5 comments about Blade Runner (Limited Edition Collector's Set).

1. Blade Runner, in either the original theatrical release OR the director's cut, is one of the best SciFi movies ever made. And yes, the quality of the DVD is DREADFUL. BUT, INHD is showing an incredible print of the director's cut in Hi Def with a real 5.1 surround soundtrack this month. If you have an HD Recorder, here's where it earns its keep! Until the definitive version comes out on DVD, if that ever happens, grab it in Hi Def off the air.



2. I saw the original theatrical release of Blade Runner and was dismayed years later to learn that the director's cut omits Harrison Fords narrative. Why was the narrative removed? I don't get it.... I want to buy a new, high quality DVD based on the original Blade Runner release where Harrison Ford narrates.... To me, the movie just isn't the same without the narrative sound track.



3. I've had this set since it came out, and in anticipation of a newer release, I'm writing in about it.
   This set is one of my more valued dvds. I absolutely adore Blade Runner, and this set had everything to go along for the ride.
   If your a collector and Blade Runner is in at least your top 30-50, buy this!
   i understand it's out of print, but it's worth the extra.



4. The Ridley Scott true blade runner release is suppose to be released sometime this year. It's the only blade runner version to date that has everything in it that was deleted because of different legal issues. Wait for it in coming months.



5. VERY DISPOINTING SET HAS THE SAME DVD AVAILABLE ALL READY WITH JUST ONE VERISON, THERE WAS VHS VERSION THAT HAD THE NARRATION AND MORE GRAPHIC SCENES THAT WERE DELETED IN THE THEATRICAL VERSION FOR BEING TO GRAPHIC WHY CANT WE GET THIS VERSION ON DVD WHATS UP!

No comments about PROFILES featuring Rutger Hauer.

4 comments about Natural City (Korean Blade Runner).

1. bought this on a whim and did not regret it. lots of action and special effects to back it up. great plot, great acting, great sound track. if you like blade runner, you'll love this film.



2. beautiful movie with hot asian chicks,plenty of action.a must own for sci-fi fans.movie is so good that it will release a us version dvd in feb.28 2006.



3. The disc and production is of fine quality. But the movie wasn't. Technically excellent, yet thoroughly derivative of [insert any sci-fi film name here.] Quite the opposite of the original Blade Runner DVD, a lousy disc and great movie... (Criterion where are you?!)
   
   If you love Blade Runner, you will likely be disappointed. Not a soul or story of interest can be found here. If any old sci-fi flick is your bag, by all means enjoy!



4. Right off the top, this film loses a star for putting Doo-hong Jung in the flick and totally underutilizing him. The guy is the king of Korean martial arts flicks and he gets relegated to a few, sparse action sequences.
   As for the film itself, it's not bad. For those people who feel that "Blade Runner" is the end-all, be-all of human/cyborg love and that no other film should ever be done that deals with that subject: stay away from this film. While it does deal with the same basic premise, it certainly sets itself apart from "Blade Runner". Sure, it has that very cyber-punk futuristic feel, but the story almost would pick up where BR left off. We find our main character in the last few days of his cyborg love's life and what he's doing to try and save her. But we also find the familiar Asian themes of brotherhood and love vs. loyalty/duty, self-interest vs. greater good, whereas in BR the main theme was "what is life?" and that was about it. So NC tends to be a bit more complex (but I still like BR far more).
   
   The visuals are well done and the acting is pretty solid. It does have a very stylized visual approach that will remind some of "The Matrix". The story was just play. It seemed to wander a bit here and there and the main character's actions often seemed to contradict what the whole movie was about (read: he sure has a funny way of showing affection). Maybe there's something deeper, some underlying motivation that I missed, but I thought he just came across like a d-bag to his woman. And that runs counter to the stated purpose of the whole thing.
   
   Basically, it's a decent movie that could have been better. The action feels restrained and the story tends to try and make itself deeper than it actually is. Performances and visuals are overall solid. Sci-fi fans should enjoy this one. Action fans will feel cheated by seeing talented martial artists going to waste. I enjoyed it, and maybe I'll watch it again someday...just not anytime soon.

5 comments about Blade Runner.

1. I love the film, both versions. HOWEVER, one thing most reviewers seem to overlook regarding the Director's cut is that we already know the film and are familiar with the general film noire approach to the story, character interaction, development, and so on.

   Classic film noire often needs narration. Even if Ford initially narrated poorly on purpose, it kind of fits in with the character. Besides which, the D Cut does nothing to replace the narration, so there are great gobs of panoramic dead air, with maybe a bit of background music. It becomes a struggle to stay focused. I tested this with two of my Media Studies sections, and the narration kept the most audience attention hands down, not to mention a keener grasp of the film.

   I think a perfect marriage would be to include the extra footage, the D cut ending, and selected portions of the narration.




2. Blade Runner tells of human-like robots which are in danger of gaining emotions and becomming too human to exhist by human laws. I loved this movie when I first saw it and I find it wonderful to notice in the background the company logos (which at the time were powerful up and coming companies) of which most are out of business (though Atari has made a comeback). The soundtrack sets the tone and the weather (which it always is raining in the film except for the very ending) also keep things looking bleak. I do enjoy the directors cut cause I am a big fan of Widescreen... but that is the only reason I like it. I wish they had kept the narration (or at least had a two sided disk so a person could chose to have the original unedited narration or the directors cut version). I know some people think the narration is the studios way of saying that the audiance cannot understand the film without dumbing-it-down with narration. This is definitily not the case. The narration reminds me of those old TV Cop dramas where the cops thoughts are always stated as the action is happening. I do feel that it adds to the film. I highly recommend the movie regardless of which version you see. Rutger Hauer is my favorite.



3. To the above statement I would have to say yes. If I were to go over every film made I'd be hard pressed to find one that's more overrated. Ok, the movie has cool special effects and music. I bought the soundtrack and can get the special effects jolt I need from Lord of the Rings or some other such vehicle. I have no idea why time and time again I see glowing reviews for this very unpleasant movie. There's nothing compelling or likable that I can find in either the characters of the dialogue. Which version would I recommend of the original or the director's? Neither.



4. The tape was broken and I cannot find the sellers's name to return it



5. +++++
   
   "EARLY in the 21ST century, the Tyrell Corporation advanced robot evolution into the nexus phase-a being virtually identical to a human-known as a replicant. The nexus replicants were superior in strength and agility, and at least equal in intelligence to the genetic engineers who created them.
   
   Replicants were used off-world as slave labor on the hazardous exploration and colonization of other planets. After a bloody mutiny by a nexus combat team in an off-world colony, replicants were declared illegal on Earth-under penalty of death.
   
   Special police squads-Blade Runner units-had orders to shoot to kill upon detection, any trespassing replicant.
   
   This was not called execution. It was called retirement."
   
   These are the actual printed words that begin this classic science fiction movie (based on the 1968 novel "Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep?" by Philip K. Dick).
   
   The plot of this movie is simple. Rick Deckard (Harrison Ford) is a policeman or "blade runner" of Los Angeles (in the year 2019) who's after four criminal "replicants" named Roy Batty (Rutger Haur), Pris (Daryl Hannah), Zhora (Joanna Cassidy), and Leon (Brion James). Deckard accidentally develops a romance with the more sophisticated replicant Rachael (Sean Young).
   
   Unlike "The Director's Cut" version of this movie, this original version has Deckard's voice-over narration. I found this voice-over especially emotionally appealing when the Roy Batty replicant "dies" at the end of the movie.
   
   I think I deduced the reasons why the voice-over is so important for this movie:
   
   (1) It allows the viewer to follow the action. (A friend of mine who watched "The Director's Cut" with me and who did not see the original release with Deckard's voice-over could not follow the story!!)
   (2) It provides the human touch to counterbalance all the technological and visually stunning special effects.
   (3) It adds a "retro" feel that reminded me of old-time detective movies.
   
   The ending, unlike "The Director's Cut," was not abrupt. This ending gave a feeling of hope that Deckard and the replicant Rachael would have a future together.
   
   All the acting in this movie is first-rate. Special mention should go to Harrison Ford who as the blade runner Rick Deckard carries the movie and to Rutger Haur as the leader of the replicants, Roy Batty. Also, Sean Young does a super job portraying the more sophisticated replicant, Rachael.
   
   The special effects that highlight the steel-and-microchip jungle of twenty-first century L.A. and the background music by Vangelis are fantastic and exhilarating.
   
   The only problem is that this original version of this movie is not available on DVD (as of the date of this review). This is truly unfortunate. ("The Director's Cut" is available on DVD.)
   
   BOTTOM LINE:
   
   With its voice-over narration, this is a magnificent and classic science fiction movie with emotional impact. It's easy to see why this movie won the L.A. Film Critics Award and three British Academy Awards.
   
   (1982; 2 hr; fullscreen)
   
   +++++

4 comments about Blade Runner (Unrated) (Narrated).

1. They say there are at least seven different versions of Blade Runner out there. I have seen at least four of them. SPOILER ALERT:
   
   1) Original theatrical version with Harrison Ford voiceover narration and "happy" ending which featured landscape footage that Stanley Kubrick cut from the credits of "The Shining." This was shown at the end when Deckard and Rachael made their escape and he said there was hope that she would live. They say they showed the film to test audiences who didn't "get it," so they made Ford come back to the studio to narrate it. He didn't want to, so he delivered it in the flat, deadpan voice on purpose.
   
   2) This version, which "contains scenes of graphic violence edited from the theatrical version." THIS IS THE VERSION YOU WANT! Aside from the "director's cut" this is the best. It has the same as the theatrical and MORE. It shows an extended version of Harrison Ford gunning down the first female replicant, a longer and more brutal fight between him and Pris, and Roy Batty kills Tyrell and we get to see his thumbs poke out the man's eyes. That's about it, but it is worth it if you watch the narrated version.
   
   3) A 10 Year Anniversary which is not much different than the above two.
   
   4) The director's cut which trims the "graphic violence" footage, removes the voiceover narration, adds a unicorn scene (taken from footage of Ridley Scott's movie "Legend") which suggests Deckard might be a replicant (as does the original Philip K Dick book), and trims the landscape footage at the end, stopping the movie where Deckard and Rachael flee.
   
   Rumor has it that there will be a special edition in 2007 which includes the original version (which of the two I'm not certain), the director's cut, and a new director's edition which nobody seems to know what it will contain. They've been talking about this for years so I'm not holding my breath. Still, this remains one of my favorites.



2. This movie seems to be about a type of futuristic cop who hunts down "replicants" who look like people but they aren't. This kind of reminds me of the teachers I had back in High School.I have read that this movie has about 7 different versions available. From what I can gather this means you can get the movie with or without the "Happy Talk" narration. So it is kind of like ordering a Big Mac but hold the fries. Harrison Ford plays his usual overstressed, tired and cynical cop role (yawn) but you do get to see Daryl Hannah doing a very unusual breakdance. Plus there is the Oh So Gorgeous Ms. Joanna Cassidy who plays with a big snake and appears in various stages of undress which alone makes this movie worth watching. If you are a Major League Science Fiction Geek then this movie is for you.



3. i have seen the original theatrical version and the 'director's cut' in 1992. it's my opinion that this version with the voice over narration to be the better version of the two. though most people might not 'get it', it begs for a second viewing and is truly a gret film, if not a masterpiece.
   this wa a ground breaking film, it is smacks of the old 'film noir' movies of the 1940s-but with a futuristic feel to it. ask any artist, graphic artist, designer or film maker and they will most likely tell you that this film was the reason why they chose their careers...great set design and conceptual art.



4. 1982's "Blade Runner" was a highly original and dramatic sci-fi thriller featuring Harrison Ford as Decker, a burnt-out bounty hunter in a 21st century Los Angeles. His job: To hunt down and kill rebellious androids. The horrifying twist is that the androids, known as replicants, are engineered with human genetic material so as to be nearly indistinguishable from humans. The replicants have exceptional strength and a pre-programmed lifespan, but only an experienced blade runner like Decker can spot them in a crowd.
   
   As the movie opens, Decker has been recalled from retirement to hunt down four renegade replicants, led by Rutger Hauer in an outstanding turn as their ruthless but philosophical leader. The four replicants attempt to hide in the dark, perpetually rainy forest of high rises that is 21st Century Los Angeles, a multi-cultural Tokyo on steroids.
   
   As a determined Decker hunts down the replicants one by one, each set-piece battle increases our sympathy for the replicants, who seem only too human, and for Decker, who has clearly come to loath his job as a blade runner. Decker will have assistance along the way from Rachel (played by Sean Young), the personal assistant of the man who created these four replicants. Decker's interview of Rachel early in the movie is a chilling exploration of the subtle differences between a human and a replicant.
   
   Decker will finally confront the warrior replicant played by Rutger Hauer. As the two men play a deadly game of cat and mouse in a decaying building, Hauer taunts the blade runner with a running commentary that allows us to understand, finally, what a replicant might or could be.
   
   The finale of the movie is a somewhat contrived "happy ending" that apparently is not present in all of the many subsequent directors cuts and revisions that this excellent sci-fi thriller has spawned.
   
   This version is the original theatrical release, including Decker's voice-over narrative, and with some additional violent footage added. It is recommended to the general viewer, who may find this version easier to understand and who may appreciate a standard movie ending.

5 comments about Blade Runner (Five-Disc Ultimate Collector's Edition) [HD DVD].

1. We all know the movie, which is one of the most interesting ever made.
   This collection of disk will give you everything you wanted ever know and see about the making of Blade Runner.
   There is also a disc with some delete scenes, alternate endings and several documentary on the production of the movie which will reveal many anedocts that are very interesting. The documentary will reveal that the movie production was extremely under budget for how it was intended to be shot by Riddley Scott and he had to make so many compromises to get it to the end. Too bad they did not have a budget on the line of many of today's Hollywood productions.
   The "final cut" blue ray disk, has an incredible quality. The film has been restored and I think colors and sharpness of the images has been enhanced using the latest digital technologies because the clarity and saturation of the colors is much better than any other version seen on disk or in theater. There also is one of the final scenes that has been completely re-shot using the latest computer graphics technology and finally makes the film to be as it was intended by the author.



2. The film was finally released in 1982 starring Harrison Ford as a Blade Runner named Rick Deckard; a bounty hunter whose task was to track down and destroy Replicants; robots that resembled humans in just about every way, except for a typical lack of emotion. He is challenged by an incredibly human, in nature Replicant, named Roy Batty, who was played by the white haired Rutger Hauer, Roy later being one of the iconic roles of his long career.
   Throughout the film humanity is questioned, as sometimes it seems as if Roy and his group of Replicants are more human than the one who hunts them. Often implying Deckard was a Replicant (an aspect never seen in Dick's book) was a way of asking ourselves if humanity truly was better than the machines they created. A compelling sci-fi epic, with beautiful set pieces Blade Runner received plenty of critical praise, but was overshadowed by John Carpenter's horror remake of The Thing and Steven Spielberg's heartwarming family adventure, E.T. The Extra Terrestrial, which were also in theaters around the time of Blade Runner's release. The complex Blade Runner didn't stand a chance against these two mainstream, appealing sci-fi films and struggled in the box officer, only making an estimate of $33,000,000; a $5,000,000 profit.
   Overlooked the year it was released Blade Runner would soon come to be one of the most beloved science fiction films of the `80s, managing to end up on many top film lists nationwide, and taking a firm place in cinema history. Director Ridley Scott, who thought he'd had too much cut from the original theatrical cut would later go back and release a Director's Cut in 1992; the film's tenth anniversary. Fifteen years later a dedicated Scott would return to the film again for its 25th Anniversary special edition DVD release, making what he entitled Blade Runner: the Final Cut. This final cut was soon accepted by the film's many fans as the definitive cut of the film.
   
   Scott went all out on the Final Cut and all the 25th anniversary DVD sets. Blade Runner is a masterpiece.



3. 
   Love the packaging for this great, ahead of it's time sci-fi masterpiece. Still like the original, rather than the re-issues.



4. This is possibly the best box set I've seen yet. All five versions of the movie are presented in this set beautifully remastered and in 5.1 surround. I cannot complain about anything about this. The extras included also are in perfect form. It is definately worth the extra money to get this set especially since it includes the workprint version only available here and in the blueray edition.



5. This set is the best box set I have so far. With all the different versions, I have no idea where to start. Well I got mine in August. I still have yet to watch everything on the DVDs but I'm getting there. I'm not very good with reviews but I have to say the versions are not that different from each other but still worth watching.

5 comments about Blade Runner (Five-Disc Ultimate Collector's Edition) [Blu-ray].

1. We all know the movie, which is one of the most interesting ever made.
   This collection of disk will give you everything you wanted ever know and see about the making of Blade Runner.
   There is also a disc with some delete scenes, alternate endings and several documentary on the production of the movie which will reveal many anedocts that are very interesting. The documentary will reveal that the movie production was extremely under budget for how it was intended to be shot by Riddley Scott and he had to make so many compromises to get it to the end. Too bad they did not have a budget on the line of many of today's Hollywood productions.
   The "final cut" blue ray disk, has an incredible quality. The film has been restored and I think colors and sharpness of the images has been enhanced using the latest digital technologies because the clarity and saturation of the colors is much better than any other version seen on disk or in theater. There also is one of the final scenes that has been completely re-shot using the latest computer graphics technology and finally makes the film to be as it was intended by the author.



2. The film was finally released in 1982 starring Harrison Ford as a Blade Runner named Rick Deckard; a bounty hunter whose task was to track down and destroy Replicants; robots that resembled humans in just about every way, except for a typical lack of emotion. He is challenged by an incredibly human, in nature Replicant, named Roy Batty, who was played by the white haired Rutger Hauer, Roy later being one of the iconic roles of his long career.
   Throughout the film humanity is questioned, as sometimes it seems as if Roy and his group of Replicants are more human than the one who hunts them. Often implying Deckard was a Replicant (an aspect never seen in Dick's book) was a way of asking ourselves if humanity truly was better than the machines they created. A compelling sci-fi epic, with beautiful set pieces Blade Runner received plenty of critical praise, but was overshadowed by John Carpenter's horror remake of The Thing and Steven Spielberg's heartwarming family adventure, E.T. The Extra Terrestrial, which were also in theaters around the time of Blade Runner's release. The complex Blade Runner didn't stand a chance against these two mainstream, appealing sci-fi films and struggled in the box officer, only making an estimate of $33,000,000; a $5,000,000 profit.
   Overlooked the year it was released Blade Runner would soon come to be one of the most beloved science fiction films of the `80s, managing to end up on many top film lists nationwide, and taking a firm place in cinema history. Director Ridley Scott, who thought he'd had too much cut from the original theatrical cut would later go back and release a Director's Cut in 1992; the film's tenth anniversary. Fifteen years later a dedicated Scott would return to the film again for its 25th Anniversary special edition DVD release, making what he entitled Blade Runner: the Final Cut. This final cut was soon accepted by the film's many fans as the definitive cut of the film.
   
   Scott went all out on the Final Cut and all the 25th anniversary DVD sets. Blade Runner is a masterpiece.



3. 
   Love the packaging for this great, ahead of it's time sci-fi masterpiece. Still like the original, rather than the re-issues.



4. This is possibly the best box set I've seen yet. All five versions of the movie are presented in this set beautifully remastered and in 5.1 surround. I cannot complain about anything about this. The extras included also are in perfect form. It is definately worth the extra money to get this set especially since it includes the workprint version only available here and in the blueray edition.



5. This set is the best box set I have so far. With all the different versions, I have no idea where to start. Well I got mine in August. I still have yet to watch everything on the DVDs but I'm getting there. I'm not very good with reviews but I have to say the versions are not that different from each other but still worth watching.

5 comments about Blade Runner - The Director's Cut.

1. Blade Runner was a five star movie that had an exceptionally good plot. It also featured astounding special effects which were amazing to see on the big screen. Much of this work was done with large scale models and fog machines that really helped to establish the atmosphere and feel of the film visually. Several of the screen and sound effects were taken from Ridley Scott's Alien, including computer graphic screens and miscellaneous electronic sound effects. In addition, the sets, models, and costumes were wonderfully organic, as were the original sets of Giger's from Alien.
   
   The story concerns humaniod robots in the first quarter of the 21st century that have intelligence and agility at least as great as that of the genetic engineers who designed them. The robots are called Replicants because they are physically equivalent to human beings down to their organs, blood and bone structure. The strength and speed of these androids is much greater than that of a human, and they can be a great deal of trouble to deal with.
   
   The story takes for granted that such advanced robots possess true consciousness and are quite willing to fight and even kill human beings in order to continue their existance which has been intentionally limited to a life span of four years. This is one of the few robot films to come out of Hollywood which does not depend on Asimov's three laws of robotics for the story.
   
   One new science fiction twist on robotics used in this film is the implanting of false memories of childhood, parents and a long prior existance. Though false, these implanted memories mean a great deal to the androids at the "emotional" level who carry photos of their false history, parents and childhood homes even when they are aware that these memories are false. This was a totally new concept to me as a long time fan of robots in science fiction film and gave me a new perspective on the value of memories.
   
   The film stars Harrison Ford who plays a special law officer or Blade Runner. As a Blade Runner he is authorized to use deadly force in the pursuit of "Replicants" to terminate (or retire) them on the planet Earth where their use has been banned. The story becomes even more interesting when the Blade Runner falls in love with a beautiful female Replicant who is used to calibrate the andoroid detection software used by Blade Runner detectives.
   
   One scene which was particularly effective involved Harrison Ford revealing to the female android that she is artificial, something she has been unaware of since activation because of her false memory implants. This is the scene in which Harrison Ford falls in love with this very beautiful "woman" because of her well portraid vulnerability, emotions and sadness at learning that she is artificial. She is deeply hurt and shattered by the new knowledge and the tough Blade Runner instantly falls in love when she breaks down and silently cries after hearing his revelation and convincing evidence.



2. Blade Runner has gotten so much praise since its debut in 1982, and when it was released then, it was a box office disaster. Many years later, it has become a cult favorite, and I can see why, but, I believe its only going to appeal to a "certain type of audience" The movie looks fantasic, and the visuals are well done for a film from the early 80's. The flim doesnt use action as its key, but tons of dialogue and there a tons of hidden meanings in the film (which I had to look up) which at times make it confusing and a bit to over-whelming for a sci-fi movie. This will appeal to certain types, but please dont think this is a sci-fi action film, because it isnt. The first 50 minutes have no action, and the movie as a whole is just to dark and to over-complex for someone like myself who is only an average sci-fi fan. This was my first viewing of the film, so I decided on the directors cut, which I dont know if this might have made things more confusing for me, since I have read there is a big difference between the DC and the theatrical version. I also hear there are many different cuts of the film. I still appricate somethings that are done here, and that is why I give the film credit. This is the first time that I have praised a film so much that I hated (well most of it) This isnt some piece of trash,(once again why I couldnt give it one star) it has been praised by many film critics, but once again, there was nothing in this that tickled my fancy. Be warned that this is a complex movie you are getting yourself into, U might love it, but I think for an average fan of sci-fi with an over-complex plot, it is only a C-. For those that are really into deep thinking movies espcially SCI-Fi, then you will probely think its an A+ Masterpiece.



3. What makes you human? Is it the flesh, bones, blood, and brain matter in your body? Or is it the experiences, emotions, the love, the joys, the angers, and the remorses? Would you be in the wrong to be a little angry if you found out you were manufactured for someone else's short-term use and want to confront, hurt, even KILL the "God" that put you in this position?
   
   'Blade Runner' asks all of these questions in front of a stunning backdrop of a dystopian future and a haunting, mesmerizing, almost sensual soundtrack by Vangelis. Mankind is depicted as dejected, dreary, and living day by day with seemingly no purpose in a globalized world of super-technology, futuristic cars and billboard signs, etc. The dehumanazation of man with the rise of technological and capital growth is strong here.
   
   The greater question of what defines humanity is asked when Rick Deckard (in an excellent subdued role by Harrison Ford), retiring police force "blade runner", is assigned to a final mission before his retirement, where he has to find and kill four "replicant" androids who escaped from a technological colony and have killed since their escape. Deckard grudgingly embarks on this quest. A romantic subplot intertwines him with a prototype replicant named Rachael (who doesn't know she is a replicant) and some more philosophical questions are asked.
   
   The emotionality of this film is just timeless. The film deals with the aforementioned questions of humanity as well as the ambiguity of clear-cut terms of "good" and "evil" and if they truly have any meaning at all, as well as the theme of alienation. The final soliloque delivered by Rutger Haurer, who plays the leader of the four replicants, is among the most haunting, timeless, and tear-inducing lines in cinematic history. It delivers an emotional punch like nothing else. And again, all this tension/emotion coupled with Vangelis' soundtrack and the romantic overtones of Deckard and Rachael gives for an extremely beautiful and dark atmosphere. I've heard one reviewer describe the vibe and visuals of th film as "the most beautiful nightmare you've ever head." I don't think you could give a better summary in one sentence.
   
   A flop upon its release (like many all-time classics), its appreciation didn't solidify much until its VHS release shortly after, whereupon it grew to be a cult classic and recognized as one of the best movies ever made. Essential doesn't even begin to say anything. But....essential.



4. I remember seeing this movie when I was a senior in high school. I thought it was pretty good at the time.
   
   Looks dated and weird now. I didn't enjoy it. Does not hold up well over time. Not my favorite movie.
   
   Don't waste your time watching this. Go find a good hobby like building bird houses or making beer.



5. I love Blade Runner. But my 3 star rating has to do with version unbox downloaded for rental. I'm not hip to the names of the various versions, but I had heard there was one with an annoying Decker narration... FYI - The version provided through unbox is, of course, that one. I think it was essentially added to the film to help those who like their films spoonfed - maybe for tv/cable release. I'm kind of annoyed about this because it is totally distracting.

5 comments about Blade Runner - The Director's Cut (Remastered Limited Edition).

1. Blade Runner was a five star movie that had an exceptionally good plot. It also featured astounding special effects which were amazing to see on the big screen. Much of this work was done with large scale models and fog machines that really helped to establish the atmosphere and feel of the film visually. Several of the screen and sound effects were taken from Ridley Scott's Alien, including computer graphic screens and miscellaneous electronic sound effects. In addition, the sets, models, and costumes were wonderfully organic, as were the original sets of Giger's from Alien.
   
   The story concerns humaniod robots in the first quarter of the 21st century that have intelligence and agility at least as great as that of the genetic engineers who designed them. The robots are called Replicants because they are physically equivalent to human beings down to their organs, blood and bone structure. The strength and speed of these androids is much greater than that of a human, and they can be a great deal of trouble to deal with.
   
   The story takes for granted that such advanced robots possess true consciousness and are quite willing to fight and even kill human beings in order to continue their existance which has been intentionally limited to a life span of four years. This is one of the few robot films to come out of Hollywood which does not depend on Asimov's three laws of robotics for the story.
   
   One new science fiction twist on robotics used in this film is the implanting of false memories of childhood, parents and a long prior existance. Though false, these implanted memories mean a great deal to the androids at the "emotional" level who carry photos of their false history, parents and childhood homes even when they are aware that these memories are false. This was a totally new concept to me as a long time fan of robots in science fiction film and gave me a new perspective on the value of memories.
   
   The film stars Harrison Ford who plays a special law officer or Blade Runner. As a Blade Runner he is authorized to use deadly force in the pursuit of "Replicants" to terminate (or retire) them on the planet Earth where their use has been banned. The story becomes even more interesting when the Blade Runner falls in love with a beautiful female Replicant who is used to calibrate the andoroid detection software used by Blade Runner detectives.
   
   One scene which was particularly effective involved Harrison Ford revealing to the female android that she is artificial, something she has been unaware of since activation because of her false memory implants. This is the scene in which Harrison Ford falls in love with this very beautiful "woman" because of her well portraid vulnerability, emotions and sadness at learning that she is artificial. She is deeply hurt and shattered by the new knowledge and the tough Blade Runner instantly falls in love when she breaks down and silently cries after hearing his revelation and convincing evidence.



2. Blade Runner has gotten so much praise since its debut in 1982, and when it was released then, it was a box office disaster. Many years later, it has become a cult favorite, and I can see why, but, I believe its only going to appeal to a "certain type of audience" The movie looks fantasic, and the visuals are well done for a film from the early 80's. The flim doesnt use action as its key, but tons of dialogue and there a tons of hidden meanings in the film (which I had to look up) which at times make it confusing and a bit to over-whelming for a sci-fi movie. This will appeal to certain types, but please dont think this is a sci-fi action film, because it isnt. The first 50 minutes have no action, and the movie as a whole is just to dark and to over-complex for someone like myself who is only an average sci-fi fan. This was my first viewing of the film, so I decided on the directors cut, which I dont know if this might have made things more confusing for me, since I have read there is a big difference between the DC and the theatrical version. I also hear there are many different cuts of the film. I still appricate somethings that are done here, and that is why I give the film credit. This is the first time that I have praised a film so much that I hated (well most of it) This isnt some piece of trash,(once again why I couldnt give it one star) it has been praised by many film critics, but once again, there was nothing in this that tickled my fancy. Be warned that this is a complex movie you are getting yourself into, U might love it, but I think for an average fan of sci-fi with an over-complex plot, it is only a C-. For those that are really into deep thinking movies espcially SCI-Fi, then you will probely think its an A+ Masterpiece.



3. What makes you human? Is it the flesh, bones, blood, and brain matter in your body? Or is it the experiences, emotions, the love, the joys, the angers, and the remorses? Would you be in the wrong to be a little angry if you found out you were manufactured for someone else's short-term use and want to confront, hurt, even KILL the "God" that put you in this position?
   
   'Blade Runner' asks all of these questions in front of a stunning backdrop of a dystopian future and a haunting, mesmerizing, almost sensual soundtrack by Vangelis. Mankind is depicted as dejected, dreary, and living day by day with seemingly no purpose in a globalized world of super-technology, futuristic cars and billboard signs, etc. The dehumanazation of man with the rise of technological and capital growth is strong here.
   
   The greater question of what defines humanity is asked when Rick Deckard (in an excellent subdued role by Harrison Ford), retiring police force "blade runner", is assigned to a final mission before his retirement, where he has to find and kill four "replicant" androids who escaped from a technological colony and have killed since their escape. Deckard grudgingly embarks on this quest. A romantic subplot intertwines him with a prototype replicant named Rachael (who doesn't know she is a replicant) and some more philosophical questions are asked.
   
   The emotionality of this film is just timeless. The film deals with the aforementioned questions of humanity as well as the ambiguity of clear-cut terms of "good" and "evil" and if they truly have any meaning at all, as well as the theme of alienation. The final soliloque delivered by Rutger Haurer, who plays the leader of the four replicants, is among the most haunting, timeless, and tear-inducing lines in cinematic history. It delivers an emotional punch like nothing else. And again, all this tension/emotion coupled with Vangelis' soundtrack and the romantic overtones of Deckard and Rachael gives for an extremely beautiful and dark atmosphere. I've heard one reviewer describe the vibe and visuals of th film as "the most beautiful nightmare you've ever head." I don't think you could give a better summary in one sentence.
   
   A flop upon its release (like many all-time classics), its appreciation didn't solidify much until its VHS release shortly after, whereupon it grew to be a cult classic and recognized as one of the best movies ever made. Essential doesn't even begin to say anything. But....essential.



4. I remember seeing this movie when I was a senior in high school. I thought it was pretty good at the time.
   
   Looks dated and weird now. I didn't enjoy it. Does not hold up well over time. Not my favorite movie.
   
   Don't waste your time watching this. Go find a good hobby like building bird houses or making beer.



5. I love Blade Runner. But my 3 star rating has to do with version unbox downloaded for rental. I'm not hip to the names of the various versions, but I had heard there was one with an annoying Decker narration... FYI - The version provided through unbox is, of course, that one. I think it was essentially added to the film to help those who like their films spoonfed - maybe for tv/cable release. I'm kind of annoyed about this because it is totally distracting.

5 comments about Stanley Kubrick - Warner Home Video Directors Series.

1. Remastered versions of most of his work in anamorphic dvds, plus the unrated version of EWS. The anamorphic versions are the theatrical versions, meaning that they are cropped in the same way they were cropped when they were shown in theaters. Kubrick shot and composed for both aspect ratios, theatrical and 4x3, so these versions are not, contrary to what you may have heard, "adulterated" from the "originals". Kubrick simply wanted to protect the way his films would be seen on TV, so to avoid panning and scanning, he composed his films to be shown "open matte" whenever broadcasted (and later on vhs and dvd). Now we finally have them the way the master wanted them to be seen on a movie theater!!



2. I got this for my husband who is a big Kubrick fan, and he LOVES it. It was by far his favorite holiday gift this year.



3. Stanley Kubrick's movies cover a wide range of topics, utilize groundbreaking cinematography, and keep you tuned in. All five of these movies are incredible and are packaged so in this box set.
   
   Each film EXCEPT for "Full Metal Jacket" has a second disc of special features. "Eyes Wide Shut" does NOT have the rated and unrated version. The documentary is very informative and interesting. The covers are cool, the box set design is cool, and it's worth every penny.



4. I am a huge Stanley Kubrick fan. I've seen all of his films, but before I bought this package the only one I owned was the one disc version of "Clockwork Orange".
   Well, what I liked from the package was the inclusion of the hard to find "Life in Pictures". But I was a bit disapointed with the special features of the actual movies. You don't really find out anything that you don't already find out from "Life in Pictures".
   I was also sad that Barry Lyndon or Dr. Strangelove did not make it in. I would have gladly swiched out 2001 for one of those.
   Anyways, I have just been going on about the special features, but if you are new to Kubrick and you would like to start a collection, this is a must buy. If you are already a hardcore fan, you won't find much new information or visuals.
   
   But on its own its a great collection of film, period. It has:
   
   2001: A Space Oddessy--A film that sometimes you get pulled away from, but should have the highest respect, it was WAY ahead of its time. Alot of people who saw it when it first came out have stated that they didn't "get" the movie until a decade later. Just a very artsy film.
   
   A Clockwork Orange--My personal favorite movie. Very beautiful camera work. Alot of attention payed to settings. The movie would not be what it was if it did not have Malcolm McDowell as its lead. Probabily my favorite thing about the film is its dialoge. Kubrick made a perfect transition from the book to film, espically in the case of the NasDat.
   
   The Shining--Again amazing visual work here. In this film you see how expert kubrick is with camera work and colors. It is a very chilling film and as the case with the lead for ACO, this film would not be the same if it didn't have Jack Nicholson as its lead. Very great acting
   
   Full Metal Jacket--My favorite movie about vietnam. Shows an unbiased view of war and how messed up it can be... this film has one of my favorite climaxes of all time
   
   Eyes Wide Shut-- This was Kubricks last and favorite of his films. The idea behind what the movie is about is very real, the different sexual lives of people. Complamented with beautiful artistry and a great score. It's easy to see why this was his personal favorite.
   
   Kubrick lives on with his films...



5. So, I know from reading that the main concern over this DVD collection were the little tweaks and glitches like the paper covers instead of the plastic coverings. Also, The Shining DVD seemed to be the black sheep of the group. The cover did not match. Lastly, the Eyes Wide Shut dvd was said to be lying about the commentary and other features. Now, finally, Warner has fixed that and the plastic is present, and now the Shining fully fits with the rest of the DVDs Beautiful set. Also, EWS does not lie. It still doesn't have the commentary, but at least it is truthful. Be confident in this purchase. Great Buy