This is the most critical part of the keyword. The Wicker Man suffered horrific studio interference. The original 1973 theatrical cut was chopped by Warner Bros. from 102 minutes to 88 minutes, losing the entire opening prologue and several key musical sequences. For years, fans survived on a "director's cut" that spliced grainy VHS footage back in.
The film's influence on the horror genre cannot be overstated. The Wicker Man helped to establish the folk horror genre, which explores the themes of paganism, the supernatural, and the darker aspects of human nature. The film's use of atmospheric tension and suspense also influenced the work of horror directors such as Steven Spielberg and Martin Scorsese.
—which is widely considered the most complete and definitive version of director Robin Hardy's vision. Restored Footage