Blade Runner - Limited Edition Collector's Set

Rating:
Summary: A Narration-Less Director Version Isn't Necessarily Better
Review: Bladerunner, a highwater mark in science fiction film making, is updated by the director in this Director's Cut version with the elimination of the narration, the inclusion of the unicorn scene and deletion of the final scenes of the original version's ending. Brilliant as well as controversial from its opening premiere, "Blade Runner" by director Ridley Scott who had only just come off of directing "Alien" folded the science fiction elements into a 50's detective film noir. A minority of critics and audience members truly believed in the shadowy elements of darkness and the emphasis on detective work. With the elimination of the narration (even though Harrison Ford apparently hated it himself and attempted to produce an awful narration), for me and a few others, the narration is a key component of what made this movie so unique in its combination of film elements. Thus while this movie has become a cult classic, the Director's Cut without the na! rration apparently for a few of us diminishes somewhat what is truly one of the best science fiction movies made. Also, the upbeat ending of the original American version, shouldn't be panned as overly mainstream or completely optimistic. It's reference to the vague length of life of a replicant keeps the storyline intriguing because it only adds to the uncertainty of one's relationship with one another and uncertainty about the future. However, all this is much better described in Paul M. Sammon's excellent reference guide entitled, "Future Noir The Making of Blade Runner" (1996). END

Rating:
Summary: Do they continue to dream of electric sheep?
Review: I was a ten year old boy when Blade Runner was released to the world. When I was old enough to watch it, I loved how the story progressed. The idea of androids wanting to live beyond their 4 year lifespan was really revolutionary. I bought the Director's Cut on letterboxed video sometime after 1993 and it made more sense than the original film. Because of the unicorn scene, Harrison Ford's character could be an Android and doesn't know it. I shall wonder about Rachel and Deckard after this story. I hope they continue to dream of electric sheep. END

Rating:
Summary: A feast for the eyes if you could only keep them open!
Review: If the story was as interesting as the cinemaphotograhy, this would be a 5 star movie. But unfortunately, the story is slow starting and never builds any momentum. I kept thinking this is going to get really exciting any minute now, but after an hour into it I realized I needed 3 espressos if I was going to stay awake. DVD is an excellent medium for this film. It really shows the detail that Ridley Scott put into it. It is an excellent film for your DVD collection, if you're wanting to show off your machine. Otherwise, this movie is a real snooze. END

Rating:
Summary: "BLADE RUNNER: DC" IS EYE CANDY AND MAKES YOU THINK
Review: BRDC is, in my opinion, one of the greatest sci-fi films ever made. But what troubles me is that this movie could have been more if its makers were given a few million dollars more. Even though there are a very noticable amount of errors (script inconsistancies, dubbing, visual problems), this movie still shines from a VERY solid performance by Dutch actor Rutger Hauer, who plays Roy Batty, the lead of his replicant clan. Another solid performance is given by Joe Turkle, who plays God with his character, Eldon Tyrell. If you live for visuals in movies, this movie will have you spellbounded. From the opening scene, you are treated to 2 hours of pure bliss. CG scenes and miniatures are eye candy, and enhances the movie's feel. Ridley Scott's futuristic epic is a must for anyone who even remotly enjoys a good sci-fi flick. I think the film should be redone, and retrofitted with better F/X, have the scenes and characters who were deleted due to budget cuts, and have the parallel story that is in WESTWOOD STUDIOS' adaption of the movie. Both are astounding and will forever hold a place on my shelf, and in my heart. END

Rating:
Summary: An Outstanding Film! A Benchmark Film for all Sci-Fi
Review: Bladerunner - The Director's Cut is far superior to the original theatrical release. The original release had narraration throughout it which was distracting (as well as insulting for someone with average intelligence). The addition of one little dream sequence (omitted from the original) changes the entire meaning of the film. A must have for any Sci-Fi fan. Harrison Ford and Rutger Hauer are incredible together. END

Rating:
Summary: The Best.
Review: The original was a great science fiction film, but the director's cut of the movie makes it (with the exception of the Stars Wars films)the greatest science fiction movie in history. Some people would say that this film does not stack up to the original just because of the omitted voice-overs, but this simply isn't true. First of all you watch much closer and understand much more without the voice-overs, although it is true that some of the voice-overs did give you a better insight in to what Rick Deckard was thinking. The extra footage is a plus, and the ending is also a big plus. It feels much better to know that Deckard is in love and running away with Rachael, knowing that she only has a few years to live. In the original, it ruins the moment when Deckard says that she is built diffrently and will in fact live a lot longer. You should also read "Do Anderoids Dream Of Electric Sheep", this will also give you great insight into Blade Runner, or Blade Runner Director's Cut, no matter which one you choose to have. END

Rating:
Summary: The Director's cut is superb! THIS is Blade Runner.
Review: When Blade Runner was test screened some of the audience didn't "get it". The studio panicked & forced Ridley Scott to add the narration, cut down some of the sensitive (slow) scenes, & add a silly "Blue Skies" ending...that shot-out-of-nowhere fly-over of snowy mountains (a shot that the studio BOUGHT from "The Shining"!) for a more up-beat & less thought provoking ending. Typical cowardice, in my opinion. The Director's cut shows what a difference creative control can make. It is a truly great film, in any catagory. The fact that it is Sci-Fi shows how ill-served we Sci-Fi fans have been. Why are there not more films of this caliber out there? Look to the Studios for the answer. (I worked on Blade Runner, as a Modelmaker, & am still in the VFX trade.) END

Rating:
Summary: One of the greatest sci-fi movies ever made
Review: An extraordinary journey through a dark, bleak future where human-like replicants put in question what it means to be alive. A classic movie with amazing special effects. Sountrack by Vangelis END

Rating:
Summary: One of the best films ever made
Review: Cutting edge future scope never before seen. Images of a wet dirty L.A. run by large corporation cut-throat underworld boss. Rutger Hauer and Harrison Ford, enemies in a hate triangle with the system. Great Movie! END

Rating:
Summary: interesting but...
Review: After seeing the Original release and then the Director Cut, I was a little disappointed. The DC lacks the original voice-over by Ford that (imo) adds some sort of connection between the scenes. The DC does have some extra footage that makes in worth viewing but not that much and the ending of the DC is different. I believe that Blade Runner is still a great movie but I would have rather seen much more of the cut footage (like Decker visiting Holden in the hospital - a scene that is not in any released version) with the voice-over (narration by Ford). Still it is worth watching and maybe adding to your collection. END