-

1187 Hunterwasser The address of Yukon Hotel, mentioned during Leon's Voight-Kampff test. Hunterwasser is most probably a street, but it is never clarified in the movie.

2nd Street Tunnel The tunnel which Deckard drives through on his way back home is actually an still-existing one. It is locally known as the "2nd Street" and has served as location in e.g. Terminator. Located on 2nd Street between Hill Street and Figueroa Street in Los Angeles.

2019, november Blade Runner takes place during this year and month, the latter according to the second Domestic Cut trailer.

2020 Originally, Blade Runner was supposed to take place in the year 2020. During postproduction, the year was changed to 2019. The reason was that "2020" triggered associations to eye charts and the term "20-20 vision". This is probably the explanation why incept dates and four-year lifespans do not correspond in the movie.

555-7583 Rachael's vidphon number, dialed by Deckard in The Snake Pit when he, unsuccessfully, tries to persuade her to join him there.

9732 Deckard's apartment number.

990-6907XB71 The serial number on the snake scale Deckard finds when investigating Leon's apartment, at least according to the Cambodian lady on Animoid Row. Watch carefully and you will see that the number stated by the lady is incorrect. The snake scale enlargement is actually a real electron microscope photograph, but of the bud of a female marijuana plant, not a snake scale.

Allen, John Edward The actor portraying Kaiser. Born 1950, died in 1999. Also performed in Snow White: A Tale of Terror (1997). See also external link: Internet Movie DataBase entry.

American federation of variety artists, the The organisation which Deckard claims to represent when confronting Zhora. He also claims to represent "The Confidential Committee on Moral Abuses", probably a non-existing sub-organisation.

Android

1) Basically a complex robot, which resembles a human being beyond visual and often even intellectual recognition. Philip K. Dick was fascinated by the concept and the term is used frequently in Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep?. Ridley Scott found the term to be a cliché and replaced it with the new term replicant. Note: The android concept is actually rather complex and many sci-fi fans does not accept such a simplistic definition as presented in this entry.

2) The first title of Hampton Fancher's second Blade Runner script.

ANDY Nickname for android in Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep?.

Animoid Artificial animal designed to imitate its real and usually extinct counterpart. Animoids are often completely organic replicas, but may be partially mechanical. Often refered to as animal replicants. Both Tyrell's owl and Zhora's snake are advanced animoids.

Animoid Row A sector with shops and stalls specialized in manufacturing artificial animals, so-called animoids. The shops belonging to Abdul Ben-Hassan and the Cambodian Lady are located at Animoid Row.

Batty, Roy Officially the main villain in Blade Runner, although many fans are uncertain if he really is a villain. Renegade Nexus-6 replicant. Esper data: "ID: N6MAA10816; Incept Date: 8 JAN., 2016; Func: Combat, Colonization Defense Prog; Phys: LEV. A; Mental: LEV. A." Bryant's comment: "Probably the leader. Optimum self-suffiency." Leader of the rogue replicants and Pris's lover. Homocidal: murders Chew, Eldon Tyrell and J. F. Sebastian. Intellectual too: quotes William Blake and defeats Tyrell in chess, an imitation of The Immortal Game. Spares Deckard's life before his artificial life span ends. Portrayed by Rutger Hauer. Illustration: Roy Batty.

Bear Together with Kaiser, Bear is the manufactured friend of J. F. Sebastian. Bear and Kaiser are defective replicant toys who Sebastian has kept, according to William Sanderson. Bear is the one with teddy-bear head and Napoleonic outfit. Portrayed by Kevin Thompson.

Ben-Hassan, Abdul Manufacturer of artificial snakes on Animoid Row. Interrogated by Deckard on the track of Zhora. Wears a fez and is referred to as "the Egyptian". For some strange reason, the name of the actor is never mentioned in the film credits.

Black hole gun A peculiar kind of weapon technology was supposed to be used in Blade Runner, called "black hole guns". As the charge of this particle-beam pistol would have such high intensity that it would absorb all surrounding light, the beam would appear to be black. At contact with the target the charge would implode. It was invented as Ridley Scott wanted to avoid laser guns in Blade Runner. The Black Hole Guns were never used since black beams obviously are difficult to visualize in a thrilling way. On Blade Runner laser disc copies, traces of a black beam can actually be seen below the table when Leon fires at Holden the first time.

Blade Runner

1) The subject of this encyclopedia. Blade Runner is a motion picture from 1982. It is probably best described as tech noir: a mix of high-tech sci-fi and hard-boiled film noir. Blade Runner's most striking features are its stunning appearance and suggestive atmosphere, which has been unmatched since. Although the packaging is quite spectacular it is basically a complex, sensitive drama asking difficult and disturbing questions: What is human? What is real? There are six versions so far: The Workprint (1982), The San Diego Sneak Preview (1982), The Domestic Cut (1982) a.k.a. The Original Version, The International Cut (1982), The Director's Cut (1992) and The Broadcast Version (1986). Note: There are several different titles and names on each version, but this encyclopedia will consistently use the titles in Future Noir: the Making of Blade Runner. If not stated otherwise, "Blade Runner" refers to the motion picture in this encyclopedia.

2) A futuristic occupation which has rendered the movie its title. The 1982 press kit explains: "The nickname given to those police detectives who are specially trained in the use of the Voight-Kampff machine and whose specific function is to track down and eliminate any replicants that manage to escape into human society and attempt to pass as real human beings. The official name of the Blade Runner Division is Rep-Detect."The opening crawl offers further information: "After a bloody mutiny by a NEXUS-6 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." Blade runners usually do not wear uniforms and are licensed to carry concealed weapons. The legal authorities of blade runner units obviously reach far beyond those of regular police units. Deckard, Holden, Gaff and Bryant are blade runners. If not stated otherwise, "blade runner" refers to the occupation in this encyclopedia.

3) Short story by the fantasy/science fiction author Alan E. Nourse. The title was lawfully acquired by Blade Runner's producer Michael Deeley.

Blade Runner: (a movie) Book by the famous "beat" author William S. Burroughs. The title was lawfully acquired by Blade Runner's producer Michael Deeley.

Blade Runner: The Computer Game Released in 1997, developed by Westwood Studios, published by Virgin Interactive Entertainment. Received overall good reviews. The old Blade Runner fan generation appreciated the game, and it generated a whole generation of new fans. Multiple endings and multiple plot threads: who is a replicant and who is not varies from game to game, depending on the player's decisions. Innovative graphics and suggestive environments. Guest appearances by James Hong, Brion James, William Sanderson, Joe Turkel and Sean Young from the original movie. Recommended system requirements: Intel Pentium 133 MHz, 32 MB free system RAM, 300 MB hard drive space, 8 ^x CD-ROM drive.

Blade Runner 2: The Edge of Human Novel by K. W. Jeter, literary sequel to the motion picture Blade Runner. Generally good reviews, but received with mixed emotions by fans: some fans hate Jeter's novels, others love them. Blade Runner 2 basically begins where the movie ends: Out in the wilderness, Deckard preserves the life of his dying Rachael in a cryo-module. The mysterious Sarah Tyrell, Eldon Tyrell's niece and Rachael's templant, manage to track them down and persuades Deckard to do one final assignment: locate and retire the the Sixth replicant... See also Blade Runner 3: Replicant Night. Note: Jeter's novels are controversial among fans. It should be stressed that he only suggests possibilities, nothing else.

Blade Runner 3: Replicant Night Novel by K. W. Jeter, sequel to Blade Runner 2: The Edge of Human. The second sequel was less enthusiastically recieved by both critics and fans. Basically begins where the first sequel ends: Sarah Tyrell has killed Rachael and escaped with Deckard to Mars. Deckard supervises an adaptation for the screen of his life as a blade runner when a talking briefcase is delivered to him. At the same time, Sarah is approached by servants of Tyrell Corporation's shadow organization... Note: Jeter's novels are controversial among fans. It should be stressed that he only suggests possibilities, nothing else.

Blade Runner: Orchestral Adaptation Actually, there are two official soundtracks. Besides Blade Runner: Vangelis, there is an interpretation of Vangelis' score by The New American Orchestra from 1982. It is a symphonic version of the soundtrack with several important tracks excluded. Many fans do not appreciate the record. Title: Blade Runner: Orchestral Adaptation of Music Composed for the Motion Picture by Vangelis. Warner Brothers Records, Inc./Full Moon, 1982. Catalog Number 23748-2 (compact disc).

Blade Runner: Vangelis The official soundtrack of Blade Runner, composed and performed by Vangelis. The record should be available in any decent music shop. Notice that the official soundtrack was released twelve years after the theatrical release of the motion picture. Some of the tracks contain feature dialogue and sound effects from the movie. A few of the tracks actually do not appear in the movie at all. Title: Blade Runner: Vangelis. Warner Brothers Music UK Ltd., 1994. Atlantic Recording Corporation, Catalog Number 82623-2 (compact disc). See also Blade Runner: Orchestral Adaptation.

Blake, William Pre-Romantic poet, illuminator and religious mystic, 1757-1827. In Chew's eye lab, Roy Batty quotes a modified excerpt from a William Blake poem, America: A prophecy, printed in 1793: "Fiery the angels fell / Deep thunder rolled around their shores / Burning with the fires of Orc." Blake's original words: "Fiery the Angels rose, & as they rose deep thunder roll'd / Around their shores: indignant burning with the fires of Orc". There are at least two other quotes from Blake poems in Blade Runner: The Computer Game as well.

Blaster The regulation-issue blade runner gun is often referred to as a "blaster" among fans.

Blimp, the An airship used for marketing purposes by the Colonization Program. It can frequently be seen hovering over the streets of Los Angeles 2019, shouting out messages with wordings resembling old-fashioned propaganda: "A new life awaits you in the Off-World colonies. The chance to begin again in a golden land of opportunity and adventure. New climate, recreational facilities...absolutely free. Use your new friend as a personal body servant or a tireless field hand, the custom tailored genetically engineered humanoid replicant designed especially for your needs. So come on America, let's put our team up there..." In both The Workprint and The Director's Cut the messages continues: "This announcement is brought to you by the Shimato-Dominguez Corporation, helping America into the New World." Shimato means "I have made an error" in Japanese.

Blood Runner Nickname for Blade Runner used by the crew during the exhausting production.

Boogeyman, the Nickname of blade runner Rick Deckard. In the screenplay of 1981-02-23, Gaff says to Deckard at the noodle bar: "You're known as The Boogeyman in every mean joint in town."

Boyard The cigarette brand people smoke in the movie. Actually an existing, French brand. It is uncertain if Boyard is still available on the market.

BR-26354 The badge number of blade runner Rick Deckard. Sometimes stated to be BR-260354. It is actually hard to say. Deckard says it twice in the movie, but both times, it could be interpreted either way. As it is not in the script, we cannot be sure.

Bradbury Building One of the apartments in this large, decaying building serves as J. F. Sebastian's home. As he is a skilled genetic engineer and replicant technician, the whole place is bristling with strange toys, failed experiments and other friends, so to speak. Deckard tracks the renegade replicants to the Bradbury Building, almost gets killed by Pris and is hunted like an animal by Roy Batty. The Bradbury Building actually exists, although its appearance in reality differs dramatically from the one in the movie. Has been used in numerous TV series and films, e.g. Citizen Kane and Wolf.

Brain implants Advanced replicant technology. It is never explained exactly what brain implants are in the movie, but they are evidently special features which alter or modify a replicant's brain. The only kind of brain implants mentioned in the movie are memory implants, but Ridley Scott has also been speculating around "spritual" brain implants, see Nexus-7. Hypothetically, all replicants may be equipped with brain implants which correspond with their functions, but this is never confirmed in the movie or any other source. Judging from the rather casual way Bryant mentions brain implants in the movie, they might be quite common.

Broadcast Version, the Version of Blade Runner broadcasted over U.S. network television in 1986. Harsh language and nudity excluded.

Bryant, Harry Police captain, Blade Runner veteran, chief of Rep-Detect and, according to some Blade Runner web sites and fan fiction, supposedly its founder as well. Deckard's, Gaff's and Holden's boss. Forces Deckard to do one last assignment: detect and retire Roy Batty's group of renegade replicants. Obviously orders Gaff to shadow Deckard throughout the movie. According to the actor portraying him, M. Emmet Walsh, Bryant has permanent stomach injuries from a firefight, which is the reason why he never touches the other glass in the movie. Nevertheless, K. W. Jeter and different Blade Runner web sites like to suggest he might have a drinking problem. Illustration: Harry Bryant.

Cambodian lady, the The Asian lady on Animoid Row who enlightens Deckard about the snake scale. The name of her shop is unknown. It is also uncertain exactly which business she is in, but judging from the the sign, she manufactures animoid fish. Portrayed by Kimiro Hiroshige.

Cassidy, Joanna The actress portraying Zhora. Born 2 August 1944 in Camden, New Jersey, USA. Experienced actress who has made more than 70 movies, e.g. The Late Show (1977), Under Fire (1983), Who Framed Roger Rabbit (1988), The Package (1989) and Ghosts of Mars (2001), as well as many TV performances in e.g. Dallas and Hollywood Wives (mini TV series). Blade Runner trivia: Few, if any, actresses could have made a better Zhora, as Joanna Cassidy is both very athletic and fond of snakes. See also external link: Internet Movie DataBase entry.

C-beams Mentioned during Roy Batty's death monologue: "I watched C-beams glitter in the dark near the Tanhauser Gate." It is uncertain exactly what C-beams are, but it has been suggested by fans that it could be some kind of weapon.

Chew, HANNIBAL Designer and manufacturer of replicant eyes, working for the Tyrell Corporation; has dix huit clearance. He is "a brilliant scientist on the edge of senility" according to the actor portraying him, James Hong. Chinese heritage. Interrogated and murdered in his lab by trespassing replicants Roy Batty and Leon. Blade Runner trivia: There was actually supposed to be one more scene with Chew, according to James Hong. Deckard arrives with a couple of other cops to the crime scene in the eye lab. Chew has turned into an ice statue, cold to the bone, and one of the cops happens to knock him over and he shatters into a million pieces. The scene was never filmed. Illustration: Hannibal Chew.

Chew's Eye Works Chew's lab is sometimes referred to as "Chew's Eye Works". The words "Eye Works" can actually be seen on the building, see illustration under Chew, Hannibal.

Chickenheads see specials

Cityspeak

1) Quote, Deckard in the Domestic Cut: "Gutter talk, a mishmash of Japanese, Spanish, German, what have you." Cityspeak is a street level pidgin language, spontaneously arisen in the multi-cultural and over-crowded Los Angeles of 2019. Gaff talks to Deckard in Cityspeak at the noodle bar.

2) Homegrown Blade Runner fanzine publication, founded and edited by Sara Campbell. Three issues were published, the first one in late 1982, containing articles, essays and poems. Sara Campbell died tragically in 1985, aged only 26.

Clovis Leader of a renegade Nexus-6 group in Blade Runner: The Computer Game. A futuristic version of a warrior-poet, not strikingly different from Roy Batty.

Colonization Program, the Man's colonization of other planets. The main purpose with this fantastic venture seems to be to avoid fatal over-crowding on earth, which obviously is near environmental collapse. The program is probably implemented by an enormous conglomerate of different governments and mega-corporations. K.W. Jeter's novels suggest that the United Nations are in charge of this long-term operation, which is in line with Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep? and other of Philip K. Dick's science fiction novels, e.g. Martian Timeslip. Judging from Roy Batty's death monologue, man has managed to reach distant solar systems, which obviously demands spaceships capable of travelling at light speed or faster. The Colonization Program is dependant on the replicant cadres, according to the opening crawl. There are several indications in different sources that the colonies are far from pleasant idylls. A never used voice-over line as presented in Future Noir: the Making of Blade Runner: "I look at the signs for emigration to the Colonies... If it's really so great Off-world, how come they gotta advertise? If you've got something really good, you keep it a secret. It's only the junk you push." Very little is actually known about the Off-world colonies, although a Mars transfer colony is described in Blade Runner 3: Replicant Night. The main marketing method of the program seems to be the Blimp.

Computer Game see Blade Runner: The Computer Game

Confidential committee on moral abuses A probably non-existing organisation which Deckard claims to represent when confronting Zhora. It is obviously supposed to be a sub-organisation to "The American Federation of Variety Artists".

Cryo-Crypt, the A scene in pre-production scripts which was cut out. There were different versions, but the basic idea was the same: Batty does not really kill Tyrell, but a replicant doppelganger. The real Tyrell is frozen in cryo-stasis, either dead or dying. In one version, Tyrell's brain has been transplantated into a shark, according to David Peoples!

Cyberpunk Originally a genre in science fiction literature, advanced by William Gibson with the novel Neuromancer. Today, cyberpunk has mutated into a versatile subculture. Deals with dark futures: the impact of dehumanizing technology, the collapse of the environment, the terminal decay of society etc. Often streetwise and brutal, not seldom influenced by film noir. Blade Runner is often stated to be the cyberpunk movie. Other movies which tend to appear on most cyberpunk lists: Alien, Robocop, Total Recall, Mad Max, Matrix etc. See also tech noir.