It would seem that details about the Blade Runner Ultimate Collection DVD have leaked online, and it sounds… pretty good. Pretty good indeed. I’m copying the specs whole-sale, since the details have since vanished from Australian retailer EzyDVD.
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 – “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.
Additionally, the set will come packaged in a limited “Blade Runner” briefcase holding the five-disc digipack with foil-enhanced and embossed slipcase. The goodies inside will include a lenticular motion image from the original feature, a collectible model spinner, an origami unicorn, a collection of photographs and a letter from Ridley Scott. Holy shit.
The street date is going to be in September. Unfortunately, the retailer is not taking international orders for this thing. However, don’t be too surprised if Region 1 gets the same thing. We’ll keep you posted.
So what’s my take? Well, I’m still wondering about the new edition; that could really go either way. I wasn’t too crazy with the new Alien edition (except for Lambert slapping Ripley, which made me jump out of my seat!). But then, it doesn’t really matter, since this DVD set apparently ships with a crazy five different versions!
That. Is. Crazy! And wonderful!
I suspect that my favorite version will remain the ’92 Director’s Cut, but it is nonetheless nothing short of stunningly cool that the Work Print Edition is included in this set. I’ve got a cam’d version of it (which is neigh unwatchable), and it is very much worth the true fan’s time.
Though I caught a screening of it last summer at a local cinema which specializes in old movies, I have really been saving myself for this DVD for years on end. That it is finally on the horizon is remarkable. Remarkable because the editions that have been out so far have been rather pale, considering that Blade Runner, along with 2001, which also doesn’t have a proper version out, is one of the most highly beloved movies ever made.
And of course, you can probably bet on the always talkative Mr Scott to supply us with at least one commentary.
Good times.
Related: Read more about the 4K restoration process.
I am very excited to have the 82 theatrical release (with the voiceovers) on dvd. I saw this film when it was released, many times on VHS and Laser Disk. I’m pretty happy about the voice over version finally being available on DVD. I know how Scott felt about them, maybe it was my love of the film in the theater, maybe it’s more “noir.” But I like the original version much better.
They’ve since taken it off the site, I think someone jumped the gun on this!
no HD-DVD or BLURAY?
DVD is so low definition. ;)
So where do you think this will end up – store wise – for us Europeans Michael? Do you think it will be widely stocked or will we need to look abroad?
Woooo!
Ever since I heard about Joanna Cassidy reshooting scenes for the new cut, I’ve been on the edge of my seat.
I hope I will like the new version, if nothing else I’d like to see a polished and remastered version. Unlike you, I did enjoy the new Alien cut. A bit trimmer and quicker, which to me just made it more snacksized.
Then again, I think I’m less protective of the classics than you seem. I can actually see a sequel to this thing… Maybe not with Deckard, but as long as it’d be Ridley then it’d be interesting.
Oh, and with regards to DVD vs. Bluray, that’s starting to become an issue for me. It looks like I’m going to shell out money, but since things are starting to go HD these days I might want to wait… I don’t know.
Sequel… Next you’ll be talking sequel to E.T… Heathen!
As for Alien, trimmer? What about the whole finding Dallas cocooned in the landing leg? That stopped the movie flat (which is why it was taken out to begin with).
Anyway, I sound harsher than I mean to. I’m growning a bit softer in my olden years, and generally don’t mind recuts, as long as we have the originals available to us.
Sequel or prequel. As I said, I wasn’t protective… right now I’m just thinking “more blade runner!”. Then again, I was kinda sad to see Sam Raimi violently rape Spiderman with the third one. Hmm.
Trimmer. Yeah, most parts. I agree that addition didn’t quite help.
Exactly right about them originals. I can even (fully) accept the Star Wars changes now that the original originals are available. That said, I’m soon ordering a T-Shirt that said “Han shot first”.
Woah the memories are back – time for a reprise…..
“I’ve seen things you people wouldn’t believe.
Attack ships on fire off the shoulder of Orion.
I’ve watched C-beams glitter in the dark near the Tannhauser Gate.
All these memories will be lost in time,
like tears in rain.”
hello
this blade runner collector is going to be awesome – I cant wait
Excellent news but what will this mean for the projected Oct ’07 BluRay Blade Runner release?
http://www.blu-ray.com/news/?id=198
I can’t wait for this. Once I get this, my old DVD copy from 1999 (the one with nothing but the movie and some text-based ‘features’) is going to be lost like tears in the rain, that’s for sure.
Oh man, 5 discs, AND a model Spinner AND the origami unicorn, all in a Blade Runner briefcase?? To whoever put this gem of a set together, I have this to say: “You’ve done a man’s job, sir!”
Shit yeah!
I hope the briefcase edition isn’t stupidly limited they usually do with these things.
Yeah, I saw this on the ezydvd site and nearly jumped out of my skin. But then within 24hrs it was removed.
I have a friend in the business and he said that this sometimes happens when some eager beaver jumps the gun and then the Studio, Waners in this case, kick up a stink.
I am still hopeful that this will be what is released as I will definetly be ordering this one. At $200AUS it’s well worth it. As is the case with most Warners stuff it’ll probably be the same world wide, maybe just diferent packaging.
Finally! I have been so disappointed with watching the “Director’s Cut” of this film. I don’t know about any of you, but I REALLY miss the narrative for this film. I am so glads that the original cut of the film will be included in this set. A friend of mine has been working on this disc for a while. I will be getting the briefcase!
Cool news. The new cut should be better than the Alien one was, because it’s Scott’s cut, whereas Scott is quoted as preferring the original Alien cut.
There are some stills from the work print available at http://alcopop.org/media/blade_runner/.
This will be the best DVD release of my lifetime.
Period
I can’t believe that finally this is on the way… worth quitting and buying a big telly for….
Thanks for the info.
Matt
I CANT WAIT .…… FINALLY …!!!! YES YES YES YES YES YES YESSSSS.…