# Criterion Edition: Kubrick's 'The Shining' Cut

> Americans get Kubrick's preferred 'The Shining' version via Criterion, but which cut wins?
- Title: Criterion Edition: Kubrick's 'The Shining' Cut · IndieWire
- Summary: Americans get Kubrick's preferred 'The Shining' version via Criterion, but which cut wins? Criterion's U.S. cut of 'The Shining' offers Stanley Kubrick's…
- Keywords: criterion, the shining, stanley kubrick, us cut, international cut, film editing, entertainment, culture, Edition, Kubrick's, 'The, Shining'
- Source: IndieWire — https://indiewire.com/features/commentary/the-shining-criterion-edition-us-vs-international-cut-1235220579
- Author: Jim Hemphill
- Published: 2026-10-09T14:00:00+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: criterion, the shining, stanley kubrick, us cut, international cut, film editing, entertainment, culture
## Criterion releases Kubrick's U.S. cut
Criterion finally gives Americans access to Stanley Kubrick's preferred ending for 'The Shining' via a new boxed set.

> That ending really left a bad taste
## Kubrick's ending differs from international version
The U.S. cut ends with Jack Torrance freezing to death after being tricked by his son Danny into getting lost in the Overlook Hotel's hedge maze.
## Screenwriter's reaction to ending
David Birke, the screenwriter, called the U.S. ending 'stiff and lame' and 'weird' with forced cheerfulness.

> It was just so stiff and lame and weird to have an 'Everything’s okay now' hospital scene with that kind of forced cheeriness
## Key takeaway

Criterion's U.S. cut of 'The Shining' offers Stanley Kubrick's preferred ending for American audiences, differing from the international version.