Review of Blade Runner (HD DVD)

Introduction

Ridley Scott`s visionary cyberpunk sci-fi finally makes it to us in the long awaited Final Cut form, that has been long promised. Blade Runner has soared over the years, where tales of a problematic shoot and multiple recuts by different sources has given it cult status (and could almost be the dictionary definition for the word). It`s a high concept detective noir at heart, with Harrison Ford playing Deckard, a troubled hunter of Replicants (synthetic humans).

In terms of the cut, and the differences over the other versions, I cannot comment. As someone who hasn`t seen the film for a long time, and without having the option of the 5 DVD set, I have not been able to compare. And even if I did have the option, I don`t really fancy rewatching all those cuts anyway, especially when there`s many reviews of this title already, and extensive comparisons by critics and Blade Runner fans alike available with a the touch of a Google Search button. In fact, Jitender`s very own review of the set can be found on this very site, and documents all aspects of the 5 disc release. So if you`re looking for a full breakdown of the SD version, look there first. If you`re swaying between that or the HD DVD version, then please read on.

The 25th anniversary disc of this film has been in development since 2000, and to finally get it seems too good to be true. So is it? Put it this way, Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep? Actually, forget that question because that`s something I actually don`t know the answer to.

I will be reviewing the title as someone who hasn`t seen this film for a very long long time. Not only that, but I`ll be judging it only as it exists in this cut now (as explained previously). With this release there`s multiple versions (depending mostly on what country you live in), and it`s worth saying in advance that this is the Region 2 disc-set, and the only available version in the UK to HD DVD owners, who don`t want to import.

Video

First and foremost, it has a noisy image, specks and scratches are visible on the print if you look for them - surprising when you consider the amount of work put in place to restore the picture (including a 4k and 8k transfer process). I feel it`s not necessarily as good as the image could be, in terms of clarity, and that`s frustrating. However it is easy to forget the films birth date, because it has aged incredibly well. We have been a little spoilt for choice when it comes to the quality of recent discs (Transformers comes to mind), so when a film (which has been one of the most highly anticipated releases for a long time) like Blade Runner is released, you soon notice the difference.


Still, the image is VERY good, and undoubtedly better than SD in a major way. It is beautiful at times, and the new material is seamless. You won`t have the seen the film look as good as it does in this the cleaned up high definition transfer.

Audio

With remixed sound, it`s pretty much as good as you`d expect. I did find myself having to turn up the volume on some of the quieter dialogue heavy scenes, which is not something I`ve experienced on any other HD DVD discs. It`s a small complaint and yes, Vangelis`s score is impeccable, and plays as grandly as it should, with great use of the rear channels.

The audio has been remastered in 5.1 Dolby True HD.

Features

UK HD DVD owners are getting completely shafted when it comes to this release. There`s no excuse for not giving us the same package as the Standard DVD version, and even the US gets a 5 disc HD DVD version. Let`s try forget this though, and concentrate on what we do get for our £27.99 (RRP).

By usual standards the accompanying feature length documentary - Dangerous Days - on the 2nd disc would give this film a maximum rating. It`s outstanding, and even if it doesn`t touch upon the re-cutting and special effects work done on The Final Cut extensively, it ticks just about every other box. Only Blade Runner nuts will be able to make it through the extraordinarily long runtime, but it`ll surely be worth it. The contributors have no qualms when it comes to discussing all elements of the productions, including the on-set problems and tension associated with this feature. So many DVDs would benefit from having this type of film - it`s what makes `Special Editions` `Special`.

Conclusion

High definition capable buyers have a number of options available to them, including buying Region 1 HD DVD or buying the SD DVD version (with 5 discs). My advice is to decide on what`s more important if you`re buying Region 2: the Special Features or the quality of the high definition source of the main feature.

Impeccably shot in the always raining future city, its troubled production didn`t stop it from being so stylish and thought provoking that it`s inspired some of the more recent greats, like The Matrix and much of the most popular Japanese anime`s. The digital work that has been done to the film to iron out errors and long time annoyances (Zhora`s face change, for example) is outstanding. I couldn`t spot the new elements, without looking online to see what was done. Probably the best example of using CGI to improve a film there`s ever been (here`s looking at you GL). It is absolutely seamless, and in all accounts perfect.

I almost feel slightly reluctant to review the film itself. It`s so well regarded I wouldn`t want to say anything against it… and indeed I won`t. The reason being though, that there`s very little to complain about. It`s a slow burn classic of sci-fi, and is up there with the likes of 2001 and quite possibly the best piece of work Scott has produced. It is far and away his most ambitious film, and he still clearly has a lot of love for it. You`re probably going to buy this, and if you`re reading this you undoubtedly have. Start retiring those old DVDs, VHS`s (and even Laserdiscs) right now; this is the best version of the film ever to grace our screens.