Customer Reviews

Blade Runner [VHS]

5 star:		(414)
4 star:		(148)
3 star:		(132)
2 star:		(77)
1 star:		(80)

 

 

Well... here's the deal...

Blade Runner stands as one of those films whose editting and final cut were always a subject for debate. As you may know there are two known cuts of this film: the original theatrical version (shunned by many who claimed it was a producer's cut who did not believe in Scott's true vision) and the director's cut (which is not really the director's cut... it is more a screenplay's cut... with some changes who merely unmade some of the things the producers did on the previous cut).

It is this second version that you will find here (while the first version is no longer available) with a face lift... a new transfer... better sound... and that's it.

In one way, this version is badly needed because all the previous Blade Runner DVD incarnations come from the first years of DVD - when you didn't even have a decent menu. And since the DVD technology has evolved a lot since then... why not a new version of Blade Runner, right?

But.......

The mystique surrounding Blade Runner says that director Ridley Scott never REALLY got HIS REAL version of this film. And more... A such an important and much loved film like this should have lots of extras to bring a new light to a film that is so fundamental and trendsetting.

And it seems that after 25 years, all the legal problems preventing all this from happenning were really sorted out between the film's former producers who battled for years for the film's rights.

And now, with all problems solved, we know that in 2007, we'll have that multi-disc version all the fans always dreamt of.

SO, THE DEAL IS... IF YOU ONLY CARE ABOUT THIS VERSION, BUY THIS EDITION. The good thing is you won't even go through those stupid snap cases anymore. Even if you already have it, the better image and sound on this release will certainly make up for it.

BUT IF YOU CANNOT BE SATISFIED WITH ANYTHING LESS THAT THE WHOLE MULTI-DISC EDITION COMPRISING ALL THE VERSIONS AND TONS OF EXTRAS... forget about this version and wait a few months for the longer, bigger, more complete, celebratory, multi versioned, multi disc set that will give you the FULL BLADE RUNNER deal.

It will cost more, naturally, but we've been saving money for it since our childhood, right? ;-)

I'm a big fan. So I'll wait. This version is a quick, just and much needed repairment: a great new transfer (with no extras) for those who just want the film. An entry level I'd say. And I think it is good that Warner Home Video has this version for those who just want the film - at bargain price.

But more is coming in 2007. In full!!
So, I'll wait impatiently!!!!!

I fully agree with the previous reviewers. I already have the original 1992 Director's Cut and have been waiting ages to upgrade it. However, now that the producers have finally settled their legal problems, we are being deluged with a surfeit of Blade Runner editions. This is the first and the least promising of three planned editions. The 1992 Director's Cut is a compromise cut. This barebones DVD is the same as the previous DVD except that it has been fully restored and given an anamorphic remastering.

Following this edition, there will be another entitled, "Ridley Scott's Blade Runner: The Final Cut," to be released in early 2007 to mark the 25th Annversary of the movie, which will include newly restored scenes and will be Scott's final word on the film. Then later in 2007, there will be the "Ultimate Blade Runner" which will contain all 4 versions of the film, the original U.S. theatrical cut, the expanded international theatrical cut, the 1992 Director's Cut and the 2007 Final Cut, all fully restored and in anamorphic transfers plus tonnes of extras. In addition, Blade Runner will also be released simultaneously on both Blu-ray and HD-DVD formats.

Buy this with your eyes open. It is recommended only if you're a completist or have only passing interest in the film. This edition will have a limited run of just 4 months before it is withdrawn prior to the arrival of the next edition.

This is the same BR dvd that has been out since the inception of dvd, but with a cleaned up anamorphic transfer. It has no extras, and only 2.0 sound. Later in 2007, they are releasing a multi-disc set of BR with different cuts of the film and lots of extras, not unlike most of Ridley Scott's dvds. This is just a place holder. You've waited this long, you can wait a few more months for the ULTIMATE Blade Runner set.

My advice to anyone wanting to experience this film is to watch both versions. The origional gives more of the noir experience, (despite what some say about the voice over it does lend to understanding parts of the story for the uninitiated) and is a classic in it's own right. Scott's cut on the other hand offers a more plausible and suitable ending to the film, and adds enough extra to more strongly hint at the possibility of Deckard being a replicant. The director's cut also has a bit more "depth" to it than the origional... you do need to think more to get it, but that's the main reason I suggest you see both versions. The unicorn dream sequence was an excellent edition in my opinion. I honestly wish WB would release the origional widescreen and the director's cut on a single disc so people could experience both. I loved the director's cut, the only glaring omission from the DVD is Dolby Digital 5.1 sound. This movie was MADE to be remasterd in DD. I'm quite disappointed at the stereo only (not even prologic I think) soundtrack. This is the only thing that keeps me (and I should hope others) from giving the DVD a 5 star rating.

Ridley Scott's 'Bladerunner' is a visual masterpiece, a stunning classic and original science fiction film noir. The special effects and set design are well done, especially for their time, and the great attention to detail and numerous nice touches are evident even after multiple viewings. This stark, visionary look at the future of L.A. is absolutely the most highly original and stylish of any science fiction movie yet.

I am disappointed by the DVD version of the 'Director's Cut', which could and should have much more in the way of extra features, including out-takes, director and cast commentary, and many other extras usually included with films that have state-of-the-art special effects. This version of 'Bladerunner' has none of that, only the bare-bones selections for languages, subtitles, and track access.

This is an inexcusable omission for a movie of such cult stature. In fact, I am sure that if the studio were to release a second DVD containing nothing but the 'extras' for 'Bladerunner', it would surely be a profitable seller. This movie was too well-done and too influential to not have all the DVD extras.

So: I give it five stars for content ('Bladerunner' is the best movie in existence of its kind), and three for the DVD rendition, for a composite total of four stars.

Blade Runner stands out as one of the all-time best and most original sci-fi adventures ever put to film. The plot's premise surrounding the possibility of extended life hits the viewer to the core. And the "villains" are both repellent and highly sympathetic, making for some of the most complex and contradictory characters ever depicted. And Harrison Ford is perfectly cast as the deadpanned gumshoe wrestling with his own moral demons.

Unfortunately, this DVD belongs in the... category for technical reasons. It is one of the absolute worst video and audio transfers ever made to the DVD format. And personally, I think the original version with Ford's voice-over is a much better movie. There is no reason why both versions couldn't have been included on the same disc.

I have seen reports that a new "special edition" will be out in the near future which will include both the Director's cut and the original versions, as well as numerous extras. Hopefully, the powers that be will do a more competent job of cleaning up the transfer. It could only be better.

Save your $$$, wait for the re-release.

This is a five star movie--a classic, featured prominently in every film class I've ever taken--and my review score is downgraded only at the quality of the DVD, which is possibly the worst I've ever seen. Picture quality is just fine, but sound, which is advertised on the box as Dolby Digital, is not. You'll only get at most Pro Logic Surround with the right equipment off this disc, as it hasn't been newly remastered for this release and Dolby Digital didn't exist when it was made.

There aren't any new goodies on this DVD, and the generic interface/menu screens absolutely suck.

You can argue that this is no big deal, but when you see the loving care that's been put into the extras and menus of DVD's like Alien and Aliens, and see how much it adds, you can compare and see what a terrible disservice has been done to this classic film. It doesn't even come in a durable box (not many do, but the ones that do are appreciated).

Unfortunately, it's the only game in town if you want to own this landmark work. It's too bad that the studio won't remaster the sound and rerelease this DVD as it should be, with both Director's Cut and Theatrical Release on the same disc, complete with proper menus and extras. THAT would get a five star review from me, without doubt.

This is one of the worst DVDs ever put out. WB should be ashamed of themselves. To make up for it, as well as take more money out of our pockets, they are finally doing it right. They are currently doing a new BLADE RUNNER DVD. It's set for release in 2001. It will have Ridley Scott's commentary as well as others. It will also have production design sketches, extra footage, etc... I highly doubt we'll hear from Harrison Ford since he has yet to bury the hatchet with Ridley Scott. Save your money. DO NOT BUY THIS DVD.

Don't bother buying this DVD, especially if you already have the VHS version.

Don't give the studios money to put out garbage content and charge exorbitant rates for it.

I'll buy the DVD when everything is on the one disc... documentaries, both cuts, missing scenes like the hospital scene, even if it is in mono, and for good measure I'd like to see text matter like original movie reviews.

Now THAT's worth paying extra money for!

This is my favorite movie - there is so much more to see if you understand or look for the fundamental questions of humanity this movie raises. I get something new out of this movie every time I see it.

(The saxophone in the love theme is just about the sexiest music I've ever heard, and I'm not a great fan of the sax. Listen to the soundtrack by Vangelis! )

In my opinion the Director's Cut unfortunately removed some very key elements, such as the gum-shoe like narration by Harrison Ford throughout the movie, which I felt this was very important to the overall feeling of the movie. Other aspects of the DC version I just didn't see the point in adding.

I very much prefer the original version of the movie, and have not seen it as available on DVD. Sadness. :(

Still, it is a great movie in D.C. version and definitely worth the money.