Blade Runner: HD DVD/Blu-ray

[BADBRAD]

[Wirehed]

That SO doesn't look real.
Where does this information come from?

[BADBRAD]

It is an insert in the Matrix Collection.

[Wirehed]

Originally Posted by BADBRAD

It is an insert in the Matrix Collection.

Wow, they really went all out on that one.

[Pirate]

Originally Posted by Seamonkey

Wow, they really went all out on that one.

It is to the point.

[dugpa]

Well, it'd be silly to put an insert into an hd-dvd advertising blu-ray. I'm sure the insert that comes with the blu-ray version of Matrix would have the blu-ray logo in that place, had such a thing existed.

[Ruined]

Originally Posted by dugpa

Well, it'd be silly to put an insert into an hd-dvd advertising blu-ray. I'm sure the insert that comes with the blu-ray version of Matrix would have the blu-ray logo in that place, had such a thing existed.

There is another ad for some other HD title in the same case and it has both HD DVD and BD logos on it, I think that is where the OP is coming from.

[DavidCantu]

I'm just hoping that they clean this film up before putting it on HD. I didn't buy the last release because I knew it would eventually get released on HD..but read that they did a nice job on last year's version.

[videoworx]

but read that they did a nice job on last year's version.

If the HD version of the current DVD transfer is on the HD-DVD/BD release, I'll be very happy.

[dugpa]

Rumors are the big mega set for dvd will include four versions: the theatrical, the "director's cut," a new Scott supervised version (with some new footage shot) and the workprint. Assuming the make the hd-dvd release match the dvd one, they'd have to do new transfers for all of them, so it should look good depending on the condition of the original elements.

[ganthc]

Originally Posted by Ruined

There is another ad for some other HD title in the same case and it has both HD DVD and BD logos on it, I think that is where the OP is coming from.

It also has a firm date on it. Perhaps the bd side couldn't guarantee an October 2007 date, so the logo wasn't included on the promo.

[BADBRAD]

On the opposite side of the insert there is a ad for the Kubrick Collection which advertises as HD DVD and BLU RAY.

[Ruined]

Originally Posted by ganthc

It also has a firm date on it. Perhaps the bd side couldn't guarantee an October 2007 date, so the logo wasn't included on the promo.

Might be another Matrix-esque BD-J issue and delayed BD release.

[dugpa]

Originally Posted by BADBRAD

On the opposite side of the insert there is a ad for the Kubrick Collection which advertises as HD DVD and BLU RAY.

Much coolness! As much as I like Blade Runner, I'm way more excited about the Kubrick films coming out. Which ones do they list in the collection?

[ganthc]

Originally Posted by Ruined

Might be another Matrix-esque BD-J issue and delayed BD release.

Most likely. But hey, I don't mind delays in releases as long as bd-j is not buggy when it comes out, like some ihd issues have affected hd-dvd releases.

[ganthc]

Blade Runner (hd Dvd Only?)

No.

http://bluray.highdefdigest.com/news...is_October/634

[Derb]

Originally Posted by ganthc

No.

http://bluray.highdefdigest.com/news...is_October/634

Yep, I don't recall Warner ever saying it will be an HD DVD exclusive.. Could be wrong though.

[dugpa]

Looks like both formats are getting it, and one hell of a set it is.

'Blade Runner' Specs, Date Revealed
Thu Jul 26, 2007 at 04:00 PM ET

After months of anticipation, Warner Home Video has finally unveiled full specs and a street date for 'Blade Runner: Ultimate Collector's Edition' on Blu-ray and HD DVD.

Since Warner first announced late last year that it was finally bringing Ridley Scott's sci-fi classic to high-def this fall, expectations have been sky high for what has long been the most highly-requested special edition in the studio's library.

Now, Warner has issued a new press release heralding what promises to be a behemoth of a next-gen release. As previously reported, 'Blade Runner: Ultimate Edition' will be a whopping five-disc set, and the studio confirmed a simultaneous December 18 bow on Blu-ray, HD DVD and standard-def DVD.

Some of the many highlights of the set include no less than five different versions of the film, all freshly remastered: Ridley Scott's brand-new 'Final Cut,' featuring all-new footage and upgraded special effects; the 1992 "Director's Cut"; both the 1982 domestic Theatrical and unrated International cuts; and the long-sought after, near-mythical "Workprint" version never before released publicly.

For the set's supplements, Warner has assembled Harrison Ford, Rutger Hauer, Edward James Olmos, Joanna Cassidy, Sean Young and Daryl Hannah among some 80 stars, filmmakers and others who participate in "Dangerous Days," a three-and-a-half-hour documentary by award-winning DVD producer Charles de Lauzirika.

Additionally, there will be an entire disc with hours of enhanced content containing featurettes and galleries devoted to over 45 minutes of deleted and alternate scenes recently discovered in deep storage and approved by Scott, visual effects as well as background on author Philip K. Dick, script development, abandoned sequences, conceptual design and the overall impact of the film.

Warner has not yet set pricing for the next-gen versions of 'Blade Runner: Ultimate Collector's Edition,' but we'll keep you posted.

SOURCE

And the official press release:

San Diego, July 26, 2007 – The one that started it all. Sir Ridley Scott’s Blade Runner,starring Harrison Ford, is one of the most important science-fiction movies of the 20th Century -- the film with immeasurable influence on society for its futuristic depiction of a post-apocalyptic, dystopian world, a film perhaps more powerful and relevant today than when it was made. The film, in fact, has appeared on more ‘Top Five’ sci-fi lists than any other film.

In celebration of its 25th anniversary, director Ridley Scott (Alien, Hannibal and a three-time Oscar® nominee, Best Director, for Gladiator, Thelma & Louise and Black Hawk Down) has gone back into post production to create the long-awaited definitive new version, which Warner Home Video will unveil on DVD December 18th in the U.S. Blade Runner: The Final Cut, spectacularly restored and remastered from original elements and scanned at 4K resolution, will contain never-before-seen added/extended scenes, added lines, new and improved special effects, director and filmmaker commentary, an all-new 5.1 Dolby® Digital audio track and more.

A showcase theatrical run is also being planned for New York and Los Angeles October 5.

Blade Runner: The Final Cut will be included in three stunning DVD editions: a Two-Disc Special Edition (at $20.97 SRP), a Four-disc Collector’s Edition ($34.99 SRP) and the Five-Disc Ultimate Collector’s Edition ($78.92 SRP) in Collectible “Deckard Briefcase” packaging.

Simultaneous HD DVD and Blu-Ray versions (each $TBD) of the “Deckard Briefcase” will also be released in numbered, limited quantities. HD DVD and Blu-Ray 5-Disc Digi Packs with collectible slipcase (each $TBD) will include all of the UCE content. Order due date for all editions is November 13.

Ford, Rutger Hauer, Edward James Olmos, Joanna Cassidy, Sean Young and Daryl Hannah are among some 80 stars, filmmakers and others who participate in the extensive bonus features. Among the bonus material highlights is Dangerous Days - a brand new, three-and-a-half-hour documentary by award-winning DVD producer Charles de Lauzirika, with an extensive look into every aspect of the film: its literary genesis, its challenging production and itscontroversial legacy. The definitive documentary to accompany the definitive film version.

Additionally, two of the collections (4- & 5-Disc) will include an entire disc with hours of enhanced content containing featurettes and galleries devoted to over 45 minutes of deleted and alternate scenes recently discovered in deep storage and approved by Ridley Scott, visual effects as well as background on author Philip K. Dick, script development, abandoned sequences, conceptual design, overall impact of the film and how it lead to the birth of cyberpunk. Trailers, TV spots and promotional featurettes will also be included.

Among some of the fascinating factoids talked about in the special features:

* Notable actual locations were used to reflect 2019 Los Angeles, such as Union Station, 2nd Street tunnel and the Bradbury building.
* The top of Police Headquarters is actually part of the Mothership from “Close Encounters of the Third Kind.”
* In the last scene, Rutger Hauer made the jump between buildings himself.
* In the fight scene between Daryl Hannah and Harrison Ford, Hannah pulled Ford’s nose so hard that his nose actually bled afterwards.
* Holding a dove, and letting it fly away, in the last scene was never in the script, but rather Rutger Hauer’s idea when filming the scene.
* “Dangerous Days” was originally the name of the script.

Said Sir Ridley Scott: "The Final Cut is the product of a process that began in early 2000 and continued off and on through seven years of intense research and meticulous restoration, technical challenges, amazing discoveries and new possibilities. I can now wholeheartedly say that Blade Runner: The Final Cut is my definitive director’s cut of the film."

Jeff Baker, Warner Home Video Senior VP and General Manager, Theatrical Catalog and Domestic Sales, says: "25 years ago the critics said Blade Runner was ahead of its time and today it’s still ahead of its time. This is clearly Ridley’s signature film and we‘re delighted to offer these great editions to the Blade Runner fans who’ve been so patient, despite besieging us with thousands of annual requests in recent years for new DVDs. A number of people have told me that at the start of DVD, Blade Runner was absolutely the first title they wanted -- so much so that they purchased it even before their first DVD player! We think they’ll agree that the new cut and the new editions are worth waiting for.”

DETAILS OF BLADE RUNNER EDITIONS

BLADE RUNNER: THE FINAL CUT SPECIAL EDITION (2-DISC)

Disc One

RIDLEY SCOTT'S ALL-NEW "FINAL CUT" VERSION OF THE FILM

Restored and remastered with added & 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
* Commentaries 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.

BLADE RUNNER: COLLECTOR’S EDITION (4-DISC)

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”

* 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

BLADE RUNNER: ULTIMATE COLLECTOR’S EDITION (5-DISC)

The 5-disc Ultimate Collector's Edition includes everything from the previously described

4-Disc Edition, plus the ultra-rare, near-legendary WORKPRINT version of the film, newly remastered. The Ultimate Collector’s Edition will be 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.

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


About Blade Runner

Blade Runner made its first appearance in U.S. theaters on June 25, 1982, dazzling audiences with its stylish, brooding look into the future. From its intelligent, provocative story line to its stunning camera work and state-of-the art special effects, the film opened the door to a new view of tomorrow in addition to prefiguring important concerns of the 21st century, such as globalization, urban decay, global warming, over-population and genetic engineering.

Set in a multi-ethnic, overcrowded, high-tech city of the future, Blade Runner was also a benchmark in costume and production design and helped spawn a new genre/lifestyle -- neo-noir cyberpunk which has flourished in today’s mainstream society and is reflected in all facets of entertainment, design and fashion trends. Most recognizable is the current trend of the Harajuku district in Japan, recently popularized by Gwen Stefani.

In Blade Runner, genetically manufactured beings called "replicants" are built to do dangerous and degrading work on Earth's "Off-World colonies." Physically identical to adult humans, yet much more powerful, a group of replicants hides in Los Angeles after a bloody mutiny.

Heading the all-star cast, many in career-expanding roles, is Harrison Ford as Rick Deckard, a special police "blade runner" assigned to hunt down and kill the escapees. Also starring are Sean Young as Rachel, Deckard's replicant lover; Edward James Olmos as Gaff, a mysterious fellow policeman; Daryl Hannah as Pris and Joanna Cassidy as Zhora, two beautiful yet murderous replicants; and Rutger Hauer as Roy Batty, the replicant leader who challenges Deckard's ideas of what it is to be human.

Blade Runner was adapted from the novel "Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep?" by acclaimed science-fiction author Philip K. Dick. Hollywood has since discovered this eclectic author in full force, and some of the films adapted from Dick's works include Minority Report, A Scanner Darkly, Next, and Total Recall, among others, grossing millions of dollars worldwide. But it was Blade Runner that started it all. The film was nominated for 2 Academy Awards® -- for Best Art Direction and Best Visual Effects. Oscar®- winning composer Vangelis created the musical score.

The multiple "Top Ten" lists Blade Runner has consistently placed high on are: #1 on Wired Magazine's list, and the English Scientists/Guardian Science List made it the #1 sci-fi film of all time based on surveys with 60 scientists. It is #3 on Entertainment Weekly's "best sci-fi movies and TV shows of the past 25 years," and is also #3 on SFX Magazine's list. Blade Runner makes the top ten on the Internet Movie Database's (IMDB) list, beating out such films as Star Wars: Episode VI - Return of the Jedi, Frankenstein, King Kong, Close Encounters of the Third Kind and E.T.

Marketing Campaign

Blade Runner: The Final Cut Special Editions will be supported by a large-scale national media campaign that will cross over TV, print, online and viral platforms. Promotional tie-ins include a partnership with Random House and a special book version of the film with DVD mentions and artwork; and a promotion with Xbox 360 LIVE available for owners of the HD DVD version of Blade Runner, plus other promotions and partners to be announce soon.

[Pirate]

Street Date: 12/18/07

Distributor: Warner

Simultaneous HD DVD and Blu-Ray versions of the "Deckard Briefcase" will also be released in numbered, limited quantities. HD DVD and Blu-Ray 5-Disc Digi Packs with collectible slipcase will include all of the UCE content.

Both the HD DVD and Blu-ray versions will include:
• Workprint version of the film
• 2007 Final Cut
• 1982 Theatrical Version
• 1982 International Version
• 1992 Directors Cut)
• 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
• Commentaries 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. Feature length documentary revealing all the elements that shaped this hugely influential cinema landmark
• The Electric Dreamer: Remembering Philip K. Dick featirette
• Sacrificial Sheep: The Novel vs. The Film featurette
• Philip K. Dick: The Blade Runner Interviews (Audio)
• Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep Cover Gallery
• Image galleries
• Featurettes on graphic design and wardrobe and styling
• Screen Tests: Rachel & Pris
• The Light That Burns: Remembering Jordan Cronenweth featurette
• Unit Photography Gallery
• Deleted & Alternate Scenes
• 1982 Promotional Featurette
• Trailers and TV spots
• Promoting Dystopia
• Rendering the Poster Art feature
• Marketing & Merchandise Gallery
• Deck-A-Rep: The True Nature of Rick Deckard featurette
• Nexus Generation: Fans & Filmmakers featurette
• Commentary by Paul M. Sammon
• All Our Variant Futures: From Workprint to Final Cut featurette
• Lenticular motion film clip from the original feature,
• Miniature origami unicorn figurine
• Miniature replica spinner car
• Collector's photographs
• Signed personal letter from Sir Ridley Scott.

NOTE: It's unkown what the final A/V specs will be.

http://www.dvdactive.com/news/releas...final-cut.html

[ganthc]

That looks cool! Any clue on the price?

[dugpa]

Search is your friend...

Blade Runner: HD DVD/Blu-ray

[ganthc]

I thought this looked familiar, but it had the cool pic, so I wasn't sure if it had already been done.

[Pirate]

Originally Posted by dugpa

Search is your friend...

Blade Runner: HD DVD/Blu-ray

No, I saw that. I decided it would be better to start an official thread than to add to the speculation thread.

[dugpa]

I tend to think one thread per title is plenty.

[Pirate]

Originally Posted by dugpa

I tend to think one thread per title is plenty.

Normally I agree, but there's so much info for this release and I didn't want it getting lost in the speculation.