Rating: 
Summary: One of the most overrated films of all time.....
Review: At the risk of receiving hundreds of threatening e-mails, I will go on record stating that Ridley Scott's dystopian vision stands as one of the most unjustifiably praised films since the invention of sound. While technically marvelous and full of visual invention (it does use noir influences effectively), the story drags on endlessly and the characters, especially Ford's, remain aloof, uninteresting, and frustrating. As an exercise in style, it has undoubted appeal, but it must be heavily criticized at the screenplay level. When a story is in service to the visuals, it reflects a lack of confidence at the narrative level. I have never found Ford to be an appealing actor (he is far too bland to be a commanding leading man), but at no other time has his character been so devoid of passion or insight.
Rating: 
Summary: Let the viewers decide which version to purchase.
Review: I would give the original version 5 stars, or more if I could, but the 3 stars here is for the Director's Cut specifically. I know many rejoiced at the release of the Director's Cut, but I cannot get excited about it when one of the original's most memorable features, Deckard's wonderfully deadpan narration (though hated by many), is missing. In my opinion, that simple omission completely altered the atmosphere of the film, and not for the better. I understand a director having second-thoughts about his original concept, although personally, I think Ridley Scott should have left well enough alone. But I believe the greatest mistake made was to delete the original version from circulation, thus depriving the public of the option to choose which version is to be preferred. I know many who would choose the original every day of the week, myself included. I still own the original version on VHS, and it is now one of my most prized possessions. Given the versatile options available on DVD, I see no reason why a dual-layered DVD could not be made with widescreen versions of both the original and Director's Cut on each side, or perhaps an optional narration track and the original ending in it's own chapter, so it could be programmed out by those viewers whom don't wish to see it. If something along those lines were to be made available, I would buy it immediately, but as things stand now, I do not see myself purchasing the present available version on DVD. I feel genuine sorrow for any viewer not fortunate enough to have seen the original version before it was deleted. They missed out on one of the truly great film-noir and/or sci-fi films of the 20th century. Until the original version is released on DVD, the present Director's Cut doesn't do justice to the concept presented in the original. What a shame.
Rating: 
Summary: Specfically to those who have never seen Blade Runner...
Review: This is a review with 3.75 stars, but I rounded up for lack of incremental stars.First off, let me mention who this review is aimed at specifically. It's mainly aimed at people like me, avid readers and watchers of SF, Fantasy, Anime, and specifically cerebral anime. (Cerebral anime is anime which is often more of a social statement than a narrative, ie. Serial Experiments - Lain.) If you're used to cerebral anime, Blade Runner is a walk in the park. I really don't understand the complaints about ambiguity -- I saw none in the Director's Cut. I have never seen the original, but I presume from all the comments that it is the typical Hollywood-geared plot with a happy ending. After watching the Director's Cut, I don't think I want to see the original. It would ruin the artistic beauty and intellectual aspects of the movie that I enjoyed during my first viewing. Most cerebral anime has to be watched multiple times to gain an understanding of the social and intellectual arguments. Blade Runner is clear-cut to those who are used to ambiguous plots and characters. That doesn't detract from its multiple viewing aspects, however... As a movie, Blade Runner is a masterpiece of dark SF. I had always heard "Blade Runner inspired" when I saw something Dark SF, but I had never understood it until now. The dark cityscape of future LA is enthralling to me, and I just wish I could find more movies/anime that could create the dark, sullen mood that Blade Runner created for me. The movie still contains some Hollywood-esque moments that do little to further the artistic quality of the movie. But they do not necessarily detract either. The visual effects of the movie are gorgeous for a film made in 1991. The sound quality of the DVD was a little bland, but I presume it is because of the sound technology at the time the movie was made.
Rating:
Summary: Excellent film, mediocre DVD
Review: The directors cut is head and shoulders above the original movie. In the original, the narration eliminated any need to work out for yourself what the movie is about (which is most of the fun of watching a good movie), and the ending was insipid and obviously did not fit. It was clear to me when I saw the movie for the first time that the "happy" ending had been tacked onto the end with no thought given to consistancy. I was not surpised at all to find out that the "executives" had tacked it on to try to make the film gross higher by appealing to the lowest common denominator. In the tug of war between art and profit, the original was clearly compromised by the desire for profit. Interestingly, this is precisely what happened with the TV version of "Brazil", which was pathetic (the director's cut of Brazil was brilliant). The DVD leaves a lot to be desired. The audio is only sterio; there's no excuse for that. There are virtually no extras included either. No commentaries, no deleted scenes, no "making of" featurette; just some production notes. Whoopie. But I bought it because I love the movie. If I had it to do over again, I would have waited for a more full featured DVD.
Rating: 
Summary: BLADE RUNNER-VOICE OVER.
Review: ITS A PITY THAT THE DVD EDITION ONLY HAS THE DIRECTORS CUT. LOTS OF PEOPLE PREFERE THE ORIGINAL VERSION (ONLY ON VIDEO). PERHAPS THEY COULD DO THE TWO VERSIONS ON ONE DVD. THEN WE BLADE RUNNER FANS CAN SAY WE HAVE A REAL COLLECTORS EDITION.
Rating: 
Summary: Hello, DVDs CAN be BETTER!
Review: If one were to name the top ten movies to get on DVD, Blade Runner would be there. I also like the original better, but I think it is because I saw it first. (on to the point of my title)- WHY do I have to choose when DVDs can have BOTH the original and new versions- I should be making these things, it's not rocket science-- where are the xtras? If the studios would stop slappin em together to get em out the door we might actually get DVDs as they were meant to be!
Rating:
Summary: I also prefer the original...
Review: Yup, I'm one of those dummies! I actually liked the original better. Personally, I feel the original focuses more on racial issues. Are we really capable of judging what is human and what is not? If a being comes so close to the human original, do we have the right to retire "it" if it's no longer convenient for us to have it around? Reminds me a bit of the slave issue. The movie "DARYL" (remember that one?) poses a similar question. And is most likely the reason Deckard got so tired of his job the first time around, which leads to the logical conclusion of the film's ending (I'm not giving this away although I can't believe anybody hasn't seen this film yet). Because of questions such as this, "Blade Runner" has always been one of my favourite Sci-Fi's. There's a lot of food for thought here, a great movie to discuss with friends. The atmosphere which Ridley Scott creates with this sinisterly dark film is absolutely fascinating. Would we want to live in a world like that? I am glad for that bit of light at the end of the original. Maybe WB will release it some day. In the mean time I give this version four stars and am hoping for more.
Rating:
Summary: Original version vs. "Director's Cut"
Review: The original version is one of the greatest movies of all time. The "Director's Cut" omits the narrative by the main character. In my opinion, this destroys this film. I think many reviewers who did not like this movie, would change their mind if they could see the version with the narrative. I wish I could find an original version .
Rating:
Summary: DVD version needs more.
Review: I was a bit dissappointed in the DVD version, it was actually not much better than what I had on video, and there are not features to speak of. The movie is a classic. I would put it up with the _Maltese Falcon_, and _The Big Sleep_. In fact of all the Humphrey Bogart style movies that Harrison Ford has tried out, this is the only one he does as well as Mr Bogart might have done with similiar material. The director's cut is infinitely superior to the original movie. Gone are the cheesy voice overs and instead you are left wondering if perhaps Dekkard himself is not what he seems. Had the DVD contained more features I would have instantly given this a five, but the lack of effort in putting the DVD together drops it down a notch.
Rating:
Summary: It has changed over the years but still great!
Review: I first saw this movie in its original Version in 1984.( I was a part of the Atari/Commodore 64 era then,) and I was very impressed by all the visuals I saw. Back then story didn't matter, but the special effects were truly amazing. It holds up even better in its new format. The Narration and ridiculous "Happy" ending were removed( I didn't think they belonged either.), and the result is pure genius. The story takes time to digest, but to me dosen't really matter as the pace works slow , but really well edited and made. This film actually has 5 different Versions that were created over a period of years, and if you want to know more, a great book on the subject is: Future Noir: The making of Blade Runner by Paul M Sammon. Very Comprehensive, with some neat tidbits about the film, even you didn't know. Like the Electron Microscope Image of the "snake scale" DEckard gives to the woman at the shop to analyze is actually a Electron Microscope image of a Female Marijuana plant! Kinda neat , huh? Enjoy this movie it is really great! Have A better one!
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