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Blade Runner DVD Review by Paul Trombly, M.D. |
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One of the finest science-fiction films ever made has now been released to the DVD format, and it is well worth picking up. Ridley Scott followed up his seminal masterpiece of claustrophobic sci-fi horror, 1979's "Alien", with the extraordinary science-fiction/detective work, "Blade Runner". Set in the gritty reality of early 22nd century Los Angeles, "Blade Runner" (adapted from Philip K. Dick's novel "Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep?") tells the story of a special type of detective, a "blade runner", whose job it is to track down and "retire" (i.e. kill) renegade super-androids, who are "more human than human" (according to the manufacturer's motto) and are thus illegal to be on Earth. Much like his early "Alien", Scott again chooses to form his future landscape from logical extensions of the present, so that there are virtually seamless transitions from that which is present and the few things yet to be developed, which gives both of these movies an all-too-plausible spin and accommodates the easy viewer acceptance of this future reality. It also goes without saying that the DVD release of this film seems almost a necessity rather than an option that Warner Brothers chose to re-release it. This DVD is stunning for a great many reasons. As an owner of the CAV laserdisc version of this film, it can be assured that the transfer is exact, and that it looks exactly as crisp as the gold-standard: CAV laserdisc. One might also wonder then why would one purchase the DVD copy if one already had the CAV LD version. There are two main reasons, one of which I will save to the last. The other reason is primarily because of the ease of the DVD format. The LD CAV release takes 4 sides, 2 discs. Even with a double-sided LD player, the viewer must still physically change the discs at least once, which can definitely hinder the full submissive enjoyment of this engrossing film. The DVD version looks every bit as good as the CAV LD version to boot. The colors are rich and textured throughout the movie, the picture is crisp and clean, and the sound is incredible! "Blade Runner" is one of the BEST films to really show off a Dolby surround ( 5.0 Channel pro-logic not 5.1) receiver/ player/ home theatre system. The digital stereo surround is exquisite. This is a movie that one could easily just close one's eyes and take in all of the intricate sound experiences that are presented. On many occasions, police spinners (flying police vehicles) roar by, right to left and front to back; as well as other sound effects magnificently channeled through the full spectrum of channels available. Moreover, the incredible electronic score by Vangelis is alternately channeled through front and surround rear speakers during the film. During silent but important moments, Vangelis' music is piped through front channels, and during remaining scenes, the musical soundtrack comes softly through rear channels in an almost subliminal and haunting refrain. Even some dialogue of importance is channeled as soft, haunting reminders through the rear speakers. I will defer further explanation of those scenes, as they are important to the content of the plot, and would both take too long to explain, as well as potentially spoil something for those who've not yet seen this movie. Needless to say further, this soundtrack is almost unbelievably good. The DVD also comes standard with choice of language and subtitle, of course, as well as some limited production notes. This is actually where the second point from above (why would one buy this to replace the CAV LD version?) comes to play. I was disappointed by the production notes section. Unlike other WB releases, this DVD comes with scant extras. The production notes give almost no extra info. Along these lines, a bit of history about "Blade Runner's" past incarnations: the film has been released many many different ways since it was filmed. This version, as the full box title says, and as most now know, is the "Director's Cut"; that is, the way Ridely Scott had meant the film to be seen originally. Unfortunately (for him and the intelligent viewers), on the first pre-screenings/ test marketing of the film in 1981/ early 1982, the audiences did not like the realistic, tough, non-Hollywood ending. Nor could some understand exactly what on earth was going on. Thus, Scott re-cut the film, added a voice-over narration to help shepherd viewers along, and tacked on a hokey, Hollywood-feelgood ending, which clearly did not fit with the previous 100 odd minutes of movie. This version fully restores a few lost scenes, and takes out the annoying narration and even more annoying pat Hollywood ending. It is important to know that background information, then, to get the different release versions. The original pressing of the LD and VHS versions (by Embassy pictures), were just as the movie was shown in 1982. Later, a LTBX version was pressed for LD in CLV mode, and was exactly the same as the P&S 1982 Embassy pressing. Finally, The Criterion Company pressed the only other version of "Blade Runner" that I would suggest seeing or owning. This pressing is important and different in that it was a CAV laserdisc version, that it contained a few lost seconds of violence that was seen only in the European release (this version restores the gory and more graphic version of Dr. Eldon Tyrell's death at Roy Batty's hands/ fingers), and that it contains a whole supplemental section including storyboards, Sid Mead conceptual artwork, and a plethora of production info. Otherwise, this version was the same as the original movie (narration and all). It was this otherwise lost supplemental material that I was hopeful that Warner would restore to the production notes section of the DVD. However, they did not for one reason or another, which is quite disappointing. On the whole, this DVD is a fantastic title, and well worth checking out. The visuals are strong and stunning, and the soundtrack is one of the best digital transfers out there. This title is truly a delight for the senses, as well as fascinating to ponder, in that there are some central questions that Scott chooses not to answer, but instead to allow the viewer to come to his or her own conclusions. This one goes most highly recommended.
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Blade Runner Truly a delight for the senses, as well as fascinating to ponder.
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