More Human Than Human
Well it’s time for gift review number two…
So after all these year of backing the DVD format and telling and converting people about the clarity of these new fangled discs and educating the masses on original aspect ratios such as 2.35:1 and 1.85:1 and anamorphic widescreen, I have come full circle with the format by way of a sci-fi classic. Many of my friends know this about me because they are the ones who got me into the know on this stuff (e.g., Jon, Pat and even Joe, Gordon, and Dan) way back at the launch of DVD in March of 1997. In fact, one of the first discs that my roommate Jon bought was Blade Runner - The Director’s Cut. Since then, that has been the only way to watch this movie, unless you sought out an original VHS theatrical cut or were crafty enough to track down a copy of the “1990 Work Print” version.
Recently, Warner Bros. decided to do TONS of research, digging and work to put together what has to be one of the best collection of discs out in the market. The new Blade Runner Final Cut is the creme-de-la-creme that even George Lucas wished he could have done with his sci-fi series Star Wars and this is only one movie, not three. The new 5-disc collector’s box is the sweet nectar that DVD fans have been craving every time one of their favorites gets announced for released and then ultimately disappoints (e.g., Star Wars, Alien Quadrilogy, Apocalypse Now Dossier, etc). Granted those sets have their place in DVD history but all of them fall short by leaving out important pieces of their past or history.
With this new box set, there’s not just one or even two versions of this classic but five known versions all include all in anamorphic beautiful widescreen. Also, included are over 40 minutes of deleted scenes, the 2 1/2 hour documentar, Dangerous Days: Making Blade Runner, plus tons more. All in all, this is as complete of an offering as you can possibly get for a total movie experience. Blade Runner was a highly misunderstood film and one that definitely was astep ahead of its time.
It’s amazing to see how accurate its vision is slowly becoming more of reality. If only the hover cars were real! I mean who wouldn’t want a spinner vehicle to hover around the skyscrapers of downtown LA?
January 11th, 2008 at 11:18 am
That boxed set is phenomenal looking. If I bought it, though, I’d have to move into a bigger place, my rent would go up, etc. etc.
January 11th, 2008 at 3:32 pm
Here’s what rules: I got the new DVD box set Tuesday.
Here’s what sucks: It’s still in the shrinkwrap because I’ve been working 14 hour days this week. In fact, my snack break is over and I gotta get back to it. Working this weekend, too. So I don’t know when I’m going to get to crack this open. I can’t wait!