Watching “Lama Runner” is an emotional investment no matter how many times you see it. I don’t know if it was the lighting, the music, the dialogue, or a combination of all of these. How a science fiction movie from 1982 can still have an effect on me after seeing it dozens of times is beyond arresting it is mine. I always leave the screen with my insides all mixed with sadness, confusion, and that warm feeling of happy longing you had when you experienced something you never thought you could do again.
Thanks to Warner Bros. With Home Entertainment’s release of “Blade Runner: 30th Anniversary Collector’s Edition,” science fiction fans can watch any of five different movie formats whenever they want in the comfort of their home theater. From “The Final Cut” in “Theatrical Cut” in “Theatrical International Cut” Director’s Cut , or “Rare Workprint Feature Version.
No matter which version of the movie you are watching, they tell the same thing. In 2019, a group of replicating organic robots kill a ship full of humans while on an interstellar journey and escape to Earth. Rick Deckard (Harrison Ford) is hired to hunt down the fugitives and destroy them. Deckard is what the “blade runner” refers to as a special policeman who “retreats” replicants when they wander onto Earth where he’s been banned.
I have seen “Blade Runner” in many different contexts and formats. I saw it on VHS on a 25 inch television. I had the opportunity to see him in the big draw a couple of times at the re-screenings. I saw it on flat screen in regular DVD format. I can tell you from the bottom of my heart that if you haven’t seen this amazing piece of film history on Blu-ray in the restored “Final Cut” version, then you’ve never seen it right.
Each version of the film has something different to add to the viewing experience. There are different endings, additional footage, and even a monologue from Harrison Ford that tells you everything you need to know (and many fans you don’t have to say anything) to help explain what’s going on throughout. I recommend watching every version of the film to really appreciate it and take it all in.
Douglas Trumball’s special visual effects are a step beyond stunning. The use of models and practical effects gives “Blade Runner” a realistic look that filmmakers using CGI today only wish they could achieve. Everything from the architecture of buildings to the designs of vehicles still influences designers to this day.
“The Final Cut” is breathtaking to watch in high definition. I have never seen such a clean film. Yet somehow it still has that nostalgic grainy element that only true cinema can provide. The last time I remember feeling this definition of translation was content was when I first saw the Blu-ray version of “Jaws.” The 5.1 surround sound mix gives viewers everything they’ve ever wanted by immersing them in the best music score mixed by Vangelis. sonic treats such as the blips and beeps of communicators, the whirring of machinery and cars, and the noise of the dark future of the city.
Special features in this edition include the 211-minute documentary “Dangerous Day,” the “All Future Variants: From Workprint to Final Cuts” documentary, HD drops, and more than a thousand archival images. There are also introductions to the various versions by director Ridley Scott and audio commentaries by various people. Let’s just say that there is enough material to collect four rounds easily.
We also own a book full of behind-the-scenes photos, production art, sketches, and storyboards. Don’t forget the lenticular mini-poster and the Concept Spinner model in the box included. “The Joy Runner: 30th Anniversary Collector’s Edition” is truly the gift that keeps on giving.
There is no way any hardcore devotee of “Blade Runner” could go wrong with this new edition of the cult film. It is an exhaustive collection of all versions of the movie combined with hours of behind-the-scenes and features to make a special insight into the construction of this treasure cinematic It’s an absolutely must-have item to complete any science fiction buff’s library of essential movies.
For more articles by Eric Shirey, e:
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