If for some reason you have not seen Ridley Scott's (painfully ahead of it's time) classic Blade Runner; you're dead to me. For everyone else, feel free to read on. If you are a real fan then you have probably read the book that the film was loosely based on, "Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep?" by the late Philip K. Dick. If you are a super fan then you should also read, Future Noir: The Making of Blade Runner. Noir, chronicles the trials and tribulations of the making of this film, which parallel the trials and tribulations of getting this damn special edition DVD released. So after about seven years of rumors of an all new DVD release that all came and went, I get the following piece of information.
BLADE RUNNER 25th ANNIVERSARY - Street Date: December 18, 2007
Hmm, this actually looks legit. I still have to wait over four months for the DVD that I have been waiting for, ever since I got a DVD player, but what's a few more months at this point. Now the only Blade Runner DVD that is on the market is the Director's cut, which is a vast improvement over the theatrical version. The Main problem with it is there are no extras, none, not even a trailer. All of that nonsense seems to have been corrected with this new edition. Did I also mention that each of the known cuts (including the ultra-rare workprint) of the film are included.
Behold... The Blade Runner: Ultimate Collectors Edition
What is in the collector's case anyway?
The Ultimate Collector´s Edition will be presented in a unique 5-disc 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, collector's photographs as well as a signed personal letter from Sir Ridley Scott.
Holy crap, Ridley put everything in there.
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
- Commentaries 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
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"
- Featurette The Electric Dreamer: Remembering Philip K. Dick
- Featurette Sacrificial Sheep: The Novel vs. The Film
- Philip K. Dick: 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 & Alternate Scenes
- 1982 Promotional Featurettes
- Trailers & TV Spots
- Featurette Promoting Dystopia: Rendering the Poster Art
- Marketing & 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
Did I mention that the soundtrack by Vangelis is awesme? Go out and pre-order this now!
