New Blade Runner DVD

[grady]

It's finally happening and it sounds like Warner Bros. is doing things right for this film classic unlike the sacred original trilogy getting stomped on like a soiled door mat by Lucasfilm. There is no mention of the Work Print at this point and I hope and imagine that this issue will be addressed as we get closer to the release date.

A bit amusing that this was being discussed in the Star Wars DVD thread (http://www.dirty.org/forums/showthread.php?t=3370) a couple weeks back and then this new announcement is made. News has been spreading, but I've been unable to get the full press release to put here as you need a log-in at Variety or The Hollywood Reporter.

Here's the info plus some background from The Digital Bits (http://thedigitalbits.com):

First a bit of background on the reason for the title's delay. Warner had been planning a 2-disc special edition of the film early last year... but suddenly realized that their rights to the title were about to lapse. However, the studio ponied up the big bucks to get back what is arguably one of their primo Cadillac catalog titles (dare you to say that three times fast). The ownership situation now resolved, Warner has set in motion plans to really do something special with the film. You might recall back in January when I asked them about the film at their 2006 catalog press event, they hinted that things were looking good for a 2007 release. Privately, we were told that there were BIG things in the works, but were also told that if we leaked too much about the project, we might end up like Fredo Corleone (or WORSE, that the project itself could be complicated). Needless to say, though we've been dying to talk about this for months now (and we get about two e-mails a day asking about the title), we've kept largely silent on the subject. Now that the project is finally out in the open, however, we can finally say a few things. Keep in mind that the major portion of the release is still over a year away. But here's the basic plan...

This coming September, there will be a new limited DVD release (HD-DVD & Blu-ray Disc are also planned) of the restored 1992 Director's Cut (you know... the one that isn't really a director's cut). This will be available for just four months. We believe this is basically the 2-disc release that Warner had originally planned to bow LAST year.

Then next year, just in time for the film's 25th anniversary, Ridley Scott's ultimate Blade Runner: The Final Cut will hit theaters for a limited run. This will be a REAL director's cut, with restored scenes and more - all the stuff that Ridley's always wanted to do with the film but hasn't really been given the chance to do before. That will be followed later in the year by an Ultimate Blade Runner DVD release. You can expect a multi-disc box set (again, likely with a simultaneous HD-DVD and Blu-ray Disc release) that will contain at least four different versions of the film... ALL in full anamorphic widescreen, we might add. You'll get the film's original U.S. theatrical cut, you'll get the expanded international theatrical cut, you'll get the 1992 Director's CutFinal Cut as well. Now... we realize at this point, you may have questions. Keep in mind, there's a TON of additional material that's going to be included in this set that hasn't been announced and can't be talked about yet - all-new material that you've never seen before. The set is pretty early in the planning and production stage, so it's way too early to talk details, but trust us... some very cool stuff is in the works. These extras will likely be different from the September '06 release, so if you buy both you'll at least be getting your money's worth.

Imagine that... anamorphic widescreen AND real value in a DVD release! Hey... are we being punked?

You veteran Bits readers will also be thrilled to learn that longtime Ridley Scott DVD producer Charles de Lauzirika and his team are involved in project, and have already been working on the set for a while now. Lauzirika, as you may know, was the producer responsible for Fox's 9-disc, massively comprehensive Alien Quadrilogy box set, as well as the multi-disc special editions of Scott's Gladiator (from DreamWorks), Black Hawk Down (from Sony) and Kingdom of Heaven (recently available from Fox), among others. You should also know that Lauzirika and his team are big fans of Blade Runner themselves. Rest assured that they know what you guys all want to see on this release, and they're working very hard to make it as good as it can be. Trust us when we say that this project is in EXACTLY the right hands.

[mmm skyscraper]

Sounds cool. Now if someone would reissue The Killer. The Criterion disc is way too expensive.

[adam]

The Killer is out of print? I've got a non-Criterion version. I had no idea. If you really want it, I'm sure we can work something out. I think I've watched it enough times to part with it.

[grady]

There are also ways of getting Out of Print Criterions. I know there has been a few groups releasing torrents specifically of Out of Print DVDs including Criterions. Or you could get someone to rent it and copy it for you too.

[stimpee]

thanks for the comprehensive post grady. thats great news and i think i'll have to see it to believe it, after all the shit thats gone down.

[jOHN rODRIGUEZ]

"will hit theaters for a limited run" made me gasp like Dorothy in Oz.

Damn, I'm gayer than a muther fuck.

[big screen satellite]

"will hit theaters for a limited run" made me gasp like Dorothy in Oz.

Damn, I'm gayer than a muther fuck.

haha quote of the day!


i read about this in DVD review, so i'm happy, especially after moaning myself about the complete lack of product out there...

now what do i do?

do i buy when the first edition hits, and then get the second 'complete' edition or just wait until the second edition...

ahha well i'll wait and see...

[adam]

I'm just waiting for the second. That's a shitty cash grab.

[grady]

I'll end up most likely buying both versions of the DVD as I'm kind of nutty about Blade Runner.

On a side note, I came across the following link at bladezone.com (http://www.dirty.org/forums/bladezone.com). It seems that Ol' Harrison has finally made his peace with the film and to a certain degree, Ridley.

link (http://media.bladezone.com/contents/ford-BR.mov).

[grady]

Now comes a trailer that aired this past evening during the AFI/100 films special.

You Tube (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P6QBjOah82g)

xivd (http://www.tyrell-corporation.pp.se/files/movies/Blade%20Runner-The%20Final%20Cut_LA2019_Xvid.avi)

sendspace (http://www.sendspace.com/file/bdr6ez)

speedyshare (http://www.speedyshare.com/743330795.html)

megaupload (http://www.megaupload.com/?d=G8NFV1JC)

here is some more info on the final package that will be forth coming. Not officially confirmed, nor denied.
The Package: Blade Runner Brief Case packaging with handle
Digi-Package with Foil Enhanced and Embossed Slipcase (5 Discs)
Lenticular motion image from the original feature
Collectible Model Spinner
Collectible Origami Unicorn
Collection of photographs from film
Letter from Ridley Scott
Disc 1: The Final Cut (2007) Ridley Scott's definitive new version of his science-fiction masterpiece includes added & extended scenes, added lines and new and cleaner special effects.
Disc 2: 3 Complete Film Versions 82 U.S. Theatrical version
82 International Theatrical Version
92 Director’s Cut
Disc 3: Disc 3 - “Dangerous Days: Making Blade Runner” Documentary Newly created documentary: Through interviews with the cast and crew, critics and colleagues, this feature-length documentary provides a mainstream-friendly yet meaningful in-depth look at Blade Runner’s literary genesis, its challenging production and controversial legacy. When all is said and done, this will be the definitive documentary on the film.
Disc 4: Enhanced Content Bonus: (TBC) INCEPTION - Featurettes and galleries devoted to Philip K. Dick, the birth of Cyberpunk and adapting the novel Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep.
PRE-PRODUCTION - Featurettes and galleries devoted to script development, conceptual design and abandoned sequences.
PRODUCTION - Featurettes and galleries devoted to principal photography and locations.
POST-PRODUCTION - Featurettes and galleries devoted to deleted scenes, music and visual effects.
RELEASE - Featurettes and galleries devoted to marketing and reaction including Trailers, TV Spots and Promotional Featurettes
LEGACY - Featurettes and galleries devoted to the film’s resurrection and impact.
Disc 5: Work Print Version & Enhanced Content Including the rarely seen Work Print version and potentially the 52 min. Channel Four (UK) documentary which was the first serious documentary created for the film.stimpedit: YouTube link was dead because Warner removed it. Of course, someone uploaded it again so I changed the link

[GreenPea]

Best Sci-Fi movie ever. I'll be all over this like the nerd I am.

[Leon]

Best Sci-Fi movie ever.

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[viddy]

That trailer makes the movie look like something I'd actually want to see.

Was never really a fan of Blade Runner. I guess I need to watch it a few more times, now perhaps it'll be the director's cut.

[joethelion]

so.... how much longer do I have to wait for the "Definitive Version" of the film?

I'm freakin turning blue (b/c I've been holding my breath so long)

[grady]

They keep mentioning fall with a potential limited theatrical release. Seems to be pretty firm as it's getting mentioned in upcoming WB DVD releases now too. I'd expect something to be announced at the Comicon in San Diego this year.

A quote from Ridley stated that they were opting to try and get it into Venice film festival per this quote from Ridley in Total Film:

RS : It's finished. a five disc set in a Deckard briefcase comes out in the autumn. We've got a reconformed, state of the art digital print, which we haven't really had for about 15 years. It'll probably be shown at the Venice Film Festival.

link (http://www.tyrell-corporation.pp.se/)

[big screen satellite]

RS : It's finished. a five disc set in a Deckard briefcase comes out in the autumn. We've got a reconformed, state of the art digital print, which we haven't really had for about 15 years. It'll probably be shown at the Venice Film Festival.

link (http://www.tyrell-corporation.pp.se/)

ffs i hate the way films have to be released to set dates, if its finished press it up and ship it out to the stores you mofo's its not hard people will buy it, you don't need to market it, and if you do, do it after we have it....

:mad:

its like woolworths near me had the lord of the rings box sets on their shelves for a week behind their counter but couldn't sell them to anyone... i know why they do it but its bollox

[kid cue]

i hope it's good.

will there not be a way to get the Final Cut without buying the whole deluxe suitcase holiday gift package?

[stimpee]

ffs i hate the way films have to be released to set dates, if its finished press it up and ship it out to the stores you mofo's its not hard people will buy it, you don't need to market it, and if you do, do it after we have it....

:mad:

its like woolworths near me had the lord of the rings box sets on their shelves for a week behind their counter but couldn't sell them to anyone... i know why they do it but its bolloxits called marketing. If you release something in the height of summer then everyone's on holiday and no-one notices. If you re-release it at a film festival after the summer then you get a lot more publicity and... sales.

Besides, the movie is a dark and wet and moody thing and it needs crap weather. Its not a summer blockbuster...

[big screen satellite]

its called marketing. If you release something in the height of summer then everyone's on holiday and no-one notices. If you re-release it at a film festival after the summer then you get a lot more publicity and... sales.

Besides, the movie is a dark and wet and moody thing and it needs crap weather. Its not a summer blockbuster...

shit i know, i work in marketing, but it still sucks... i just want this NOW!

i avoided buying the last dvd release of Bladerunner waiting for this...

i'm just impatient...

[bryantm3]

i heard that they were refilming the scenes where Zhora runs through the glass and is shot a few years ago for the final cut. so, it might be a really different version. but i have both the international cut and the director's cut on VHS tape. one time i got to see a deleted scene where deckard is visiting the interviewer that Leon shot in the hospital. it was online somewhere, i could find it again.

[koisk]

i heard that they were refilming the scenes where Zhora runs through the glass and is shot a few years ago for the final cut. so, it might be a really different version. but i have both the international cut and the director's cut on VHS tape. one time i got to see a deleted scene where deckard is visiting the interviewer that Leon shot in the hospital. it was online somewhere, i could find it again.

The Zhora glass scene is one of my favorite in the entire film, I hope they don't mess with it too much.

[bryantm3]

you know, i like deckard's narration throughout the movie, but there are a couple of spots where it just isn't right, like when he's shooting Zhora... or is the narration after, when he's looking at her? i can't remember, i haven't seen it since my VCR pooted out. anyway, another spot is right after Roy Batty dies, it just kind of ruins the moment.

[koisk]

you know, i like deckard's narration throughout the movie, but there are a couple of spots where it just isn't right, like when he's shooting Zhora... or is the narration after, when he's looking at her? i can't remember, i haven't seen it since my VCR pooted out. anyway, another spot is right after Roy Batty dies, it just kind of ruins the moment.

I've seen the narration-less "director's cut" more often then the VHS, so I couldn't tell you honestly.

[grady]

The Zhora glass scene is one of my favorite in the entire film, I hope they don't mess with it too much.

There was some discussion of this over on alt.fan.blade-runner and someone posted the following link with screengrabs from the director's cut and the new trailer. While there is some difference I'm waiting for more official word regarding the recent reshoots as someone could've easily done some photoshop work.

link (http://www.eyecatching.pwp.blueyonder.co.uk/br.html)

[bryantm3]

looks photoshopped to me; i mean everything in the pictures (besides the tint/brightness of course) is in the exact same place: the reflections, the signs, the man standing there, Zhora, everything. the only difference is that her face looks older- but someone could've put that in. it's just so similar to the original i don't know how they could've reshot it without some type of scientist or something placing everything the same, now that i look at it. if it was refilmed it probably wasn't done in that frame... either that or ridley scott can reproduce anything.

[GforGroove]

the deckard briefcase sounds amazing :)
im not very into buying dvds anymore but i will definetely get this one
and the "limited tun on theaters" made me lean forward to the screen
and re-read to be sure

yay!

[big screen satellite]

there appears to be some imagery of the briefcase set here:

http://www.collider.com/dvd/news/article.asp/aid/4378/tcid/3

and on checking the original website that posted it, ezydvd, it has been pulled, so it may well be the actual set, which they don't want to reveal, and this site says they expect the images to be taken down too - so get there quick for a peak

[grady]

more blade runner news afoot leading up to the announcement later this month at the comicon.

AICN ran a piece on Wednesday that was pulled presenting a YouTube clip purporting to be the new titles for the Final Cut version of the film. That clip has subsequently reappeared at the following link (http://bigscreenlittlescreen.net/2007/07/12/revisualize-blade-runner-and-im-not-there/).

General consensus, it's fake.

I hope so. The titles for the film were also so simplistic in their presentation and I always liked that. The definition of Replicant was something that was in the Work Print but then dropped.

[stimpee]

there appears to be some imagery of the briefcase set here:

http://www.collider.com/dvd/news/article.asp/aid/4378/tcid/3

and on checking the original website that posted it, ezydvd, it has been pulled, so it may well be the actual set, which they don't want to reveal, and this site says they expect the images to be taken down too - so get there quick for a peakthat site is down: check this one http://binarybonsai.com/archives/2007/05/17/details-on-blade-runner-the-ultimate-collection/

[grady]

official word. I'm excited now. Sign me up for the 5-disc set.

link (http://www.thedigitalbits.com/articles/br2007/announce.html)

[adam]

I don't if the briefcase is really worth it. 5 disc set should be good enough...we'll see what the pricing is like!

[grady]

I don't if the briefcase is really worth it. 5 disc set should be good enough...we'll see what the pricing is like!

It seems like the 5 disc set is the only way to ensure getting the Work Print which is something I can't wait to revisit having seen it once in the cinema proper and then again via a shite camcorder copy.

[adam]

So the workprint is worth it? Cause I can't see myself wanting the original cut or the european cut....director's and final seem good enough.

[GreenPea]

What the hell is a workprint?

[grady]

So the workprint is worth it? Cause I can't see myself wanting the original cut or the european cut....director's and final seem good enough.
The Work Print is very worth it in my opinion. It represents a rough draft of the film and ultimately what lead to the release of the director's cut in 1991. It was the version used to test screen the film early in 1982. There are a great deal of slight changes and alterations throughout the work print. This was a version of the film that didn't have the complete Vangelis score, nor did have the voice over, which would later be added after the film's poor screening numbers.

For some more info on the work print check ou the following site.

link (http://media.bladezone.com/contents/film/workprint/)

[grady]

"It was a bitch." (http://movies.yahoo.com/movie/1800037822/video/#3485021)

The trailer for the Documentary on the film, Dangerous Days, is now up at the following link. It's nice to see that Harrison joined in on the fun. There are also some great little bits of information and scenes cut from the film shown in the following preview.

Additionally, there are four clips from the Final Cut up at the Yahoo site, including a reworking of the unicorn sequence, complete with horse/unicorn sound effects.

[third.toughest]

Here's a rundown of everything in all the releases. I haven't seen anyone post it yet. http://www.thedigitalbits.com/articles/br2007/announce.html

[grady]

Here's a rundown of everything in all the releases. I haven't seen anyone post it yet. http://www.thedigitalbits.com/articles/br2007/announce.html

page four, post 30 (http://www.darktrain.org/dirty/forums/showpost.php?p=74129&postcount=30)

[koisk]

Dammit, I'm gonna have to get the 5 disc uber version!

[grady]

The official site from Warner Bros. is now online with the Dangerous Days documentary trailer up.

link (http://bladerunnerthemovie.warnerbros.com/)

Here are some photos from the Blade Runner panel at the comicon.

link (http://www.flickr.com/photos/10700052@N07/sets/72157601092592546/)

[koisk]

The official site from Warner Bros. is now online with the Dangerous Days documentary trailer up.

link (http://bladerunnerthemovie.warnerbros.com/)

Here are some photos from the Blade Runner panel at the comicon.

link (http://www.flickr.com/photos/10700052@N07/sets/72157601092592546/)

Ugh... These people have used Flash for evil.

[grady]

Alright NY/LA dirts, the final cut is playing in your respective cities starting today. I'd imagine it will be busy.

New York (http://www.movietickets.com/pre_purchase.asp?afid=citys&house_id=125&movie_id=60394&showdate=0&nomatch=1&camefrom=citysearch&newyork&cs_brand=seo_google)

Los Angeles (http://www.movietickets.com/pre_purchase.asp?movie_id=60394&house_id=10485&showdate=2)

[klingklang]

Alright NY/LA dirts, the final cut is playing in your respective cities starting today. I'd imagine it will be busy.

New York (http://www.movietickets.com/pre_purchase.asp?afid=citys&house_id=125&movie_id=60394&showdate=0&nomatch=1&camefrom=citysearch&newyork&cs_brand=seo_google)

Los Angeles (http://www.movietickets.com/pre_purchase.asp?movie_id=60394&house_id=10485&showdate=2)
Thanks for the heads-up!

For Los Angeles, I thought it would have played the Arclight instead of the Landmark.

[grady]

Thanks for the heads-up!

For Los Angeles, I thought it would have played the Arclight instead of the Landmark. No problem, gotta spread the word. The ad in the NY Times today was rather small and there was no review of any sort by any of the main critics, despite the write up in last Sunday's Times.

link (http://www.nytimes.com/2007/09/30/movies/30kapl.html)

I hope it will go a bit wider and reach other parts of the country in the coming weeks.

[GforGroove]

yup. next tuesday!
i try to go to the premiere at the NY film festival but was super sold out.

[jOHN rODRIGUEZ]

I hate you so much right now.

Cheers, keep us posted!

[GforGroove]

BLOODY RUNNER that was absolutely awsoooome!!

really it's so bad most of us only know bladerunner from a vhs dvd player..
this in the movies is like nothing else!!!!!!!! and the new cut is fantastic..
After seeing it millionth times is awsome to catch on so many other things now that is BIG screen. Gorgeous!

im having an OD of good movies. help.

[GreenPea]

BLOODY RUNNER that was absolutely awsoooome!!

really it's so bad most of us only know bladerunner from a vhs dvd player..
this in the movies is like nothing else!!!!!!!! and the new cut is fantastic..
After seeing it millionth times is awsome to catch on so many other things now that is BIG screen. Gorgeous!

im having an OD of good movies. help.

I hate you...

[King of Snake]

I really REALLY hope this is coming over to at least some screens in the Netherlands....

[jOHN rODRIGUEZ]

This is gonna be the best Christmas EVER.

[negative1]

i've seen the last 'directors' cut in the theater.
and since this won't get a wide showing anyways,
i went ahead and pre-ordered the 5 disc set..i don't
think we're missing that much...unless you haven't
seen it in the theater before..

should be interesting seeing all the different versions,
especially the workprint..


later
-1

[grady]

BLOODY RUNNER that was absolutely awsoooome!!

really it's so bad most of us only know bladerunner from a vhs dvd player..
this in the movies is like nothing else!!!!!!!! and the new cut is fantastic..
After seeing it millionth times is awsome to catch on so many other things now that is BIG screen. Gorgeous!

im having an OD of good movies. help.
I'm so filled with envy towards you and the films you're seeing!

[BeautifulBurnout]

It's opening in selected cinemas in the UK on 23rd November. Woohoo! I am lucky to be old enough to have seen this at the cinema when it was first released and I agree that seeing it on video/dvd bears no resemblance to what it should be. So if anyone gets the opportunity to see this, go! Now!!

This has also solved my annual "what the hell do I get Rick for Christmas?" question. :D

[klingklang]

should be interesting seeing all the different versions,
especially the workprint..
That's what I'm really looking forward to. I haven't seen that version in over a decade so my memory is fading about all the differences it had (I mostly just remember the generic score and Batty saying the original line of "I want more life...father").

[negative1]

finally, its out..
picked it up yesterday,
excellent packaging (got the 5 disc limited edition)
but haven't watched it yet..

later
-1

[grady]

I was very excited Tuesday and was going to go purchase the 5 disc set until my roommate instructed me not to as he got it for me as a Christmas gift and I have to wait another 7 days until I can open it.

I can't wait to dig into it.

[kid cue]

so do people like the Final Cut better than the last Director's Cut? i'm still really unclear what the consensus was (if any).

[grady]

The Final Cut feels and looks like the Director's Cut, just incredibly clean and tight. All the adjustments and tweaks are very subtle and minor and do not draw attention to themselves like a lot of the adjustments in say the Star Wars films.

It also sounded really great.

I didn't get to see it projected digitally, but I did see it a total of five times over about six weeks. It was playing at a theater where I know most of the staff and didn't have to pay.

[mmm skyscraper]

what about the workprint?

[grady]

The workprint is the first thing I think I will watch on Christmas day when I get the box set.

I can't wait to see it again. Also on the fifth disc is a feature on the various versions of the film that have been around all these years.

[stimpee]

Just found out that the Final Cut is showing at the IMAX in Bradford:
http://www.nationalmediamuseum.org.uk/general/home.asp?eventtypeid=2&WhatsOn=3

I'm going this weekend!

[the mongoose]

Never seen this movie, everyone says I should though. Which version should I watch? Isn't there like five different versions or some shit?!:confused:

[jOHN rODRIGUEZ]

Didn't seem to bother you with Born Slippy.

[negative1]

ok, finally watched 'the final cut', and yes this is the definitive version for me.. everythings nice and sharp and very clear.. the little fixes are not that intrusive, and the film 'flows very well'.....a good job for ridley.. haven't watched the workprint yet.. but i guess if you wanted to watch just one version, watch the final cut....and if you feel confused, watch the one with the voiceovers, it might help.. later -1

[klingklang]

I finally delved into the second disc, "Dangerous Days." This has got to be one of the most fascinating things, ever. I know it's basically that brilliant "Film Noir" book in a visual form, but it's amazing to see all that unused footage and to see those involved in the film talk about it.

[grady]

I never thought I would see myself reaching this point but after spending about six and a half hours watching Dangerous Days, a whole lot of the special featurettes, the Work Print, and some of Sammon's commentary, earlier this week I was a bit burned out of Blade Runner. But after such a binge, it's only fair to a take a break for a day or two.

All the supplemental features plus Dangerous Days seem to compose a sort of visually anontated edition of Paul Samon's book Future Noir.