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Film & TV on DVD - John Doe News & Reviews

 
Greetings Film Fiends and welcome to John Doe's Film Blog. 30 years of dedicated celluloid obsession has meant that I have seen a few films. Drawing attention to some of the lesser discussed gems that I love. Cult classics, obscure curios and quality genre pictures. This blogs purpose is to translate some of my passion for these films and with luck, inspire you the reader to go check em out.

Blade Runner: The Final Cut DVD

April 30th 2007 06:02
Blade Runner: The Final Cut DVD


Blade Runner
The current U.S collectors set
If like John Doe you are a massive fan of Ridley Scott’s Blade Runner then you may have heard the rumblings of a new, definitive Director’s Cut of the film being in the works.


Misunderstood and largely ignored upon original release, over the years the film has been elevated to cult status and is now considered a benchmark in science fiction cinema.

Influencing the visual design of celluloid futures, the grimy, bleak look of a tarnished and over populated metropolitan landscape has become virtually essential to serious renderings of man kinds destiny in the genre.

Both Ridley Scott (Alien, The Duellists) and star Harrison Ford (Indiana Jones, Star Wars) were disappointed with the Producers original alterations to the film which included the Bogey style narration and taking second unit shots from Kubrick’s The Shining to make a happy ending.

The 1992 Director’s cut was rushed and ever since Ridley has been attempting to construct a longer, technically exploratory version. Promising more than just cosmetic improvements (Eg: Wire removal and dubbing) there could be new scenes and a decisive answer to the question, “Is Deckard a replicant”? Speculation is ripe with boasts of new FX, better sound and almost an hour of never before seen footage.

Due to endless conflicts regarding the rights of the film the fate of this project has been in the air for years.
Blade Runner
Just wait and I will slip into something more comfortable



Positive news at last, after repeated delays finally the reconstruction appears to be moving forward with reports over at Filmick.com that Joanne Cassidy (the snake skinned stripper) has just re-shot some scenes that will be blended with existing footage in the new version.

From Joanne Cassidy’s home page
“Joanna has just finished re-shooting her scenes from the original BLADE RUNNER movie. Joanna is wearing her original outfit (which she kept over from the first production). These new scenes will be part of the upcoming special BLADE RUNNER DVD re-release.”

An exciting development that means we may see this extended version in cinemas by the end of the year. Word on the street is that a 3 Disc DVD Special Edition will follow that includes all 3 versions of the film, extensive making of features and a Directors Commentary.

It has been a long time coming but by the sounds of this latest news The Blade Runner Final Cut could become the must see Film and must own DVD for a whole new generation.

To read all about the making of the film and what was cut, JD highly recommends the book, Future Noir: The Making of Blade Runner by Paul M Sammon

Also Click on the Blade Runner movie page for more information about what could be included on the DVD multi disc set.

Follow the link HERE to read an interview with Ridley Scott where he answers the riddle of Deckard’s biology.


Even with poor pixilation, this deleted scene from the film is a tasty tease of what we may see later in the year.


Below you can watch the first part of a BBC documentary on the making of the film.

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Comments
32 Comments. [ Add A Comment ]

Comment by KylieW

April 30th 2007 06:20
Do you know, I've never seen this film. I've always meant to, and will definitely have to. Maybe I'll just wait until the Directors cut comes out.

Comment by JohnDoe

April 30th 2007 06:30
Hi KylieW,
Blade runner is a dazzling visual spectacle with a complex mystery plot that has been the subject of endless discussion since release.

I recommend checking out the 1992 version because this new release may not arrive for some time, despite rumours of a 2007, 25th Anniversary edition..

Comment by Damo

April 30th 2007 07:28
I still have a soft spot for the original version and the Sam Spade style narration.
However the Directors cut is more ambigious.
The new version may be what I am looking for.

The sound track by Vangelis is also a rare treat that set the standard for electronic music film score and has not been surpassed yet.

Comment by DuskDevi

April 30th 2007 07:29
Wow.

Zhora must obviously still look as hot as the day she was shot!

...what the hell did that damn origami unicorn mean???

Although I have read some Philip K Dick's books, I haven't read 'Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep?'



Oh. My. God.

I just found out.


Comment by JohnDoe

April 30th 2007 07:58
Hi Damo,
Im a classic noir fan too and enjoy PI mysteries of old, so the narration works in that respect, but it spells out a lot that is better left to the visuals.
(Dark City does it quite well too)


The soundtrack still stands out, doesnt it. So moody, so bleak and it serves to add a profound depth to the cityscape and character interaction. Love it!

Comment by D. Armenta

April 30th 2007 20:12
I second the recommendation on that Sammon book; it's full of great trivia about the greatest sci-fi movie ever made. "Lo Fa! Degoshima!" translated is too hilarious...

Comment by Cibbuano

April 30th 2007 22:13
I'm not a Blade Runner fan, but maybe I should give it another go...

Comment by Bryn

May 1st 2007 04:47
MY FAVOURITE MOVIE OF ALL TIME.

Where on Earth did they get that deleted scene of Holden in hospital from, as far as I know it isn't available anywhere, although I knew of it .... ?!

I would KILL to see the original Workprint that screened in San Diego but was then "lost" .... It featured numerous scenes not included in the original theatrical version nor the "director's cut" nor the international version (more violent), such as an exterior scene showing Deckard arriving at the Snake Pit club.

I champing at my bit in lieu of a so-called collector's set!!!!!

And of course Future Noir: The Making of Blade Runner is a sensational read too.

Cheers for the post JD!

Comment by JohnDoe

May 1st 2007 07:38
Hi Dusk,
The pick up shots they with di recently with Zhora were done in the studio on green screen and are inserts only. I don't think you will see her face....supposedly it was primarily to get more coverage (extra angles)

As for the oragmi unicorn, click HERE to find the answers you seek...or read the book Future Noir: The Making of Blade Runner.

The Phillip K Dick novel is astounding, a must read on its own merit. (As with most of Phillip K Dick's Sci Fi works) Totally different vibe and story to the film.






Comment by JohnDoe

May 1st 2007 07:50
Hi D. Armenta,
The book Future Noir: The Making of Blade Runner is one of teh most meticulously researched and thourough film examinations I have ever read. From inception through post production and multiple releases.

As for "Lo Fa! Degoshima!" doesnt it translate into a Hungarian insult about beastiality/sodomy. Something about a horse dick etc?

Comment by JohnDoe

May 1st 2007 07:55
Hi Cib,
I can understand Blade Runner not being for everyone, it is a film that needs to be absorbed, not just watched.

Lights out, all alone with a huge screen and full Dolby Digital 5.1. Experience being taken to places you can only imagine, care of faultless cinematography and set design. As the plot remains ambiguous reflect on what you have seen and what is happening...oh and cherish Rutger Hauer and his layered performance...............or not?


Comment by JohnDoe

May 1st 2007 08:00
It is certainly in my top 10 of all time too Bryn,

Amazing, profound and spellbinding Blade Runner just gets better with every passing year.

I freaked out when I found that deleted scene too, I read about it in the Blade Runner Bible (aka Future Noir).

The pictured collector set above was released a couple fo years agoin the US.

This new veresion though sounds definitive...I believe Ridley finally gets to put in the negatives he abducted from the WB safe all those years ago.


Comment by Bryn

May 1st 2007 08:42
But the Workprint! That's what I wanna see!!! Those lucky c***s (excuse my French) who got to see that preview back before so much got added and subtracted ... Wasn't there even stuff shot for the beginning of the film showing a futuristic train hurtling along a desert and arriving into Los Angeles carrying Deckard ...??

I have the original theatrical version, the director's cut and the international version (only ever been available on laserdisc) ...

Comment by JohnDoe

May 1st 2007 09:46
Good stuff,

I had the original version on vhs but it broke, the international I only ever saw once a film festival.....would love to catch them again.

Its strange but I recall that train scene, but I know I never saw the workprint. maybe Im just mixing it upo with the other Dick adaptation Total Recall.

Comment by Bryn

May 1st 2007 12:50
If you'd seen the workprint, you'd be one lucky muthafucker! ahem! i doubt it very much .... i don't think it's been seen by joe public since that specific preview in san diego back in late '81 ...
well, perhaps we should have a screening of the international version, mine isn't the best quality, looks to have been bootlegged ... still, you get the extra shots, like roy batty actually pushing the nail through his hand, and more of pris' death and also seeing batty actually push his fingers into tyrell's eyes! yes! the horror! the horror!
a director's commentary will be de rigour! ridley scott may be dry, but he's very informative ...
i doubt very much harrison will be keen to do any commentary, as he hated working on the film. it would be great to get sean young and darryl hannah's recollections ... and of course rutger hauer!
fingers crossed ever so tightly that this all comes to fruition!!

Comment by JohnDoe

May 1st 2007 21:54
Lucky is the word Bryn, damnit. If only we were in San Diego in 81!

A commentary will be iccing on the cake for sure and agreed I dont think Harry will have much to do with it. Though you would think that over the years his attitude may have changed, Blade Runner is arguably his best serious role.

Im atoning to the cinema gods in hope that this project succeeds too.

Comment by Bryn

May 2nd 2007 04:13
Isn't part of the problem to do with the Ladd company going bust when the film did poor box office ...?

Comment by JohnDoe

May 2nd 2007 09:51
The tales of heavy combat between fueding sides, about who owns the rights to the film are epic.

I think its Ladd, WB and Ridley Company etc

Comment by D. Armenta

May 3rd 2007 14:13
Let's see: I believe "Lo fa" means "horse dick" in Hungarian, and "Degoshima" means "So you say" in Japanese.
Yes, that is a great book, and so is most anything written by Philip K. Dick.
Or Harlan Ellison, or Vonda McIntyre, or...
uh oh, I'd better stop now or I'll run on and on.

Comment by Lilla

June 25th 2007 08:33
John D,

I missed this one, just found it (still) looking for Donnie Darko post.?

I loved Blade runner and a longer version? ... with new scenes?

Brilliant!

This was/is/always will be definitive sci-fi of it's type/era/league...

Hooray for the new release and more scenes...will hunt a copy down... I hadn't noticed any advertising at the local DVD store?

Lilla ...

Comment by JohnDoe

June 25th 2007 13:15
Great to see your a fan Lilla,

They haven't confirmed a release date yet, just that that the recut Blade Runner is in production and should be out in the next 12 months.

Fingers are crossed for a cinema run.




Comment by Anonymous

July 19th 2007 22:51
Just for info... the Deleted Scene here is something that i posted on YouTube. I got it ages ago when someone copied it from a BBC Documentary that showed the sequence.

Also, the trailer for Blade Runner the Final Cut is officially out there... check out YouTube again! (its in my favourites if you dont want to look)

Also!!! The 5 Disc Box Set HAS officially been announced.. just check out DavisDVD.com to see pics of the DVD Briefcase in all its glory with a ton of beautiful extras including a dinky toy Spinner car!! LOL...

Comment by Anonymous

July 19th 2007 22:59
check this... Really Long Link

Comment by Anonymous

July 19th 2007 23:01
and then check this.... Really Long Link


Comment by Bryn

July 19th 2007 23:27
I couldn't find Blade Runner at the DavisDVD site ... where is it??

I doubt they'll include it, but the Denver preview (or was it San Diego?) workprint version of Blade Runner is what I wanna see, with the deleted scenes outside The Snake Pit, and Deckard's arrival into the city via train (I think) ...

Comment by Anonymous

July 20th 2007 07:30
Click the links i posted above... one is for the right page at DavisDVD

No one knows whats in the new Final Cut... you'll just have to wait like the rest of us!
I am very very excited though! Been a fan for a long long time!

Comment by Bryn

July 20th 2007 09:36
WOW, I found it ... I am sooooo excited!! I have a rare movie poster of the film i got recently on e-bay, it's the alternate one to the illustrated version .... it features actual stills. Very cool layout.
Looks like the "Denver Preview Workprint" won't be on it ... I guess the producers/Ridley Scott felt it was too rough for inclusion ...

Comment by Anonymous

July 20th 2007 19:08
No idea... but i've just noticed that there is a Blade Runner Convention in the UK in the next couple of weeks and they are reported to be showing clips from the new Final Cut!!!

Comment by Anonymous

July 20th 2007 19:17
I got it wrong... its the San Diego Comic Con... and here are the details;

Thursday, July 26
11:00-12:00 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. Room 5AB
Categories: Action Figures, Toys and Collectibles | Comic Books | Horror and Suspense | Movies | Science Fiction & Fantasy


1:30-2:30 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. Room 6B
Categories: Action Figures, Toys and Collectibles | Art and Illustration | Movies | Science Fiction & Fantasy


Friday, July 27
3:15-4:45 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. Hall H


I WISH I LIVE IN SAN DIEGO!!?!?!!??!!!!

Comment by Bryn

July 22nd 2007 23:14
SO DO I ..... !!!!!!!!!! DAMMN!!!
I guess it's just too damn expensive to bring them overseas down under ...

Comment by Anonymous

July 31st 2007 17:42
OMFG!!! Check this out!!!

Really Long Link

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