I would like to see Blade Runner, which one?

[etmoviesb]

I saw Blade Runner once probably 20 years ago, nowadays I would like to see it again.

As you probably know there are many versions, so I was wondering: what I should watch? Any piece of advice?

Thanks!

[Ed, Ego and Superego]

I actually like the "voiceover" theatrical release, it has more of a detective story vibe.  But I must say the directors cut put out in 1995 or so has some really cool footage, and ties in more closely to the novel. 
-Ed

[Flick James]

And here I'll go with the Director's Cut, the one that was re-released to theatres in the early 90's. However, I don't begrudge anybody who prefers the TC with the voice-overs.

I watched the DC in the early 90's when it was re-released in theatres. It was nice actually seeing it on the big screen. A real treat, so I'm sure that has something to do with my bias.

Ridley Scott did not intend to have the film noir-ish voice-overs, but was pressured to because the studio felt it was difficult to follow. I didn't think so at all. I prefer it without them, but this is more a matter of preference. I can see why the hard-boiled detective feel of it could appeal. That wasn't what bothered me about the TC anyway.

What DID bother me about the TC, however, really bugged me once I saw the DC. The ending Ridley Scott intended, ambiguous, was so much better. The cheesy happy ending was tacked on, again at the studio's insistence. When I saw the DC in the theatres, with the ending, even though I had seen the TC several times, I still walked out of the theatre with my mind reeling, wondering what was going to happen next. For me it was very effective, but then I like using my imagination and inserting my own ending.

So, in the end, I preferred l the lack of voice-overs, but the biggest thing for me was the ending. If there is a version with the voice-overs that also has the intended ending, I would be fine with it.

There's my input.

[Psycho Circus]

Final Cut 

[Flick James]

Final Cut 

I've not seen the Final Cut. My understanding is that the early 90's one I saw had his approval, but he didn't have complete control over it, while with the Final Cut, he did. Have you seen the 1991 DC, and if so, how does the Final Cut differ?

[akiratubo]

I prefer the original theatrical to all others.  The narration is vital for the noir detective theme they were going for.

[bob]

I actaully prefer the original theaterical cut myself, I feel the naration helps with the film noir theme they were going for an helps explain the happenings a bit better

[Flick James]

I disagree that the narration helps. I don't hate it, I just prefer it without. Then again, I tend to support the director's original vision. Ridley Scott and Harrison Ford both detested doing the narration. Ford went into studio practically kicking and screaming. I suppose to some, the narration was a benefit, and therefore studio pressure benefitted the film in this case. I just don't agree. I don't think it killed the film, but I do feel the intended version is superior.

[Psycho Circus]

Final Cut 

I've not seen the Final Cut. My understanding is that the early 90's one I saw had his approval, but he didn't have complete control over it, while with the Final Cut, he did. Have you seen the 1991 DC, and if so, how does the Final Cut differ?

I've seen a few. Have no idea if I've watched the '91 DC, but I remember watching the Final Cut last, in HD and it blew my balls off. I also prefer the movie without the added narration.

[Robocop]

Definitely seek out the final cut or even the director's cut which is rather similar, but the former is the definitive version of this masterpiece.

I hated the narration myself...

[Skull]

I disagree that the narration helps. I don't hate it, I just prefer it without. Then again, I tend to support the director's original vision. Ridley Scott and Harrison Ford both detested doing the narration. Ford went into studio practically kicking and screaming. I suppose to some, the narration was a benefit, and therefore studio pressure benefitted the film in this case. I just don't agree. I don't think it killed the film, but I do feel the intended version is superior.

I believe Blade Runner and The Thing both movies were projected to do very well in the box office failed because *ET and that multiplexes are not as abundant as neighorhood theaters/drive-in's (this is why I believe the real summer films started to show in the late 1980's). Also Hollywood was so against the idea of video rentals until the later 1980's. So repackaging a failed film was likely.

* Back in the days, neighborhood theaters owners would play the same film for weeks and would omit other films, so many considered ET was a hot film and played it for weeks.


Im not sure which version is better but I would go with the orginal release since I enjoyed it.

[Flick James]

Back in the days, neighborhood theaters owners would play the same film for weeks and would omit other films, so many considered ET was a hot film and played it for weeks.

Well, yes, that's true. Single screens and small multiplexes would keep certain movies running for very long periods of time. I remember as a kid seeing movie ads in the paper that would have blurbs like "12th Smash Week!" When I was working at a multiplex as a teenager in the mid 80's that was already dying down. When a movie stayed at the plex for 8 weeks that was very unusual. Ferris Bueller's Day Off and Star Trek III: The Voyage Home are two I remember staying for that kind of time.

That said, I think it is simply a matter of preference. I didn't see the original on the big screen, but I did see the 1991 DC on the big screen and it was fantastic.

[Cthulhu]

The on with Harrison Ford in it.

[tracy]

I actaully prefer the original theaterical cut myself, I feel the naration helps with the film noir theme they were going for an helps explain the happenings a bit better

I agree...another vote for the original.

[Hammock Rider]

Why not watch the theatrical version and the Director's Cut and decide which one you like best. Why limit yourself?

Personally I think you should skip Blade Runner altogether and just watch Robot Holocaust instead.