Tag Archive for 'Blade Runner'
Knives out for cult Blade Runner. Twenty-five years after Blade Runner was panned by critics and pulled from theatres, British director Ridley Scott savours revenge with the final cut of the science-fiction film now considered a cult classic.
Sir Ridley Scott’s Blade Runner, starring Harrison Ford, is one of the most important science-fiction movies of the 20th Century - the film with immeasurable influence on society for its futuristic depiction of a post-apocalyptic, dystopian world, a film perhaps more powerful and relevant today than when it was made. The film, in fact, has appeared on more ‘Top Five’ sci-fi lists than any other film.
In celebration of its 25th anniversary, director Ridley Scott has gone back into post production to create the long-awaited definitive new version, which Warner home video will unveil on DVD December 18th in the U.S. Blade Runner: The Final Cut, spectacularly restored and remastered from original elements and scanned at 4K resolution, will contain never-before-seen added/extended scenes, added lines, new and improved special effects, director and filmmaker commentary, an all-new 5.1 Dolby Digital audio track and more.
A showcase theatrical run is also being planned for New York and los Angeles October 5.
On the Edge of Bladerunner. A fascinating insight into one of the best sci-fi flicks ever.
Quite possibly one of the finest sci-fi movies of all time is Ridley Scott’s ‘Blade Runner’. Whether it be the atmospheric visuals or the hauntingly majestic soundtrack by composer Vangelis, ‘Blade Runner’ has stood the test of time and is well regarded as an absolute classic in the genre. Every time I watch the movie, and I have seen it many times, I find myself completely immersed in the films’ overwhelming atmosphere. For me, watching ‘Blade Runner’ is an experience. And for this ‘Blade Runner’ junkie, the news that the film is about to be given a director’s ‘intended cut’ which promises to be different from the theatrical cut, the international cut, and the previous director’s cut, (can anyone say MEGA-CUT?) is damn good news… damn good!
Variety irons it out nicely: “Warner’s rights to “Blade Runner” lapsed a year ago, but the studio has since negotiated a long-term license. The pic, now considered a sci-fi classic, has had a troubled history from the start: When Scott ran overbudget, completion bond guarantors took control of it and made substantial changes before its 1982 theatrical release, adding a voiceover and happy ending. That version was replaced by the much better-received director’s cut in 1992, but Scott has long been unhappy with it, complaining that he was rushed and unable to give it proper attention.
The restored “Director’s Cut” will debut on homevid in September, and remain on sale for four months only, after which time it will be placed on moratorium. “Blade Runner: Final Cut” will arrive in 2007 for a limited 25th anniversary theatrical run, followed by a special edition DVD with the three previous versions offered as alternate viewing: Besides the original theatrical version and director’s cut, the expanded international theatrical cut will be included. The set will also contain additional bonus materials.”
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