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When Ridley Scott's cut of Blade Runner was finally released in 1993, one had to wonder why the studio hadn't done it right the first time--11 years earlier. This version is so much better, mostly because of what's been eliminated (the ludicrous and redundant voice-over narration and the phony happy ending) rather than what's been added (a bit more character development and a brief unicorn dream). Star Harrison Ford originally recorded the narration under duress at the insistence of Warner Bros. executives who thought the story needed further "explanation"; he later confessed that he thought if he did it badly they wouldn't use it. (Moral: Never overestimate the taste of movie executives.) The movie's spectacular futuristic vision of Los Angeles--a perpetually dark and rainy metropolis that's the nightmare antithesis of "Sunny Southern California"--is still its most seductive feature, an otherworldly atmosphere in which you can immerse yourself. The movie's shadowy visual style, along with its classic private-detective/murder-mystery plot line (with Ford on the trail of a murderous android, or "replicant"), makes Blade Runner one of the few science fiction pictures to legitimately claim a place in the film noir tradition. And, as in the best noir, the sleuth discovers a whole lot more (about himself and the people he encounters) than he anticipates.... With Sean Young, Edward James Olmos, Daryl Hannah, Rutger Hauer, and M. Emmet Walsh. In celebration of Blade Runner's 25th anniversary, director Ridley Scott has gone back into post production to create the long-awaited definitive new version. Blade Runner: The Final Cut, spectacularly restored and remastered from original elements and scanned at 4K resolution, will contain never-before-seen added/extended scenes, added lines, new and improved special effects, director and filmmaker commentary, an all-new 5.1 Dolby® Digital audio track and more. Harrison Ford, Rutger Hauer, Edward James Olmos, Joanna Cassidy, Sean Young, and Daryl Hannah are among some 80 stars, filmmakers and others who participate in the extensive bonus features. Among the bonus material highlights is Dangerous Days, a brand new, three-and-a-half-hour documentary by award-winning DVD producer Charles de Lauzirika, with an extensive look into every aspect of the film: its literary genesis, its challenging production and its controversial legacy. The definitive documentary to accompany the definitive film version. Visually spectacular, intensely action-packed and powerfully prophetic since its debut, Blade Runner returns in Ridley Scott's definitive Final Cut, including extended scenes and never-before-seen special effects. In a signature role as 21st-century detective Rick Deckard, Harrison Ford brings his masculine-yet-vulnerable presence to this stylish noir thriller. In a future of high-tech possibility soured by urban and social decay, Deckard hunts for fugitive, muderous replicants - and is drawn to a mystery woman whose secrets may undermine his soul. This incredible 2-Disc Set features the definitive Final Cut of Ridley Scott's legendary Sci-Fi classic and the in-depth feature length documentary "Dangerous Days" and features all new 5.1 Audio.Read full review
This is the long awaited Definitive Ultimate Collector's Edition of one of the most amazing Science fiction movies of our time and one of Harrison Fords best performances ever. It also includes Rutger Hauer's best ever screen performance. There are very fine performances by all of the other members of this all star cast of Ridley Scott's most under rated film. It includes all versions of the film, so no matter whether you like the original theatrical version with the classic "Detective story" style narration by Harrison Ford, the more inclusive and gory "European version" of the same that was released in limited form on Beta Hi-Fi in the states back in the eighties, or the Director's Cut, they are all there along with the new "Final Cut" version. Plus you get all of the cool extras with this package that would make any replicant or human very happy! I have been waiting for this for many years along with all of the other fans that have built, maintained and visited the Blade Runner websites. Thank you to all who put aside their differences to make this finally happen! This package is worth far more than the full retail price.Read full review
The final cut rules! All three versions, with subtle variations, explore timeless paradoxes while taking us on a richly detailed oddessy through the blurred lines between good and evil, human and not so human. Can't beat the Vangelis sound tract. I also picked up on a couple "Alien" vibes. We are shown visions of decay and destitution on the streets in contrast to the protected luxury in the penthouses. A depressing futuristic 21st century world is depicted along the lines of the "Alien" series - mega corporations that rule the world. There is rich detail, like the delapidated 1920's Art-Deco high rise where Sebastian lived and imposing post-modern contemporary sky-scrapers of the Tyrell Corporation headquarters. There are flying cars ("Aliens" had a flying tank), Voight-Kampff breathing lie-detector machines, an artificial owl and boa constrictor and a teched-out bachelor apartment all add to the realism. BRAIN V. BRAWN: In the climactic ending, the shades of grey hero, Rick Deckard,(a campy Indy-like performance by H. Ford)shows how it feels to "live in fear" while climbing the walls to escape from Roy, the "prodigal son" and leader of the pack (terrifyingly portrayed by a buff Rutger Hauer in a full length black leather trench coat) who has just gruesomely murdered Tyrell, the psychotic genius creator and Roy's symbolic father. Roy doesn't get mad. He just wants some respect. Do you blame him? Deck, "not very sporting(ly)" popped two in the back of Zhora as she tried to escape and ditto to the chest of Pris after she does a Kathy Rigby style WWF leglock around his neck. However, in the end, our futuristic Frankenstein's monster doesn't take his vengance, but only wonders why. The universal question, I guess. Speaking rhetorically from the leaky flat roof beside a trapped and all but defeated Deckard, Roy kneels with arms spread downward, a final gesture of submission (like Jesus praying in the Garden to the Father: why hast Thou forsaken me?) and offers his own eulogy saying something like "I've done things... questionable things." Sci-fi dialogue greatness! Lucky Deck watches in shock as Roy's "light that shines twice as bright" goes dark. BEAUTIES & BEASTS: The female roles are pleasingly if not briefly portrayed by 1981 all-American hotties: the exoticly clad Joanna Cassidy as Zhora and the lithe "pleasure model" Pris erotically created by Darryl Hannah. Remember she dated John John for a while? Those Kennedy guys! So what if the replicant femme fatales are more eye candy than substance? I say the violence is better balanced with some brief nudity. An 80's vintage look? Now about the beasts. Roy and his sidekick Leon are macho sociopathic soilder types. Leon's demise comes soon after Deck cowardly takes out Zhora early on. Ironically, Leon's asassin is a naive third female replicant, played by a seductive Sean Young, who only consciously confronts her synthetic reality after the murder and while being romanced by Deck. He knows the truth and put the moves on her anyway, but selfishly rationalizes his actions. Android love? The studio version shows them driving off into the sunset down Highway 1 with some cheesy voice over by Ford. Thank you, Hollywood. The final director's cut gives us a break and dares us to imagine the rest. Well done! I wish Ford could have reprised Deckard in a sequal or two. Imagine some stories with Deck going back to LA and dishing some pay back to Tyrell's real and/or synthetic bad boys.Read full review
I was eleven when the film first came out. It blew me away with it's visual effects and soundtrack. Director Ridley Scott is pure genius! I love the documentary "Dangerous Days". To actually see where this all began from conception to film to the final cut...what a ride! Watching the various versions I can feel the passion that Ridley Scott has for this film. This collection lives up to it's title "Ultimate Collector's Edition". Five versions of the film, the documentaries, deleted and altered scenes and all 70 of the NEW interviews make this a collection worth having.
For anyone who loves Blade Runner, this is THE Ultimate Collection! It has EVERY version of the film on DVD-most, like the original 1982 version, was never before available on DVD. Also includes the never before available Workprint version that kickstarted the whole resurgence of interest in this iconic existential classic. The pinnacle is Ridley Scott's "Final Cut" of the film. This is the way he always wanted his film to be seen. He finally had the time to polish his labor of love & get it right. Now it is cleaned up, digitally remastered, scenes & dialog fixed soundtrack pristine from original source tapes & the odd added shot here & there to do this Masterpiece of Cinema justice, once & for all. Also, tons of extras:documentaries, deleted scenes, Dangerous Days documentary with comments & interviews with cast,crew,technicians,wizards,writers,producers & Ridley himself. I believe the bonus features are over 5 hours! Also, miniture replicas of spinner, unicorn, production art reproductions by Syd Mead & enough to keep any Blade Runner junkie satisfied for weeks. This is one of the most Deluxe & nicely designed packages I have ever seen. It is worth every penny! Enjoy! I know I will for months to come. I am in Heaven.Read full review
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