For those of you who haven't heard, there's a massive Blade Runner extraveganza coming later in the year on DVD, Blu-ray & HD-DVD...
Available in 2,4 & 5 disc limited edition versions, the content is as below...
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.
The Ultimate Collector's Edition will be presented in a unique 5-disc digi-package with handle which is a stylish version of Rick Deckard's own briefcase. In addition, each briefcase will be individually numbered and in limited supply. Included is a lenticular motion film clip from the original feature, miniature origami unicorn figurine, miniature replica spinner car, and collector's photographs, as well as a signed personal letter from Sir Ridley Scott.
Disc One - RIDLEY SCOTT'S ALL-NEW "FINAL CUT" VERSION OF THE FILM
Restored and remastered with added & extended scenes, added lines, new and cleaner special effects and all new 5.1 Dolby Digital Audio. Also includes:
Commentary by Ridley Scott Commentary by executive producer/co-screenwriter Hampton Fancher and co-screenwriter David Peoples; producer Michael Deely and production executive Katherine Haber Commentary by visual futurist Syd Mead; production designer Lawrence G. Paull, art director David L. Snyder and special photographic effects supervisors Douglas Trumbull, Richard Yuricich and David Dryer
Disc Two - DOCUMENTARY DANGEROUS DAYS: MAKING BLADE RUNNER
A feature-length authoritative documentary revealing all the elements that shaped this hugely influential cinema landmark. Cast, crew, critics and colleagues give a behind-the-scenes, in-depth look at the film -- from its literary roots and inception through casting, production, visuals and special effects to its controversial legacy and place in Hollywood history.
Disc Three - Archive 1982 THEATRICAL VERSION This is the version that introduced U.S. movie-going audiences to a revolutionary film with a new and excitingly provocative vision of the near-future. It contains Deckard/Harrison Ford's character narration and has Deckard and Rachel's (Sean Young) "happy ending" escape scene.
1982 INTERNATIONAL VERSION Also used on U.S. home video, laserdisc and cable releases up to 1992. This version is not rated, and contains some extended action scenes in contrast to the Theatrical Version.
1992 DIRECTOR'S CUT The Director's Cut omits Deckard's voiceover narration and removes the "happy ending" finale. It adds the famously-controversial "unicorn" sequence, a vision that Deckard has which suggests that he, too, may be a replicant.
Disc Four (BONUS DISC)
"Enhancement Archive": 90 minutes of deleted footage and rare or never-before-seen items in featurettes and galleries that cover the film's amazing history, production teams, special effects, impact on society, promotional trailers, TV spots, and much more.
Featurette "The Electric Dreamer: Remembering Philip K. D1ck" Featurette "Sacrificial Sheep: The Novel vs. The Film" Philip K. D1ck: The Blade Runner Interviews (audio) Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep Cover Gallery (images) The Art of Blade Runner (image galleries) Featurette "Signs of the Times: Graphic Design" Featurette "Fashion Forward: Wardrobe & Styling" Screen Tests: Rachel & Pris Featurette "The Light That Burns: Remembering Jordan Cronenweth" Unit photography gallery Deleted and alternate scenes 1982 promotional featurettes Trailers and TV spots Featurette "Promoting Dystopia: Rendering the Poster Art" Marketing and merchandise gallery (images) Featurette "Deck-A-Rep: The True Nature of Rick Deckard" Featurette "--Nexus Generation: Fans & Filmmakers"
Disc Five - WORKPRINT VERSION
This rare version of the film is considered by some to be the most radically different of all the Blade Runner cuts. It includes an altered opening scene, no Deckard narration until the final scenes, no "unicorn" sequence, no Deckard/Rachel "happy ending," altered lines between Batty (Rutger Hauer) and his creator Tyrell (Joe Turkell), alternate music and much more. Also includes:
Commentary by Paul M. Sammon, author of Future Noir: The Making of Blade Runner Featurette "All Our Variant Futures: From Workprint to Final Cut"
Grab 'em here(and support our work here at the rewind)
I've been waiting to see the theatrical version for so long!
Now if only they could wrap up the Blu-Ray VS HD-DVD fight because I'm not buying till they pick a winner...
Posts: 400 | From: The 80's! Where else?! | Registered: Jul 2007 | Site Updates: 0
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posted
I here you wolfy, I however have decided to stick with DVD as like most have a pretty big collection already, I have a Sony DVP-NS76H player which up scales DVD playback to an impressive 780p/1080i which looks damn impressive especially as it is playing on my Sony KDS-55A2000 55" SRXD Monster!
So I am not in a rush to jump on the BlueRay/HD DVD bandwagon just yet!
The other thing that I have already mentioned else where is that DVD prices are crashing so they are currently great value for money compared to there BlueRay/HD counterparts'!
Weird Science £2.99 @ Tesco anybody!
Tell me whose looking forward to going out to buy yet another set of the Star Wars movies when good old George decides to release the Ultimate Platinum Bad Boy Billion Selling Collectors edition on Blue Ray / HD!
God bless George Lucas!
How about Howard the duck ya gimp!
MM
Posts: 165 | From: Coventry, United Kingdom | Registered: Jul 2007 | Site Updates: 0
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Lucas gets no more of my cash unless he gives us some real meat from the OT. I want more Mark Hamill on the features (cast commentary?) Plus he better remaster the OT rather than give us a crusty laserdisc copy (still better than nothing).
I've already gotten what I wanted (the OT on DVD), so if all he does is stick the films together in a nice shiny box then he won't get a penny from me!
Lucas went over to the dark side a long time ago, he's more machine now than man. It's time for him to throw the Emporer out of the death star and treat the OT with the respect it deserves. Otherwise all we'll have left is the ghostly image of Hayden Christiansen smiling back at us for all eternity.
Posts: 3383 | From: England | Registered: May 2003 | Site Updates: 21
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He could do a "Dallas" style storyline and make the whole new trilogy a "bad dream" and then re-make it properly... Posts: 1026 | From: The '80s | Registered: Feb 2000 | Site Updates: 407
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I view the 2 trilogies as essentially seperate but equal; they're two entirely different realities that happen to segue into each other. That way, they can each be taken in their own context (on their own, I-III aren't that bad, it's just when comparing them to what came before (or is it after?) that they tend to shrink.
For all the open avarice, at least Lucas is willing to admit he's become part of the institution he once sought to escape from, even if he doesn't seem to have the strength to escape it.
Posts: 2561 | From: Pennsylvania | Registered: Aug 2004 | Site Updates: 0
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The real problem that back in the day the effects used where cutting edge and where simply incredible to watch at the time!
CGI has a big part to play in the downfall of the blockbuster meaning even low budget movies have the ability to produce some credible effects thus making the use of CGI the norm for today's audience!
Nothing it seems today is visually impossible and like most people I am just as guilty of taking it all for granted!
To be fair to George Lucas he really had his work cut out for himself to try and WOW the audience on a visual scale with I, II & III & he did manage to create some magical moments and for me Yoda vs. Count Dooku was simply brilliant!
However this does not excuse him from casting Haden Christian as Anakin (need I say it) and for not giving me the part of Jango Fett!
GL can make it up by slipping in some new CGI footage of Howard the Duck into the new BIG BOLLOCKS collectors set!
Maybe in the crowd at the Pod Race or in the Cantina!
Suggestions on where you think you would like to see Howard pop up during the saga are most welcome!
Anyway after all said and done and getting back to Blade Runner, there are few movies that I think visually can still hold there own & even with all of today's technology it is difficult to see how Blade Runner could be improved!
MM
Posts: 165 | From: Coventry, United Kingdom | Registered: Jul 2007 | Site Updates: 0
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I'm really enjoying the amount of attention Howard the Duck is getting in this Blade Runner thread
How about a Blade Runner remake with Howard as Deckard?!
Posts: 400 | From: The 80's! Where else?! | Registered: Jul 2007 | Site Updates: 0
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Sorry all it is spelt Hayden Christiansen and not Haden Christian as per my previous post, actually I am not sorry **** him I would happily take down that limp wristed Jedi killing Muppet any day just please do not make me endure any more of his wooden acting!
MM
Posts: 165 | From: Coventry, United Kingdom | Registered: Jul 2007 | Site Updates: 0
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quote:Originally posted by Mire Mare: The real problem that back in the day the effects used were cutting edge and where simply incredible to watch at the time!
I think it's a great point that you're making, but I also believe that it's the same problem that afflicts musicians when they become mega-big.
I don't know if anyone has read any of the books on the creation of the original Star Wars, but George seems to have spent years turning out duff, barely intelligable scripts prior to hitting that magic formula...
Presumably, people around him and the studios were saying "Ummm.. well, I like this bit, but otherwise, could do better..."
Just like any mega-star, when they get too big, no one's got the nards* to tell him "George, you're not seriously going to make this mess into a movie are ya..?"
*Just had to work "nards" in there somewhere! Posts: 1026 | From: The '80s | Registered: Feb 2000 | Site Updates: 407
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What sort of Duck was Howard anyway, Yes I know he was from another planet so technically he was an alien but even on his planet he must have been a type of duck!
I apologies in advance if it states this during the movie but I have not watched it for a while and have forgotten!
Kiss my Mallard!
MM
Posts: 165 | From: Coventry, United Kingdom | Registered: Jul 2007 | Site Updates: 0
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I know what you're saying though - just wait until Lucas goes back to all his older stuff, attempting to re-edit it into something coherent.
Notice I said attempting... Posts: 400 | From: The 80's! Where else?! | Registered: Jul 2007 | Site Updates: 0
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The Wizard
The 80s Hero you've been holding out for....
Member # 533
posted
quote:How about Howard the duck ya gimp!
I have a widescreen DVD of Howard the Duck, someone converted the HD broadcast of it to DVD (I have the VHS & laserdisc of it anyway) and it looks superb.
Back to BR, why aren't the UK documentary "On the Edge of Blade Runner" and the Candian documentary "Future Shocks" included? they're great docu's in their own right and should've been included, at least I have both on DVD already (the UK one I made from my old VHS recording, which is the source of the version you'll find on various torrent sites & fan BR compliations, it was on Google video for a year but got pulled recently)
Posts: 1334 | From: UK | Registered: Sep 2002 | Site Updates: 0
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