Watching “Blade Runner” is an emotional investment no matter how many times you see it. I don’t know if it’s the lighting, the music, the dialogue, or a combination of all of the above. How a science fiction film from 1982 can still have that effect on me after seeing it dozens of times is beyond my comprehension. I always come away from the film with my insides all mixed together with sadness, excitement, and that warm feeling of happy nostalgia you get when you experience something you never thought you could again.
Thanks to Warner Bros. Home Entertainment’s release of “Blade Runner: The 30th Anniversary Collector’s Edition,” science fiction fans can view any one of five different versions of the film whenever they want in the comfort of their own home theater. You can choose from “The Final Cut,” the “Original Theatrical Cut,” the “International Theatrical Cut,” the “Director’s Cut,” or the “Rare Workprint Feature Version.
No matter what version of the movie you watch, they all tell the same story. In the year 2019, a group of organic robots called replicants kill a ship full of people while escaping an interstellar trip and head to Earth. Rick Deckard (Harrison Ford) is hired to hunt the fugitives down and destroy them. Deckard is what is referred to as a “blade runner” – a special police officer that “retires” replicants when they wander back to Earth where they’ve been banned.
I’ve seen “Blade Runner” in many different environments and formats. I’ve seen it on VHS on a 25-inch television. I had the opportunity to see it on the big-screen a couple of times at revival screenings. I’ve watched it on a 50-inch flat screen in a regular DVD format. I can wholeheartedly tell you that if you haven’t seen this amazing piece of cinema history on Blu-ray in its restored “Final Cut” version then you’ve never properly viewed it.
Each version of the film has something different to add to its viewing experience. There are different endings, additional footage, and even a monologue by Harrison Ford that tells you everything you need to know (and many fans would say some things you shouldn’t) to help explain what’s happening throughout. I suggest watching every version of the film to truly appreciate and take it all in.
Douglas Trumball’s special visual effects are a step beyond stunning. The use of models and practical effects gives “Blade Runner” a realistic look that filmmakers today using CGI only wish they could achieve. Everything from the architecture of the buildings to the designs of the vehicles still influences designers to this day.
“The Final Cut” is breathtaking to look at in high-definition. I’ve never seen the movie look so pure. Yet somehow it still has that nostalgic grainy element that only real film can provide. The last time I remember feeling this satisfied with a high-definition transfer was when I saw the Blu-ray version of “Jaws” for the first time. The 5.1 surround sound mix gives viewers everything they could ever want by immersing them in an excellent musical score by Vangelis mixed with sonic treats like the blips and beeps of communicators, the engines of hover crafts and cars, and the chaotic noises of the futuristic city.
Special features included in this edition include the 211-minute “Dangerous Days” documentary, “All Our Variant Futures: From Workprint to Final Cuts” documentary, HD stills, and more than 1,000 archival images. There are also introductions to the different versions by director Ridley Scott and audio commentary by various people. Let’s just say there’s enough material to easily pack four discs.
We also get an exclusive hardcover art book full of behind-the scenes photos, production art, sketches, and storyboards. Let’s not forget the lenticular mini-poster and Concept Spinner model included in the box set. “Blade Runner: The 30th Anniversary Collector’s Edition” truly is the gift that keeps on giving.
There’s no possibly way any hardcore devotee of “Blade Runner” could be disappointed in this new edition of the cult film. It’s an exhaustive collection of every version of the movie combined with hours of behind-the-scenes and making of features to give special insight into the construction of this cinematic treasure. It’s an absolute must-have item to complete any science fiction buff’s library of essential movies.
For more articles by Eric Shirey, check out:
Ridley Scott Will Direct ‘Blade Runner’ Follow-Up!
Two ‘Official’ Books that Could Help Get New ‘Blade Runner’ Movie Made
“Prometheus” Provides Little Satisfaction as a Pointless Prequel to “Alien”
