I have a friend who has never seen Blade Runner. Which version should he watch?
- Thread starter Lutso
- Start date
Spheric Thor
Sr Member
For me I like the original with the Harrison Ford voiceover the best
Final Cut is Ridley Scott's preferred version, and I agree, it's the best interation of the film.
Mr Webber
Master Member
To get the full experience he should watch the first theatrical release as the world first saw it, if he likes it let him know theres a Final cut with some noteable and positive differences as well to catch up with.
I know the voice-over can seem intrusive at times but im from the old school that grew up on a worn out VHS taken from the TV screening with ads and all and very much appreciate that version being available and not removed from history as has happened in the past. Thanks SRS.
I know the voice-over can seem intrusive at times but im from the old school that grew up on a worn out VHS taken from the TV screening with ads and all and very much appreciate that version being available and not removed from history as has happened in the past. Thanks SRS.
jedi573
Well-Known Member
Every time I've watched the movie, it's been without the voiceover. I caught it on TV the other day, and didn't realize it was the one with the voiceover until the end of the final scene. I found it so jarring and unfamiliar to me that I had to switch the channel!
It just seemed like a lot of exposition to me. A lot was said by the actors just by their facial expressions and the accompanying music. Ford's delivery seemed a little stilted as well.
Does the Final Cut have the voiceover, or not? Whichever is the latest version that doesn't have it, is the one I prefer.
Andy
It just seemed like a lot of exposition to me. A lot was said by the actors just by their facial expressions and the accompanying music. Ford's delivery seemed a little stilted as well.
Does the Final Cut have the voiceover, or not? Whichever is the latest version that doesn't have it, is the one I prefer.
Andy
CB2001
Master Member
The cut to show your friend: I say either the theatrical cut or the supposive "Director's Cut" released by Warner (back before Scott did The Final Cut).
What to get: I recommend, if you can find it at a good deal, the Collector's Edition. Basically, you get 5 discs. That's all four versions of the film (theatrical, International Cut, Director's Cut and The Final Cut), a documentary, and some additional awesome stuff such as a 3D motion card, a replica of the origami unicorn, a small replica of the Spinner, and reproductions of the pre-production art, all in a small "Voight-Kampf" case, like seen below.
What to get: I recommend, if you can find it at a good deal, the Collector's Edition. Basically, you get 5 discs. That's all four versions of the film (theatrical, International Cut, Director's Cut and The Final Cut), a documentary, and some additional awesome stuff such as a 3D motion card, a replica of the origami unicorn, a small replica of the Spinner, and reproductions of the pre-production art, all in a small "Voight-Kampf" case, like seen below.
redbridge1
Member
The cut to show your friend: I say either the theatrical cut or the supposive "Director's Cut" released by Warner (back before Scott did The Final Cut).
What to get: I recommend, if you can find it at a good deal, the Collector's Edition. Basically, you get 5 discs. That's all four versions of the film (theatrical, International Cut, Director's Cut and The Final Cut), a documentary, and some additional awesome stuff such as a 3D motion card, a replica of the origami unicorn, a small replica of the Spinner, and reproductions of the pre-production art, all in a small "Voight-Kampf" case, like seen below.
I couldnt agree more buy this version its a gem!!!
I was lucky enough to buy this off CDWOW back in the old days man, the bad days, the all-or-nothing days!!
Alan Cross
Sr Member
It's nice that the case includes everything you need to track down and kill replicant fugitives -- and a nice blu ray of the movie.
Lutso
Sr Member
Hmm, there's some difference in opinion here it seems.
I would like the Collector's set for myself eventually, but I doubt he'll want to go buy it for watching the film for the first time :lol
I think I will go ahead and recommend the Final Cut to him.If I ever get my hands on the 5-disc set, I'll make him watch the theatrical.
I would like the Collector's set for myself eventually, but I doubt he'll want to go buy it for watching the film for the first time :lol
I think I will go ahead and recommend the Final Cut to him.If I ever get my hands on the 5-disc set, I'll make him watch the theatrical.
Laspector
Master Member
I've always preferred the theatrical cut with the voice over. I felt it paid homage to the old detective movies, which I've always liked.
A few years back I had been talking to my girlfriend and was trying to talk her into watching it. Take note here that she was NOT into sci fi AT ALL. One weekend while she was visiting her brother he got her to watch the director's cut and she said she did not like it. She said it was too hard to understand. Later on, after much coaxing, I got her to try it again. This time I let her watch the theatrical cut and she enjoyed it much more.
I guess it depends on what you like. For someone who is not into deep sci fi I think the theatrical version is definately easier to comprehend.
A few years back I had been talking to my girlfriend and was trying to talk her into watching it. Take note here that she was NOT into sci fi AT ALL. One weekend while she was visiting her brother he got her to watch the director's cut and she said she did not like it. She said it was too hard to understand. Later on, after much coaxing, I got her to try it again. This time I let her watch the theatrical cut and she enjoyed it much more.
I guess it depends on what you like. For someone who is not into deep sci fi I think the theatrical version is definately easier to comprehend.
NAZGÛL
Sr Member
I cant stand the cheesy ending they forced into the theatrical release. A big part of the film is about Deckard and him being a replicant or not. Heck everything points to that, and thats all dropped changing the ending. I would not show the theatrical. The soul of BR, and the many ways to interpret the film, is out the window in it.
nickytea
Master Member
How do you think the Theatrical ending betrays Deckard's ambiguity?
As first released. The narration is not that big a deal and helps new viewers get their bearings in an otherwise potentially confusing environment.
I showed the final cut to my wife for her first viewing. She tolerates sci-fi, but does not seek it out.
She really liked that version, but it is also the only one she saw.
I'm starting to wonder if I showed the the theatrical would she notice the difference? Hmmm.
She really liked that version, but it is also the only one she saw.
I'm starting to wonder if I showed the the theatrical would she notice the difference? Hmmm.
Mr Webber
Master Member
The poor old narration was a neglected child from the start, Scott was never happy with its inclusion and Ford was left to his own uninterested devices when it was recorded in post, the delivery was as dry as the bar at the Salvos Xmas party. Theres actually some great dialog in it. That said, when i want to get a BR fix, the Final Cut Blu Ray gets a beating. Mr Webber is in all cuts of the movie, know where?
CB2001
Master Member
I couldnt agree more buy this version its a gem!!!
I was lucky enough to buy this off CDWOW back in the old days man, the bad days, the all-or-nothing days!!
I've got mine from a consignment shop for only $14. And it still had a price tag from Best Buy, it stating the date it was originally offered in the store (on it, it says 12/07). And it's just epic awesome all around. One of my best DVD purchases I've ever made (and the largest DVD item I have in my collection now, surpassing my Evil Dead Book of the Dead Edition DVD).
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