of these differences make the movie more dramatic, others seem to be purely arbitrary just for the sake of using alternate footage. The DC finally looks like the Original Version as it was shown in the Original Broadway Musical. Due to negative responses during test screenings, the original final sequence was replaced by the well-known "happy ending" for which a reshoot was necessary. Furthermore, there's a difference in the middle of the movie. This difference only concerns the original Theatrical Version because there's only been a block at the end of the movie replaced for its Blu-ray release. As a result, this particular scene equals the one in DC although the Theatrical Version has been chosen. Background InformationAnother interesting fact is that the alternate ending is also available on the US-DVD (first release) from 1998 as bonus. In opposite to the Blu-ray, the alternate ending is unedited in black and white and without complete sounds or SFX because the colored version got lost in a fire at the film studio years before. However, the material was taken from the Warner archives without knowledge of producer and right holder David Geffen who had also been involved in the original Broadway Musical. When he heard about it, he was upset because he was in possession of this footage with much an increased quality plus he also had plans for a theatrical release of the Original Version! This caused the pull-out of the first release on DVD by Warner. For any future releases, the alternate ending was removed for good. As a result, the first edition became a collectable that has often reached high prices on sites like ebay. The hinted new release with the alternate ending was long in coming. Well, it was never released actually but now there's the Blu-ray, so.... I'd also like to point to this older article on dvdtalk.com where the situation is being described quite elaborately. In 2012, it finally happened: the original ending was reconstruced and remastered as good as possible so that it was ready to be released on Blu-ray. Originally submitted to the MPAA as "The Intended Cut", the release was called "Director's Cut" because it was supported by Frank Oz as well. The Blu-ray also contains a 10-minute featurette about the original ending with further background information by Richard Conway, who was in charge for the SFX, and Frank Oz himself. Furthermore, there's an additionaö commentary track for the alternate ending that explains how important this ending was for Oz. The mediabook (US Version) also contains an inlay with a small text written by Frank Oz. Time index refers to Theatrical Version on the US-DVD in NTSC / Director's Cut Blu-ray. Alternate
55:17-55:22 / 55:17-55:22 When Scrivello, the dentist, gets eaten by Audrey II, the following tracking shot to her mouth is slower / longer and more blurry. When the camera fades to the sheets, it instantly tracks upwards. The DC on the other hand fades earlier to the sheets that are shown from a fixed angle before the camera tracks upwards. Please note: Because the Blu-ray contains only a single alternate block for the different ending, this difference accidentally concerns the Blu-ray Theatrical Version as well! no difference
Any following differences concern both the DVD Theatrical Version and the Blu-ray Theatrical Version. From now on, screenshots for the Theatrical Version have been made with the Blu-ray due to an increased quality of the images. Furthermore, I'd like to point out that the name of the female leading acress is "Audrey" while the name of the plant is "Audrey II". Since both of them appear in many differences, one could get confused by that. Please keep that in mind wheh you keep reading the comparison. Theatrical Version longer 74:50 / 74:50 After Audrey II looked for change in the phone (and just before Audrey enters the premise), the shot of the plant begins trivially earlier. Recognizable by the different position of the plant's arms on the right if it's gonna be watched frame by frame. Please note: Probably unintended and only existent because the block "Alternate Ending", which can also be watched seperately as bonus material (here only with the director's commentary), starts at the very spot. These frames got probably lost in the process of piecing it together. + 0.3 sec
75:45 / 75:45-75:46 Before the watering pot gets smacked out of Audrey's hand, the DC contains an additional shot of her. 0.6 sec
Alternate 75:47-75:48 / 75:47-75:48 The Theatrical Version shows Audrey II laughing.
The DC on the other hand contains three very short shots of Audrey with loops around her.
Theatrical Version 0.2 sec longer Alternate 75:49 / 75:49-75:52 The DC contains a first shot of Audrey II laughing, then Audrey and the loops. In the Theatrical Version, the following shot of Audrey II starts half-a-second earlier instead (no screens). Director's Cut 2.3 sec longer
75:52 / 75:55-75:59 After the words "Oh, relax, doll, and it'll be easier." that are equal in both versions, Audrey II adds in the DC: "Come join your dentist friend and Mushnik, ha, ha." 4.2 sec
Alternate 75:53-75:57 / 76:00-76:09 The Theatrical Version contains a shot of Audrey II laughing, then a profile shot of Audrey and the loops.
The DC contains a closer shot of Audrey II who, refering to the additional comment about the dentist and Mushnik, adds: "They're right inside. Ha-ha-ha!" She opens the mouth, a frontal and another profile shot of Audrey and the loops follow.
Director's Cut 4.5 sec longer Alternate 75:58-76:00 / 76:10-76:12 Alternate close-up of Audrey: she's way closer too the mouth of Audrey II in the DC. Director's Cut 0.3 sec longer
The DC contains a much more explicit and louder Alternate 76:07-76:10 / 76:19-76:21 The Theatrical Version sticks to the distance shot for an extended peroid, then a close-up of Seymour in front of the mouth.
The DC switches earlier to another part of the close-up of Seymour, followed by a shot of him from another perspective.
Theatrical Version 1 sec longer Alternate 76:13-76:20 / 76:24-76:39 Until the moment when Seymour can push Audrey out, the versions contain alternate footage. In the Theatrical Version, Seymour tears the legs so that he can open the mouth of Audrey II quite fast.
The Director's Cut on the other hand begins with an alternate distance shot. The entire thing takes longer and it's more dramatic. Moreover, there's a first frontal shot of Audrey being almost completely in the mouth of Audrey II (besides the smiliar but not identical profile shot). Last but not least, the frontal shot of Seymour keeping the mouth open starts 4 seconds earlier.
Director's Cut 8.3 sec longer Alternate
76:33-80:06 / 76:52-83:49 After Audrey went down, the versions ultimately differ. The Theatrical Version lets her survive while the DC lets her die. Furthermore, the DC lacks James Belushi's cameo because the Patrick Martin character is being played by another actor. The Patrick Martin character also encounters Seymour in a different context. The versions are more or less in sync again when Seymour returns to the shop and mentions the plan to infest the entire city with little Audrey IIs (for a different reason). Theatrical VersionCut to Seymour: "Audrey?" At that point, Audrey gets up again: "Yes. I'm okay." Seymour: "I'm sorry. I never meant to hurt you. I never meant to hurt anybody. It's just that somehow it makes things happen. Terrible things. I should've stopped when I found out what it lived on. But it was so cute and harmless and we started doing business and making money and you liked me..." Audrey: "Do you really think I liked you because of that? I liked you from the day I came to work here." Seymour: "You mean, you'd still like me even if I wasn't famous?" Audrey: "I'd still love you, Seymour." Seymor: "Really?" Audrey: "All l ever wanted was you and a sweet little house. You're the most wonderful person that ever lived." Seymour: "We're gonna get that little house and everything will be okay." Subsequently, he intones 'Suddenly Seymour' again. Seymour: "Suddenly Seymour Is standing beside you." Audrey: "Suddenly Seymour Showed me I can." Seymour: "Yes, you can..."
Patrick (James Belushi) joins them from the corner and interrupts: "Excuse me, pardon me, beg your pardon. If you two kids would stop singing for a moment. I've got something I want to discuss with you. Which one of you is Seymour Krelborn?" Seymour: "I am." Patrick gives him the hand: "It's a pleasure. Has your phone been busy! I've been trying to reach you for weeks. Patrick Martin, Licensing and Marketing, World Botanical Enterprises. Son, kid, boy, are we gonna make a fortune together!" Audrey: "He's not interested." Patrick: "He will be. Me and the guys at the home office have been following this plant of yours. We've come up with one incredible idea. We're very proud of it. Picture this. We take leaf cuttings, develop little Audrey IIs and sell them to florist shops across the nation. Pretty soon every household in America could have one. Every household in America! For starters, kid. Why, this thing could go worldwide!" Seymour: "Worldwide?" Patrick: "Think of it, boy. Audrey IIs everywhere! With the right advertising, this thing could be bigger than Hula-Hoops." Audrey: "Bigger than Hula-Hoops?" Patrick: "What do you say, Seymour? Do we have a deal?" Seymour: "No! Keep your contract. Nobody's touching that plant." Patrick: "We're offering a lot of money." Seymour: "Forget the money! Keep it and get out of here!" Patrick: "Are you nuts?" Seymour: "Yeah, I'm nuts. Get out of here!" Patrick: "I'll come back when you're in a better mood." Seymour: "Go on! Get out of here!" To Audrey: "Are you thinking what I'm thinking?" Audrey: "I think so." Seymour: "He'll keep eating until there's nothing left." Audrey: "We've got to stop it, Seymour! We've got to." Seymour: "I've got to. I have to end this once and for all. I'll bust that pod wide open." Audrey: "Wait! I'm coming with you." Seymour: "No, it's me that got us into this. I'm the one to get us out. Wait for me, Audrey. This is between me and the vegetable." He walks in, Audrey watches him leave with a sad expression on the face. Seymour says to the plant: " 'Every household in America!' Thousands of you, eating! That's what you had in mind all along, isn't it?"
Director's CutThe first shot's already longer. Seymour: "Don't die, Audrey. Please don't die." Audrey: "You know, the plant just said the strangest thing just now. It said Orin and Mr. Mushnik are already inside." Seymour: "It's true. I did it. I fed them to it." Audrey: "And that's what made it so big and strong and you so famous?" Seymour: "I've done terrible things, Audrey. But not to you. Never to you." Audrey: "But... I want you to, Seymour." Seymour: "What?" Audrey: "When I die, which should be very shortly, give me to the plant. So that it will live, and bring you all the wonderful things you deserve." Seymour: "You don't know what you're saying." Audrey: "But I do. It's the one gift I can give you. And if I'm in the plant then I am part of the plant. So in a way we'll always be together." She starts singing / she intones 'Somewhere That's Green' again. "You'll wash my tenderleaves You'll smell my sweet perfume You'll water me and care for me You'll see me bud and bloom I'm feeling strangely happy now Contented and serene Oh, don't you see Finally I'll be Somewhere...that's...green."
She dies. Seymour carries her inside and puts her body in the plant's mouth, as promised. Audrey II slowly eats her, Seymour runs outside in tears.
Seymour goes to the rooftop with the intention to jump / commit suicide. He hesitates until he hears a voice from the off.
Patrick comes along: "Hey! Watch it! Mr. Krelborn. Uh, Mr. Krelborn? Patrick Martin. International Licensing and Marketing. I wanna show you something." Seymour: "I'm not interested." Patrick: "Ah, but you will be. Look. Look." Contrary to James Belushi, this Patrick has already helped himself with the plant and brings Little Audrey II. Patrick: "I took the liberty of taking a cutting from that amazing plant of yours. And look what grew in just a couple of days. The Design boys did the packaging. Cute, huh? Get the idea? My firm is willing to pay you a reasonable amount to take leaf cuttings, develop little Audrey IIs and sell them in florist shops, supermarkets. Across the nation. Pretty soon, every household in America will have one. Imagine it, boy. We could make a fortune. Little Audrey IIs, everywhere. This could be bigger than Hula-Hoops. What do you say, Mr. Krelborn? Mr. Krelborn!" Little Audrey II smiles. At the same time, Seymour slips away from the rooftop to the shop with actual Audrey II. Patrick yells after him: "Hey! We don't have to deal with you, you know! A goddamn vegetable's public domain! You ask our lawyers!" Seymour's arrived at the shop. He says (the DC contains an alternate shot here): " 'Every household in America.' That's what you had in mind all along, isn't it?"
Director's Cut 203.5 sec longer Alternate 80:09-80:13 / 83:52-83:56 After the very same "No shit, Sherlock!" reaction of Audrey II, Seymour does reply with the same comment but the Theatrical Version shows him via close-up while the distance shot begins earlier in the DC. no difference
Alternate 80:16-80:27 / 83:59-84:12 Until Audrey II sings 'Mean Green Mother from Outer Space', the versions continue differently. Seymour says in the Theatrical Version: "You're not going to get away with this! Your kind never does! I don't care what it takes. Only one of us gets out of here alive!" Meanwhile, Audrey II laughs and Audrey witnesses the entire thing from outside.
In the Director's Cut, he says: "You ate the only thing I ever loved. You're a monster, and so am I. It's gotta end. It's gonna stop right here." This scene is interrupted by an intercut of Audrey II laughing.
Director's Cut 2.5 sec longer Alternate 80:39-80:41 / 84:24-84:26 Alternate shot of Seymour. He looks more threatening in the DC. no difference
Alternate 80:44-80:46 / 84:29-84:33 Another alternate shot of Seymour. Director's Cut 1.6 sec longer
80:51 / 84:38 In the DC, the shot of the plant pot starts earlier before the loops of Audrey II make him burst. 0.7 sec
80:52 / 84:39-84:40 The ending of the shot is longer as well. 1.2 sec
80:52 / 84:41 After the shot of Seymour, the following one of the plant pot starts slightly earlier. 0.7 sec
80:53 / 84:42-84:44 And so does the shot from another angle. 1.5 sec
Theatrical Version longer 80:54-80:55 / 84:45 As compensation, the ending of it is longer in the Theatrical Version. + 1 sec
80:57 / 84:47-84:49 After the identical cut to Seymour, only the DC contains another profile shot, followed by a first frontal shot. 2.2 sec
81:01 / 84:53-84:58 Extended shot of Seymour, then Audrey II earlier. 5.2 sec
Alternate 81:26-81:29 / 85:24-85:26 Alternate shot of the singing Little Audrey IIs. no difference
Alternate 81:35-81:40 / 85:32-85:37 For starters, the distance shot is longer in the DC plus an alternate shot of Seymour (he only repeats "Outer space!" in the Theatrical Version). With the shot of chorusing Little Audrey IIs, the versions are back in sync.
no difference Alternate 81:50-81:51 / 85:47-85:56 In the Director's Cut, the shot is a couple of frames longer. Only that way, one can see Seymour firing off a shot. Then he fires off some more but Audrey II doesn't seem impressed at all.
The Theatrical Version goes on without Seymour firing off a shot. It only contains a shot of singing Audrey II before she snatched the gun in Seymour's hand in both versions.
Director's Cut 7.7 sec longer Alternate 81:53-81:54 / 85:58-85:59 The profile shot of Audrey II curling up the gun like a cowboy has been replaced by an alternate, shorter shot in the DC (so that the weapon gets spun less). Director's Cut 0.5 sec longer
Alternate 81:57-81:58 / 86:02-86:03 Now a shot Audrey being afraid in the Theatrical Version which has been cut out in the DC and replaced by a shot of Seymour for the sake of continuity. To make up the lack of running time (the replacement shot is slightly shorter), the following shot of Audrey II starts 8 frames earlier in the DC. no difference
82:27 / 86:32 A few more frames of Seymour fighting the plant. Absolutely trivial extension. 0.2 sec Alternate 82:28-82:29 / 86:33-86:34 A (technically entirely trivial) alternate shot of Seymour as compensation for the previous difference. Theatrical Version 0.2 sec longer
82:35 / 86:39-86:40 Seymour starts running alightly earlier. 0.4 sec Alternate 82:38-82:39 / 86:43-86:44 Another shot of Audrey in the Theatrical Version that's been removed for the DC. As compensation, the following shot starts slightly earlier in the DC (no screens). Theatrical Version 0.3 sec longer
Alternate 83:08-83:16 / 87:13-87:16 In the Theatrical Version, Seymour reaches for a fertilizer sprayer but it won't work. He puts it back and says with anger: "All right, that does it!"
In the Director's Cut, Seymour simply gets up from another angle.
Theatrical Version 4.6 sec longer Alternate 83:21-83:24 / 87:21-87:24 The Theatrical Version contains a close-up of Audrey II. Then one of Seymour and finally the shot of the plant from a further distance that starts slightly earlier.
The Director's Cut only contains a shot of Seymour being trapped.
Theatrical Version 0.2 sec longer Alternate 83:29-83:30 / 87:29 Audrey in the Theatrical Version one more time. The DC contains the previous shot trivially longer (no screens). Theatrical Version 0.3 sec longer
83:33 / 87:32-87:33 To compensate the difference in running time, the following shot of Seymour is a little longer in the DC. 0.3 sec Theatrical Version longer 83:33-83:36 / 87:33-87:33 Only the Theatrical Version contains a close-up of Seymour. + 2.6 sec
83:41 / 87:38 Seymour slightly longer. 0.4 sec Alternate 83:42-83:46 / 87:39-87:43 Another course of events that causes Audrey II's attack. A shot of Seymour in the Theatrical Version. He notices an axe on the floor. He rushes over but Audrey II rears up and rams on the arms into the floor.
The Director's Cut contains another shot of Seymour. He's simply looking forwards. Then singing Audrey II and entourage again, followed by a tracking shot to Seymour. Last but not least an alternate shot of Audrey II ramming the arms into the floor.
Theatrical Version 0.1 sec longer Alternate 83:47-83:48 / 87:44-87:45 The DC contains a short close-up of Seymour, then Audrey again. The Theatrical Version on the other hand contains a longer shot plus the following one of Seymour starts earlier (both way beyond trivial which is why there aren't any screens). Director's Cut 0.1 sec longer
Theatrical Version longer 83:51-83:52 / 87:48 Now, the Theatrical Version contains the shot from the DC at 83:42-83:46 / 87:39-87:43 of the arms being rammed into the floor (screens above). Subsequently a fast tracking shot. + 1.3 sec
Alternate 83:53 / 87:49-87:50 Two further shots of the arms in the floor. In the Theatrical Version, the following shot of Seymour running off starts a few frames earlier (no screens). Director's Cut 1.1 sec longer
Alternate 83:55-83:56 / 87:52-87:53 Tracking shot of the floor plus a close-up of Seymour in the Theatrical Version.
The DC contains a shot of Seymour from a a further distance.
Theatrical Version 0.3 sec longer Alternate 83:57-84:01 / 87:54-88:01 Entirely different footage for a few seconds when the situation for Seymour sharpens. The DC starts with the footage at 83:51-83:52 / 87:48 in the Theatrical Version.
Director's Cut 3.1 sec longer Theatrical Version longer 84:02-84:04 / 88:02 Two additional shots in the Theatrical Version. + 2 sec
84:05 / 88:03-88:05 Subsequently an additional shot in the DC in which the acuity changes from one of the arms in the foreground to Seymour in the background. 2 sec
Alternate 84:06-84:07 / 88:06-88:09 Before the arms destroy the phone, the Theatrical Version contains a shot of Audrey II turning away while the DC contains a shot of Little Audrey IIs singing. Director's Cut 2.5 sec longer
84:08 / 88:11-88:15 Again the Little Audrey IIs, then the actual Audrey II. 4.4 sec
84:10 / 88:17-88:20 Further footage of Audrey II and Seymour before the next shop window with gift suggestions gets destroyed. 2.8 sec
Theatrical Version longer 84:11-84:14 / 88:21 After Seymour turned his head to the left (in the right screen), the Theatrical Version contains some of the before-mentioned shot in a different order. + 2 sec
Theatrical Version longer 84:15 / 88:22 Shot of Seymour between the shots of the fan and the watch. + 0.6 sec
Alternate 84:16-84:20 / 88:23 Before the pillars get torn out, the versions continue different again. The Theatrical Version shows Seymour, once in profile and once frontal plus two shots of Audrey II in between.
The Director's Cut on the other hand just contains a (different) shot of Seymour.
Theatrical Version 3.8 sec longer 84:21 / 88:24-88:25 Intercut to Audrey II in the DC. 0.7 sec
84:24 / 88:28 When the roof collapses over Seymour's head, two shots are trivially longer. 0.6 sec 84:25 / 88:29-88:30 Same here with the following two shots. 0.5 sec Alternate 84:26-84:31 / 88:31-88:43 Alternate takes of the collapsing buildings. Though only the Theatrical Version shows Audrey once, the DC is still longer.
Director's Cut 6.8 sec longer Alternate
84:35-87:38 / 88:47-96:42 Finally enough of the penny-ante stuff because now follows an alternate course of events until the movie ends. Bottom line: in the Theatrical Version, Seymour juices the plant(s) and there's a happy reunion with Audrey. In the DC, Audrey II eats Seymour. Then Audrey II and the Little Audrey IIs attack the entire country. Theatrical VersionAudrey II laughs behind a lot of dust. Further items fall down on Seymour, among them two electric wires. Suddenly, Seymour's hand appears in all the rubble and juices one of Audrey II's arms. The plants get up one after another and get juiced as well. After Audrey II says "Oh, shit!", they all explode.
Subsequently, Audrey comes out of the hideout and looks desperately at the chaos... out of which Seymour flounces out in a moment of suspense. The instrumental version of 'Suddenly Seymour' starts and they hug. Cut to the self-build building and Audrey in a wedding dress. The three choir girls show up as bridemaids after the love birdies went inside the house. At least the tracking shot to the bottom dims the excessive bliss a little because a Little Audrey II smiles for the camera down in the garden. The end.
Director's CutAudrey II laughs and Seymour instantly crawls out of the building remains (alternate shot). Audrey II grabs him. He's slowly being dragged into the mouth and eaten with pleasure. During the process, Audrey II sings "And I...am...bad!" from 'Mean Green Mother from Outer Space'.
The camera tracks to Seymour's glasses, then an overlagged American flag. The choir girls appear in front of it and intone the additional song 'Don't Feed the Plants' (the entire song text can be found further below) which is also available on the soundtrack.
While the song goes on, scenes of the clueless American population are shown. At first, the people are following the trend and stock up on the plants; starting from an old couple watching TV in the evening and being informed about the excesses with Audrey II in Cleveland. But then, the major attack (also out of the tube) begins.
Several scenes that show that the situation is entirely out of control follow. The city gets destroyed in all kind of different shots. Especially the streets and high-rise buildings are being destroyed by several Audrey IIs while the humans are running around in panic.
The military arrives and start to bombard the plants without success. The movie ends with Audrey II climbing up the Statue of Liberty while being under fire. Then, all of a sudden, the big screen gets torn apart (best case scenario for the audience) and the camera zooms in into Audrey II's mouth.
Now the song text of the additional song in the extended DC scene: "Subsequent to the events You have just witnessed Similar events in cities across America Events which bore a striking resemblance To the ones you have just seen began occurring Subsequent to the events You have just witnessed Unsuspecting jerks From Maine to California Made the acquaintance of a new breed of flytrap And got sweet-talked into feeding it blood Thus the plants worked their terrible will Finding jerks who would feed them their fill And the plants proceeded to grow And grow And began what they came here to do Which was essentially to... Eat Cleveland And Des Moines And Peoria And New York And where you live! They may offer you fortune and fame Love and money and instant acclaim But whatever they offer you... Don't feed the plants They may offer you lots of cheap thrills Dates and discos in Beverly Hills But whatever they offer you Don't feed the plants Look out, here comes Audrey II Look out, here I come for you I come for you I come for you I come for you! Hold your hat and hang on to your soul Something's coming to eat the world whole If we fight it we've still got a chance But whatever they offer you Though they're slopping the trough for you Please whatever they offer you Don't feed the plants!" Director's Cut 292.2 sec longer Theatrical Version longer 88:24-88:29 / 97:27 The list of the guest stars in alphabetical order only mentions James Belushi in the Theatrical Version for obvious reasons. + 5.3 sec
88:34 / 97:33-97:38 Then the name of the actor James Belushi got replaced by in the DC. 5.3 sec
93:35 / 102:39-102:54 Additional credits before the Geffen logo in the DC. 14.8 sec
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