Blade Runner: Ultimate Collector's Edition [HD DVD]

 

 

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This 5 disc edition of Ridley Scott's 1982 Blade Runner is the most detailed celebration of a single Sci-Fi Film Masterpiece on DVD so far!

The set is contained in a facsimile of Deckard's briefcase which originally contained his Replicant finding equipment, the Voight-Kampff Test in the film.

The set contains FIVE versions of this creepily prophetic and ultimately moving film of what it is to be Human, and humane:

1) The original Workprint version which was shown to test audiences before the film's 1982 general release. It contains over 70 scene differences to the other four versions as stated by Paul Sammon, author of "Future Noir"-The Making of Blade Runner", who gives an interesting and informative optional commentary throughout. One of the most interesting differences in this rough-cut version is the use of musical "temp" tracks - music used from other past film scores to back key scenes. Thus, in major scenes like the love scene and the climactic duel between Ford and Hauer, we hear music from "Planet of the Apes" by Jerry Goldsmith, as well as some music by "Titanic" composer, James Horner, NOT the final unique music by Vangelis! A fascinating insight into the filmmaking process.
In addition, there is an interesting documentary on this disc detailing the many versions of the film, as well as an amazing section with actor Joanna Cassidy, who returned in 2007 after 25 years to digitally re-shoot her death scene whereby replacing the head of the original stunt woman in the film with her own, thus finally correcting one of the famous flaws of this cult movie.

2) The original Theatrical U.S. version which contains the controversial "voice-over" narration by Harrison Ford's character, Rick Deckard, and the bizarre upbeat ending.

3) The 1982 International Cut, which is similar to the U.S. version but contains extended scenes of graphic violence. This is the version that was originally released on VHS tape in the 80's.

4) The 1992 so called "Director's Cut" which was put together without the direct input from Ridley Scott as a result of an accidental (?) showing of the workprint version at a film festival. This is the first version released without the voiceover and including the director's unicorn sequence.

5) Ridley Scott's "Final Cut" of the film which was completely supervised by him, and has crystal-clear digital picture restoration, and is by far the best sounding version of the film in 5.1 Dolby Surround which sounds incredible and showcases Vangelis's amazing music as no other version does! In addition to Ms. Cassidy's revised death scene, the infamous "flight of the dove" shot that ends Rutger Hauer's moving "tears in rain" death scene is finally digitally corrected in this Final Cut.
As Ridley Scott says, this version is really "cool"!
This version also has THREE separate commentaries: one by Ridley Scott, one by the writers and producers, and one by the special effects technicians. All contain fascinating insights and anecdotes by the participants.

ALL the versions contain a brief introduction by Ridley Scott. It is obvious that the director put a lot of time and detail into the making of this DVD set. All archival versions are made from the best available sources and look and sound remarkably good; even the rare Workprint is good - a bit contrasty, but clear and was made from the only existing print.

The documentaries are exhaustive and detailed, the main one being over three hours long. There is even an audio interview with "Electric Sheep" author Philip K. Dick, on whose story Blade Runner is based, made shortly before the author's death.

Why get this 5 disc DVD set? I got it just for the Workprint, which is the ONLY version of the sets that has it! In the briefcase, there are a number of collectibles, only found in this set, such as Gaff's origami unicorn, made of plastic (!) , a little model of the Spinner vehicle whose doors open, an interesting moving sequence of frames from the film encased in thick plastic like a little paperweight, and a colour portfolio of production artwork by the film's futurist designer, Syd Mead.

In addition to this 5 disc set, there is a 2 disc set that has the Final Cut and three hour documentary, and a four disc set that has the Final Cut, the two 1982 versions and 1992 version (minus the Workprint) and most of the documentaries, minus the one on the various versions with Joanna Cassidy (which is on the Workprint disc only).

If you are a fan of this film, you MUST have this set; nothing less will be satisfactory. It's also available in Blu-Ray and DVD-HD versions. If you are a student of film, get this set just for the Workprint!

What can I say. I have eight different copies of this movie, and could be considered a cult fan of Blade Runner. This copy is in Bluray, which gave me a new experience in that the movie almost jumps off the screen in this media. It is still the same Blade Runner that I know and love, but so much more vivid and viewable. I saw things that I had not seen in prior viewings, and am very impressed with Bluray. I don't know what they will follow this media with, but it will need to be impressive. The movie? What the hey, I ain't no film critic, but I love it. There are only a few movies that I watch more than once and this is one of them. Give it a go. You also may love it like I do.

Finally, we get treated to a real director's cut of this fabulous film.
I've just barely started to watch the final cut and some of the documentaries in the box, but so far I am very pleased.
It's great to have 5 versions of the movie so we can see how different the feel and interpretation of the story is with each one.

The packaging is just great... just what this big kid geek needed! It's (almost) worth the price in itself :-) :-) The Deckard briefcase is cool, and the little Spinner replica and unicorn origami figurine are great.

Overall, a great gift for anyone who loves Blade Runner.

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› See all 15 customer reviews on Amazon.ca

 

5.0 out of 5 stars Classic movie in a classic package
I am very pleased with this product, the price and the delivery. In fact - there isn`t more to say. Amazing.....

Published 6 months ago by Baard

4.0 out of 5 stars A top of the line collectors edition
One of my favorite 'special' cases for a movie. the VK test's briefcase shell to start, all 5 edition of the film, well labels, and geniusly arranged. Read more

Published 7 months ago by movingpicturescollector

4.0 out of 5 stars Liked the movie, "interesting" packaging
I've always liked the movie. Never saw it in theatres but I like the futuristic cop like film.

Interesting withb the 3. Read more

Published 9 months ago by Gis A. Bun

5.0 out of 5 stars BLADE RUNNER 5 DISC COMPLETE COLLECTOR;S EDITION
THE BLADE RUNNER MOVIE IN BLUE RAY
AND THE 5 DISC ARE GREAT
I HAVE BEEN A FAN OF THE MOVIE
WHEN IT CAME OUT IN 1982
THE DISC WILL WORK ON BLUE RAY PLAYERS... Read more

Published 14 months ago by peter b wilson

2.0 out of 5 stars @@@@ BUYER BEWARE @@@@@
BUYER BEWARE ! Please read the reviews on this product on this website and amazon.com before making final decision to purchase .... Read more

Published on Jan 22 2010 by Kevin Baverstock

4.0 out of 5 stars Great film
Pretty easy that I order from Amazon.com as some people havent. Amazon.com doesnt refuse to ship to canada. Read more

Published on Feb 8 2009 by Austin Wright

5.0 out of 5 stars With the advent of Blu-ray many classics will rise again
One of them must be "Blade Runner in its many varied and excellent versions. This film is what sci-fi is all about. Read more

Published on Oct 11 2008 by bernie

5.0 out of 5 stars Lord Voldemort
I would have to say, without a doubt, that this is a worth while purchase for anyone who has come to appreciate this fine example of cinematic glory. Read more

Published on April 13 2008 by A. Kydd

1.0 out of 5 stars US - Canadian price significant price differences.
I would like to know how a guy from BC orders from amazon.com, the site doesn't allow shipments to Canada so I have no choice but to shop elsewhere or Amazon.ca and pay more.

Published on Jan 5 2008 by A. Brook

5.0 out of 5 stars Amazon.ca check out the prices on Amazon.com - exactly
i will always shop at Amazon.com..bought the full series of The West Wing and saved 60$ even when using express shipping due to Christmas rush

better selection and far... Read more

Published on Jan 5 2008 by WDW

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