Director Ridley Scott can't stop tinkering with his 1982 sci-fi cult classic
Blade Runner. The film has had more surgery than Joan Rivers' face with numerous cuts and refinements ranging from major to minor having been made over the years. The film, which was a financial and critical flop upon its initial release, has gone on to earn many millions as its popularity spread through home video. The complexities of the story have long been debated by legions of fans who argue many key points of the story and explore possible hidden meanings. Scott clashed about the artistic direction of the script throughout the filming with star Harrison Ford, who has long relegated his experience on
Blade Runner as one of the most unpleasant of his career. He's spoken very little about the film in the ensuing years. The Scott/Ford feud is an unfortunate byproduct of what has emerged as one of the great science fiction films of all time.
Warner Brothers has now announced that they will release an "Ultimate Edition" of Blade Runner this December. The set- which will carry the bizarre suggested retail price of $78.92- will contain five different cuts of the film, including Scott's latest which he admits differs very little from the 1992 cut that made major changes from the theatrical version. Presumably this is the final version of the film unless Scott decides to emulate Barbra Streisand whose latest concert tour celebrates the tenth anniversary of her "retirement". There will also be other variations of the release aside from the "Ultimate Edition". Additionally, the new version will have a limited theatrical run in New York and Los Angeles. Continue reading for full details from Warner Brothers' official press release and a comprehensive listing of the various forthcoming DVD editions of the film. Video business has a full report on the Blade Runner set and comments from Scott on the film. Click here to read