Blade Runner DVD

Jarvio

Anyone know any UK sites where I can find the DVD of Blade Runner, starring Harrison Ford? Preferably in good condition. I've been searching for it for quite some time, and I have found it on amazon.co.uk, but the prices are a joke.

BestBondSean

It's very unlikely to find any 'Blade Runner' DVD's for a good price, reason being all the releases are out of print, some versions have been withdrawn and because of the complicated legal situation there is no new release of this excellent film in sight.
Have a read about the situation if you like on this forum:
http://www.avforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=214624&highlight=blade+runner+legal
http://www.avforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=141756&highlight=blade+runner+legal
http://www.avforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=137010&highlight=blade+runner+legal
http://www.avforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=34685&highlight=blade+runner+legal

basically you'll only be able to get a legally obtained copy from a private person who is willing to sell and they'll probably price the DVD accordingly unless they don't know that it's very rare.
I've seen one or two (legit ones that is ) going for under £20 on ebay, don't know if that helps.
Also note that the picture and sound quality is one of the worst of any DVD available.

VampiressRN

I love that movie and cherish my dvd...but was sooooo wishing they would release the version with the Harrison Ford narration (it is sadly missing from the director's cut). :v

TonyDP

VampiressRN wrote:

I love that movie and cherish my dvd...but was sooooo wishing they would release the version with the Harrison Ford narration (it is sadly missing from the director's cut). :v

Bladerunner is one of my all time favorites as well.

Ford's narration is one of the great mysteries of Bladrunner. I'm not sure if you know the backstory behind it, but the narration was supposedly a last minute addition insisted on by the studio because they thought the movie was too difficult to follow. Neither Ridley Scott nor Harrison Ford were particularly fond of it and it is often rumored that the reason Ford's narration is so dry and unemotional is because he hoped that if he did a really bad job of it they wouldn't include it. When Ridley Scott had the chance to make the director's cut, it was one of the first things he removed.

There is hope that a definitive DVD may yet come out. I recently read an article stating that Ridley Scott and WB home video were close to sealing the deal and getting it out in 2007 (the 25th anniversary of the movie). I'll try to find the article and link it here.

Also, a great book on the making of the movie is Future Noir: The Making of Blade Runner by Paul M. Sammon. I'd strongly urge to you check it out as it has a ton of info on the making of the movie and all the different versions.

VampiressRN

Thanks for that fabulous info on the possible anniversary issue. Yes, I had read about the history of the narration. I remember when I saw the movie in the theater, I thought "wow, this narration is so lack-luster" but when years later I got the video, I was dissapointed after watching it, as I missed the narration. I hope the narrated version will be released...it's a must-have for me. ;%

TonyDP

And here is a link to a pretty decent site tracking the state of the elusive definitive edition of Bladerunner.


http://brmovie.com/BR_Special_Edition.htm

As the article states, the legal issues are ongoing but it looks like WB Home Video still hasn't given up on this one.

Thiere is one piece of Ford's narration that I really miss from the director's cut: Deckard's last piece as Roy Batty dies and his last line: "All I could do was sit there and watch him die." Very moving, that was.

VampiressRN

Excellent...and yeah that was another great line. I liked the way he described everyone, it really added to their characters. :x

superado

TonyDP wrote:

And here is a link to a pretty decent site tracking the state of the elusive definitive edition of Bladerunner.


http://brmovie.com/BR_Special_Edition.htm

As the article states, the legal issues are ongoing but it looks like WB Home Video still hasn't given up on this one.

Thiere is one piece of Ford's narration that I really miss from the director's cut: Deckard's last piece as Roy Batty dies and his last line: "All I could do was sit there and watch him die." Very moving, that was.

I bought a DVD of the original theatrical release (or the closest version to that, with narration, etc.) which the seller transfered from laser disc. I prefer that version more out of sentimental reasons, having watched the movie how many times at the theater in it's first release. The auction also came with a 1 hour BR documentary that was broadcast in the UK, which I would say was okay, except I wish it featured more of the special effects techniques used. Lastly, the auction also included the currently available director's cut DVD, which I already had.

TonyDP

superado wrote:

TonyDP wrote:

And here is a link to a pretty decent site tracking the state of the elusive definitive edition of Bladerunner.


http://brmovie.com/BR_Special_Edition.htm

As the article states, the legal issues are ongoing but it looks like WB Home Video still hasn't given up on this one.

Thiere is one piece of Ford's narration that I really miss from the director's cut: Deckard's last piece as Roy Batty dies and his last line: "All I could do was sit there and watch him die." Very moving, that was.

I bought a DVD of the original theatrical release (or the closest version to that, with narration, etc.) which the seller transfered from laser disc. I prefer that version more out of sentimental reasons, having watched the movie how many times at the theater in it's first release. The auction also came with a 1 hour BR documentary that was broadcast in the UK, which I would say was okay, except I wish it featured more of the special effects techniques used. Lastly, the auction also included the currently available director's cut DVD, which I already had.

I used to have the Criterion edition laserdisc (which might be what your print is based on). If so, then that was the international cut, which is actually a little different from the American theatrical release. It has a few very minor additional scenes (like showing two of Deckard's fingers being broken instead of one).

Dan Same

I'm actully considering getting the director's cut on DVD. It's an amazing film, one of my favorites in fact. I really love it but I'm yet to locate either of the versions at any of my local stores. I'll tell you if I have any success.

TonyDP

Dan Same wrote:

I'm actully considering getting the director's cut on DVD. It's an amazing film, one of my favorites in fact. I really love it but I'm yet to locate either of the versions at any of my local stores. I'll tell you if I have any success.

Don't know if you have access to Amazon.com in Australia, but the Director's Cut DVD is readily available thru Amazon here in the USA.

Dan Same

TonyDP wrote:

Don't know if you have access to Amazon.com in Australia, but the Director's Cut DVD is readily available thru Amazon here in the USA.

I think I do have access to Amazon. Doesn't really matter as it's only third on my list (behind FRWL and Chinatown.) Thanks though.

TonyDP

Looks like we just might get that definitive BladeRunner DVD after all...


http://www.comingsoon.net/news/movienews.php?id=14724

TonyDP

Here's an article with a little more info on the upcoming DVD:


http://www.thedigitalbits.com/#mytwocents

Apparently, there will be two releases. September will see a remastered version of the 1992 Director's Cut. Then, next year, to coincide with the 25th anniversary of the film, we'll see the release of BladeRunner: The Final Cut for a limited release in theaters and then on DVD. The DVD release will include multiple versions of the movie (original release, international release, 1992 director's cut, final cut) as well as a ton of extras. Looks like the long wait is finally coming to an end.

John Drake

Looks like the long wait is coming to an end. Finally, soon, it will be time to buy.

http://www.variety.com/article/VR1117969173.html?categoryid=2159&cs=1

TonyDP

John Drake wrote:

Looks like the long wait is coming to an end. Finally, soon, it will be time to buy.

http://www.variety.com/article/VR1117969173.html?categoryid=2159&cs=1

How would Leon have put it? "Wake up! Time to buy!"

Just looking at that picture makes me drool; I wonder if the spinner is plastic or die cast; the only thing missing is a Voight-Kampff machine. I'll almost certainly be getting the hi-def version of the edition pictured, but WB will be releasing several versions of the DVD. Here's a link to a rundown of what's in each one:


http://dvd.ign.com/articles/808/808314p1.html

highhopes

TonyDP wrote:

John Drake wrote:

Looks like the long wait is coming to an end. Finally, soon, it will be time to buy.

http://www.variety.com/article/VR1117969173.html?categoryid=2159&cs=1

How would Leon have put it? "Wake up! Time to buy!"

Just looking at that picture makes me drool; I wonder if the spinner is plastic or die cast; the only thing missing is a Voight-Kampff machine. I'll almost certainly be getting the hi-def version of the edition pictured, but WB will be releasing several versions of the DVD. Here's a link to a rundown of what's in each one:


http://dvd.ign.com/articles/808/808314p1.html

Well, they've gotten my money twice before and it looks like they'll get it again. How much is this package with the five versions? I'd be happy just with the Ridley Scott-approved final cut -- which is what I thought I had got the last time.

TonyDP

highhopes wrote:

Well, they've gotten my money twice before and it looks like they'll get it again. How much is this package with the five versions? I'd be happy just with the Ridley Scott-approved final cut -- which is what I thought I had got the last time.

Here are the prices according to Amazon.com for the standard definition DVD's; the hi-def versions will probably clock in at $10 more.

Deluxe Briefcase Edition ($54.99)

http://www.amazon.com/Blade-Runner-Five-Disc-Ultimate-Collectors/dp/B000K15VSA/ref=pd_bbs_2/103-0011724-7623051?ie=UTF8&s=dvd&qid=1185909485&sr=8-2

Four Disc Collector’s Edition ($24.99)

http://www.amazon.com/Blade-Runner-Four-Disc-Collectors-Harrison/dp/B000UBMSB8/ref=sr_1_19/103-0011724-7623051?ie=UTF8&s=dvd&qid=1185909849&sr=1-19

Two Disc Special Edition ($14.99)

http://www.amazon.com/Blade-Runner-Final-Two-Disc-Special/dp/B000UD0ESA/ref=sr_1_17/103-0011724-7623051?ie=UTF8&s=dvd&qid=1185909849&sr=1-17

From what I've read, the "final cut" basically is the prior director's cut; the main differences are that the print has been cleaned up, the FX have been fixed (no more visible wires and such) and Scott actually filmed some new chase scenes with Joanna Cassidy as you could clearly see that it was a stuntwoman with a wig crashing thru the glass in the prior versions.

highhopes

The briefcase edition is pricey, but I'm going to have to have the final "final cut," with the extended/added scenes. And only the briefcase version appears to have it.

My understanding is that the 1992 "director's cut" was in fact put together by the studio without Scott's participation.Which is what I have now. It sort of annoys me that it was presented as Scott's original version when it apparently wasn't, but rather the studio's best reconstruction of that vision. Really not the same thing. I'm willing to tolerate that kind of stuff on films like Touch of Evil because Orson Welles is dead. And everyone was upfront about what it was, too. Not so with Blade Runner, I think.

Now if we can just get them to change to title back to the original story instead of borrowing from William Burroughs, we'll be fine.

jamesbondagent007

Here's another article on that Final Cut of Blade Runner...

http://www.dvdactive.com/news/releases/blade-runner-the-final-cut.html

TonyDP

jamesbondagent007 wrote:

Here's another article on that Final Cut of Blade Runner...

http://www.dvdactive.com/news/releases/blade-runner-the-final-cut.html

Thanks for the link; that was a nice, concise breakdown of the differences. I'll probably be getting one of the two hi-def versions of the Deckard Briefcase edition. It'll be a little pricey ($70) but that one has everything and I've never seen the oft-discussed "workprint" version. I'm also looking forward to Paul Sammon's commentary as I thought he did a fantastic job with his Future Noir: The Making of Blade Runner book.

John Drake

TonyDP wrote:

Deckard Briefcase edition. It'll be a little pricey ($70) but that one has everything and I've never seen the oft-discussed "workprint" version. I'm also looking forward to Paul Sammon's commentary as I thought he did a fantastic job with his Future Noir: The Making of Blade Runner book.

It's going to be the full 5-disc version for me as well. This looks like being the greatest DVD release ever. The amount of content is more than I could have hoped for. I liked Paul Sammon's 'Future Noir' too. All we need now is for Ridley Scott to announce he intends to direct a version of Philip K Dick's Flow My Tears, The Policeman Said. That would be perfect.

TonyDP

John Drake wrote:

TonyDP wrote:

Deckard Briefcase edition. It'll be a little pricey ($70) but that one has everything and I've never seen the oft-discussed "workprint" version. I'm also looking forward to Paul Sammon's commentary as I thought he did a fantastic job with his Future Noir: The Making of Blade Runner book.

It's going to be the full 5-disc version for me as well. This looks like being the greatest DVD release ever. The amount of content is more than I could have hoped for. I liked Paul Sammon's 'Future Noir' too. All we need now is for Ridley Scott to announce he intends to direct a version of Philip K Dick's Flow My Tears, The Policeman Said. That would be perfect.

Personally, I wouldn't mind seeing an adaptation of the novel Blade Runner: The Edge of Human. It was a sequel to the director's cut version of the movie and even though it was hit or miss with how it handled the characters, it had some interesting twists and plot points in it.

highhopes

I was mistaken in my last post. The new cut with added/expanded scenes is included in the other DVD editions as well. Still, I'll probably go with the briefcase. That early cut sounds interesting and I'd like to see it. Only the briefcase has that one, near as I can tell.

John Drake

TonyDP wrote:

Personally, I wouldn't mind seeing an adaptation of the novel Blade Runner: The Edge of Human. It was a sequel to the director's cut version of the movie and even though it was hit or miss with how it handled the characters, it had some interesting twists and plot points in it.

Sounds interesting. I've never read this. How does it follow on from the film?

TonyDP

John Drake wrote:

TonyDP wrote:

Personally, I wouldn't mind seeing an adaptation of the novel Blade Runner: The Edge of Human. It was a sequel to the director's cut version of the movie and even though it was hit or miss with how it handled the characters, it had some interesting twists and plot points in it.

Sounds interesting. I've never read this. How does it follow on from the film?

It's been a while since I read it, but it basically revolves around the inconsistency in the movie about whether there were 5 or 6 replicants on Earth. If you recall, Bryant first says 6 replicants made it from off-world, but the movie only accounted for five. If there is a sixth replicant, and it cannot be located, then Tyrell's empire - which was willed to his neice after his death - will literally be blown up.

Deckard is again at the center of the action, charged with locating the sixth replicant or proving that it doesn't exist. Other factions are also trying to get the sixth replicant for their own agendas.

Over the course of the book we see a lot of Holden (the Blade Runner who was shot by Leon at the start of the movie) the original, human Roy Batty (who was the template for the Batty Nexus 6 model), and Dr. Tyrell's neice (who it turns out was the template for Rachel). J.F. Sebastian and Pris also make unlikely appearances.

Some of the scenarios seemed a little forced and unlikely but it was a well paced book and a good read. The ending was also a bit of a surprise. And yes, it does address the question of whether Deckard was a replicant or not.

There was a second sequel written (Replicant Night, I think) but I never read that one.

Here are some links to Amazon.com pages on the two books:

Edge of Human:

http://www.amazon.com/Edge-Human-Blade-Runner-Book/dp/0553762672/ref=sr_1_1/103-6121967-9619852?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1186070869&sr=8-1


Replicant Night:

http://www.amazon.com/Replicant-Night-Blade-Runner-Book/dp/0553099833/ref=pd_sim_b_1_img/103-6121967-9619852?ie=UTF8&qid=1186070869&sr=8-1

John Drake

Thanks Tony. I may purchase a copy of 'Edge of Human' to fill the gap until the DVD release. Did anybody ever play the 90's PC game? It remains one of my favourites to this day. It inhabits the same world as the movie, but you play a different Blade Runner on the trail of a different group of Replicants.

http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=acBnLMRIAD0

TonyDP

John Drake wrote:

Thanks Tony. I may purchase a copy of 'Edge of Human' to fill the gap until the DVD release. Did anybody ever play the 90's PC game? It remains one of my favourites to this day. It inhabits the same world as the movie, but you play a different Blade Runner on the trail of a different group of Replicants.

http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=acBnLMRIAD0

I never got the game but remember reading quite a bit about it. My PC at the time didn't have the horsepower to support it and sadly it was never released for any dedicated gaming consoles.

TonyDP

I came across this new interview from Wired with Ridley Scott in which he talks extensively about the making BladeRunner and the upcoming DVD re-release. Lots of good info, have a read:


http://www.wired.com/entertainment/hollywood/magazine/15-10/ff_bladerunner

John Drake

{[] Tony. That was fascinating. It looks like the Final Cut is going to assert that Deckard is definitely a Replicant. And it's getting a theatrical release too.

Sweepy the Cat

I think it's stupid having so many cuts of blade runner, just get the original! X-(