Blade Runner: The Final Cut (5-Disc Ultimate Collectors' Edition) [DVD] [1982]

It's only after I watched Blade Runner that I realised just how tech-noir and Sci-Fi indulged the 80's was. Along with the likes of The Terminator, this film was another milestone in film making were we were once again looking into the not-too-distant future, and a possible reality of our own appreciation of technology. The result of course leading to conflict; both morally and technically. Providing you read the prolgue at the start of the film, you shouldn't have any problems understanding what does on if you keep an open mind. The plot is fairly straight-forward and see's Harrison Ford ('Dekkard') as an ex-police man who is called up to become a Blade Runner again; a special cop who can defeat a new type of civilian that's been created. A hybrid between a human and A.I, these 'Replicants' can match humans by looks and by nature... almost... The creator of these Replicants, Tyrell, discovered a way to give them emotions in the later models - by giving them memories to which they base current issues on. To go deeper into the story of the film wouldn't be fair, because this isn't a fast paced film. The slow, orchestral and synth inspired music creates the perfect atmosphere for what has become, a corrupt society that rushes around, decadent of organisation or rules. What helps achieve this realism is that the future presented is not too distant - that being 2019. Though obviously we should take into consideration this was made in 1982, therefore its only not too distant now! Never the less, it does without the stereotypical images of hover-boards and bright clothes, and concentrates on the decline of society and any enjoyment in life. In classic film style, Blade Runner diverts into many different paths that represent not just one plot, but a whole range of idea's, emotions, and possibilities the future has to offer. The plot proves how we may now marvel at the wonders of A.I, yet in the future, it could become the opposite. On a ground level scale, Ridley perfectly captures how afraid and vulnerable the 'modern' society is shots of people almost pretending to be happy. As the film explains, buy this time, they already have colonies of people on other planets. The remaining people on earth are the 'lowers' of society. Blade Runner has over time become a cult film for many reasons. But few stand up to a couple of home truth's that make this film amazing for people, like myself, who love features that are directed with perfect composition. In the dark and grim streets of L.A, and it's inhabitants apartments, the colour rhythm is phenomenal; in that Ridley Scott and the co-producers created sets that ooze character, and reflect the scene in question. One scene in question I find totally perfect is when Dekkard is sleeping in his apartment while one of the Replicant's is staying with him. It ends in him teaching her how to kiss and make love, because she doesn't have the experience or past-memory of how to use her tongue. Along with the beautiful music and typically lustful red and browny, it really taps into your emotions. I think this film has to be watched alot more than once to be appreciated. The reason for this is because every time you watch it, you notice something different, or you get different ideas as to the meaning's of things. With an open mind, this is a film you can truly enjoy not for high-octaine action, fast images, or speed, but for its steady pace that in the end, leaves you with a smile on your face. Sometimes, it can leave you wondering why the hell its so good! The answer is that theirs too many reasons...

This movie was and still is way ahead of it's time in 1982. It foxed many of the cinema going public who did not understand what the movie was saying, and still has it's critics now. It was a hard shoot for Harrison Ford, an actor who was really in his infancy at the time and needed a lot of direction. His relationship with Scott was a fiery one and the caused a little ill feeling that still sees Ford unwilling to talk abut the whole experience and the movie itself. Scott really went to town on this movie, and every aspect of it was under his control and design, he even went as far as to have fake news papers made for Ford to read in the opening scene in the fish bar instead of using current papers that would have looked out of place. He worked well with Hauer on this movie, both men having a more European sense of humour and outlook on things, this relationship possibly contributed further to Fords feelings of alienation on set. Scott even let Hauer write his last speech that is the high light of the ending. The studio hated the movie, and did all they could to stand in an ruin what was made by Scott in an attempt to remove all the soul of the film and standardise it by cutting scenes. They even asked Ford to come back do a voice over explaining what was going on from scene to scene. Ford thought it was such a terrible idea that he did his best to ruin if by using the most drab and depressing tone of voice that he could manage, but still they used it and to be honest, even though it is the version that I grew up with, I never watch the theatrical version due to this awful voice over. Well, what is in the set you ask? We get a nice looking card flap that fits onto a ESPER brief case designed card sleeve, inside the sleeve is a fold out book style disc carrier with colour images from the movie. This folds out in the middle, then the right and left flaps fold out again to present from the left, a 45% angled flap containing a glossy colour booklet that gives you a break down on all the discs contents broken up with colour images of characters from the film. Along with this booklet is a black wallet that contains 7 glossy colour postcard sized pieces of thin card that, on one side, carry an image from the movie and the flip side carries that images concept art drawing and both images have a small description at the bottom. The next segment contains two disc's, the first is the "Final Cut" version of Blade Runner and the second is "Dangerous Days, The Making of Blade Runner". The next segment contains two disc's of which disc 1 is named "Archival Versions" and contains the US and international theatrical versions as well as the Directors cut. The next disc is titled "Enhancement Archive" that contains information on the movies roots concerning Phillip K Dick, and information on graphic design, wardrobe screen tests and deleted and alternate scenes and the final disc contains the "Workprint" of the movie that features alternative music, scenes and voice over. This has never been released in any form before and truly is worth watching for historical interest. The picture quality, sound and clarity of the DVD's are excellent and even better when watched on an up-scaling machine. An exceptional set that just about covers every aspect of the movie and can only be beaten by buying the Blu ray version of the same. I hope that this will remain the truly definitive version of Blade Runner but I guess that the next experiment will be 3D or the likes. Until then go get this if you like the extras, if not, go for the cheaper 2 disc option with just the movies.

If you don't mind losing Deckard's voice-over, then the Final Cut is the version you want. I prefer the voice-over, however, because it gives the movie a stylish 40's gumshoe detective feel, that contrasts nicely with the grim futuristic setting. If you have seen the original, then it removal is a distraction because you are constantly expecting it. Ridley Scott & Harrison Ford say they both felt uncomfortable with it for reasons unclear. I brought this because I mistakenly assumed that the removal of the voice-over was only in the Directors Cut. The ending is a little abrupt too, I thought. I expected to the scene where Deckard & Rachel fly off together. It does however, have a longer unicorn scene, prompting the viewer to speculate on its implications. Arguably, this is a compromise version that is slightly closer to Philip K. Dick's novel ... while opening the possibility of a Blade runner sequel. I have read a synopsis of the books and there are significant differences to the original Blade runner movie. For example, Rachel is not quite as sweet and defenceless as the one portrayed in the movie. In addition, Rachel & Pris are identical. Although in these regards, I preferred Scott's vision. Overall, buy this if you have not seen the original, or don't care too much about losing Deckard's voice-over. The other numerous improvements, which you can read in the wiki (Versions of Blade Runner) otherwise makes this the best version.

As per description.

Een van die films waar het beeld en de fotografie wezenlijk bijdraagt tot de sfeer en geheel van de film. Met zo'n mooie 4K transfer wordt die nog beter!

Seldom does a movie come around that is as popular or more popular than it was decades ago. Blade Runner was a Box Office flop when it originally debuted in 1982. Although the film quickly gained a cultish following of hardcore fans that enjoyed it as an epic Sci-fi classic. Now in 2007 the movie can once again be enjoyed by it's masses. A newly remastered collection of five discs has made it's way to hi-def world. So how does it look and play all these years later. Extremely well. I am probably one of the few to buy this movie who has actually only watched it once before. I was a child when this movie first came out and it was hard to understand how good of a movie this is until now as an adult. The story takes place in a futuristic world set in 2017. From the first moment on you can realize the epic scale this movie was put on. A corporation has created these cyber humans called replicants. Nearly identical to real people they were created to do slave labor. Although the replicants are very human like and that causes problems. Thus brings in Blade Runners. These bounty hunters go searching for rogue replicants. The replicants have been banned from Earth which means the Blade Runner must find any that find there way here. Harrison Ford plays one of the Blade Runner by the name of Rick Deckard. Fresh from his first Indiana Jones movie he shows why he is a action/sci-fi star. Four replicants free themselves from a planet and have come to Earth to search for their maker. From the first moment on this movie begins to raise philosophical questions. Right or wrong and should all replicants be retired(killed) for just being a replicant. Especially when these replicants become so human like. This becomes evident in the character played by Sean Young named Rachael. So human like and yet created by science. Most of the movie appears dark in many scenes, night seems to be when people live in this futuristic world. Despite the darkness much of the color is illuminated in a light blue color which is fascinating to the eyes. The music sets the tone thru the movie in which it can be rather pleasant to sometimes eery. The Blu-ray version of this film is quite a feat. The sheer beauty of it in high definition is the clear vision that Ridley Scott intended. From the first scene to the last you can tell this movie went thru more than a once over. The sound is excellent and really brings out the film. Blade Runner is without a doubt another classic. Although a sci-fi movie the story delves much deeper than that. This is a movie that should be seen by everyone. Any fan of sci-fi or just a good plot will love this movie. Age has only made it better. Without a doubt this is one collection that should be in any Blu-ray movie owners collection.

Zu Aller erst: Als "Blade-runiac" der jüngeren Generation (Baujahr Ž81) muss ich gestehen, dass dieser Film (in ALL seinen Versionen) ein absoluter Meilenstein des "not-just-fictional-Science-Fiction" ist. (für die, die vielleicht irgendwann mal was darüber gehört haben aber nichts damit anzufangen wissen) Zugegeben, wer auf poppig bunte Farben und spassige Klamaukunterhaltung steht wird sich schwer mit Ridley ScottŽs Film tun (auch hier, egal in welcher Version). Der Film ist, bis auf wenige Ausnahmen dunkel, düster und verregnet. Dem Zuschauer drängt sich sofort ein behaglich-klaustrophobisches Unwohlsein auf, ohne jedoch aufdringlich zu werden. Man wird einfach gefesselt. Nun aber will ich auf einem kleinen Umweg zur Box an sich kommen: Vor Jahren habe ich bereits einige Versionen von "Bladerunner" auf VHS gehabt und muss zugeben, dass ich ziemlich angep***t war, wieviel Platz die fetten Boxen weggenommen haben. Ein Paar Jahre später auf DVD ebenfalls nahezu das gleiche Spiel. JETZT, dank der qualitativ hochwertigen und schön mit Relief geprägten Tinbox sieht das Ganze schon wieder anders aus. Optischer Eindruck: 1a Nachdem ich die Box geöffnet hatte ertappte ich mich, wie mir ein "häääääääää? wasŽn DAS?" entfleuchte. Der erste Blick des neuen Besitzers nach dem Öffnen fällt auf ein Schaumstoffrechteck in dessen Mitte "irgendwas durchsichtiges, aber in Folie eingepacktes steckt. Also gleich mal Žrausgenommen und geschaut. Es ist das 35mm Hologramm. Allerdings nicht so ein "billiges" wie man es von Spec-Ed DVD-Covern kennt, es ist eine komplette Bewegungsabfolge von Harrison Ford. Super geili gemacht! Bei richtiger Kippweise entsteht wirklich der Eindruck als schaue man ein Stück Film auf einem transparenten Hintergrund. Also mal weiter ausgepackt 5 DVDŽs mit sämtlichen, jemals erschienenen Versionen des Films, PLUS der ultimative Final Cut des Films. Was es damit auf sich hat, bzw. mit welchem technischen Aufwand und Methoden dieser hergestellt worden ist, verrät uns Ridley Scott in einem "Brief", der auf "transparentem Papier" gedruckt ist. Will heissen natürlich auf stabiler, formbeständiger Klarsichtfolie. Wer das Teil in den Händen hält, fühlt sich sofort ein Stück näher in die Bladerunnerwelt versetzt. Dieser typische "irgendwie schon kitschig aber kultig-geil" Eindruck. Weiter in der Box gegraben und wir finden in einer Hülle: Sketches des Films, Konzeptzeichnungen "der ersten Stunde"....natürlich als Repro, aber einfach nur *pardon* endgenial. Über die verschiedenen Filmversionen möchte ich hier garnicht viel verlieren. Warum nicht? Weil dies zu einer Kontroverse führen würde. Jeder Film hat seinen ganz eigenen Fankreis und ICH kenne keinen, der alle Filme gleich gut findet. Einer ist IMMER der Fave und die anderen Versionen werden darauf hin als "eben nicht ganz so gut" eingestuft. Wir kennen alle die Gespräche in denen irgendwann der Punkt kommt "...ja, aber DIE Version von dem Film find ich 1000 Mal besser..." Sehenswert sind sie ALLE und zwar allemal! Also mein bisheriger, persönlicher Favorit ist die Version mit HFordŽs Stimme aus dem off, quasi das "the all seeing I" Mal schauen ob der Final Cut dieser Fassung den Rang streitig machen, oder gar abluchsen kann. Ich habe mir den Final Cut zusätzlich auch nochmal als Blu-Ray bestellt, um für mich selbst zu schauen ob es gelungen ist, soviele Jahre nach Release der Urfassung eine zeitgemäße Aufbereitung vorzunehmen. Auch wenn der BD-Player die normalen DVDŽs schon recht gut hochskaliert, so erwarte ich trotzdem noch eine sichtliche Steigerung von der reinen Blu-Ray Version. Mein Fazit für diese Box: Unbedingt zulegen - spart Platz - sieht super genial aus - beinhaltet alles was man braucht ob man nun neu oder alt eingesessen ist, was das Thema angeht. - spart unter Umständen auch noch Geld im Vergleich zum Kauf der Einzel DVDŽs - Preis-/Leistungsverhältnis meiner Ansicht nach optimal

Great movie