Editorial Review:Amazon.com essential video:When Ridley Scott's cut of
Blade Runner was finally released in 1993, one had to wonder why the studio hadn't done it right the first time--11 years earlier. This version is so much better, mostly because of what's been eliminated (the ludicrous and redundant voice-over narration and the phony happy ending) rather than what's been added (a bit more character development and a brief unicorn dream). Star Harrison Ford originally recorded the narration under duress at the insistence of Warner Bros. executives who thought the story needed further 'explanation'; he later confessed that he thought if he did it badly they wouldn't use it. (Moral: Never overestimate the taste of movie executives.) The movie's spectacular futuristic vision of Los Angeles--a perpetually dark and rainy metropolis that's the nightmare antithesis of 'Sunny Southern California'--is still its most seductive feature, an otherworldly atmosphere in which you can immerse yourself. The movie's shadowy visual style, along with its classic private-detective/murder-mystery plot line (with Ford on the trail of a murderous android, or 'replicant'), makes
Blade Runner one of the few science fiction pictures to legitimately claim a place in the film noir tradition. And, as in the best noir, the sleuth discovers a whole lot more (about himself and the people he encounters) than he anticipates.... With Sean Young, Edward James Olmos, Daryl Hannah, Rutger Hauer, and M. Emmet Walsh.
--Jim Emerson
Amazon.com:When Ridley Scott's cut of
Blade Runner was finally released in 1993, one had to wonder why the studio hadn't done it right the first time--11 years earlier. This version is so much better, mostly because of what's been eliminated (the ludicrous and redundant voice-over narration and the phony happy ending) rather than what's been added (a bit more character development and a brief unicorn dream). Star Harrison Ford originally recorded the narration under duress at the insistence of Warner Bros. executives who thought the story needed further 'explanation'; he later confessed that he thought if he did it badly they wouldn't use it. (Moral: Never overestimate the taste of movie executives.) The movie's spectacular futuristic vision of Los Angeles--a perpetually dark and rainy metropolis that's the nightmare antithesis of 'Sunny Southern California'--is still its most seductive feature, an otherworldly atmosphere in which you can immerse yourself. The movie's shadowy visual style, along with its classic private-detective/murder-mystery plot line (with Ford on the trail of a murderous android, or 'replicant'), makes
Blade Runner one of the few science fiction pictures to legitimately claim a place in the film noir tradition. And, as in the best noir, the sleuth discovers a whole lot more (about himself and the people he encounters) than he anticipates.... With Sean Young, Edward James Olmos, Daryl Hannah, Rutger Hauer, and M. Emmet Walsh.
--Jim Emerson
Accessories:
see more
Accessories:
Related Items:
see more
Related Items:
Customer Reviews
Average Rating:
-
"Director Cut" is horrible
99% of the time when I buy a "Directors Cut", the movie is improved and usually the added footage makes it more enjoyable if you are a big fan of the movie anyway. This is a completely different movie. It's funny; the one thing in the original movie that has been copied in countless movies is the narrative "feel", and this has been removed in the directors cut. I am going to try to sell this because I will never watch it again.
Rating: -
Great movie, but unbox version is Decker narrating version...
I love Blade Runner. But my 3 star rating has to do with version unbox downloaded for rental. I'm not hip to the names of the various versions, but I had heard there was one with an annoying Decker narration... FYI - The version provided through unbox is, of course, that one. I think it was essentially added to the film to help those who like their films spoonfed - maybe for tv/cable release. I'm kind of annoyed about this because it is totally distracting.
Rating: 
-
Not as good as I remember.
I remember seeing this movie when I was a senior in high school. I thought it was pretty good at the time.
Looks dated and weird now. I didn't enjoy it. Does not hold up well over time. Not my favorite movie.
Don't waste your time watching this. Go find a good hobby like building bird houses or making beer.
Rating: 
-
The definition of humanity.
What makes you human? Is it the flesh, bones, blood, and brain matter in your body? Or is it the experiences, emotions, the love, the joys, the angers, and the remorses? Would you be in the wrong to be a little angry if you found out you were manufactured for someone else's short-term use and want to confront, hurt, even KILL the "God" that put you in this position?
'Blade Runner' asks all of these questions in front of a stunning backdrop of a dystopian future and a haunting, mesmerizing, almost sensual soundtrack by Vangelis. Mankind is depicted as dejected, dreary, and living day by day with seemingly no purpose in a globalized world of super-technology, futuristic cars and billboard signs, etc. The dehumanazation of man with the rise of technological and capital growth is strong here.
The greater question of what defines humanity is asked when Rick Deckard (in an excellent subdued role by Harrison Ford), retiring police force "blade runner", is assigned to a final mission before his retirement, where he has to find and kill four "replicant" androids who escaped from a technological colony and have killed since their escape. Deckard grudgingly embarks on this quest. A romantic subplot intertwines him with a prototype replicant named Rachael (who doesn't know she is a replicant) and some more philosophical questions are asked.
The emotionality of this film is just timeless. The film deals with the aforementioned questions of humanity as well as the ambiguity of clear-cut terms of "good" and "evil" and if they truly have any meaning at all, as well as the theme of alienation. The final soliloque delivered by Rutger Haurer, who plays the leader of the four replicants, is among the most haunting, timeless, and tear-inducing lines in cinematic history. It delivers an emotional punch like nothing else. And again, all this tension/emotion coupled with Vangelis' soundtrack and the romantic overtones of Deckard and Rachael gives for an extremely beautiful and dark atmosphere. I've heard one reviewer describe the vibe and visuals of th film as "the most beautiful nightmare you've ever head." I don't think you could give a better summary in one sentence.
A flop upon its release (like many all-time classics), its appreciation didn't solidify much until its VHS release shortly after, whereupon it grew to be a cult classic and recognized as one of the best movies ever made. Essential doesn't even begin to say anything. But....essential.
Rating: 
-
Its only going to appeal to a certain type of audience
Blade Runner has gotten so much praise since its debut in 1982, and when it was released then, it was a box office disaster. Many years later, it has become a cult favorite, and I can see why, but, I believe its only going to appeal to a "certain type of audience" The movie looks fantasic, and the visuals are well done for a film from the early 80's. The flim doesnt use action as its key, but tons of dialogue and there a tons of hidden meanings in the film (which I had to look up) which at times make it confusing and a bit to over-whelming for a sci-fi movie. This will appeal to certain types, but please dont think this is a sci-fi action film, because it isnt. The first 50 minutes have no action, and the movie as a whole is just to dark and to over-complex for someone like myself who is only an average sci-fi fan. This was my first viewing of the film, so I decided on the directors cut, which I dont know if this might have made things more confusing for me, since I have read there is a big difference between the DC and the theatrical version. I also hear there are many different cuts of the film. I still appricate somethings that are done here, and that is why I give the film credit. This is the first time that I have praised a film so much that I hated (well most of it) This isnt some piece of trash,(once again why I couldnt give it one star) it has been praised by many film critics, but once again, there was nothing in this that tickled my fancy. Be warned that this is a complex movie you are getting yourself into, U might love it, but I think for an average fan of sci-fi with an over-complex plot, it is only a C-. For those that are really into deep thinking movies espcially SCI-Fi, then you will probely think its an A+ Masterpiece.