The 1990 action sequel Die Hard 2: Die Harder stands as one of the most successful blockbusters of its era. Directed by Renny Harlin, the film amplified the explosive formula of the original, trapping John McClane in a snowbound Washington Dulles International Airport. While the theatrical release remains a staple of action cinema, film collectors, historians, and hardcore fans have long been fascinated by an alternative version of the movie: the legendary Die Hard 2 workprint.
One of the film's most iconic kills involves McClane stabbing a mercenary named Foreigner (played by Vondie Curtis-Hall) in the eye with an icicle. In the workprint, this shot is significantly longer and features a much more graphic, unfiltered view of the penetration and the aftermath.
: The workprint often uses temporary music tracks and lacks the final audio polish of the theatrical release. The end credits song "Let It Snow" is notably absent in most workprint versions.
The existence of the Die Hard 2 workprint has created a unique paradox for fans. After seeing the deleted scenes and the more violent versions of existing scenes, many feel a profound sense of frustration with the officially available cut. As the specialists at Movie-Censorship.com put it, the workprint "is certainly no alternative for the movie fan, who will, however, be angry about their cut Blu-ray even more after having seen the deleted scenes".
It's important to note that the workprint is a rough cut, not a polished alternative version. As Movie-Censorship.com points out, the workprint "features the typically bad audio and video quality and is certainly no alternative for the movie fan". The audio may be temporary, the visual effects unfinished, and the color grading non-existent. This is a far cry from the high-definition Blu-ray releases that fans are accustomed to. However, for fans, the raw quality is part of its charm and authenticity.
: The iconic death of the sentry with an icicle is slightly longer and more graphic. Major Grant’s Death
Furthermore, Bruce Willis's famous catchphrase— "Yippee-ki-yay, motherfucker" —is delivered with an alternate vocal take that sounds slightly more menacing and less triumphant than the version that made it into theaters. Why the Workprint Matters to Film History
While never officially released, fragments and comparisons of this version have surfaced on platforms like YouTube and are often cataloged by niche archival sites like The Workprint Vault . Exactly! #DieHard2 - Facebook
Analyze other action movies of that era.