The Wicker Man nature in spring. By the time of the film's completion the studio had been bought by EMI, and British Lion was managed by Michael Deeley. The DVD commentary track states that studio executives suggested a more "upbeat" ending to the film, in which a sudden rain puts the flames of the wicker man out and spares Howie's life, but this suggestion was refused. Hardy subsequently had to remove about 20 minutes of scenes on the mainland, early investigations, and (to Lee's disappointment) some of Lord Summerisle's initial meeting with Howie. The first screening of the film was to trade and
The Wicker Tree as the original "Wicker Man", but it's a thousand times better than the remake. I was quite happy with that." When asked whether he preferred "The Wicker Tree" to the original version of "The Wicker Man", Hardy replied, "No, I really don't." The film on Rotten Tomatoes, based on a total of 14 reviews, currently has a 29% rating, and an audience score of 10%. Anchor Bay Entertainment released "The Wicker Tree" on Region 1 and Region 2 DVD and Blu-ray in April 2012. Hardy had proposed a third film in the "Wicker Man" film series, but he died on