GIjon213

It is probably just a misprint but on comingsoon.net in their DVD release schedule section it says that there is a "Blade Runner (Widescreen Director's Cut)" coming out on Nov. 14th. It is not linked like everything else, further leading me to believe it is not correct, but I thought I would mention it anyway.

Chucky

It was being said at some point (I don't recall if it was "official" or not) that a print of Blade Runner would be in theatres for a limited time, before the Ultimate Box comes out (so probably November). That's probably what that entry on Comingsoon relates to (Yes, I know they have it under DVD, but still).

Eben

OK, I'm a little confused about what versions are out there, what's on DVD now, and what's coming out on DVD. Is this the list: the "original" U.S. theatrical version (never on DVD?), and extended international version (not on region 1 DVD?), an unrated version? (DVD?), and the director's cut ("original" DVD and remastered DVD)? What versions will be in the 2007 boxed set?
TIA
Nevermind - first post nerves. I think I found the answer about 200 pages up (joking).

Mabuse

The versions of Blade Runner are as follows:

1. Workprint (screened at test screenings in 1982 and resurfaced in the early '90s at special screenings in LA and San Francisco) - never released in any legitimate home video form

2. US Theatrical release (the version released in 1982, featuring the voice-over naration and happy ending) - never on DVD; might have been on Laserdisc, I can't remember

3. The International Version (exactly the same as US Theatrical, but with a few extra seconds of violence) - it is this version that is most prevelent on home video. It was available on VHS and Laserdisc. The Criterion laserdisc is this version

4. The Directors Cut (released in 1992 it removed the voice over and happy ending, and added the unicorn scene. This is really a "Directors Cut" in name only. Many changes Scott wanted were not incorporated because the whole thing was hurried) - this is the only version available on DVD

--The upcoming DVD release will aparantly feature a new "definitive" cut of the film by Ridley Scott.


P.S. I am aware that there are a couple variations of the preview work print, but for the sake of not confusing people I didn't want to go into too much detail.

Cameron

but will #4 also be in the box set coming later?

Jay G.

It's supposed to, by most accounts. I'm thinking either #2 or #3 won't make it on though.

Wannabe

I wish there was the option to purchase just the final cut. I have no interest in revisting (or paying for) the 1982 version.

sb5

Yeah, I don't see the point in having both the US theatrical cut and the international cut, other than "completist" reasons. I doubt I'd ever watch the US theatrical cut if both were included (though I probably won't be watching the 1982 versions that much anyway).

Josh Z

I can confirm that the US Theatrical Cut was released on laserdisc. I have a couple different editions of it (one with analog sound only, one with digital sound added). It's only ever been available in pan&scan.

Josh-da-man

From what I've heard, the upcoming boxed set will include:

* The International Cut (which is the US theatrical cut with added eye gouging and bullet holes).

* The '92 Director's Cut

* The 25th Anniversary "Final Cut." (Yet to be released)

* A fourth disc for extras.

But just because that's the rumor going around doesn't make it definitive yet, but it sounds a good, sensible plan.

Eben

Any new word on release dates, etc.?

Mr. Cinema

This would be a prime candidate for a special Tin release. I loved Warner's tin releases of the Superman Collection and Forbidden Planet.

Cameron

no word yet...waiting to hear on when the next Warner HTF chat is going to be...i'm sure they will give some details over there

Cameron

that sounds about right. With multiple disc, and I'm sure some paper goodies as well.

Wannabe

I've decided to bump this thread with hopes that the other useless Blade Runner thread goes away.

ukywyldcat

j/k.

diespine

i guess the hd-dvd version will only be two discs at the most since they can use seamless branching to put in multiple versions on one disc and the special features on the other

digitalfreaknyc

AFAIK, there hasn't been a seamless branching HD DVD yet.

And they can also do it on SD-DVD. If they can't do it there, it's doubtful they'll do it on HD.

Skoobooz

WB doesn't use seamless branching. I can't think of a single title where they've used it. Can anyone else?

diespine

how many movies have come out that have at least 3 different versions (not counting star wars)? zero, so maybe the reason they have not used seamless branching is becaused they did not need it, why would they use seamless branching on sd-dvd when they can make more money on unrated and rated versions of the movie or a director's cut and theatrical cut.

Lt Ripley

Off the top of my head, I guess Dawn of the Dead (1978) would count as having three different versions.

diespine

you got me, raising white flag

Skoobooz

Mr. Arkadin.

Jay G.

T2 had three different versions on one DVD via seemless branching on two of its DVD releases (Ultimate and Extreme Editions).

There's plenty of other films that have had three or more versions of it. In fact, there was a thread about which film had the most a while back:
http://forum.dvdtalk.com/showthread.php?t=464066

It seems doubtful that separate unrated and rated versions make the studios more money, because the vast majority of people are only going to buy one version of the film, while for the studio certain costs double when a film has two or more releases. I bet New Line made just as much money with the Unrated Wedding Crashers DVD as they would've if they hadn't included the rated cut on the Unrated DVD as well.

As for separate director's and theatrical cut DVDs, these probably make the studio's more money, but I think it's mostly because the director's cut typically comes out at a later date, meaning that those unaware of or impatient for the director's cut end up buying both. However, this can happen with films that get a later SE treatment that contains the same cut but just more special features, like I Robot or Day After Tomorrow.

Anyway, with Blade Runner, the question isn't really is Warner Bros going to make separate releases of the different cuts; we already know they're going to include them all in one big set. The question is whether all the versions will be on the same disc in the set, or are the versions going to be spaced out on multiple discs in the set, either in the DVD or HD DVD/BD versions.

kevkev

seamless branching probably takes more of an effort for the authorers. and market research will probably tell you that people tend to buy an edition if they think they are getting more discs. one disc with 20 hours of footage wont sell as well as a 7 disc set for the same price. you get my drift?