Blade Runner

[QueZTone]

http://www.xs4all.nl/~loom/bladerunner.gif

Yesterday I watched Blade Runner for the first time. I had seen short scenes before but not the entire movie. I loved it! It has such a unique atmosphere!

I really like Harrison's character and how he looks! Now I have three ways of seeing Ford; as Indy, Solo and Deckard!

I'd love to have the model kit for Deckard. Can't find it though.

Anyway, I also played the game just now and finished it. It was very good as well!

What do you guys think of Blade Runner?
Oh and Trev, you gotta do some Blade Runner art!! If you like the film that is. :)

[Edited by QueZTone on 07-16-2003 at 04:09 am]

[westford]

I love the cold, seedy atmosphere in the film - everything is grey and soulless. Reminds me a bit of Mars in Total Recall. Haven't seen Blade Runner for ages, but the part that sticks in my mind most is when Deckard is climbing around on top of the buildings.

That reminds me, I still need to see Minority Report - another film based on Phillip K Dick's stuff.

[Coldfyre]

If you plan on seeing Blade Runner and haven't yet, I recommend getting the Director's Cut... it takes out a lot of the rather cheesy narration that Dekker does over certain scenes, and lets you simply appreciate the atmosphere of the movie. I think the ending also had a lot more impact in the Director's Cut.

[Attila the Professor]

I've heard good things about this, but alas and alack, haven't seen it yet. I really need to work on my film noir knowledge.

[Aaron H]

The book Blade Runner is far different from the movie, but still retains a close resemblance. While the film is a great film, I think I like the book a wee bit more.

[swords]

"Do Sheep Dream of Electric Sleep" is indeed an good book, it is very very good.

So is the movie, the directors cut. I havn't seen the theatrical version, but I've seen cuts of it, and it seems too boggling. It must be told through the images of what you see, not through some guy's narrative.

[Coldfyre]

Originally posted by swords
"Do Sheep Dream of Electric Sleep" is indeed an good book, it is very very good.

So is the movie, the directors cut. I havn't seen the theatrical version, but I've seen cuts of it, and it seems too boggling. It must be told through the images of what you see, not through some guy's narrative.

Um... I thought it was "Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep"?

[Attila the Professor]

Originally posted by Coldfyre
Originally posted by swords
"Do Sheep Dream of Electric Sleep" is indeed an good book, it is very very good.

So is the movie, the directors cut. I havn't seen the theatrical version, but I've seen cuts of it, and it seems too boggling. It must be told through the images of what you see, not through some guy's narrative.

Um... I thought it was "Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep"?

Yes, I believe that's correct.

[swords]

Thank you...

[bob]

Blade Runner is a great movie; it is a great compromise between the classic hard boiled stories and the demands of sci fi; as well as an element of mystery

[Jedi Daniel]

I was told to watch Bladerunner by numerous people because they considered it a 'classic'. Well I saw it a couple of weeks ago and it was easily one of Ford's worst movies. I couldn't stand it. The acting was terrible and the storyline was all over the place.

[British_Lion_2003]

I have seen it and am still not sure weather i like it or hate it.

I have one question for everyone thou. Is Harrison a robot or not?

[westford]

Originally posted by British_Lion_2003
Is Harrison a robot or not?
That's what you have to make your own mind up on... ;)

[The French Indy]

Ok...

Is Deckard a replicant?

What's the deal with the unicorn at the end?

?????????????????

[QueZTone]

like westford said..its up to the viewer to make up his own mind...believe what you will :)

[Marjolein]

Originally posted by The French Indy
Is Deckard a replicant?
You can find the answer to that question right here:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/825641.stm

Anyway, I like the movie a lot, but I have to agree that the book is even better. ;) Philip K. Dick is a brilliant writer.

[Chattar Lal]

Read in the paper that Blade Runner was voted the best sci-fi film of all time. While I absolutely love Blade Runner I don't think it's the best sci-fi film. That ackolade would have to go to Star Wars A New Hope. I also found it funny to read that Harrison really hates Blade Runner.

[Joe Brody]

If we saw the same article, I think that the selection was made by British Scientists. If so, then I'm not surprised by the pick. There's not much 'science' (or any deep issue posed or explored for that matter) in Star Wars. I love Blade Runner and I'd have to second it's selection.

[Deadlock]

As far as "deep" science fiction goes... I think I preferred Gattaca.

[Indy Benson]

I love Blade Runner, and I agree with Deadlock that Gattaca is a movie with more "depth". A very under-appreciated movie.

[Luckylighter]

You mean "Forbidden Planet" was totally snubbed? Sheesh, you just can't please some people. You'd think the Shakespearean undertones would garner it some accolades.

[Indy's_main_man]

my favorite sci fi film has always been Predator...not sure why...

[Starchaeologist]

Despite the fact that Blade Runner isn't "good Sci-Fi" in terms of realistically depicting the setting (anyone think L.A. will look like that in 15 years?) it does raise excellent points about where we are and where we are going.

It, like "Clockwork Orange," is an example of an adaptation becoming the equal of its inspiration. Blade Runner tells the story differently from the novel Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep, but no less well.

Blade Runner & Clockwork Orange: my favorite Sci-Fi films...for many reasons!

[HovitosKing]

Blade Runner is also my #1 sci-fi pick of all-time. While I'm somewhat of a Star Wars fan, much bigger Trek fan, and absoltely HUGE general sci-fi fan, Blade Runner left more of its depth to the imagination. Those who've read Philip Dick's stories understand what I mean.

Remember the film was made in 1982, so the 2019 L.A. future was predicted nearly 40 years in advance. Credit our scientists, not the filmmakers, for the lack of futuristic progress!

[Chattar Lal]

I think Blade Runner was a fluke. Ridley Scott's other films have not been so good.

In my opinion a film should be entertaining, and Star Wars is more fun than Blade Runner.

I like it when filmmakers use their imagination so we don't have to...


http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000631/

[HovitosKing]

Depends on what you like, I guess. Personally, I have an easier time respecting a dark, sci-fi film noir than a lighthearted tale of good and evil.

Having more respect for the former, I have an easier time selecting it as my #1.

[Chattar Lal]

Did you like Dark City, because I hated that film?

[HovitosKing]

I never saw that one, sorry.

[Chattar Lal]

Maybe Blade Runner should have been voted the best sci-fi film based on a novel. Star Wars was created by George Lucas and deserves more credit. I think there's more to Star Wars in some ways. For instance, there's more: locations, characters, weapons, spaceships, vehicles, creatures; and then there are lightsabers, Death Stars, the idea of the force, The Empire, and the Rebel Alliance. Makes for a great computer game...

Blade Runner has 6 replicants, Los Angeles asianised, and Harrison Ford...

[HovitosKing]

But don't foget the most important part: Blade Runner is truly scary in that it presents the idea of a replicant with artificial memory implants and no idea that it's a replicant.

Philip Dick was trying to question the idea of reality, which gives Blade Runner more depth than most comparable films. That notion of reality was one of the few things carried over from the story to the film.

[Indy Benson]

Blade Runner has five replicants:
-Roy Batty
-Leon
-Zhora
-Pris
-Rachael

Deckard could be a replicant, but if you want to go that route, then you'll have to throw in Mary, the replicant that was fried trying to get into the Tyrell Building early in the movie (off screen, not actually in ther movie)

Yes, Star Wars had lots of things, but so did Blade Runner. The Tyrell Corporation, the Voight-Kampff machine (the machine used to determine if someone is a replicant through an eye scan), spinners (the flying cars), robotic animals, love, anger.

[Chattar Lal]

Originally posted by Indy Benson
Blade Runner has five replicants:
-Roy Batty
-Leon
-Zhora
-Pris
-Rachael

Yes, Star Wars had lots of things, but so did Blade Runner. The Tyrell Corporation, the Voight-Kampff machine (the machine used to determine if someone is a replicant through an eye scan), spinners (the flying cars), robotic animals, love, anger.

Sorry, I forgot about all that. Actually you're probably right, Blade Runner is the better movie. I've got to see Gattaca someday...

[Redwall]

Have you guys played the Blade Runner game made by Westwood?

It captures the atmosphere of the film really well and is just in general very cool.

[HovitosKing]

Never heard of it. A computer game?

[vaxer]

Originally posted by Redwall
Have you guys played the Blade Runner game made by Westwood?


Yeah I remember that game it was very big when it came out (something like 1998). If I rmember well the game had different endings and the main character had no ressemblence with harrison ford.

[Chattar Lal]

Originally posted by vaxer
Yeah I remember that game it was very big when it came out (something like 1998). If I rmember well the game had different endings and the main character had no ressemblence with harrison ford.

That's why I didn't buy it. I saw the screenshots and thought it doesn't even look like Harrison Ford. I was quite happy to just watch the movie. Games based on movies are usually so bad; like Harry Potter, Indiana Jones, and Lord of the Rings...

Someone should make a game based on the Miss Marples TV series...

[vaxer]

This game was never considered bad though, it got really good reviews. If the main character doesn't look like ford it's because they weren't willing to pay the price for it, I think.

[Indy Benson]

The main character wasn't supposed to look like, nor be, Harrison's Ford's character of Rick Deckard.

[HovitosKing]

Does anyone else crave Chinese food after watching Blade Runner? I do every time.

[Chattar Lal]

Originally posted by Indy Benson
The main character wasn't supposed to look like, nor be, Harrison's Ford's character of Rick Deckard.

Back on topic.

[Indy Benson]

We're talking about Blade Runner, aren't we? ;)

[Starchaeologist]

Originally posted by HovitosKing
Blade Runner left more of its depth to the imagination. Those who've read Philip Dick's stories understand what I mean.

IMO, the true test of art (written, filmed, performed, etc.) is how well it fires the imagination. For some, the sensibilities of Dick’s writing in Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep or Scott’s adaptation with Blade Runner simply do not inspire (there may be no “there” there, or too much “there” there). This does not detract from the fact that for others, like me, both had a huge impact on the imagination. Both the novel and the film inspired me to look at who we are and where we are going.

Art is subjective.

IMO, and despite their flaws, Blade Runner is the #1 Sci-Fi film, Star Wars is the #1 (get your flamethrowers ready) Fantasy film, and Raiders of the Lost Ark is the #1 Adventure film.

Originally posted by HovitosKing
Remember the film was made in 1982, so the 2019 L.A. future was predicted nearly 40 years in advance. Credit our scientists, not the filmmakers, for the lack of futuristic progress! [/B]

As someone who saw this film when it was first screened, I believed that the portrayal of the future in Blade Runner was certainly more plausible than what was found in most Sci-Fi movies leading up to it (or that followed it, most of the time). The fact that technology, culture and environment have evolved differently from the speculations set forth in Blade Runner doesn’t diminish the power of the warnings it delivers!

Harrison Ford, of course, had a decisive hand in the creation of Star Wars, Raiders of the Lost Ark, and Blade Runner - what an accomplishment!

[Redwall]

Originally posted by Indy Benson
The main character wasn't supposed to look like, nor be, Harrison's Ford's character of Rick Deckard.

Although this is way off-topic, anyone else notice that the few good movie license games are not based on a movie? (The ones that come to mind are Blade Runner, Escape from Butcher Bay, and [of course] Fate of Atlantis)

[HovitosKing]

Yeah, I never understood why games were based on actual films. I mean, you've seen the film, and you know how it ends. Then they change minor details to make the game novel, which makes it stupid.

The new James Bond games for PS2 and Gamecube are great examples of independent games based on film ideas, but not films themselves.

Good point.

[Grimdiana Bones]

Has anyone heard any rumors of when the Blade Runner final cut will be released? I Thought I heard it was sometime this year, but there doesn't seem to be a lot of info concerning it.

[Aaron H]

Last I heard is that there are still some legal wrangling goin' on, but the work on the re-release is 100% complete.

[Joe Brody]

Speaking of Blade Runner, a few weeks ago I heard an interview on NPR with Rutger Hauer about his new book (http://www.amazon.com/All-Those-Moments-Villains-Replicants/dp/0061133892).

[Attila the Professor]

Speaking further on Blade Runner, it holds position #97 on the AFI new Top 100 list.

[Grimdiana Bones]

Speaking of Blade Runner, a few weeks ago I heard an interview on NPR with Rutger Hauer about his new book (http://www.amazon.com/All-Those-Moments-Villains-Replicants/dp/0061133892).

That's too cool, I'll have to see if I can find the interview.

[Vendetta08]

At the AFI show, there was a preview for the new Blade Runner cut and it said it would be re-released in theaters this fall.

[torao]

<object width="425" height="350"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/4vOsSvkbRjA"></param><param name="wmode" value="transparent"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/4vOsSvkbRjA" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" width="425" height="350"></embed></object>

Beautiful. And that music from THE FOUNTAIN fits so well... They really did a great job putting this thing together.

[Joe Brody]

Speaking further on Blade Runner, it holds position #97 on the AFI new Top 100 list.

#97 is criminal . . . but at least The Graduate fell out of the top ten. Freaking Baby Boomers.

Beautiful. And that music from THE FOUNTAIN fits so well... They really did a great job putting this thing together.

You got that right. Great job -- if that had been the trailor for the original release then the film would've been the hit it should have been.

[arkfinder]

I remember when "Blade Runner" came out it had really bad reviews. But, it has grown on me through the years. Not my favorite but it's ok.

[sarah navarro]

Has anyone heard any rumors of when the Blade Runner final cut will be released? I Thought I heard it was sometime this year, but there doesn't seem to be a lot of info concerning it.

i think sometime in the late fall;)

[Moedred]

Premieres next weekend in Venice (http://www.labiennale.org/en/cinema/festival/en/77849.1.html#runner).

Then on DVD Dec. 18.

[deckard24]

For all those who don't know, now is your chance to see Blade Runner restored on the big screen. It's playing in select theaters and states nationwide for a short time. I saw it last night, and the experience is definitely heightened on a large theater screen with surround sound. The movie looks fantastic, and what little tweaks Ridley Scott added are seamlessly integrated. Don't miss out on what may be your only chance to see it in this format. For those who live in Michigan or near it, it's playing at the Landmark Main Art Theater in Royal Oak.

After having such a great experience, I truly hope we all get a chance to see the original Indy films on the big screen in the not too distant future.

[ClintonHammond]

If this is the version where Scott takes away any of the question of Deckard being a replicant, I have zero desire to see it....

Royal Oak is barely a 15 min drive away from me... what are the run times?

[deckard24]

Show times are at 1:30, 4:30, 7:30, and 10:10 p.m..

Scott has not edited out the question of Deckard being a replicant. It's the same film as the Director's Cut before, it just has been cleaned up with a few FX touches. Nothing major has been altered. I'm curious though to see if others see something I didn't. The one thing I never noticed before was that Deckard's pupils shone red during one scene, in exactly the same manner as Roy Batty, Pris, Zhora, Leon, and Tyrell's owl. Maybe it was there before and I missed it?

[ResidentAlien]

I was going to see it last month at the historic Senator Theater. But they ran into some technically difficulties.

It will be opening at The Senator in December now instead. I'll be there.

[herr gruber]

I saw the Director's Cut in a theatre here and it was an amazing experience. Definitely a movie to be seen in the cinema. Deckard being a replicant is still refuted by Ford is it not? I still prefer the original version, with it's landscape finale taken from The Shining outtakes.

[ClintonHammond]

"Scott has not edited out the question of Deckard being a replicant."
In an interview on the subject from a couple of years ago, he said that's exactly what he was doing.... AFAHWC, Deckard was unquestionably a replicant....

I think the idea is ridiculous.... IF it has to be a factor in the story (It wasn't in the book) it's way better for story if it's vague and unanswered...

"Deckard's pupils shone red during one scene"
What scene was that?

"still refuted by Ford is it not?"
Fords opinion matters even less that Scotts.....

[deckard24]

As for Deckard being a replicant the question is most certainly there, but it's still ambiguous to me. If I remember correctly, the original film had the Ford narration and the flying over the lush green landscape ending, with Deckard just being a guy who fell in love with a replicant(as Herr Gruber mentioned). Then in the Director's Cut it's hinted at Deckard being a replicant, but at the same time left open. The version playing in theaters is the same as the Director's Cut at least from what I can remember, except for the FX touch-ups.

I too thought it was going to be a different film based on what I heard, but it still seems the same. Maybe I need to watch it yet again.

As for the scene where his eyes shine red, if I remember correctly it's during the apartment scene with Rachel after he's killed Zhora and had his ass beat by Leon.

One more thing, If Deckard is a replicant, he's a lousy weak model that's for sure. Not to mention, why would all the other replicants have implanted childhood memories, and Deckard has one of a unicorn. The unicorn origami that Gaff leaves is symbolic of Gaff knowing he's a replicant, correct? I don't remember, but was the unicorn in the original version?

[oki9Sedo]

I think its best if its never known for sure. Its much more interesting to have it as a possibility rather than a definite answer.

I hope the final cut doesn't make it obvious one way or the other.

The point about the "sixth Replicant" idea suggesting that he is a Replicant can't be argued anymore - that was just a miscount thats been corrected for the new cut.

[Michael24]

I was able to see this in October. It was only playing at The Landmark is West L.A. I was in the area on October 19-21, and it was originally scheduled to only run for a week before those dates. However, it was still playing that weekend I was done there, so I saw it Sunday morning before heading back home.

It was awesome! It's always been a favorite movie of mine, and it was great to finally see it on the big screen and looking the best it could possibly look. All of the new additions/changes are very effective, yet very subtle. Was so glad I had the opportunity to catch it while I could. Can't wait to get the big DVD box set coming out soon.

As for the whole "is he/isn't he?" debate, I side with Ford and David Webb Peoples and prefer to think Deckard is not a Replicant. It's certainly an interesting debate and adds a lot of discussion to the film, and I can see both sides, but I prefer to think Deckard is a human.

[ClintonHammond]

"was the unicorn in the original version?"
No....

I have both the theatrical release and the directors cut on DVD (Thanks to Chinese DVDs and eBay!)

[Eric Solo]

I have always though Deckard was not a replicant simply because he seems physically weaker than all the replicants he fights with.

[Matinee Idyll]

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/1/11/BladeRunner_Unicorn.jpg/200px-BladeRunner_Unicorn.jpg

The way I first interpreted it (having seen only the Directors cut, mind you) was that all Bladerunners are implanted with the same types of calming dream (like the Unicorn) so they can cope with the horrendous killing they have to perform as their job.

Y'know how soldiers will get all drugged up to be able to handle wartime situations? I kinda felt it was along those lines - the employers pump them full of these dreams, as a coping mechanism. Which makes them, in essence, not much different to a replicant.

So the Unicorn was just Gaffs way of saying "I've been here." - rather than anything to do with Deckards own 'humanity'.

Anywho, I'm wrong - I thought that'd be a cool twist though.

[Michael24]

That's actually an interesting theory, Matinee. I like it. :)

[torao]

I always thought the film's actual plot was so fuzzy that you had all the space to interpret the Replicant thing the way you wanted. From what I've heard the same goes for the FINAL CUT (if you ignore the red-eye scene). In the end, though, that may be the advantage of having five versions to choose from.

The clips I've seen online thus far are astonishing. So clear.
I'm glad I got to see the DC in theaters a couple of years ago with Douglas Trumbull introducing it, as I don't think the re-release will reach Germany.

I can't wait to own the new extravagant DVD set. .

[Vendetta08]

I didn't know this was playing in theaters! I definitely want to see it, I hope a theater near me is playing it.

[Deckard]

So finaly we get the film Ridley wanted us to see. This tuesday 3 DvDs will be released. A standard 4 disc, the Ultimate 5 Disc w/ Deck's briefcase and extras, and a High Def version. I may spring for the 5 disc im still on the fence.

http://dvd.ign.com/articles/841/841607p1.html

If you havn't seen this movie be sure to do yourself a favor and check it out, IGN has given this DVD a perfect 10. I dont think ive ever seen that from them b4.

And heres the trailer in case u havnt seen it :

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J_hYs1jBy8Y

[herr gruber]

Blade Runner. What a masterpiece. I was lucky enough to catch the Director's Cut at the cinema in 1992 - ish. Gotta be seen on the big screen to be believed.

[ResidentAlien]

Blade Runner. What a masterpiece. I was lucky enough to catch the Director's Cut at the cinema in 1992 - ish. Gotta be seen on the big screen to be believed.


I'll be seeing it at the historic Senator Theater in Baltimore on Wednesday. Can't wait.

[oki9Sedo]

I saw the Blade Runner: Final Cut on Thursday.

I liked it better when Deckard was a human.

[Deckard]

I'll be seeing it at the historic Senator Theater in Baltimore on Wednesday. Can't wait.

LUCKY. I saw Temple of Doom for the 25th anny. I would love to see this, im gonna have to check out the theatres in Philly.

I saw the Blade Runner: Final Cut on Thursday.

I liked it better when Deckard was a human.

Thats a big spoiler and going to ruin the movie for alot of people...

[oki9Sedo]

LUCKY. I saw Temple of Doom for the 25th anny. I would love to see this, im gonna have to check out the theatres in Philly.

Thats a big spoiler and going to ruin the movie for alot of people...

I assumed this was a thread for fans of the film to discuss it, not for prospective viewers to find out about it.

[Deckard]

Well its both rly. But for the people who havnt seen it yet it kinda ruins what was my favorite aspect, bcuz your left not 100% sure if he rly is.

[Matinee Idyll]

Well its both rly. But for the people who havnt seen it yet it kinda ruins what was my favorite aspect, bcuz your left not 100% sure if he rly is.

http://icanhascheezburger.files.wordpress.com/2007/05/orly.jpg

Can't wait to see the final cut, the directors one is quite brilliant already.

[oki9Sedo]

Well its both rly. But for the people who havnt seen it yet it kinda ruins what was my favorite aspect, bcuz your left not 100% sure if he rly is.

There's no ambiguity about it whatsoever in the director's cut or final cut.

He picks up an origami unicorn at the end left by Gaff, and nods in acceptance that he is a Replicant, before walking off to continue his life with Rachel. The origami unicorn shows that Gaff is aware of Deckard's dreams, which can only mean that his dreams are implants.

Scott has even gone so far as to call anyone who thinks its ambiguous "a moron".

In the original 1982 version, there's nothing to suggest he's anything other than human, and it was better that way IMO.

[Deckard]

Ya well i still have the original on VHS, which is what i was referring to. (Im one of those wierd guys who still likes to watch a VHS once in a while) Something about the not so great quality and full screen reminds me of when i saw the movies as a kid. I have seen the DC tho and ya its alot more obvious. The ending for this final cut is on youtube to advertise the dvd and its way differant then i remember.

[oki9Sedo]

Ya well i still have the original on VHS, which is what i was referring to. (Im one of those wierd guys who still likes to watch a VHS once in a while) Something about the not so great quality and full screen reminds me of when i saw the movies as a kid. I have seen the DC tho and ya its alot more obvious. The ending for this final cut is on youtube to advertise the dvd and its way differant then i remember.

Me too, I sometimes watch movies on VHS.

[Deckard]

http://icanhascheezburger.files.wordpress.com/2007/05/orly.jpg

Can't wait to see the final cut, the directors one is quite brilliant already.

http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c400/frogger420/cosbyjello.gif

[deckard24]

If it's still playing in any theaters, don't miss it! I got to see it a month back, and it is just so much better on the big screen. I'm curious if anyone knows about the box set and its specs. Do you get all versions, or only The Final Cut?

As for Deckard being a human, I preferred it when it was ambiguous! One thing is for sure though, The Final Cut's presentation is fantastic. It has been beautifully cleaned up, and the new edits are integrated seamlessly.

Has anyone here seen Godard's Aplhaville? I heard a lot of Blade Runner was based off of it, but I don't know if that's true? I know about Dick's novel, but not the Godard link.

[ResidentAlien]

If it's still playing in any theaters, don't miss it! I got to see it a month back, and it is just so much better on the big screen. I'm curious if anyone knows about the box set and its specs. Do you get all versions, or only the Final Cut?


Getting that next week. ;)

It's 5 versions of the movie.

Final, Theatrical, Director's, International, and a Work Print. Also a documentary, Deleted Scenes, etc.

[deckard24]

Thanks man! :hat:

[Matinee Idyll]

Has anyone here seen Godard's Aplhaville? I heard a lot of Blade Runner was based off of it, but I don't know if that's true? I know about Dick's novel, but not the Godard link.

See it. Run, don't walk.

[deckard24]

Matinee Idyll, it's that good huh?

I've got a Netflix free trial membership I've been planning to use, so Alphaville will have to be one of my first rentals. I haven't seen a lot of Godard's work, and he's one of a bunch of directors I'd like to check out. There's just too many movies and too little time!:down:

[torao]

Can't wait to watch it all on christmas.

There's an interesting DANGEROUS DAYS clip (http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=17331696)on npr...with Harrison Ford, Frank Darabont and Eddie Olmos...

I love with what dedication Darabont strongly argues against Deckard being a Replicant. (referring to the unicorn dream) ..."in terms of myth that is totally a female myth symbol"...

The fact that Olmos accidentally used the word Cylons instead of Replicants just cracked me up..hehehee....

[shhimundercover]

Best Sci Film ever. Love the noir influences as well: the influences of Raymond Chandler and his famous PI Marlowe ( Bogart)..... Deckard being a similarly hard-bitten and morally ambiguos character, making a living amongst the sleaziest dregs of society.

There is even a scene, I recall in which Deckard plays a gawky fool to gain the trust of an incidental character, his mannerisms and voice identical to those of the impressions performed by Bogart in The Big Sleep.

I love Harrison Ford in any film, but Rutger Hauer was the real revelation here, a stalwart of b-movies......

Ridley Scott's approach as well, the design, atmosphere, the storyteling.....

Is Deckard a Replicant? I like to think he’s human. I think the story works better that way. I know Ridley is in love with the idea that Deckard is a Replicant, but I think that sorta feels gimmicky. And I don’t think that really serves the story in any way. I’m open to it, and I’d love feedback on why any of you prefer to see him as a Replicant.

But I like to see the film as Deckard's journey to becoming truly human by his interactions with the Replicants. Anyway, the man's journey and all that would center around empathy.

I just think that the story works better if Deckard is a human. He begins as a product of his environment. This hellish Los Angeles of 2019. Look at the world he lives in. Both his city, and his apartment. It’s a cocoon. He’s like everyone else in the city. Cut off, enclosed. He develops empathy, which is part of what makes us human.

This is a beautiful film that I am appreciating more and more as I delve into it.

[Deckard]

Best Sci Film ever. Love the noir influences as well: the influences of Raymond Chandler and his famous PI Marlowe ( Bogart)..... Deckard being a similarly hard-bitten and morally ambiguos character, making a living amongst the sleaziest dregs of society.

There is even a scene, I recall in which Deckard plays a gawky fool to gain the trust of an incidental character, his mannerisms and voice identical to those of the impressions performed by Bogart in The Big Sleep.

I love Harrison Ford in any film, but Rutger Hauer was the real revelation here, a stalwart of b-movies......

Ridley Scott's approach as well, the design, atmosphere, the storyteling.....

Is Deckard a Replicant? I like to think he’s human. I think the story works better that way. I know Ridley is in love with the idea that Deckard is a Replicant, but I think that sorta feels gimmicky. And I don’t think that really serves the story in any way. I’m open to it, and I’d love feedback on why any of you prefer to see him as a Replicant.

But I like to see the film as Deckard's journey to becoming truly human by his interactions with the Replicants. Anyway, the man's journey and all that would center around empathy.

I just think that the story works better if Deckard is a human. He begins as a product of his environment. This hellish Los Angeles of 2019. Look at the world he lives in. Both his city, and his apartment. It’s a cocoon. He’s like everyone else in the city. Cut off, enclosed. He develops empathy, which is part of what makes us human.

This is a beautiful film that I am appreciating more and more as I delve into it.

Hi, welcome. I think definately hes a replicant, I enjoy that because he's alot more like the people hes killing then he realises. He feels lost but he can connect w/ Rachael. And by the time he's done going at it with Roy he has the same revelation that whether he's got a shelf life or not, life is too good to waste.

I always thought the idea Ridley wanted to portray is that at first Deckard had become so assimilated that the other replicants were more Human them him. They want life, he wants to take it. He becomes more human as it goes.

"More human, than Human."

I also thought that the relationship between Roy and Pris is almost the polar opposite of Rachel w/ Deckard, Roy and Pris are definately in love while Deckard and Rachel feel a bit awkward. By the end its like a role reversal.

[Tennessee Smith]

My wife just gave my the Blu-Ray set this morning for V-day. So my weekend will consist of torturing her to make her watch it. ;) Good Times!!!

[drjones]

Definitely a true classic. I need to invest in the 5 disc copy myself.

[deckard24]

My wife just gave my the Blu-Ray set this morning for V-day. So my weekend will consist of torturing her to make her watch it. ;) Good Times!!!
You got a Blu-Ray for Valentine's Day?

Lucky guy!!

You'll have to tell us how Blade Runner looks in HD!

[ResidentAlien]

You got a Blu-Ray for Valentine's Day?

Lucky guy!!

You'll have to tell us how Blade Runner looks in HD!


I'd imagine it'd look just about as good as it did 30 feet across in the theater when I saw it toward the end of December. :p

[roundshort]

this is one of those movies that I loved as a teenager, but now I can't even make it through the whole movie. Perhaps a few years rest and we will see.

[RaideroftheArk]

Just bought the Blade Runner Bluray Ultimate Collector's Edition (The briefcase with all the cool junk in it.)

I own the regular DVD UCE and it's pretty cool, but this was before I had a PS3...I just found out that the UCE Bluray is "Out of Print" and they are getting pretty expensive to obtain. I snagged a new one on Ebay for pretty cheap.

Does anyone here own the Bluray version of Blade Runner? Is it worth the money? Or is it just worth getting if you're a fan of the movie?

[Indy&HanFan]

i've actually never seen blade runner. is it good?

[Agent Z]

Just bought the Blade Runner Bluray Ultimate Collector's Edition (The briefcase with all the cool junk in it.)

I own the regular DVD UCE and it's pretty cool, but this was before I had a PS3...I just found out that the UCE Bluray is "Out of Print" and they are getting pretty expensive to obtain. I snagged a new one on Ebay for pretty cheap.

Does anyone here own the Bluray version of Blade Runner? Is it worth the money? Or is it just worth getting if you're a fan of the movie?

Seeing as how you already bought said UCE Bluray, I guess you will have the answer you seek soon enough, eh? ;)

I bought both the standard edition UCE briefcase, and the HD-DVD Final Cut 5-discer. No regrets here. :up:

[Dr. Wolfwood]

Blade Runner is the ultimate depiction of the dark future theme. And the Final Cut is the one you should see if you haven't seen it before. Beware, though, it is not an action film and requires some thinking. ;)

[RaideroftheArk]

i've actually never seen blade runner. is it good?

Really awesome movie! It's a very "moody" type of film, there's a lot of dramatic lighting, spectacular visuals and a lot of really cool, almost poetic type of dialogue. It has some action, but not what you would expect...it's more of a visual movie than anything...plus it actually gets you to think about what it must be like to be an android...espeically the Nexus 5 model.

You should at least give it one watch...you'll probably have lots of questions.

I know it was just said that you should see the "final cut"...but I would start with the theatrical version...know that one inside and out, then move onto the other cuts...you'll appreciate the Final Cut that much more.


Seeing as how you already bought said UCE Bluray, I guess you will have the answer you seek soon enough, eh? ;)

I bought both the standard edition UCE briefcase, and the HD-DVD Final Cut 5-discer. No regrets here. :up:

Yes, I'll have the answers soon enough, lol. It was an impluse buy...I saw that you could not get them anymore so I decided to get it before they price for them was through the roof. I hate when stuff like that happens.

[Michael24]

I don't have the Blu-Ray edition, just the regular DVD version. My parents got me the "Briefcase Edition" for Christmas last year. Fantastic set, and I love the "Final Cut." (Seeing it during it's brief theatrical run last October was an experience I'll never forget.) The DVD set as a whole is one of the most impressive I've ever seen. The three-hour documentary is amazing! Still an amazing, stunning film after all these years. :up:

[RaideroftheArk]

I don't have the Blu-Ray edition, just the regular DVD version. My parents got me the "Briefcase Edition" for Christmas last year. Fantastic set, and I love the "Final Cut." (Seeing it during it's brief theatrical run last October was an experience I'll never forget.) The DVD set as a whole is one of the most impressive I've ever seen. The three-hour documentary is amazing! Still an amazing, stunning film after all these years. :up:

I really can't believe how much they packed into that briefcase...it's a very impressive collection!

I think they could easily bring Blade Runner back...if not in cinema than maybe as a video game franchise. I know there was one on the PC awhile back, but with the next gen. technology, I think they could make a stunning Blade Runner universe that would rival most games out there today.

[Michael24]

Yeah, that would be amazing. Imagine having a 2019 Los Angeles that you could free-roam in like a Grand Theft Auto game!? :whip:

Oddly enough, despite the heavy ton of the film and the fact it's not a typical sci-fi/action film (like so many early audiences expected), this was one of my favorite movies when I was a kid. Obviously, a lot of the deeper stuff went over my head, but I knew the basic idea (Harrison Ford gunning down renegade robots) and used to watch it all the time. The film has been a big influence on me ever since. :)

[RaideroftheArk]

That's actually pretty cool. I only watched this film for the first time about 5 or 6 years ago. (I know, amazing) Ever since I saw it I loved it. I'm in the midst of reading "Do Androids Dream of Electic Sheep?"

[Michael24]

I've yet to read the original novel. I bought a copy, but a friend of mine borrowed it and then moved to New Jersey before he could finish it, so I have to wait for him to mail it back or visit before I can get it back. Haha!!

I was going to recommend Paul M. Sammon's Future Noir: The Making of Blade Runner book, but the three-hour documentary probably pretty much covers all the same stuff, and then some. Still, until that documentary, Future Noir was a terrific behind-the-scenes read for any fan. I believe Sammon even has a commentary on the UCE's "Workprint" version as well. :)

[ResidentAlien]

How many worthless topics are you going to create today.


There's already a Blade Runner topic. Search and you shall be rewarded.


And stop flooding; it's giving me a headache.

[RaideroftheArk]

How many worthless topics are you going to create today.


There's already a Blade Runner topic. Search and you shall be rewarded.


And stop flooding; it's giving me a headache.


Do you ever stop complaining?

I've yet to read the original novel. I bought a copy, but a friend of mine borrowed it and then moved to New Jersey before he could finish it, so I have to wait for him to mail it back or visit before I can get it back. Haha!!

I was going to recommend Paul M. Sammon's Future Noir: The Making of Blade Runner book, but the three-hour documentary probably pretty much covers all the same stuff, and then some. Still, until that documentary, Future Noir was a terrific behind-the-scenes read for any fan. I believe Sammon even has a commentary on the UCE's "Workprint" version as well. :)

I haven't even checked out any of the special features in the box set...I need a day to do that.

[ResidentAlien]

Do you ever stop complaining?


Do you ever have a useful or unique thought anywhere in that mass of gray matter?

[RaideroftheArk]

...and I suppose you are the most thought-provoking person sitting in your room posting on an Indiana Jones message board?

[ResidentAlien]

...and I suppose you are the most thought-provoking person sitting in your room posting on an Indiana Jones message board?


http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i125/Blogger-Sandi/Misc/pot-kettle-black.jpg

[RaideroftheArk]

Ok what the heck is the sense of all this?

Do you have something to add about the Blade Runner Bluray Ultimate Edtion?

Do you own it?
Do you want it?
If you have it, how does it compare to the regular edition?

I see you like Blade Runner or at least I think you do...I saw you quote it in a past thread. Why not discuss it with me instead of us going back and forth over nothing?

[ResidentAlien]

Ok what the heck is the sense of all this?

Do you have something to add about the Blade Runner Bluray Ultimate Edtion?

Do you own it?
Do you want it?
If you have it, how does it compare to the regular edition?

I see you like Blade Runner or at least I think you do...I saw you quote it in a past thread. Why not discuss it with me instead of us going back and forth over nothing?


If you would SEARCH the forum, you'd find your answers as there is ALREADY A TOPIC ON THIS.


What don't you get about that?

[Nurhachi1991]

Bang Bang Maxwell's silver hammer came down upon her head. Clang Clang Maxwell's silver hammer made sure that she was dead.

[RaideroftheArk]

If you would SEARCH the forum, you'd find your answers as there is ALREADY A TOPIC ON THIS.


What don't you get about that?


Ok...that's fine, why do you have to be so rude about it?

[indyclone25]

just because everyone wants to be a moderator ---didn't you know that?
sometimes they act like there isn't enough space in the computer for a thread that means somewhat like a previous thread someone put on months ago?

[RaideroftheArk]

I understand wanting to keep repetitive topics at bay...but wow, couldn't it be handled a little different? Also, do I all my topics have to be accused of being "pointless?" I just don't understand how people get away with such hostility on these boards?

[AndyLGR]

I picked up the 5 dvd boxset today. Its an impressive collection. Its been a long time since I've watched this movie, so I'm looking forward to giving it a go and also to see documentary on the making of it, it'll be interesting to see the behind the scenes aspects of it. Especially to hear the main players views on it now, as at the time it was pretty much a flop, Ridley Scott didnt seem happy with it and despite that its still regarded as a modern classic.

[Cole]

Last time I watched this, one thing stuck out to me: Rutger Hauer really ends up stealing the show. Despite not getting much screen time at all compared to Ford's character in the first hour and 30 minutes or so............the last 30 minutes belong to Hauer. Ford barely speaks a line in the last 30 minutes.

As far as Deckard being a Replicant, I have one simple response: The question is interesting. The answer is stupid.

It is a very cold and emotionally detached movie.......I guess depending on the viewer, that is a triumph or a pitfall.

I guess you can say I enjoy and appreicate it at arm's length. It's apart of my DVD collection, but not one of the few movies I have fallen in love with.

[AndyLGR]

Blade Runner was voted the number one sci fi movie of all time at sci-fi online

http://harrisonfordonline.com/?p=4211

The Sci-Fi Online Top 20:

Blade Runner (1982)
2001: A Space Odyssey (1968)
Star Wars (1977)
Alien (1979)
Metropolis (1927)
The Day the Earth Stood Still (1951)
The Terminator (1984)
Planet of the Apes (1968)
E.T. (1982)
Solaris (1972)
Close Encounters of the Third Kind (1977)
Forbidden Planet (1956)
The Empire Strikes Back (1980)
A Trip to the Moon (1902)
Aliens (1986)
Silent Running (1972)
Brazil (1985)
Akira (1988)
Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan (1982)
Total Recall (1990)

It is a very cold and emotionally detached movie.......I guess depending on the viewer, that is a triumph or a pitfall.

I guess you can say I enjoy and appreicate it at arm's length. It's apart of my DVD collection, but not one of the few movies I have fallen in love with.
Having recently watched the final cut this also sums up my feelings on the movie. Its difficult to to feel any warmth for any of the characters I think. Its an odd film. A stand out film, but one thats difficult to get in to.

Yet it was probably the perfect role for Harrison to play at that time as it was such a departure in tone from the blockbusters like Star Wars and ROTLA.

[DocWhiskey]

Agreed. I enjoy the noir aspects and they way it's told, but I've come to like the cold impersonal feeling it has. Blade Runner presents itself with a very gritty and bleak future. There's nothing nice about it. So it should be that way. Even the score gives the viewer a very detached and abstract feeling. Now is it the best Sci Fi flick of all time? I honestly don't know. I enjoy the Star Wars films more, but I don't think you're supposed to necessarily "enjoy" Bladerunner. The story isn't uplifting or triumphant. The whole movie is like a sad realization. And, to me, hits an emotional note that Star Wars never could have. And that's why I'm such a dear fan of it. I could never go around and boast how Bladerunner is better then SW (I tried, I failed) because a majority of the people I know would probably think it's simply not. So I sort of have this quiet admiration of it. It beats SW in a film sense but not in an entertainment sense.

[Zeppelin]

It's been a while since I've watched it. It's definitely not a "fun, feel good" kind of movie in the way that Star Wars or Raiders is. It's dark, but darkness done right. I just ordered the new cut of it, which I haven't seen yet, so I'll get to re-acquaint myself with the movie. Should be interesting.

[Cole]

For my money, I'd probably put '2001' at the top for sci-fi. I guess Kubrick is either a guy that you really get, or you really don't........and I guess I happen to fall in the crowd that "get" him because the likes of '2001,' 'The Shining,' 'A Clockwork Orange' and 'Eyes Wide Shut' are some of the most beautifully shot, hypnotizing movies I've ever seen, featuring smart stories and boasting unbelievable performances.

Scott's other sci-fi film that he made only like 3 years before this, 'Alien,' features a similar dark, gritty, detached tone.

And similarly, it's also considered one of the best sci-fi movies of all-time. Even voted top-10 sci-fi films by AFI.

Better than Camerons' 'Aliens' I think. Cameron loses the dark, gritty tone and thrilling suspense and instead creates a fairly campy, all-out action movie.

[AndyLGR]

Cameron loses the dark, gritty tone and thrilling suspense and instead creates a fairly campy, all-out action movie.
Of course the original is a classic, but I think what you said above makes the sequel more refreshing as its not just a rehash of the original.

[ResidentAlien]

For my money, I'd probably put '2001' at the top for sci-fi. I guess Kubrick is either a guy that you really get, or you really don't........and I guess I happen to fall in the crowd that "get" him because the likes of '2001,' 'The Shining,' 'A Clockwork Orange' and 'Eyes Wide Shut' are some of the most beautifully shot, hypnotizing movies I've ever seen, featuring smart stories and boasting unbelievable performances.

Scott's other sci-fi film that he made only like 3 years before this, 'Alien,' features a similar dark, gritty, detached tone.

And similarly, it's also considered one of the best sci-fi movies of all-time. Even voted top-10 sci-fi films by AFI.

Better than Camerons' 'Aliens' I think. Cameron loses the dark, gritty tone and thrilling suspense and instead creates a fairly campy, all-out action movie.


Wow. The first time I've agreed with anything you've said.




Similarly, Fincher's Alien 3 crushes the atrocity that is Cameron's Aliens.


The real problem is not that it's not as dark, but that it abandons the thematic principles established in the first film. It turns it from Freudian psycho-sexual horror into Rambo in space. Utterly brain-dead.

[MaverickKing]

Blade Runner? Possibly my favourite science-fiction film of all time. Up there with Dark City.

[Cole]

Of course the original is a classic, but I think what you said above makes the sequel more refreshing as its not just a rehash of the original.
Good point. I don't know if 'Alien' really allowed for a "natural" sequel to follow..........but in the world of sequels, it could've been much, much worse no doubt. All in all, it's pretty decent.

I've just run in to many fans who think 'Aliens' is a classic movie, even better than 'Alien,' and it's solidly in the top 100 in IMDb's ranking......I just don't agree with this.

Similarly 'Aliens' didn't really allow for a natural sequel either. Never gotten around to watching David Fincher's 'Alien 3,' I guess because I was slightly underwhelmed from the second film. But it was David Fincher's first major feature film, so gotta give them credit for discovering a great talent.

[Cole]

Blade Runner? Possibly my favourite science-fiction film of all time. Up there with Dark City.
I don't think I've ever seen a movie that is as hit or miss as 'Blade Runner.'

From my experience, it may have the most devoted "cult" status of fans I've ever seen.

[pellman]

I'm watching Ridley Scott's 2007 "Final Cut" of Blade Runner. Hadn't seen the film since I was a kid. It's pretty amazing.

Now like everyone on this board, I love Harrison. But when I'm watching this movie, I can't help thinking that it would be absolutely perfect if only it could have been filled with a 45 year old Lee Marvin instead. It is the perfect Lee Marvin movie.

[pellman]

Oh, wait! Deckard is drinking Johnnie Walker now. Didn't Indy hit the bad guy in the Raven over the head with Johnnie Walker? Whenever I see that scene, and Indy says, "Whisky?" and Marion reaches for it, I expect Indy to say, "Not the Johnnie Walker!" and Marion will then reach for something else.

[col.dietrich]

I will soon be watching the Blade Runner: Directors Cut. I am 13 and was wondering if there is any gore. I heard a guys head is crushed and want to know if it is gory in the directors cut. please tell me. thanks!

[DocWhiskey]

The new director's cut that came out recently, right?

Anyway, there's not much gore. I you could watch Raiders or Temple you could take Bladerunner for sure. The head "crush" isn't as bad as you'd think. Don't want to give anything away though. Some blood drips out of the eyes. Thats all you see really.

[col.dietrich]

The new director's cut that came out recently, right?

Anyway, there's not much gore. I you could watch Raiders or Temple you could take Bladerunner for sure. The head "crush" isn't as bad as you'd think. Don't want to give anything away though. Some blood drips out of the eyes. Thats all you see really.
i am talking about the 1992 directors cut.

[Montana Smith]

i am talking about the 1992 directors cut.

I don't recall there being much gore in any cut of Blade Runner. It's a very thoughtful film that focuses on the idea of what it is to be human, and how human a machine can be (as it's based on Phillip K. Dick's "Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep?"). This theme drives the story, rather than a need to show explicit blood and guts. I would say that the violence is at the level of the average thriller.

The director's cut is a great improvement on the original cinema release.

[ResidentAlien]

The director's cut is a great improvement on the original cinema release.


And the 2007 Final Cut is a great improvement on the Director's Cut.

[Montana Smith]

And the 2007 Final Cut is a great improvement on the Director's Cut.

I haven't seen the 2007 cut, yet. Is it possible to write up what changes - with spoiler alerts for those who don't want to know, or for those like col.dietrich who are about to watch the earlier director's cut?

[ResidentAlien]

I haven't seen the 2007 cut, yet. Is it possible to write up what changes - with spoiler alerts for those who don't want to know, or for those like col.dietrich who are about to watch the earlier director's cut?


Changes are minor yet really add a lot to the proceedings.


There is no longer any doubt whatsoever about Deckard's identity. If you've seen the film you'll know what I mean.

Zhora's last stand has been redone. This doesn't really effect my feelings toward the film, though.

There are shots, particularly during and after Roy's monologue where the sky is blue despite the rain. These have been fixed.

Oh and it's a little more violent if memory serves. I believe the head-crushing and the "crucifixion" were lengthened slightly.


For a complete list though... try here....


http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Versions_of_Blade_Runner


Obviously spoilers abound^


I had the good fortune of seeing the Final Cut at a historic 1940s theater. Quite possibly the most memorable night I've ever spent at a movie.

[Montana Smith]

For a complete list though... try here....


http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Versions_of_Blade_Runner


Obviously spoilers abound^

Thanks for posting that link - it's a really helpful run down of the changes.


I had the good fortune of seeing the Final Cut at a historic 1940s theater. Quite possibly the most memorable night I've ever spent at a movie.

Sounds cool! :hat:

[Chewbacca Jones]

Actually, the extra violence of the scenes mentioned by RA were in the so-called International version, which was available on video cassette and LaserDisc.

But, like the man says, the changes are subtle, but I understand why Ridley wanted them.

[Moedred]

Cool, Google's Nexus One (http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748703436504574640623301172810.html) phone is available.
Is there a Voight-Kampff app?
Will it replace my girlfriend or must I wait for the Nexus-6?