Category: Blade Runner News

Pre-order your 5 Disc Ultimate Collector's Edition

The “Five-Disc Ultimate Collector’s Edition” of Blade Runner (including all the cuts including the workprint and alot of other great stuff) has quickly entered the Amazon.com Bestsellers list and is currently occupying the #4 spot and this is something pretty amazing since Amazon started taking pre-orders for the title today..
The price is set at $54.99 and Amazon.com has a Pre-Order Price Guarantee! (Check it out by clicking on a link below for more info..) and you can place your pre-order for “The Blade Runner (Five-Disc Ultimate Collector’s Edition)” now to be sure you’ll get it by the release date, not only that but you’ll support this website at the same time

Comic-Con Report & Pictures

Wayne Shurts from the alt.fan.blade-runner newsgroup was kind enough to email me some pictures he took during Warner Bros. Home Video preview of Blade Runner Final Cut that took place on Friday 27’th.

You can follow the thread in alt.fan.blade-runner here, below is some of what he has to say

Just got back from Comicon In San Diego.Great Panel on Blade Runner The Final Cut. Ridley Scott, Joanna Cassidy, Sean Young, Syd Mead, Joe Turkel and James Hong were among the panelists.
The DVD sets will be released in December with the 5 DVD set,Deckart’s Briefcase being the penultimate version. Apparently the included Spinner in the Briefcase is much more detailed with openable doors.
There will also be a two DVD set combining the New BR Final Cut with a Making of BR 3+ hour disc with extras. 45 minutes of deleted Scenes! As I recall the “Making of” disc is to be titled Dangerous Days.
The new BR Poster shows the addition of J F Sebastion, Pris, Tyrell, Batty, and Zhora. Eldon Tyrel recounted his “Kissing” Scene with Rutger Hauer. Scott hinted that he wanted to revisit science fiction as well as do an epic western movie. He said that a sequel of BR was not out of the question given the ending of the original BR. Hearing that, Sean Young humorously chimed in that it would of course include her in such a sequel. Scott repeated his belief that Deckard is a replicant. Great fun for a diehard BR fan.


Click on any of the images for a bigger version
All photos posted with permission of Wayne Shurts (Photographer)

To view all the photos, check out the Blade Runner @ Comic-Con 2007 Gallery
Thanks goes to Wayne Shurts for the info and for his pictures.
Source: Wayne Shurts

Warner unveils the details on the forthcomming releases

The Digital Bits has today posted the official details from Warner Bros. on their forthcomming Blade Runner: The Final Cut (2 Disc), Blade Runner: Collectors Edition (4 Disc) and Blade Runner: The Ultimate Collector’s Edition (5 Disc).
The Ultimate Collector’s Edition, in Unique Limited ‘Deckard Briefcase,’ also Available in HD DVD & Blu-ray Disc
Blade Runner: The Final Cut will be included in three stunning DVD editions: a Two-Disc Special Edition (at $20.97 SRP), a Four-Disc Collector’s Edition ($34.99 SRP) and the Five-Disc Ultimate Collector’s Edition ($78.92 SRP) in Collectible “Deckard Briefcase” packaging.
Simultaneous HD DVD and Blu-ray Disc versions (each $TBD) of the “Deckard Briefcase” will also be released in numbered, limited quantities. HD DVD and Blu-ray Disc 5-Disc Digi Packs with collectible slipcase (each $TBD) will include all of the UCE content. Order due date for all editions is November 13.
The releasedate for the DVD is set to December 18 (so, it’s pushed back from October) according to The Digital Bits. You can find the complete announcement here.

Blade Runner: The Final Cut Special Edition (2 Disc)

Disc 1
Ridley Scott’s new “Final Cut” of Blade Runner
Restored and remastered with added & extended scenes, added lines, new and cleaner special effects and all new 5.1 Dolby Digital Audio.

    Includes

  • Commentary by Sir Ridley Scott
  • Commentary by Executive Producer/ Co-Screenwriter Hampton Fancher and Co-Screenwriter David Peoples; Producer Michael Deely and production executive Katherine Haber
  • Commentaries by visual futurist Syd Mead; production designer Lawrence G. Paull, art director David L. Snyder and special photographic effects supervisors Douglas Trumbull, Richard Yuricich and David Dryer

Disc 2
Dangerous Days: Making Blade Runner
A brand new documentury, over three and a half hours long

Blade Runner: Collectors Edition (4 Disc)

Includes everything that the 2-Disc Special Edition has together with three other versions of Blade Runner and an “Enhancement Archive” bonus disc of enhanced content that includes 90 minutes of deleted footage and rare or never-before-seen items in featurettes and galleries that cover the film’s amazing history, production teams, special effects, impact on society, promotional trailers, TV spots, and much more.
Disc 1
Ridley Scott’s new “Final Cut” of Blade Runner
Restored and remastered with added & extended scenes, added lines, new and cleaner special effects and all new 5.1 Dolby Digital Audio.

    Includes

  • Commentary by Sir Ridley Scott
  • Commentary by Executive Producer/ Co-Screenwriter Hampton Fancher and Co-Screenwriter David Peoples; Producer Michael Deely and production executive Katherine Haber
  • Commentaries by visual futurist Syd Mead; production designer Lawrence G. Paull, art director David L. Snyder and special photographic effects supervisors Douglas Trumbull, Richard Yuricich and David Dryer

Disc 2
Dangerous Days: Making Blade Runner
Disc 3
This disc contains:
The 1982 Theatrical Version. which is the US theatrical release which contains the voice-over and the happy ending.
The 1982 International Version. Also used on U.S. home video, laserdisc and cable releases up to 1992. Contains some extended scenes and also has the voice-over and happy ending.
The 1992 Directors Cut. Without the voice-over and ends with the elevator doors closing. Contains the “Unicorn Sequence” which suggests that Deckard also might be a replicant.
Disc 4
Bonus Disc – “Enhancement Archive”

  • Featurette The Electric Dreamer: Remembering Philip K. Dick
  • Featurette Sacrificial Sheep: The Novel vs. The Film
  • Philip K. Dick: The Blade Runner Interviews (Audio)
  • Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep Cover Gallery (Images)
  • The Art of Blade Runner (Image Galleries)
  • Featurette Signs of the Times: Graphic Design
  • Featurette Fashion Forward: Wardrobe & Styling
  • Screen Tests: Rachel & Pris
  • Featurette The Light That Burns: Remembering Jordan Cronenweth
  • Unit Photography Gallery
  • Deleted & Alternate Scenes
  • 1982 Promotional Featurettes
  • Trailers & TV Spots
  • Featurette Promoting Dystopia: Rendering the Poster Art
  • Marketing & Merchandise Gallery (Images)
  • Featurette Deck-A-Rep: The True Nature of Rick Deckard
  • Featurette Nexus Generation: Fans & Filmmakers

Blade Runner: Ultimate Collectors Edition (5 Disc)

The 5-Disc Ultimate Collector’s Edition includes everything from the previously described 4-Disc Edition, plus the ultra-rare, near-legendary WORKPRINT version of the film, newly remastered. The Ultimate Collector’s Edition will be presented in a unique 5-disc digi-package with handle which is a stylish version of Rick Deckard’s own briefcase, in addition each briefcase will be individually numbered and in limited supply. Included is a lenticular motion film clip from the original feature, miniature origami unicorn figurine, miniature replica spinner car, collector’s photographs as well as a signed personal letter from Sir Ridley Scott.
Disc 1
Ridley Scott’s new “Final Cut” of Blade Runner
Restored and remastered with added & extended scenes, added lines, new and cleaner special effects and all new 5.1 Dolby Digital Audio.

    Includes

  • Commentary by Sir Ridley Scott
  • Commentary by Executive Producer/ Co-Screenwriter Hampton Fancher and Co-Screenwriter David Peoples; Producer Michael Deely and production executive Katherine Haber
  • Commentaries by visual futurist Syd Mead; production designer Lawrence G. Paull, art director David L. Snyder and special photographic effects supervisors Douglas Trumbull, Richard Yuricich and David Dryer

Disc 2
Dangerous Days: Making Blade Runner
Disc 3
This disc contains:
The 1982 Theatrical Version. which is the US theatrical release which contains the voice-over and the happy ending.
The 1982 International Version. Also used on U.S. home video, laserdisc and cable releases up to 1992. Contains some extended scenes and also has the voice-over and happy ending.
The 1992 Directors Cut. Without the voice-over and ends with the elevator doors closing. Contains the “Unicorn Sequence” which suggests that Deckard also might be a replicant.
Disc 4
Bonus Disc – “Enhancement Archive”

  • Featurette The Electric Dreamer: Remembering Philip K. Dick
  • Featurette Sacrificial Sheep: The Novel vs. The Film
  • Philip K. Dick: The Blade Runner Interviews (Audio)
  • Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep Cover Gallery (Images)
  • The Art of Blade Runner (Image Galleries)
  • Featurette Signs of the Times: Graphic Design
  • Featurette Fashion Forward: Wardrobe & Styling
  • Screen Tests: Rachel & Pris
  • Featurette The Light That Burns: Remembering Jordan Cronenweth
  • Unit Photography Gallery
  • Deleted & Alternate Scenes
  • 1982 Promotional Featurettes
  • Trailers & TV Spots
  • Featurette Promoting Dystopia: Rendering the Poster Art
  • Marketing & Merchandise Gallery (Images)
  • Featurette Deck-A-Rep: The True Nature of Rick Deckard
  • Featurette Nexus Generation: Fans & Filmmakers

Disc 5
The Workprint version
This rare version of the film is considered by some to be the most radically different of all the Blade Runner cuts. It includes an altered opening scene, no Deckard narration until the final scenes, no “unicorn” sequence, no Deckard/Rachel “happy ending,” altered lines between Batty (Rutger Hauer) and his creator Tyrell (Joe Turkell), alternate music and much more.
Also includes

  • Commentary by Paul M. Sammon, author of Future Noir: The Making of Blade Runner
  • Featurette All Our Variant Futures: From Workprint to Final Cut


Source: The Digital Bits

Three sets of Blade Runner & pushed back release and coverart

The spanish website ZONADVD.com reports that there will be no less then three editions of Blade Runner released. Thanks to Ibai Ramos for the english translation

Update: Finally, there’ll be tree editions for the 25th Anniversary edition of Blade Runner on DVD: a two disk special edition, a four disk collectors edition and a five disc definitive edition that will be packaged on an impresive suitcase containing exclusive gifts (the HD DVD and Blu-ray editions most be added to this ones also)
The release date, originally scheduled for October 2007, seems to get a delay to December 2007. We offer you, for the first time ever, the design of the packaging of the three editions.

All this information is as of yet not official in anyway (Warner Bros. will make statements during this weekend at ComicCon and as soon as I hear any news, you’ll find it here) but according to ZONADVD.com the releasedate (Spanish territory only ?) has been pushed forward from October to December 2007.
They also have a picture of the three sets, it seems like the double disc “Final Cut” (The new cut) will have cover art from artist Drew Struzan unlike the other sets.

Source: hometheaterforum.com, ZONADVD.COM and Ibai Ramos

Blade Runner on Comic-Con 2007

There’s alot of “Blade Runner” happening on the Comic-Con which takes place in San Diego between July 26 to the 29’th. On Friday there’s a preview (If you’re there, consider yourself very lucky) with Sir Ridley Scott, Sean Young, Joanna Cassidy, Joe Turkel, James Hong, Syd Mead among many others involved in Blade Runner (Charles De Lauzirika whom is getting the upcomming box contents together is also there).
Below are some more info on what’s going on, when and where.

Thursday, July 26
11:00-12:00 – Room 5AB
DVD Sneak Peak 2007
Bill Hunt and Todd Doogan of The Digital Bits.com, along with DVD producers Charles de Lauzirika (Blade Runner: The Final Cut; Twin Peaks: The Complete Series), Robert Meyer Burnett (Shoot ‘Em Up, Valkyrie), and Javier Soto (Hellboy 2), offer exclusive sneak peeks of great upcoming DVD and high-def special editions in the works for release later this year. Exclusive footage from Blade Runner and Twin Peaks will be shown. Q&A will follow if time permits.
1:30-2:30 – Room 6B
Blade Runner and More
Syd Mead will be on hand in person to recall his experiences while working on the motion picture Blade Runner and to introduce his newest DVD release: Visual Futurist: The Art & Life of Syd Mead. The DVD takes the viewer behind the scenes and beyond the images he created for this film as well as Tron, Star Trek: The Motion Picture, private 747s, games, yachts, cars, and a seemingly endless list of major design projects around the world. Syd looks forward to entertaining questions and providing his unique perspective on topics of design for the film industry. Joining him will be Paul M. Sammon, author of Future Noir: The making of Blade Runner, the definitive book on its subject. Paul will add his own anecdotes about BR’s creation while divulging new details about his brand-new Second Edition Future Noir, due for publication in late 2007.
Friday, July 27
3:15-4:45 – Hall H
Warner Bros. Home Video: 300 and Blade Runner Final Cut – First up
300 creator Frank Miller, director Zack Snyder, stars including Lena Headey and David Wenham, producers Mark Canton and Gianni Nunnari, and other special guests are on hand to discuss the groundbreaking film and its highly anticipated July 31 DVD release. Be the first to see a clip not included in the theatrical release! Then it’s the 25th Anniversary Blade Runner “Final Cut.” Director Ridley Scott (Alien, Gladiator, Hannibal) has created a new, definitive version of this landmark film, with scenes and special effects that have never been shown before. Catch this first preview of the new version by the legendary director of the final, authoritative. and best presentation of one of the most acclaimed science fiction films of the 20th century. This presentation will feature unseen clips from the new cut as well as a look behind the scenes that will be featured on the upcoming DVD box set. The panel includes Ridley Scott, Sean Young, Joanna Cassidy, Joe Turkel, James Hong, Syd Mead (designer/futurist), Mark Stetson (FX), and DVD producer Charles de Lauzirika.

Congratulations everyone that has the chance to participate in the sneek peeks.. You are very lucky people !!!
If someone who visits this website was/is lucky enough to visit the Warner Bros. Home video 300/Blade Runner Final Cut seminar and feels like contributing with anything, please drop me an e-mail.
Source: oscar_merkx at hometheaterforum.com, Comic-Con 2007

About the "New Blade Runner Soundtrack"

It seems like the news about the so-called “New Blade Runner Sountrack” have started some discussions online about what this finally turn out to be. I’d like to point anyone whom want to keep up and know more about this towards Elsewhere which is a great Vangelis website and a site which should be considered as a very good source when you want to keep track of any news on Vangelis productions…
As of now, it seems like it will be a new Vangelis release with Blade Runner inspired stuff, that’s about what’s known about the productuion right now. The Elsewhere website says that

Things have not been finalized. The content, or the format it will be released in may still change or has yet to be decided. There is also – at this point – no schedule for its release.

So, When more news about this is released, you’ll find it here.. As of now, not much is actually known about what actually will be released besides that it has something to do with Blade Runner (which to me is very promising).
Source: Elsewhere

New Blade Runner Soundtrack ?

Now.. This is some very good news
Frederick Rousseau, a Sound Engineer whom have been involved in many of Vangelis albums (assistant producer on Vangelis “Alexander” soundtrack among many others) mentions this in his blog

Just finish the “BLADE RUNNER” Version 2 project with VANGELIS ….. Three months of works including restoring tape process and new mixes with the last Euphonix Serie 5 desk. This Project brings back a lot of memories to Vangelis from that laps of time. During the last weeks we found a lot of unreleased cues and musics composed for the film and never used in it…. ( Interesting moment of discovery … )
Blade Runner released date: October 2007

Seems like 2007 will be the year of an updated release of the Blade Runner soundtrack too.. Good news indeed !
Source: alt.fan.bladerunner & Frederick Rousseau Official Weblog

Blade Runner turns 25

Im not sure if anyone knows about this but in the 25’th of June, 1982 a movie entitled Blade Runner started it’s run in the cinemas in the USA (along with among others Monty Python Live at the Hollywood Bowl).
In other words, It’s the official 25’th anniversary of Blade Runner since this was the date it premiered on. A big Happy Birthday from this website’s owner to everyone whom was involved and are involved in keeping Blade Runner alive and we should remember that 2007 is the year that we will see the release of Blade Runner on both DVD, Blueray & HD-DVD
So, how the heck should one celebrate ??
Well, the Blade Runner’ish way to celebrate is to have a slice of Steve McGarry’s Spinner cake. More info on both the coolest cake ever & Steve McGarry can be found in the Fancreations section if you click on Steve


Congratulations to Blade Runner (and to Steve McGarry whom created the cool spinner cake)

Update
Also, be sure you dont miss the updated coloured version of Hal Pehlich’s artwork also to be found in the Fancreations.
Source: Internet Movie Database, Hal Pehlich, Steve McGarry