What is the Blade Runner Special Edition DVD?

Blade Runner was released in 1982, but due to the way test screenings were done and certain people imposing their views, there were some significant changes made for the Blade Runner Theatrical Release (and even that varied between US and "International" releases). In 1992, Ridley Scott contributed to what is called the "Blade Runner Director's Cut" which reversed a few of the changes made in 1982, but was rushed and Ridley did not have the chance to make HIS Director's Cut. ALL DVD releases between then and December 2007 were *that* Director's Cut and until recently, as it was literally one of the first films released on DVD, not the best transfer and with no extras. (A recent re-issue did provide a cleaned up version, but still the same BR:DC.) The "Special Edition" is what we have been calling the anticipated Ultimate Release of Blade Runner for something like eight years now. Now it is here, the film itself is called The Blade Runner Final Cut and "Special Edition" refers to a specific DVD set.

So what is the Blade Runner Final Cut?

This is the "real" Director's Cut. It was initially on very limited release in cinemas, but is now shown occasionally at various places around the world (please don't ask me when and where as this is beyond my scope to track). It became available on DVD on 18th December 2007. It was released on Standard DVD, HD-DVD and Blu-Ray. More detail about changes for The Final Cut itself can be found here.

Tell me about the DVDs.

There are SEVEN different DVD sets available at present (in the US - I wish I could say all countries would have exactly the same releases, but it seems I can't) - which you choose will depend on where you stand on the range of "like the movie" to "totally obsessed" (like me). What you get depends on whether you want 2, 4 or 5 discs, Standard DVD, HD-DVD or Blu-Ray and if you want the super-everything including collectibles briefcase or not (I'm not kidding). Of course relative value for money may factor into your decision. [Note: since I originally compiled this list, Warner Bros. have dropped support of HD-DVD, so that format will become increasingly difficult to get hold of.] Here is a breakdown of the sets (these latest definitions courtesy of Amazon.com).

The Blade Runner Final Cut Two-Disc Special Edition contains:

Two Standard definition widescreen DVDs.

Disc One:

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

Also includes:

- Commentary by Ridley Scott
- Commentary by executive producer/co-screenwriter Hampton Fancher and co-screenwriter David Peoples; producer Michael Deely and production executive Katherine Haber
- Commentary by visual futurist Syd Mead; production designer Lawrence G. Paull, art director David L. Snyder and special photographic effects supervisors Douglas Trumbull, Richard Yuricich and David Dryer

Disc Two:

DOCUMENTARY DANGEROUS DAYS: MAKING BLADE RUNNER
A feature-length authoritative documentary revealing all the elements that shaped this hugely influential cinema landmark. Cast, crew, critics and colleagues give a behind-the-scenes, in-depth look at the film -- from its literary roots and inception through casting, production, visuals and special effects to its controversial legacy and place in Hollywood history."

The Blade Runner Final Cut Four-Disc Collector's Edition contains:

Four Standard definition widescreen DVDs.

From Warner: "The Four-Disc Collector's Edition includes everything from the 2-Disc Special Edition plus three additional versions of the film, as well as an 'Enhancement Archive' bonus disc of enhanced content that includes 90 minutes of deleted footage and rare or never-before-seen items in featurettes and galleries that cover the film's amazing history, production teams, special effects, impact on society, promotional trailers, TV spots, and much more.

Disc Three:

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

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

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

Disc Four:

BONUS DISC - "Enhancement Archive": 90 minutes of deleted footage and rare or never-before-seen items in featurettes and galleries that cover the film's amazing history, production teams, special effects, impact on society, promotional trailers, TV spots, and much more.

- Featurette The Electric Dreamer: Remembering Philip K. Dick
- Featurette Sacrificial Sheep: The Novel vs. The Film
- Philip K. Dick: The Blade Runner Interviews (Audio)
- Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep Cover Gallery (Images)
- The Art of Blade Runner (Image Galleries)
- Featurette Signs of the Times: Graphic Design
- Featurette Fashion Forward: Wardrobe & Styling
- Screen Tests: Rachel & Pris
- Featurette The Light That Burns: Remembering Jordan Cronenweth
- Unit Photography Gallery
- Deleted & Alternate Scenes
- 1982 Promotional Featurettes
- Trailers & TV Spots
- Featurette Promoting Dystopia: Rendering the Poster Art
- Marketing & Merchandise Gallery (Images)
- Featurette Deck-A-Rep: The True Nature of Rick Deckard
- Featurette Nexus Generation: Fans & Filmmakers"

The Blade Runner Final Cut Five-Disc Complete Collector's Editions contains:

Five high definition widescreen DVDs in choice of HD-DVD or Blu-Ray.

The Five-Disc Complete Collector's Edition includes everything from the Four-Disc Collector's Edition plus...

Disc Five:

WORKPRINT VERSION
This rare version of the film is considered by some to be the most radically different of all the Blade Runner cuts. It includes an altered opening scene, no Deckard narration until the final scenes, no "unicorn" sequence, no Deckard/Rachel "happy ending," altered lines between Batty (Rutger Hauer) and his creator Tyrell (Joe Turkell), alternate music and much more.

Also includes:

- Commentary by Paul M. Sammon, author of Future Noir: The Making of Blade Runner
- Featurette All Our Variant Futures: From Workprint to Final Cut"

The Blade Runner Final Cut Five-Disc Ultimate Collector's Edition includes:

Everything described in the 5-Disc set above and is available in Standard DVD, HD-DVD and Blu-Ray. The North American R1 Blade Runner Final Cut Ultimate Collector's Edition is presented in a unique 5-disc digi-package with handle which is a stylish version of Rick Deckard's own briefcase. In addition each briefcase will be individually numbered and in limited supply. Included is a lenticular motion film clip from the original feature, miniature origami unicorn figurine, miniature replica spinner car, collector's photographs as well as a signed personal letter from Sir Ridley Scott. HOWEVER, it seems even the R2 release is not being offered in the briefcase and doesn't appear to have unicorn (no biggie) or car (see image below).