13 th February 2008

We open the first proper edition of HD Heaven with one of the greatest genre pictures of all time, the long in the works definitive version of BLADE RUNNER.

This particular film comes in a myriad of different editions on the HD format. In this instance the UK viewer is seriously short changed as the domestic editions only run to single disc and double disc HD and Blu Ray variants. If, like me you are a BR obsessive then the only way to go is either the US 5 disc set or the US 5 disc Limited Edition gift set. The film contents in the set (available on both HD and BR) are exactly the same as the 5 disc version with only the packaging and ephemera accounting for the additional dollar price.

Included in the gift set, which is packaged to look like Deckard’s briefcase are a replica spinner vehicle (a bit cheap and plasticy to be honest), a miniature unicorn model (yep – a bit flimsy and cheap), a set of quite cool art cards by various artists including designer Syd Mead housed in a BR slipcase, a 3-D motion film cell and a letter from Ridley Scott where he pretty much promises us that this will be the LAST version of his film that we will have to buy (honest!). So, although the extra items are a bit hit-or-miss how does the actual meat of the set hold up?

This is where the joys of the format come into their own. Disc one includes the 2007 dated Final Cut complete with introduction and feature commentary by Ridley and 2 additional commentaries featuring various behind the scenes production people. Following extensive sound and picture restoration, slightly re-shot footage and general tweaking the new version was granted a few select film festival screenings and a very limited theatrical re-release. The new cut is simply breathtaking, with incredible new detailing being revealed in every frame and the un-altered sound from the original archival 6 track mix proving a revelation. Most importantly RS has made each change very carefully so you do not feel as if you are watching a newly CGI’d and therefore bastardized version of an old friend (are you listening George Lucas?).

Disc two features the astonishing documentary DANGEROUS DAYS: THE MAKING OF BLADE RUNNER which runs a staggering 214 minutes in standard definition. Directed by DVD bonus content guru Charles de Lauzirika this traces the long, tangled and troubled history of the production. For a fan of the film or indeed any film fan this is a brilliant production that un-covers a wealth of new footage and never previously revealed information, with all the key players including Harrison Ford contributing extensively and candidly.

Disc three presents the US theatrical, International theatrical and 1992 director’s cut versions of the film in high def complete with RS intro’s to each. Essentially this allows us to view whichever version that is of personal preference (for example Guillermo del Toro favours the original cut complete with Ford’s unwilling voice-over and tacked on happy ending featuring out-take footage from Stanley Kubrick’s THE SHINING) and I can see his point as this was the version I watched and fell in love with way back in 1982. So as clunky and awkward as it is I kinda miss the VO in the subsequent versions.

Disc four is what’s called an Enhancement Archive which includes Philip K Dick features and interviews, various art and design featurettes, Rachael and Pris screen tests, deleted and alternate scenes, short 1982 making of pieces and a plethora of trailers for all the different versions. All of these are also in standard def.

Rounding out the set is disc five which features the holy grail for all BR fans the original work print of the film in full high def format, complete with another intro by RS and commentary by Paul M Sammon the author of FUTURE NOIR: THE MAKING OF BLADE RUNNER.

This is the pre-release version of the film that has never been available before and includes many differences in footage, music and VO. Admittedly the picture and sound quality is not up to the high standard of material elsewhere in the set but this is an invaluable and essential addition to the complete package.

So to round up – an incredible release that sets the benchmark so high in terms of presentation, content and value that it will be interesting to see what could possibly compete with this in the future. I really hope that an ALIEN set is in the works somewhere along the line as that is another series of films that truly deserve the deluxe treatment.

Warner Brothers 5 Disc Blu Ray or HD US gift set is $99.95, the regular US 5 disc is $39.95. The UK 2 disc release has a rrp of £27.99.

I will be back next time with a whole bunch of reviews on both the HD and BR formats.

Until then, keep watching.

Paul.