Blade Runner 25th anniversary release. Which format to buy?

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If you love this film these discs should be killer. Even though I have no HD player or HDTV I'd like to buy the HD disc version of "Blade Runner" because supposedly it's only available for 4 months. But which one? That's the $69.95 question. I'm leaning towards HD-DVD because I think it'll be around longer. If I'm wrong about format it can keep my $1200 DAT player company. :D

Amazon HD-DVD:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...rd_t=201&pf_rd_p=252362301&pf_rd_i=B000K15VSA

Amazon Blu-Ray:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...rd_t=201&pf_rd_p=252362301&pf_rd_i=B000R5N1MC

Amazon DVD:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...rd_t=201&pf_rd_p=252362301&pf_rd_i=B000R6PKP2

Product Description
In celebration of Blade Runner's 25th anniversary, director Ridley Scott has gone back into post production to create the long-awaited definitive new version. Blade Runner: The Final Cut, spectacularly restored and remastered from original elements and scanned at 4K resolution, will contain never-before-seen added/extended scenes, added lines, new and improved special effects, director and filmmaker commentary, an all-new 5.1 Dolby® Digital audio track and more. Harrison Ford, Rutger Hauer, Edward James Olmos, Joanna Cassidy, Sean Young, and Daryl Hannah are among some 80 stars, filmmakers and others who participate in the extensive bonus features. Among the bonus material highlights is Dangerous Days, a brand new, three-and-a-half-hour documentary by award-winning DVD producer Charles de Lauzirika, with an extensive look into every aspect of the film: its literary genesis, its challenging production and its controversial legacy. The definitive documentary to accompany the definitive film version.
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, and collector's photographs, as well as a signed personal letter from Sir Ridley Scott.

Disc One
RIDLEY SCOTT'S ALL-NEW "FINAL CUT" VERSION OF THE FILM
Restored and remastered with added & extended scenes, added lines, new and cleaner special effects and all new 5.1 Dolby Digital Audio. Also includes:

Commentary by Ridley Scott
Commentary by executive producer/co-screenwriter Hampton Fancher and co-screenwriter David Peoples; producer Michael Deely and production executive Katherine Haber
Commentary 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 Two
DOCUMENTARY DANGEROUS DAYS: MAKING BLADE RUNNER
A feature-length authoritative documentary revealing all the elements that shaped this hugely influential cinema landmark. Cast, crew, critics and colleagues give a behind-the-scenes, in-depth look at the film -- from its literary roots and inception through casting, production, visuals and special effects to its controversial legacy and place in Hollywood history.

Disc Three
1982 THEATRICAL VERSION
This is the version that introduced U.S. movie-going audiences to a revolutionary film with a new and excitingly provocative vision of the near-future. It contains Deckard/Harrison Ford's character narration and has Deckard and Rachel's (Sean Young) "happy ending" escape scene.

1982 INTERNATIONAL VERSION
Also used on U.S. home video, laserdisc and cable releases up to 1992. This version is not rated, and contains some extended action scenes in contrast to the Theatrical Version.

1992 DIRECTOR'S CUT
The Director's Cut omits Deckard's voiceover narration and removes the "happy ending" finale. It adds the famously-controversial "unicorn" sequence, a vision that Deckard has which suggests that he, too, may be a replicant.

Disc Four
BONUS DISC - "Enhancement Archive": 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.

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 and alternate scenes
1982 promotional featurettes
Trailers and TV spots
Featurette "Promoting Dystopia: Rendering the Poster Art"
Marketing and merchandise gallery (images)
Featurette "Deck-A-Rep: The True Nature of Rick Deckard"
Featurette "--Nexus Generation: Fans & Filmmakers"

Disc Five
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"
 

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If you love this film these discs should be killer. Even though I have no HD player or HDTV I'd like to buy the HD disc version of "Blade Runner" because supposedly it's only available for 4 months. But which one? That's the $69.95 question. I'm leaning towards HD-DVD because I think it'll be around longer. If I'm wrong about format it can keep my $1200 DAT player company. :D

At this point, the DVD version might be safest if you want to be with the format that lasts the longest! :)
 
Ive already ordered the Hd version . With Warner's release schedule and Porcupine Tree's multi format releases , Ive just resigned myself to accepting my impending bankruptcy :)

~M~
 
I am going to make my D-VHS 1080i recording work and not buy any of them. If I was going to buy a new release of the film, it would probably be the Blu-ray version. This film is interesting, it was an absolute bomb theatrically and has never recovered more than a fraction of the cost, but it generates a lot of interest and is highly acclaimed. I think it is somewhat better than it was originally judged but not nearly as good as its reputation today.

Chris
 
When I saw this film the first day it came out in 1982 with my band mate Dave, I wasn't expecting anything. We we're blown away by the movie's emotional impact and by the film's ideas, excellent acting, look and feel. There was nothing like it at the time and the film was very "punk rock" in a world that shunned us and our music at the time. It's basically a 1930's murder mystery mixed in with the futuristic question of the ethics of human creation used for commercial purposes and what is a soul. Rutger Hauer was great in this film as was all the other actors. If it's reputation is a bit overblown toddy that's to be expected. Hollywood produces mostly crappy carnival rides with explosions or worse yet..movies with no thoughts or ideas. That's why I like to watch Turner Classic Movies for the good stuff and to study great filmmaking.
 
My decision a month ago was to go with Blu-Ray and I'm holding to that for now. DVD punt at minimum but it's gotta be the 5 disc version nonetheless.

I am completely psyched at the prospect of having a high definition copy of no less than FIVE versions of this important film! JAMMED with extras....

This was my first laserdisc (Criterion CAV) purchase and it is one of the few films my wife and I enjoy repeat views of. We did see the "director's cut" in the theatre in 1992 but this box is going to going to eclipse all previous versions.

Go to http://www.digitalbits.com/ (site is down or I'd have a direct link) and check out all the things that have gone into this special package. Even re-shooting a couple scenes to correct technical flaws, I was blown away. The dove at the end of the film was NOT in the script! It was xxxxx's idea......
 
Up until a week or so ago, I would have gone for the Blu-Ray. Now it looks like HD-DVD is making it a fight, and I will probably get the HD-DVD set.
 
For me this is a no-brainer, since I have a HD DVD player, but no Blu-ray player.
Also, I'm not sure if the extras of the Blu-ray will be on par with the HD DVD (with "300", for example, you miss out on the HiDef extras like the PIP blue-screen comparison commentary, because of the unfinished Blu-ray specs).
Also, with the HD DVD I'm sure I can play it in my European player, I have no idea if the Blu-ray will be region coded, and I don't know when this set will hit the shelves in Europe...
(Did I mention lately that regional coding sucks big time!?)
Best regards,
Oliver
 
For me this is a no-brainer, since I have a HD DVD player, but no Blu-ray player.
Also, I'm not sure if the extras of the Blu-ray will be on par with the HD DVD (with "300", for example, you miss out on the HiDef extras like the PIP blue-screen comparison commentary, because of the unfinished Blu-ray specs).
Also, with the HD DVD I'm sure I can play it in my European player, I have no idea if the Blu-ray will be region coded, and I don't know when this set will hit the shelves in Europe...
(Did I mention lately that regional coding sucks big time!?)
Best regards,
Oliver

Every title released on either format from Warner has been region free except combo HD DVD/DVD releases. I believe many, maybe all Warner HD DVD/DVD combo discs use single region coding on the DVD side. No Warner Blu-ray disc has ever used single region coding. There are no companies that release titles on HD DVD region free and release the same title on Blu-ray with single region coding. To date, the only titles released on Blu-ray with single region coding in the US have not been released on HD DVD period in the US. There are some Blu-ray titles from Disney, Fox and Sony that used single region coding but none of those companies have any HD DVD releases. No other companies have released any to date that I have seen, but if they have, I am sure the same titles wasn't also released on HD DVD region free.

Chris
 
My decision a month ago was to go with Blu-Ray and I'm holding to that for now. DVD punt at minimum but it's gotta be the 5 disc version nonetheless.

I am completely psyched at the prospect of having a high definition copy of no less than FIVE versions of this important film! JAMMED with extras....

This was my first laserdisc (Criterion CAV) purchase and it is one of the few films my wife and I enjoy repeat views of. We did see the "director's cut" in the theatre in 1992 but this box is going to going to eclipse all previous versions.

Go to http://www.digitalbits.com/ (site is down or I'd have a direct link) and check out all the things that have gone into this special package. Even re-shooting a couple scenes to correct technical flaws, I was blown away. The dove at the end of the film was NOT in the script! It was xxxxx's idea......

Should be an interesting one.
 
The BIG question that I like to know is, is the theatrical version in six-track Dolby stereo that was exhibited via the “Road Show” 70mm format, or Dolby 5.1 that is the version I missed out on I saw and heard a conventional optical twin track Dolby stereo A type version in the cinema I don’t care much for re-mixes to much but I’d be more than happy if (Ridley Scott) and crew get this done right without disappointing the cult “Blade Runner” fans.
 
The BIG question that I like to know is, is the theatrical version in six-track Dolby stereo that was exhibited via the “Road Show” 70mm format, or Dolby 5.1 that is the version I missed out on I saw and heard a conventional optical twin track Dolby stereo A type version in the cinema I don’t care much for re-mixes to much but I’d be more than happy if (Ridley Scott) and crew get this done right without disappointing the cult “Blade Runner” fans.

It's a new mix. Saw a digital screening in New York. Mind-blowing.
 
I pre-ordered the HD DVD the first day it was available. One of my all time favorite movies and most anticipated HD release. I can't wait for this one to come in. Not getting the suitcase though, just the discs. :D
 
Check out the official Blade Runner site, it has some cool stuff on it:

http://bladerunnerthemovie.warnerbros.com/

I've seen 3 different versions of this film in the theater. The original 1982 release, the work print cut in 1988 and the 1992 Director's Cut. Looking forward to the 2007 Final cut. Check out the movie schedule of cities where the new version is playing at: http://www.tyrell-corporation.pp.se/

Blade Runner: The Final Cut Cinema Screenings - USA

Date Location
10/26 Seattle (Cinerama, Seattle - 35mm)
Washington D.C. (Uptown, D.C. - 35mm)
Portland (Cinema 21, Portland - 35mm)
Salt Lake (Gateway Megaplex, SLC - Digital)

11/2 Chicago (Music Box, Chicago - 35mm)
Santa Barbara (Arlington, Santa Barbara - Digital)
Baltimore (Landmark Harbor East, Baltimore - Digital)

11/9 Boston (Coolidge Corner, Brookline - 35mm)
11/16 Detroit (Main Art, Detroit - 35mm)
11/18 Austin (Paramount, Austin - 35mm)

11/30 San Francisco (Embarcadero, San Francisco - 35mm)
Dallas (The Inwood, Dallas - 35mm)
Minneapolis (Uptown, Minneapolis - 35mm)

12/7 Denver (The Landmark @ Greenwood Village - Digital)
Philadelphia (The Ritz 5, Philadelphia - 35mm)

12/25 Boston (The Brattle, Cambridge - 35mm)
1/2'08 Austin (The Paramount, Austin - 35mm)
1/4'08 Nashville (The Belcourt, Nashville - 35mm)
1/18'08 Durham (Carolina, Durham - 35mm)
2/1'08 Columbus (Drexel Gateway, Columbus - 35mm)
2/15'08 San Francisco (Castro, San Francisco - 35mm)
2/29'08 Sacramento (Crest, Sacramento - 35mm)

If it's not coming to your town you could get an inexpensive video projector.
 
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