Finally . .

some hard definitivie info on the sources for the BLADE RUNNER restorations
from Charles de Lauzirka quoted in MILLIMETER July/Aug 2007.

http://digitalcontentproducer.com/mil/features/video_real_deal_2/

Great news -- they did in fact go back to the original 35 mm camera negatives for a 4K scan . . . also scanned the 65mm effects elements
to 4K.

This will TRULY be mind blowing.


-30-

Wow sweet, this is going to probably the best overall HD release so far for either format.

can't wait :)

More $ out of my pocket! :(

Sorry - I have to!:D

http://i181.photobucket.com/albums/x66/LeeAStewart/258318_1020_A.jpg

Thanks for posting this article... what a great read. I'm definitely looking forward to this more than any other title this year. Can't wait!

The Box Set!

http://i181.photobucket.com/albums/x66/LeeAStewart/bladerunner5discultimatedvd.jpg

wow, lots of interesting info there. so excited for this release, but i can't decide if i should get blu ray or hd-dvd . . . . Are there any differences between the versions?

The Box Set!

http://i181.photobucket.com/albums/x66/LeeAStewart/bladerunner5discultimatedvd.jpg

I guess some people like all that extra stuff.

Can't wait for the film, I've got the 'complete' addition (version without the above extras) on preorder.

I guess some people like all that extra stuff.

Can't wait for the film, I've got the 'complete' addition (version without the above extras) on preorder.

Well, I love this movie, and I am a sucker for special sets if I truly love a particular film, so I have ordered everything. Also I plan to give a lowly sd dvd set to a friend for Christmas since she does not yet have an hd tv.

Sorry - I have to!:D

http://i181.photobucket.com/albums/x66/LeeAStewart/258318_1020_A.jpg

Is that a screen shot from the blu-ray version. :D Just wanted to say that before someone said it of the HD-DVD version.

“I think The Final Cut is the best version of them all. The picture and sound on it are just astounding. We really put a lot of work into the restoration, and we transferred the actual original neg at 4K, and it just looks stunning. Even more stunning are the visual effects, which were originally 65mm elements, then scanned at 8K. It looks like 3D. It's so sharp, with all these details that I'd never seen before.”
*drool*

Does anyone know what cities this will be playing?

The Box Set!

http://i181.photobucket.com/albums/x66/LeeAStewart/bladerunner5discultimatedvd.jpg

Oh Bugger! I can see a lot of loose discs are going to be floating around. They need to have a security tab for each disc like the have on the outside of some cases. Then you just break off the tab after you receive it.

Holy smokers that is a box set all right !:eek::cool:

Art

Blade Runner - Missing Hospital Scene - When Decker visits Holden in the hospital afetr Leon has shot him in the opening scene of the movie.

This famous scene was never cut into any of the versions of Blade Runner (so far). It may be in the Final Cut - but unknown. (same with Work Print Version)

Just scroll down until you see the Cyan colored title:

"Hospital"

http://www.brmovie.com/Downloads/Media/index.htm

Sill waiting for an explainiation as to how/why WB is selling a (5) HD DVD/BD disc set for MSRP $39.99

?

Nice, thanks for the link, excellent read! And this is not the only one getting this care, Cool Hand Luke is getting the same treatment! =)

Sill waiting for an explainiation as to how/why WB is selling a (5) HD DVD/BD disc set for MSRP $39.99

?

An early christmas present from them? :)

*drool*

Does anyone know what cities this will be playing?

Initially LA and NYC then a limited Engagement in other cities. I believe the opening date is 10/05/07

No schedule published yet.

Nice, thanks for the link, excellent read! And this is not the only one getting this care, Cool Hand Luke is getting the same treatment! =)

As is BONNIE & CLYDE

:D

Is that a screen shot from the blu-ray version. :D Just wanted to say that before someone said it of the HD-DVD version.

Neither - the "official" Lobby Poster.:D

Too awesome. I can't wait for this release.

blade runner the final cut is opening on october 5th in LA and new york.

Jacob

blade runner the final cut is opening on october 5th in LA and new york.

Jacob

Thank you for the correct date - fixed my post to reflect change

I'm drooling for the 5 disc complete version :D. I haven't gotten around to watching BR just yet and was going to check out the DVD until I heard the announcement for this set. soooooooo going to pick this up for the price WB is giving it to us for :D.

For the new director’s cut, the special-effects footage was digitally scanned at 8,000 lines per frame, four times the resolution of most restorations, and then meticulously retouched. The results look almost 3-D.
From this Sunday's "A Cult Classic Restored, Again" (http://www.nytimes.com/2007/09/30/movies/30kapl.html?_r=1&ref=movies&oref=slogin) article by Fred Kaplan (in the 9/30/07 NY Times movie section). -- John

Can't wait... saw it on TV in HD a few months back and thought it looked amazing for its age... if this one looks that much better... it should be a must buy for everybody.

If you live in the LA or NYC areas - make it a point and go see this movie in a theater. No matter how good the HDM will be - it will pale in comparison to a giant screen presentation. This is a movie that you really have to see on a big screen to get all the eye candy that was put into it.

I believe it will be playing at the Ziegfield in NYC - 30'x60' screen with a Meyers sound system.

This sounds ABSOLUTELY amazing!

It is quite unusual when the original camera negative is pulled out for a "treasure" like Blade Runner. And to scan it at 4K is truly OUTSTANDING. There is NO DOUBT that this presentation will be the very best transfer that we have ever seen for this film.

I ordered both collector sets - the regular and the metal case. I'm sure one or the other will have some real sentimental value down the road.

THANKS FOR THIS NEWS!! I am truly STOKED!Finally . .

some hard definitivie info on the sources for the BLADE RUNNER restorations
from Charles de Lauzirka quoted in MILLIMETER July/Aug 2007.

http://digitalcontentproducer.com/mil/features/video_real_deal_2/

Great news -- they did in fact go back to the original 35 mm camera negatives for a 4K scan . . . also scanned the 65mm effects elements
to 4K.

This will TRULY be mind blowing.


-30-

I tried the link using Firefox, and it just gives me an advert for 15 seconds then as soon as the 15 seconds are up, it shows the same advert again, for 15 seconds. I'm going to wait another 15 seconds and see what happens next, maybe eventually it might show me the article :D

Decker is totally a replicant. :)

Decker is totally a replicant. :)

The moment Scott put the Unicorn dream into the directors cut - that clearly gave the message that Decker was a replicant. It explains the origami that is left at the end of the movie by Olmos.

The moment Scott put the Unicorn dream into the directors cut - that clearly gave the message that Decker was a replicant. It explains the origami that is left at the end of the movie by Olmos.

I'm sorry, but I don't see how it does, even if Scott intended it to. Does this mean he's one of those special replicants with no predetermined expiration date like Rachel was supposed to be in the theatrical release? If he were a replicant, "more human than human," why did he get his ass handed to him in every hand-to-hand confrontation with another replicant, even a "basic pleasure model?" And since this was clearly the case, what other reason would there be to have a replicant hunting other replicants? I don't see how it makes any sense in the context of the original script.

Now, if Scott had had this idea before production began instead of in the middle, and if the script had been thoroughly rewritten accordingly, it could have worked, although I don't see how it could have made the story any more meaningful.

IMO, it also makes the DC ending far less poignant, assuming he isn't one of those special replicants.

I hope he doesn't try to force the issue in the final cut (as opposed to the ambiguity of the DC) because I just don't think he can make it work.

I'm sorry, but I don't see how it does, even if Scott intended it to. Does this mean he's one of those special replicants with no predetermined expiration date like Rachel was supposed to be in the theatrical release? If he was a replicant, "more human than human," why did he get his ass handed to him in every hand-to-hand confrontation with another replicant, even a "basic pleasure model?" And since this was clearly the case, what other reason would there be to have a replicant hunting other replicants? I don't see how it makes any sense in the context of the original script.

Now, if Scott had had this idea before production began instead of in the middle, and if the script had been thoroughly rewritten accordingly, it could have worked, although I don't see how it could have made the story any more meaningful.

IMO, it also makes the DC ending far less poignant, assuming he isn't one of those special replicants.

I hope he doesn't try to force the issue in the final cut (as opposed to the ambiguity of the DC) because I just don't think he can make it work.

We know nothing about the "special "replicants like Rachael. We do know that there are different levels of replicants from plain workers to combat models.

If Decker was a "human" replicant than he would have no skills greater than a human.

The key is the Unicorn dream because dreams play an important sub role in the movie. They are pre-programmed into a replicant as memories.

And Olmos knows this because of his final scene not only by this last words but by the Unicorn origami he leaves behind.

IMO - Olmos is there at the end to kill Decker because he is a human replicant. But instead because of what he did and the pain he experienced eliminating the 4 troublesome replicants - he lets Decker live knowing he will get together with Rachael

Sill waiting for an explainiation as to how/why WB is selling a (5) HD DVD/BD disc set for MSRP $39.99

?

Hi Lee,

Needless to say I pre-ordered this classic from Amazon.com when they first announced it. I emailed customer service with a question regarding how many of the 5 discs were in high definition. They have never responded.

I suspect one answer to your question might be that we're not getting 5 HD discs. :(

Do you or any of the other forum members have any addition information in this regard?

Thanks.

Larry

Hi Lee,

Needless to say I pre-ordered this classic from Amazon.com when they first announced it. I emailed customer service with a question regarding how many of the 5 discs were in high definition. They have never responded.

I suspect one answer to your question might be that we're not getting 5 HD discs. :(

Do you or any of the other forum members have any addition information in this regard?

Thanks.

Larry

According to the WB press release. The BD and HD DVD "box" sets consist of 5 HD DVD's or 5 BD's. The problem with the price was when the HD models were announced the price was listed as TBA.

But WB themselves at the WB Store shows the MSRP as $39.99 so it really does appear that this is the deal of the year.

5 versions of the movie, all 5 in HD:

1. USA Version
2. European Version
3. Directors Cut
4. Work Print Version*
5. The Final Cut.*

* Never seen before.

Last night was AFAIK the premiere here in NYC. Apparently it was sold out well in advance. I guess no one here went?

Last night was AFAIK the premiere here in NYC. Apparently it was sold out well in advance. I guess no one here went?

The Ziegfield has just shy of 1000 seats in the theater.

Lee, you must be a big fan of the movie. That is a classic Sci Fi poster.

Congrats on one of your favorites coming out on high definition.....

Lee, you must be a big fan of the movie. That is a classic Sci Fi poster.

Congrats on one of your favorites coming out on high definition.....

My #2 favorite movie of all time (Lawrence of Arabia - #1)

And I am "happy as a clam in the mud" that Blade Runner is being given a true Diamond Deluxe release.

Whoppee!

I was lucky enough to see it in 70mm 6track in the largest theater in the world - Radio City Music Hall (9600 seats) - 96 surround sound speakers

I would LOVE to see The Final Cut at the Ziegfield. When I lived in L.I. I would go there 2X a month to see a movie. IMO - the finest theater outside of Hollywood.

Hoping it will come to the Ft. Laud/Miami area after the NYC/LA preview.

We know nothing about the "special "replicants like Rachael. We do know that there are different levels of replicants from plain workers to combat models.

Rachel was only "special" (yeah, I probably should have put that in quotation marks before) in the theatrical release because Deckard's voice-over told us she was (classic cop out happy ending). Since this was dropped for the DC, there's no reason to assume she is. In fact, no mention of "special" replicants at all, in the sense of not having a pre-determined expiration date.

If Decker was a "human" replicant than he would have no skills greater than a human.

Yes, but then why would you want superhuman strength and agility for "a basic pleasure model" and not a cop, especially a blade runner who may have to go toe to toe with the most dangerous models made? It makes more sense that Deckard is human and that those enhanced physical abilities are endemic to replicants.

The key is the Unicorn dream because dreams play an important sub role in the movie. They are pre-programmed into a replicant as memories.

I heard nothing about preprogrammed dreams, only memories. "Rachel was an experiment, nothing more," implies she was singular in this regard (of course, maybe Deckard was an experiment, too, since there's nothing to say he wasn't if you take the position that he is a replicant). The other replicants in the film knew only too well what they were.

And Olmos knows this because of his final scene not only by this last words but by the Unicorn origami he leaves behind.

But why would he know it? And if he did, why would he also know that Deckard always dreamt of unicorns (which is the only way I can imagine that working)? It may be what Scott intended that dream to mean, but it's a stretch in the context of the film as a whole. It also changes the meaning of Gaff's last words to Deckard into the equivalent of "And the murderer is..." instead the meaning it originally had in the theatrical version and seems as tacked on as the theatricals happy ending IMO.

So, was Gaff a replicant, too? Where does it all end? :confused: :D

BTW, I commend you for not resorting to the "but he had shiny eyes" argument, that one really bugs the hell out of me. :D

According to the WB press release. The BD and HD DVD "box" sets consist of 5 HD DVD's or 5 BD's. The problem with the price was when the HD models were announced the price was listed as TBA.

But WB themselves at the WB Store shows the MSRP as $39.99 so it really does appear that this is the deal of the year.

5 versions of the movie, all 5 in HD:

1. USA Version
2. European Version
3. Directors Cut
4. Work Print Version*
5. The Final Cut.*

* Never seen before.

Hi Lee,

Thanks very much for the information. :D

I see that the Warner Bros. Studio Store is actually listing the 5-Disc HD DVD "Complete Collector's Edition" at $29.95 and my Amazon.com pre-order is going for $27.95.

What a great deal!

I think I'll have the guys over and throw an all day event.

Larry

To truly understand BR - IMO - you have to keep moving forward.

You start at the USA/EU version. No insight into Decker at all.

Gaff's final words; "I hope she'll live" denotes that he knows what Rachael is. And right befor the elevator scene (before the stupid happy ending) we see him knock over the Unicorn origami. To us at this time - it simply means that Gaff has been there. Nothing more.

Then we see the Directors Cut. - We have to forget the first movie existed. We must look at the DC as the "premier" of Blade Runner.

And when you do this - you understand that Leon's Photos and Rachaels Dreams/Memories of a spider outside her window are all "software programming" for a bio-machine. Empathy cushions.

We do know Rachael is an experiment - we are told this - she has no 4 year life span.

We believe Decker is human . . except the inclusion of the Unicorn dream will tie in with Gaff leaving the Unicorn origami for Decker at the end of the movie. Gaff has seen Deckers file - he knows he is programmed with that dream. He is telling him he is a replicant . . so enjoy life for all you can because it may end sooner then you think.

Hi Lee,

Thanks very much for the information. :D

I see that the Warner Bros. Studio Store is actually listing the 5-Disc HD DVD "Complete Collector's Edition" at $29.95 and my Amazon.com pre-order is going for $27.95.

What a great deal!

I think I'll have the guys over and throw an all day event.

Larry

The big surprise will be the Work Print Version. It is supposed to be totally different than the other 4 versions.

Think of The Final Cut as a never before seen extended version.

the only difference between the USA and the EU versions is about 2 extra minutes of graphic violence so skip the USA original and start with the EU version. Then the Directors Cut, Then The Final Cut. This will allow you to see how the film has changed in it's variations as Ridley Scott has seen it over the years.

Then watch the Work Print Version. It is said to be totally different than the other 4 in how the plot unfolds. Different camera angles.

25 years . . it has truly stood the test of time as a SciFi film. And the effects are not outdated AT ALL.

But WB themselves at the WB Store shows the MSRP as $39.99 so it really does appear that this is the deal of the year.

I must be looking in the wrong place because this is what I found on the WB site. Here is the link: http://whv.warnerbros.com/WHVPORTAL/Portal/browsesearchtitles.jsp?functionmode=11&formatType=HD-DVD


Blade Runner: 5-Disc Ultimate Collector's Edition
Visually spectacular, intensely action-packed and powerfully prophetic since its debut,
DVD $ 59.95
HD-DVD $ 79.95
Blu-Ray$ 79.95
Available: 12/18/2007


Blade Runner: Complete Collector's Edition
Visually spectacular, intensely action-packed and powerfully prophetic since its debut,
HD DVD $ 29.95
Blu-Ray $ 29.95
Available: 12/18/2007

A Wiki on the "spinner car" from Blade Runner:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spinner_(Blade_Runner)

I must be looking in the wrong place because this is what I found on the WB site. Here is the link: http://whv.warnerbros.com/WHVPORTAL/Portal/browsesearchtitles.jsp?functionmode=11&formatType=HD-DVD


Blade Runner: 5-Disc Ultimate Collector's Edition
Visually spectacular, intensely action-packed and powerfully prophetic since its debut,
DVD $ 59.95
HD-DVD $ 79.95
Blu-Ray$ 79.95
Available: 12/18/2007


Blade Runner: Complete Collector's Edition
Visually spectacular, intensely action-packed and powerfully prophetic since its debut,
HD DVD $ 29.95
Blu-Ray $ 29.95
Available: 12/18/2007

There are two versions;

1. The Suitcase version - $99.99 (MSRP)

2. the 5 Disc Collectors version - $39.99 (MSRP)

See my image on preceeding page of this thread to show different versions - post #7

There are two versions;

1. The Suitcase version - $99.99 (MSRP)

2. the 5 Disc Collectors version - $39.99 (MSRP)

See my image on preceeding page of this thread to show different versions - post #7

Hi Lee,

Mike is correct.

The "Suitcase" version is the Ultimate Collector's Edition now listing for $79.95.

The Complete Collector's Edition is now listing for $29.95.

Larry

Yes, amazing value :-)

Here is a recap of the contents of the five discs. I think there is a risk that discs 2 and 4 are SD DVD's, but I don't know for sure

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.
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: (SD DVD?)
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:
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: (SD DVD?)
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.
"The Electric Dreamer: Remembering Philip K. Dick" Featurette
"Sacrificial Sheep: The Novel vs. The Film" Featurette
Philip K. Dick: The Blade Runner Interviews (audio)
Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep Cover Gallery (images)
The Art of Blade Runner (image galleries)
"Signs of the Times: Graphic Design" Featurette
"Fashion Forward: Wardrobe & Styling" Featurette
Screen Tests: Rachel & Pris
"The Light That Burns: Remembering Jordan Cronenweth" Featurette
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)
"Deck-A-Rep: The True Nature of Rick Deckard" Featurette
"--Nexus Generation: Fans & Filmmakers" Featurette

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"

Here is/was the official Warner Announcement:

July 26, 2007 09:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time
The Film That Started It All: BLADE RUNNER: THE FINAL CUT Debuts on DVD December 18 with Exclusive New York/LA Theatrical Launch October 5
Three Spectacular Editions of Director’s Long-Awaited New Version, Restored and Remastered with 5.1 Audio, New and Deleted Scenes, Special Effects and More

All 4 Previous Cuts, Including the Ultra-Rare ‘Workprint’ Version, Available along with Hours of Extra Content Including Over 45 Minutes of Deleted Scenes & ''Dangerous Days,'' the Comprehensive New Feature-Length Doc

Ultimate Collector’s Edition, in Unique Limited 'Deckard Briefcase,' Also Available in HD DVD & Blu-Ray

BURBANK, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The one that started it all. Sir Ridley Scott’s Blade Runner, starring Harrison Ford, is one of the most important science-fiction movies of the 20th Century -- the film with immeasurable influence on society for its futuristic depiction of a post-apocalyptic, dystopian world, a film perhaps more powerful and relevant today than when it was made. The film, in fact, has appeared on more ‘Top Five’ sci-fi lists than any other film.

In celebration of its 25th anniversary, director Ridley Scott (Alien, Hannibal and a three-time Oscar® nominee, Best Director, for Gladiator, Thelma & Louise and Black Hawk Down) has gone back into post production to create the long-awaited definitive new version, which Warner Home Video will unveil on DVD December 18th in the U.S. 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.

A showcase theatrical run is also being planned for New York and Los Angeles October 5.

Blade Runner: The Final Cut will be included in three stunning DVD editions: a Two-Disc Special Edition (at $20.97 SRP), a Four-Disc Collector’s Edition ($34.99 SRP) and the Five-Disc Ultimate Collector’s Edition ($78.92 SRP) in Collectible “Deckard Briefcase” packaging.

Simultaneous HD DVD and Blu-Ray versions (each $TBD) of the “Deckard Briefcase” will also be released in numbered, limited quantities. HD DVD and Blu-Ray 5-Disc Digi Packs with collectible slipcase (each $TBD) will include all of the UCE content.

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.

Additionally, two of the collections (4- & 5-Disc) will include an entire disc with hours of enhanced content containing featurettes and galleries devoted to over 45 minutes of deleted and alternate scenes recently discovered in deep storage and approved by Ridley Scott, visual effects as well as background on author Philip K. Dick, script development, abandoned sequences, conceptual design, overall impact of the film and how it lead to the birth of cyberpunk. Trailers, TV spots and promotional featurettes will also be included.

Yeah I cannot believe that we will be getting a 5 disc set for around $30. That is a deal...a great deal.

Laters,
Jeff

Yeah I cannot believe that we will be getting a 5 disc set for around $30. That is a deal...a great deal.

Laters,
Jeff

Hi Jeff,

Yes, by way of comparison, Star Trek: The Original Series, is a 5-Combo disc set that is listing for $195.99. Amazon is selling it on pre-order at a 33% discount.

I hope the Blade Runner pricing is the start of a new trend by Warner. :D
Larry

To truly understand BR - IMO - you have to keep moving forward.

You start at the USA/EU version. No insight into Decker at all.

Gaff's final words; "I hope she'll live" denotes that he knows what Rachael is. And right befor the elevator scene (before the stupid happy ending) we see him knock over the Unicorn origami. To us at this time - it simply means that Gaff has been there. Nothing more.

Then we see the Directors Cut. - We have to forget the first movie existed. We must look at the DC as the "premier" of Blade Runner.

And when you do this - you understand that Leon's Photos and Rachaels Dreams/Memories of a spider outside her window are all "software programming" for a bio-machine. Empathy cushions.

We do know Rachael is an experiment - we are told this - she has no 4 year life span.

We believe Decker is human . . except the inclusion of the Unicorn dream will tie in with Gaff leaving the Unicorn origami for Decker at the end of the movie. Gaff has seen Deckers file - he knows he is programmed with that dream. He is telling him he is a replicant . . so enjoy life for all you can because it may end sooner then you think.

The experiment with Rachel had everything to do with the memory implants. The thing about her not having a set expiration date was only mentioned in the voice-over at the end of the theatrical version; it was never in any actual scene with Tyrell. Also, there's no reason to believe that they would not employ the same four year lifespan safeguard for her as for the "production models" since that is where this implanted memory technology would ultimately be used.

The thing I'm starting to wonder is if the replicants knew what they were, and they did to at least some extent ("How can it not know what it is?"), how on Earth (or Mars, actually :D ) did they even manage to control them for the most part without memory implants?

Gaff actually says, "It's too bad she wont live. But then again, who does?" So why does he let her live? I figure it's because he knows she'll be dead sooner than later anyway, and she hadn't killed any humans (and likely wouldn't), so there was no reason for him to take what little life she had left. The unicorn was to let Deckard know that he had been there and let her live.

I suspect we agree more about what the film means than how we think we're getting to that meaning. I just see the whole "Deckard is a replicant" thing as an afterthought that doesn't really add anything to the film, at least not for me.

The experiment with Rachel had everything to do with the memory implants. The thing about her not having a set expiration date was only mentioned in the voice-over at the end of the theatrical version; it was never in any actual scene with Tyrell. Also, there's no reason to believe that they would not employ the same four year lifespan safeguard for her as for the "production models" since that is where this implanted memory technology would ultimately be used.

The thing I'm starting to wonder is if the replicants knew what they were, and they did to at least some extent ("How can it not know what it is?"), how on Earth (or Mars, actually :D ) did they even manage to control them for the most part without memory implants?

Gaff actually says, "It's too bad she wont live. But then again, who does?" So why does he let her live? I figure it's because he knows she'll be dead sooner than later anyway, and she hadn't killed any humans (and likely wouldn't), so there was no reason for him to take what little life she had left. The unicorn was to let Deckard know that he had been there and let her live.

I suspect we agree more about what the film means than how we think we're getting to that meaning. I just see the whole "Deckard is a replicant" thing as an afterthought that doesn't really add anything to the film, at least not for me.

I agree on this. Scott was asked numerous times after the 1982 showing; "Is Decker a replicant?" and he was always very evasive about this.

But your explaination does not include the Unicorn dream. It was put into the DC to tell us; "yes Decker is a replicant" because Gaff knew enough to leave a unicorn at his apartment. He could have left ANY symbol of his being there - but he left a Unicorn.

And you are correct about Gaffs last words about Rachael.

And that is the beauty of Blade Runner - 25 years later - we still discuss issues that are "unresolved."

I agree on this. Scott was asked numerous times after the 1982 showing; "Is Decker a replicant?" and he was always very evasive about this.

But your explaination does not include the Unicorn dream. It was put into the DC to tell us; "yes Decker is a replicant" because Gaff knew enough to leave a unicorn at his apartment. He could have left ANY symbol of his being there - but he left a Unicorn.

And you are correct about Gaffs last words about Rachael.

And that is the beauty of Blade Runner - 25 years later - we still discuss issues that are "unresolved."

Yeah, the unicorn dream.... I've got it! An homage to Kubrick (maybe a tip of the hat for the leftover helicopter footage that was no longer needed?). Like the final shot in A Clockwork Orange foreshadows Kubrick's next film, Barry Lyndon (or so it's been said), Scott foreshadows his next film, Legend.

OK, I got nuthin'. :p

I really do hope this gets a wide release. If nothing else, it'll help them sell more discs.

The Ziegfield has just shy of 1000 seats in the theater.

The Ziegfeld wasn't the premiere. It was a part of a film festival this weekend.

The Unicorn dream/memory doesnt have to belong to Deckard. There's nothing in that scene that directly or physically attaches the Unicorn-sequence to him. It could just as well be Rachel dreaming.

This perspective -- along with many sober others -- was brought up in the Empire-article a couple of months ago (20 pages of Blade runner interviews well worth reading).

Blade Runner (Five-Disc Ultimate Collector's Edition) (DVD - Dec 18, 2007) $54.99

Blade Runner (Five-Disc Ultimate Collector's Edition) [HD DVD] $69.95

Blade Runner (Five-Disc Ultimate Collector's Edition) [Blu-ray] $69.95

$27.95 for the disc sets DVD HD and BlueRay without the collector case.

Available Dec 2007, free Super Saver shipping at Am

Now...I'm not into HD yet, just about to buy a plasma and I know nothing about BlueRay or HD DVD.....I guess I need to search the forums to see which way to go.

But your explaination does not include the Unicorn dream. It was put into the DC to tell us; "yes Decker is a replicant" because Gaff knew enough to leave a unicorn at his apartment. He could have left ANY symbol of his being there - but he left a Unicorn.

What the unicorn dream adds is ambiguity about whether Deckard could be a replicant. In the original theatrical version, there is no ambiguity. We know from the voiceover that Deckard is 100% human. Removing the voiceover and adding the unicorn dream now makes that ambiguous. It does not prove definitively that Deckard is a replicant. All it does is put the question out there. "Could that mean he's a replicant?" It gives us another question to ponder; it does not give us an answer to that question.

From this Sunday's "A Cult Classic Restored, Again" (http://www.nytimes.com/2007/09/30/movies/30kapl.html?_r=1&ref=movies&oref=slogin) article by Fred Kaplan (in the 9/30/07 NY Times movie section). -- John

I was kinda so-so on the new set until I read that article in yesterday's NYT. Now I can't wait for the damn release date!:D

What the unicorn dream adds is ambiguity about whether Deckard could be a replicant. In the original theatrical version, there is no ambiguity. We know from the voiceover that Deckard is 100% human. Removing the voiceover and adding the unicorn dream now makes that ambiguous. It does not prove definitively that Deckard is a replicant. All it does is put the question out there. "Could that mean he's a replicant?" It gives us another question to ponder; it does not give us an answer to that question.

Exactly. That's what makes the movie for me, the subtle suggestions that Deckard could be a replicant are what make it such an interesting film. We don't know for sure, because Deckard doesn't know, but we have suspicions that he is. That's the whole point of the backstory of the book, about "do andriods dream of electic sheep" and that's where his dream sequence ties in in a cool way. It doesn't answer the question, but we're given the suggestions that he is a replicant, yet he has a sort of human dream, it blurs the line between between human/replicant. If he is a replicant, perhaps he, in falling in love with a replicant and the whole experience through the film, is just as human at the same time. That's also the end-speech by the big guy, he kind of has a humanizing moment as well before he dies. So maybe Deckard is, maybe he isn't, but what's the difference? And that's what's so fascinating.

Apologies if this has already been posted elsewhere.
See Blade Runner: The Final Cut on the Big Screen

Posted on Thursday, October 25th, 2007 at 5:58 pm by: Peter Sciretta

I live a one hour plane ride from Los Angeles and was actually considering making a trip to Hollywood to catch the new cut of Blade Runner on the big screen. Blade Runner: The Final Cut will hit DVD store shelves on December 18th, and Warner Bros is showing the film on two screens, one in Los Angeles, and the other in New York City.

Well I just found out through my good friend Mel Valentin that the film will actually be rolled out into more theaters beginning this week. So it looks like I’ll be able to see this sucker on the big screen in late November. Below is the release listing, which includes rollout dates, theater, location and format (digital when mentioned). Some lucky theaters are showing the new cut in digital projection. The lucky bastards in Los Angeles can see it in 4K Digital. If only we were all given that opportunity.

October 26th:

* Seattle Cinerama, Seattle - AMC
* Washington DC Uptown, D.C. - AMC
* Portland Cinema 21, Portland - Indep.
* Salt Lake City, Utah Gateway Megaplex, SLC - Indep. - DIGITAL

November 2nd:

* Chicago, IL Music Box, Chicago - Indep.
* Santa Barbara, CA Arlington, Santa Barbara - Metropolitan - DIGITAL
* Baltimore Landmark Harbor East, Baltimore - Indep. - DIGITAL

November 9th

* Boston, MA Coolidge Corner, Brookline - Indep.

November 16th

* Detroit, MI Main Art, Detroit - Landmar

November 18th:

* Austin, TX Paramount, Austin - Indep.

November 30th:

* San Francisco, CA Embarcadero, San Francisco - Landmark
* Dallas, TX The Inwood, Dallas - Landmark
* San Diego, CA Ken, San Diego - Landmark
* Minneapolis, MN Uptown, Minneapolis - Landmark

December 7th:

* Denver, CO The Landmark @ Greenwood Village Landmark DIGITAL
* Philadelphia - The Ritz 5, Philadelphia - Landmark

December 25th:

* Boston, MA The Brattle, Cambridge Indep.

January 2nd 2008:

* Austin, TX The Paramount, Austin Indep.

January 4th 2008:

* Nashville, TN The Belcourt, Nashville - Indep.

January 18th 2008:

* Durham, NC Carolina, Durham - Indep.

February 1st 2008:

* Columbus, OH Drexel Gateway, Columbus, OH - Indep.

February 15th 2008:

* San Francisco, CA Castro, San Francisco - Indep.

February 29th:

* Sacramento, CA Crest, Sacramento - Indep.

Play date and theatre information is subject to change.

Based on the novel Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep? by Philip K. Dick, Blade Runner is a classic 1982 neo-noir science fiction film directed by Ridley Scott.

The movie takes place in a dystopian Los Angeles in the year 2019, in which genetically manufactured beings called replicants, who are visually indistinguishable from adult humans, are used for dangerous and degrading work in Earth’s “off-world colonies”. Replicants become illegal on Earth, and specialist police units called “blade runners” were trained to hunt down and “retire” (ie kill) the escaped replicants on Earth. The film follows a semi-retired blade runner, Rick Deckard (Harrison Ford), who reluctantly agrees to take on one last assignment. The film did poorly at the US box office, but quickly became a cult classic. The American Film Institute lists Blade Runner as the 97th greatest film of all time and the users on the Internet Movie Database have voted the the film to number 102 in the top 250 films (8.3 rating with 117,000 votes).

To celebrate the 25th anniversary, Warner Bros is releasing a long-awaited remastered definitive Final Cut by Scott. A new digital print of the film was created from the original negatives, special effects were updated and cleaned, and the sound was re-mastered in 5.1 Dolby Digital. There are considerable changes and additions to the narrative. Scott oversaw the whole process, unlike the rushed 1992 “director’s cut”.
http://www.slashfilm.com/2007/10/25/see-blade-runner-the-final-cut-on-the-big-screen/

No idea if the list is entirely accurate or even complete. It's also likely subject to change. I only bothered checking the first theater in the list (Seattle Cinerama - Now Playing: Blade Runner: The Final Cut (http://www.cinerama.com/)). The rest I leave to you (unless I get really, really bored...).

I never saw this theatrically so this would be a real treat. Hundreds of miles though...even the film lover in me has limts.

Marc

I saw this projected digitally at the Ziegfeld Theater in New York City.

In a word: stunning. The quality of this restoration is incredible. Every shot is gorgeous and the effects look pristine and probably better than they did upon the film's initial release.

Warner Bros. has done an amazing job and I can't wait for my Blu-ray copy to arrive.

I mentioned in another Bladerunner thread that I saw this locally at Cinerama in 35mm. It was great!

http://bladerunnerthemovie.warnerbros.com/ now lists the movie as playing at the Empire Theater in New York, but the link still takes you to tickets for the Ziegfeld Theater (which now appear to be non-existent, probably because it's not playing there anymore). Here's a link for the AMC Empire 25 in New York (showtimes and ticket link in upper left-hand corner): http://www.moviewatcher.com/theatres/theatre_information.jsp?unit=552. It's projected digitally, but I have no idea if it's 2K or 4K or whatever (it says DLP if that's any help).

The http://bladerunnerthemovie.warnerbros.com/ site now has (finally :rolleyes: ) updated their release info, but you have to scroll through a really tiny window to view the list of cities. It's almost like the webmaster doesn't want you to see the film.... There's also no obvious way to turn off the audio. :mad:

Anyone lucky enough to have seen it both digitally and on film?

http://bladerunnerthemovie.warnerbros.com/ now lists the movie as playing at the Empire Theater in New York, but the link still takes you to tickets for the Ziegfeld Theater (which now appear to be non-existent, probably because it's not playing there anymore). Here's a link for the AMC Empire 25 in New York (showtimes and ticket link in upper left-hand corner): http://www.moviewatcher.com/theatres/theatre_information.jsp?unit=552. It's projected digitally, but I have no idea if it's 2K or 4K or whatever (it says DLP if that's any help).

The http://bladerunnerthemovie.warnerbros.com/ site now has (finally :rolleyes: ) updated their release info, but you have to scroll through a really tiny window to view the list of cities. It's almost like the webmaster doesn't want you to see the film.... There's also no obvious way to turn off the audio. :mad:

Anyone lucky enough to have seen it both digitally and on film?

The AMC 25 in NYC does not have a 4K projector yet so if BR is showing in Digital then it will be 2K.

WOW!!! It's playing in Sacramento in Feb....might take the boys to go see it.:cool:

WOW!!! It's playing in Sacramento in Feb....might take the boys to go see it.:cool:


You should - there is NO comparision with seeing BR at home versus on a giant screen. There is some much detail and scope in this movie that gets lost on a small screen.

As I have decided to do with all of these movies, despite the pre-movie hype, I will wait for consumer reviews as to transfer quality before purchasing it.

Been burned before.