Hi-Def Preview

Blade Runner – 5 Disc Complete Collector’s Edition

Warner Home Video

Released: 12/18/07

Review By: Joshua Noyes

Picture Quality – 4.75/5

Audio Quality – 4.5/5

Special Features - 5/5

Overall – 4.75/5

Comments: As one of this year’s most anticipated HDM releases, it was with great pleasure that I sat down to view Warner’s new Blade Runner collection.

In terms of picture quality, Warner did an excellent job. This is one of the best-restored movie presentations we have seen thus far on HDM. It is clear Warner put a lot of effort in to this release. Warner used a VC-1 encode on to a HD30 disc for the “Final Cut.” The results were impressive to say the least. At no time did I experience any distortion to the picture at all. There was minimal grain, no macroblocking and no noise. This was especially impressive considering how dark this movie is. Colors were also spot-on, especially skin tones, which looked completely natural. The special effects, some of which have been re-shot, looked completely natural and fit with the film perfectly. Great Job Warner!

In terms of AQ, this was a strong showing by Warner as well. I listened using the Dolby TrueHD option. The Center Channel presented the dialog perfectly. I was very impressed with how well the dialog sounded, considering this film is 25 years old. The Surrounds too were used to perfection and used frequently. Much like the center channel, the surround created a very realistic encompassing effect, to the point of feeling like the sound effects were actually in your living room. Finally the LFE was used to perfection as well. It added a “fullness” to many scenes and clearly enhanced the overall viewing experience. It was the best I have heard LFE for a film 25 years old or older.

The Special Features on this release are impressive and plentiful. Since this is a 5-Disc set, there is much to choose from. Here is a rundown of the Special Features:

DISC 1

Ridley Scott's "Final 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. Paul, art director David L. Snyder and special photographic effects supervisors Douglas Trumbull, Richard Yuricich and David Dryer

DISC 2

• Documentary: "Dangerous Days" The Making Of Blade Runner.

DISC 3

• 1982 Theatrical Cut

• 1982 International Theatrical Cut

• 1992 Director's Cut

DISC 4

Enhancement Archive

• Featurettes: "The Electric Dreamer: Remembering Philip K. Dick," "Sacrificial Sheep: The Novel vs. The Film," "Graphic Design," "Wardrobe & Styling," "The Light That Burns: Remembering Jordan Cronenweth," "Promoting Dystopia: Rendering the Poster Art," "Deck-A-Rep: The True Nature of Rick Deckard," "Nexus Generation: Fans & Filmmakers"

• 1982 Promotional Featurettes

• Philip K. Dick: The Blade Runner Interviews (Audio)

• Still Galleries: "Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep Cover Gallery," "The Art of Blade Runner," "Unit Photography," "Marketing & Merchandise"

• Screen Tests: Rachel & Pris

• Deleted & Alternate Scenes

• Trailers & TV Spots

DISC 5

• Workprint Cut

• Commentary by Paul M. Sammon, author of Future Noir: The Making of Blade Runner

• Featurette: "All Our Variant Futures: From Workprint to Final Cut"

In conclusion, the purchase of this disc simply put, is a no-brainer if you are a fan of this film. Not only is it a substantial upgrade over the DVD version of this film, the Picture Quality, Audio Quality and Special Features are first rate! Great Job Warner!