Blade Runner-The Director's Cut [1982] [VHS]

 

 

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Despite the plethora of reviews of this brilliant movie I’ve decided to add mine as this is one of my favourite films. “Bladerunner” is one of those films that seems to have passed from being a mere film into something of a cultural icon. Under appreciated on its original release, it is now rightly considered to be a seminal work, hugely influential, not only one of the greatest science fiction films of all time, but one of the greatest films of all time.
I had the pleasure of seeing “Bladerunner” in the cinema on its original release and the outstanding visual impact of the film (Its miniature cityscapes still blow away any C.G.I. Of a similar nature) and its central themes of love and essentially what it is to be human were something I had never seen so poetically approached in cinema before. When the directors cut was released without the unnecessary voice-over and the tacked on happy ending (All originally inserted by a panicking studio) the film was improved. Prior to this it was a very ,very good film. Now it was a masterpiece.
Like all great sci-fi “Blade runner “says more about humanity than any number of romantic comedies and psychological thrillers. The replicants attempts to avert their shortened life-span is a very human reaction and Rachel’s gradual realisation of her replicant origins and the lie of her implanted family history is akin to someone being told they are adopted and have terminal cancer at the same time. These beings like us, indeed like any life form just want to live free of fear and supplication, as free sentient beings. Their struggle is one that resonates through human history but the story’s central premise that we have created a slave race to lord it over is chilling and horribly plausible.
The much debated unicorn dream of Deckard’s is interesting but is irrelevant to the movies narrative, after all no one in the film wants to die wether they are human or replicant.Though it is worth noting that if he is indeed a replicant it gives him a synchronicity with Rachel that could explain why they are drawn so irresistibly to each other.
I’ve watched this film more time than I’ve watched any other and it never fails to impress and fascinate. The acting is uniformly terrific and the casting is spot on, particularly Rutger Hauer as Roy who imbibes the part with a steely moral determination but in the sublime death scene endows him with a dignity and humanity beyond any other character in the film. The ending is now suitably ambiguous, leaving the lovers fate in the air and a further tantalising clue to Deckard’s origins. The Vangelis soundtrack is superb, it could have been a soulless clunking nightmare but like the film it looks beyond the sum of the machine to peer into the heart of the sentient being within and adds another layer of emotional resonance.
The films final message that all of us hold memories that are unique to us and that all life is precious is of universal relevance and resonates loudly down the years as the world continues to crackle with the tragedy of continuing conflict. A must see movie, a stunning DVD.Unmissable.

The most influential fusion of the science fiction and noir genres ever released, Blade Runner is still, in the opinion of many, Ridley Scott's best ever work, and, arguably, one of the greatest films ever made.

Certainly, a case can be made for the adapted screenply from the novel "Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep." The idea behind the story, and the effective compression of such a complex plot into just under two hours of film-time is a remarkable feat for Hampton Fancher, a relatively inexperienced screenwriter. Moreover, the film features some of the most beautifully poetic dialogue in cinematic history, an effective contrast against the harshly industrial backdrop of futuristic Los Angeles. The now iconic line, "All those moments will be lost in time, like tears in the rain" is the most obvious example of the film's eloquence. Interestingly, this line was actually penned by Rutger Hauer, who plays replicant Roy Batty, just hours before filming. Scott, upon hearing the poem, was so impressed that he included it in Batty's dying speech in the final rain-soaked sequence.

And it was, ultimately, Scott who made this film. His spectacular vision of the Los Angeles of 2019 - a shadowy, smoky dystopia of depression and ruin - is one of the most impressive aspects of the film, and must surely be one of the greatest backdrops ever created. Even without modern CGI effects, the city is still mesmerising. Admittedly, the unconvincing ground-car Deckard drives (all sleek windshields and flashing lights) doesn't stand up to scrutiny, but other than this brief lapse, the cinematography is wonderful. Indeed, most notably, the entire movie is filmed in darkness - an achievement itself. Pulling this off without claims of implausibility or ludicracy is undoubtedly impressive.

All of this is supported by superb acting performances from most of the cast. Harrison Ford gives a strong performance as world-weary Blade Runner Rick Deckard, but it is Hutger Gauer as Roy Batty, leader of the replicant outlaws, who steals the show, with thr eternally intimidating portrayal of Batty - a hybrid personality of sadistic killer and caring General.

For me, Blade Runner is one of the great films of all time. Let's hope it's not lost in time. Like tears in the rain.

Don't pay any attention to the reviewer from the West Midlands who gave this film one star - this film is, without doubt, one of the all time greats. The fact is that it probably takes two or three viewings to truly appreciate all its subtleties and nuances is no bad thing. Too many films spoon-feed the audience with information and this stands out as a movie that actually requires you to think. If you are not moved by one of the story's central themes - the meaning of one's existence: 'where do I come from?', 'why am I here?' - then you've got no soul. It's a 'must see' - buy it!

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1.0 out of 5 stars Misadvertisements
Well picture this, its coming up to christmas and I have gotten everyone a present but my dad, reason being that I fogot him, and I decide to get him Blade runner: the directors... Read more

Published 1 month ago by walleandeve

5.0 out of 5 stars Like tears in the rain...
Imagine that you set out to make the perfect film. You hire the best set designers, costume designers, special effects designers, lighting designers and cinematographers. Read more

Published 15 months ago by E. Granter

5.0 out of 5 stars thankyou!
just wanted to thankyou for sending out this product. my grandad was over the moon. it was in perfect condition and arrived very soon after i placed the order. Read more

Published 16 months ago by missmelissabelle

1.0 out of 5 stars very disappointed
i was so excited to get my hands on a copy of one of my all-time favorite films...so i was crushed to discover that my copy was badly damaged and simply unplayable... Read more

Published on 3 Jun 2009 by Cole St Clair

5.0 out of 5 stars Really worth watching
What an utter surprise. I expected a dated sci fi flick that had not stood the test of time but I was wrong. This is an exceedingly moving and thought provoking film. Read more

Published on 19 Dec 2007 by A reader

5.0 out of 5 stars Classic Sci-Fi
An amazing genre-setting sci-fi classic based on Philip K. Dick's novel "Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep? Read more

Published on 4 Dec 2007 by sleepyvinny

5.0 out of 5 stars a scary vision of the future best appreciated with a good sound system
I saw the director's cut of Blade Runner at the cinema in 1993 and I've watched this dvd on my tv screen. Read more

Published on 30 May 2007 by dan the fan

4.0 out of 5 stars Great Sci-Fi
I have been meaning to watch this film for years now and after having many of my friends say how good the film is and when I eventually saw it, I felt it isn't half bad. Read more

Published on 24 Jan 2007 by T. R. Alexander

5.0 out of 5 stars Sci fi meets film noir.
Warner Bros had a downer on this film just prior to its release. Test audiences were inconclusive in their verdicts and Warner Execs insisted that Ridley Scott edit the film,... Read more

Published on 25 May 2006 by D. I. Shipley

3.0 out of 5 stars Poor quality disc!!
I have recently got this edition, and while the movie is a flawless masterpiece the quality of the picture is extrememly poor! Read more

Published on 22 Oct 2005 by glasgow_adam

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