While this short film is but a drop in the ocean compared to the “VISUAL FUTURIST” documentary, it really captures the very essence of the creative state of mind that is Syd Mead.

Blade Runner has played an important role in the 20th century, representing the pinnacle of science fiction cinema. And as Syd states, it will be of equal value in the 21th century, as the movie touches on important human values and core feelings about what constitutes humanity.

I like Syd’s general optimism for the future. He has confidence in mankind’s ability to properly process knowledge and apply new technologies. To quote Syd; “I’m optimistic about the future, because we have more people working with problems today than ever before.“. His optimism is in strong contrast to Blade Runner’s general vision of the future, but I think that further strengthens his conceptual designs to become more apt to non-technological challenges.

This short film was directed by Joaquin Montalvan and was shot in 1080p (Full HD) by producer and photographer Jim Hunter.

It’s available on DVD through the Tribeca Film Institute’s ReFrame Collection.

The trailer has also been put on YouTube:

The Syd Mead Documentary VISUAL FUTURIST: the art & life of syd mead will be screening at the Historic Michigan Theater in Ann Arbor, Michigan on March 18th & 19th at 7:00 pm.

As part of this screening, director Joaquin Montalvan, have created a new trailer for the documentary which he call the “Blade Runner” version, as it has more focus on Syd’s work on Blade Runner. You can watch the trailer on YouTube.

As of such, I have now rebuilt the entire site from the last backup I received from this hosting company in question. The backup was dated January 2007!, hence all posts between that time and now have been lost…. like tears in rain (sorry, I just had to write that!)

In celebration of its 25th anniversary, director Ridley Scott has gone back into post production to create the long-awaited definitive new version, which Warner Home Video will unveil on DVD December 18th in the U.S. Blade Runner: The Final Cut, spectacularly restored and remastered from original elements and scanned at 4K resolution, will contain never-before-seen added/extended scenes, added lines, new and improved special effects, director and filmmaker commentary, an all-new 5.1 Dolby Digital audio track and more.

There will be three spectacular editions; Two-Disc Special Edition, Four-Disc Collectors Edition and the awesome Five-Disc Ultimate Collectors Edition with a collectible “Deckard Briefcase” included. Order due date for all editions is November 13. Simultaneous HD DVD and Blu-ray Disc versions of the “Deckard Briefcase” will also be released in numbered, limited quantities.

A showcase theatrical run on October 5 is also being planned for New York and Los Angeles.

Two-Disc Special Edition:

Two Disc Version

Disc One:

Ridley Scott’s “Final Cut” version of the film.

Restored and remastered with added & extended scenes, added lines, new and cleaner special effects and all new 5.1 Dolby Digital Audio. Also includes:

• Commentary by Ridley Scott
• Commentary by Executive Producer/ Co-Screenwriter Hampton Fancher and Co-Screenwriter David Peoples; Producer Michael Deely and production executive Katherine Haber
• Commentaries by visual futurist Syd Mead; production designer Lawrence G. Paull, art director David L. Snyder and special photographic effects supervisors Douglas Trumbull, Richard Yuricich and David Dryer

Disc Two:
Documentary “Dangerous Days: Making Blade Runner”
A feature-length authoritative documentary revealing all the elements that shaped this hugely influential cinema landmark. Cast, crew, critics and colleagues give a behind-the-scenes, in-depth look at the film — from its literary roots and inception through casting, production, visuals and special effects to its controversial legacy and place in Hollywood history.

Four-Disc Collector’s Edition:

Four Disc Collectors Edition

The Four-Disc Collector’s Edition includes everything from the 2-Disc Special Edition plus three additional versions of the film, as well as an “Enhancement Archive” bonus disc of enhanced content that includes 90 minutes of deleted footage and rare or never-before-seen items in featurettes and galleries that cover the film’s amazing history, production teams, special effects, impact on society, promotional trailers, TV spots, and much more.

Disc Three:

1982 Theatrical Version
This is the version that introduced U.S. movie-going audiences to a revolutionary film with a new and excitingly provocative vision of the near-future. It contains Deckard/Harrison Ford’s character narration and has Deckard and Rachel’s (Sean Young) “happy ending” escape scene.

1982 International Version
Also used on U.S. home video, laserdisc and cable releases up to 1992. This version is not rated, and contains some extended action scenes in contrast to the Theatrical Version.

1992 Director’s Cut
The Director’s Cut omits Deckard’s voiceover narration and removes the “happy ending” finale. It adds the famously-controversial “unicorn” sequence, a vision that Deckard has which suggests that he, too, may be a replicant.

Disc Four:

Bonus Material – “Enhancement Archive”

• Featurette The Electric Dreamer: Remembering Philip K. Dick
• Featurette Sacrificial Sheep: The Novel vs. The Film
• Philip K. Dick: The Blade Runner Interviews (Audio)
• Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep Cover Gallery (Images)
• The Art of Blade Runner (Image Galleries)
• Featurette Signs of the Times: Graphic Design
• Featurette Fashion Forward: Wardrobe & Styling
• Screen Tests: Rachel & Pris
• Featurette The Light That Burns: Remembering Jordan Cronenweth
• Unit Photography Gallery
• Deleted & Alternate Scenes
• 1982 Promotional Featurettes
• Trailers & TV Spots
• Featurette Promoting Dystopia: Rendering the Poster Art
• Marketing & Merchandise Gallery (Images)
• Featurette Deck-A-Rep: The True Nature of Rick Deckard
• Featurette Nexus Generation: Fans & Filmmakers

Ultimate Collector’s Edition

Ultimate Collectors Edition

The 5-Disc Ultimate Collector’s Edition includes everything from the previously described 4-Disc Edition, plus the ultra-rare, near-legendary WORKPRINT version of the film, newly remastered. The Ultimate Collector’s Edition will be presented in a unique 5-disc digi-package with handle which is a stylish version of Rick Deckard’s own briefcase, in addition each briefcase will be individually numbered and in limited supply. Included is a lenticular motion film clip from the original feature, miniature origami unicorn figurine, miniature replica spinner car, collector’s photographs as well as a signed personal letter from Sir Ridley Scott.

Disc Five:

Workprint Version
This rare version of the film is considered by some to be the most radically different of all the Blade Runner cuts. It includes an altered opening scene, no Deckard narration until the final scenes, no “unicorn” sequence, no Deckard/Rachel “happy ending,” altered lines between Batty (Rutger Hauer) and his creator Tyrell (Joe Turkell), alternate music and much more.

Also includes:

• Commentary by Paul M. Sammon, author of Future Noir: The Making of Blade Runner
• Featurette All Our Variant Futures: From Workprint to Final Cut

…so there you have it. It’s clear what this author will purchase!

Source: http://www.thedigitalbits.com/articles/br2007/announce.html

Screen Capture

Recently a possible teaser for the upcoming “Final Cut” of Blade Runner was released on YouTube, however it’s now been removed. I do not wish to provide any links to unauthorized material (if that’s the reason it was removed from YouTube), however it’s still possible to find it online, e.g. try to google this article’s title…

Source: http://www.popularmechanics.com/technology/industry/4218376.html

Joanna Cassidy, who played the Replicant Zhora in the movie, has stated that she has been part of newly shot scenes. According to her official website, she has been a part of the reshooting of many of her original scenes, and at least one new scene.

Source: Associated Content, Inc.