Thoughts on The Lost World’s “other” ending

It’d been awhile since I watched my Lost World DVD, but I was in the mood after the JP3D screening last night.  While re-watching the special features I was reminded that the original ending for TLW actually involved a pteranodon attack (their was an earlier pteranodon sequence as well that was also nixed) on the getaway helicopters rather than having the tyrannosaur rampage through San Diego.  The concept art looked like it would have been quite a show stopper.

As much as I enjoy the different tack The Lost World has from its predecessor (and the ending in SD is a large part of that), I once again wish they had gone with the initial ending they had drawn up.  A large percentage of people I know, who have complained through the years about TLW, have pointed to the San Diego episode as their major criticism.  I have to think The Lost World would be remembered more fondly today if Spielberg hadn’t chucked their first thought. 

I realize that would have altered the third film in the series significantly (maybe it wouldn’t have even been made?), and I know that might upset some fans - but personally I’ve never felt the third film was on the same level as the first two are anyway.

Submitted by reader CJ - thanks CJ.

This is a great point, and I too have looked at the concept art for the original ending of The Lost World and wondered: “What if…”

I really love the T-Rex ending, and its links to King Kong play into the meta-textual, self-criticising vibe Spielberg played with in the Jurassic Park films.

However, the pteranodon attack would certainly have been a more unique scene. What a shame Spielberg ditched it.