6 Replies to “Blade Runner Outtakes”

  1. Bastard. In general I don’t need to watch outtakes or extra scenes or behind-the-scenes or key grip’s commentary on perfect films. I like to simply appreciate them as they are.

    But of course I had to watch. I turned out the lights and coccooned in isolation.
    And wasn’t disappointed! The cinematographic vibe remains.

    I’ve never been a big fan of the narration-heavy versions of Bladerunner, and it seems like the audio is sped up (?) as Harrison Ford’s onscreen voice sounds different than his narration voice.

    Also, it’s entirely possible that I mix up the seven different cuts of this film.

    “That theatrical edition is what many people remember, notably through its VHS run, as great science fiction hamstrung by tired voiceover mandated by the studio and delivered (some believe intentionally) with palpable boredom by star Harrison Ford. It also features a tacked-on happy ending that doesn’t even use footage shot by Scott, but came from the scrap pile of unused aerial shots filmed by Stanley Kubrick for The Shining.”

    1. And most of this narration never even made it to the initial theatrical run!

      Lots of familiar scenes with dialog removed for voiceover really makes one appreciate the editor’s job and just how much influence he or she has over the finished product. Waaaaay too much tell and not enough show here.

  2. So if a quasi-Bastard has seen only the original theater release many years ago, which of the 10,000 subsequent versions should he seek out for remediation? Just asking for a friend.

    By the way, Tannhauser is an opera by Richard Wagner; its overture and other “bleeding chunks of meat” was concert repertoire for many years. The character of Tannhauser is from German medieval myth. I don’t remember if its usage in Blade Runner has a dramatic parallel to the original myth, Wagner’s version, or if someone just thought it was a cool name.

  3. I’d go with Director’s Cut or Final Cut. Not sure if I’ve even seen Final Cut. Makerbot may have a more nuanced and correct opinion on this.

    The most important thing is to watch it on as big a screen in as dark and quiet a room as you can. It’s all about atmosphere.

    1. Final Cut, 100%.

      Ridley Scott finally corrected a few minor budget-related issues that drove him crazy, without going full George Lucas. (He fixed some lip flap where dialog didn’t match up, digitally replaced an obvious stunt double, and a few other things.)

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