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Blade Runner Five Disc Complete Collectors Edition Blu ray

admin — Sat, 16 May 2009 16:03:32 +0000

Blade Runner Five Disc Complete Collectors Edition Blu ray

Visually spectacular, intensely action-packed and powerfully prophetic since its debut, Blade Runner returns in Ridley Scott’s definitive Final Cut, including extended scenes and never-before-seen special effects, now seen in sepcatacular hi-definition! In a signature role as 21st- century detective Rick Deckard, Harrison Ford brings his masculine-yet- vulnerable presence to this stylish noir thriller. In a future of high- tech possibility soured by urban and social decay, Deckard hunts for fugitive, muderous replicants – and is drawn to a mystery woman whose secrets may undermine his soul. This spectacular 5-Disc Set features all of the content of the standard definition Ultimate Collector’s Edition. All five version of the legendary Sci-Fi film from Director Ridley Scott with all new 5.1 audio – the definitive Final Cut, three additional versions of the film, and the rare Work Print version – in addition to the in-depth feature length documentary “Dangerous Days”, and one complete disc of bonus content including over 80-minutes of never- before-seen deleted scenes.

User Ratings and Reviews

2 Stars Production Problem: First Disc is a 2nd Copy of the Workprint
I am one of the unlucky shoppers who got a “misprint”. Disc one which should be the final cut is in fact a 2nd copy of disc 5, the “workprint”. Based on some reviews of the final cut maybe I’m not missing much, but it’s annoying to have to exchange this. I knew there was a problem when I put in disc one and it looked lousy in hi-def. There is a separate disc with the US and international release versions along with the director’s cut, which are all much better quality.

1 Star How to get the correct disc for your Blu-Ray set
I bought this set from Amazon on January 1, 2009. Like other reviewers I too received a duplicate disc, the “work print” content on both discs 1 and 5.

Just contact the Warner service hotline at: 1-800-553-6937. The operator I talked to was very helpful and fully aware of the problem. She took down my information to send me the correct disc 1 when they become available. She said currently they are waiting on more to be printed and it will take at least 3-4 weeks before they are available.

*FYI, I rated this item one star to get the attention of folks who are having the same problem.

5 Stars The comprehensive Blade Runner
At last a package with all the blade runner editions. I was looking for the theatrical version in DVD for six years. I watched the theatrical version in VHS in early’s 90’s and wanted to watch it again. I had the director cut in DVD also but this package has all the editions I know about this movie. I liked a lot the final cut and it was very nice to see the theatrical edition again.

Now, Blade Runner is one of the best science fiction movies ever, so if you still don’t have it, this is the package you should choose.

4 Stars An unsurpassed classic
A great concept, fantastic film full of atmosphere. The music, direction, acting and effects are captivating. It only (or will be) dated by its Los Angeles 2019 tag. This edition is restored and corrected in parts which do not detract from the film.

Often imitated but so far unsurpassed. A real cinematic experience and a must see.

5 Stars Slick, luminous and worth every penny
***This review covers the Blu-Ray set***

THE FILM

A somewhat loose adaptation of Philip K. Dick’s short story, “Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep?” Ridley Scott’s Blade Runner is a half detective story, half sci-fi film.

Blade Runner was probably one of the most expensive experimental films of all time. It is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful, coming from a photographer, those words cary a good deal of meaning. While as a story or even some of the performances, dont always fire on all cylinders, there is a certain mystery and powerful visual majesty to fill any lapses in dramatic pitch.

Ridley Scott cut his teeth as a filmmaker on commercials and watching Jordan Cornenweth’s powerful cinematography, one definitely feels Blade Runner is a sort of commercial. For what, we just don’t know. Sure there are meditations on humanity, inevitability and choice, but there isn’t a real cohesive exploration or dialogue on any of these subjects. I think this ambiguity is probably the main reason Blade Runner has been such an enduring journey. For sure, there are genuinely tender, magical and powerful moments to the film. In short, Blade Runner is what it is. It is a film that the viewer takes home what they bring to it.

THE QUALITY

I have owned several DVD and VHS releases of the movie through the years as many others and much like 2001: A Space Odyssey, this Blu-Ray release provs how lucky we are to have High Def. On my 42″ plasma, the film is rapturous. The shafts of light and the blue hues really make you feel as if your peering into the world before you. The blues are deep and the contrast is strong.

There is grain and some missed focus, but the challenges the crew must have had shooting Panavision anamorphic in those days with such little light at times must have been a real challenge for the focus pullers. If anything, on the grain, it only enhances the film’s gritty feel. Neither of these small observations have any real impact on the picture’s quality or overall sharpness.

Having upgraded to High-Def relatively recently, I have the same set for DVD and going back and fourth, there are some scenes that show a real hike in quality and detail. This is one of those films where you watch it and aren’t always conscious of the difference between HD and SD UNTIL you go back and watch the SD. You really find it is impossible to go back. I’m glad I made the purchase.

CONCLUSION

Like most great films, Blade Runner is not for everybody. It is a supreme exercise in production and photography over drama, but that hasn’t made the film any less powerful. It was worth every penny to pick this up and it is easily one of the best releases you can get on HD right now.

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