I was a visual effects artist on Star Wars prequels, sequels, standalone movies, commercials, the Mandalorian show and even Disneyland SW attractions. The original trilogy made an indelible impression on my life and not only inspired my career, but my lifelong love of films. I really enjoy your UA-cam videos... your historical knowledge, incomparable film collection and amazing home theater all strike a cord deep in me. Really glad I found your channel!
Star Wars made an indellible impression on me too. I wanted to have a go at the special effects but my father's Super 8 camera didn't have single frame advance so despite building some home made models I never did get the chance to try stop motion animation with them. I already loved cinema and home movies by then but the Super 8 cut down releases fuelled my interest and that is what has led to these little videos today. Seems like you and I have similar interests... although I'm a bit of a nut for classic British cars too, particularly those wearing a Triumph badge so I'm probably certifiable really..
@@moviecollector5920 I am certifiable in many other ways. Though I haven't been bit by the bug for automobiles, I have been for a host of other expensive hobbies and interests, such as collecting movie prop replicas, memorabilia, and autographs. The same for sports and music entertainment, but film and filmmaker collecting is one of my bigger endeavors. I've dreamed for decades of constructing a true home cinema in my basement and have collected items such as theater seats, movie poster lightboxes and mylar light box for Now Playing mylars from AMC Cinemas. But while I do have an Epson projector to project my modestly substantial collection of blu-rays, dvds and laserdiscs against a wall, I have not converted my basement into a theater yet, and time is running out. One reason I see your setup and admire it so much!
@@trueCinemaniac There is nothing better than a flat white wall to project onto. Paint the surround black and you're almost there as easy as that. Moving masking and everything else can be added later as you work it out. You don't need to waste money on a screen, that's for sure.
Hi John, fantastic work. I was a projectionist at a 9 cinema complex in the late 90s and early 00s and sometimes I miss the cinematic look and feel of good quality print stock. I love how these studios are keeping things like grain intact in these legacy titles and not DNRing and sharpening images to 'appeal' to a modern audience. sometimes all digital film can look a little soulless.
The best 4K disc I own! Your review perfectly encapsulates what I love so much about this disc and film in general. I’m so happy that Warner decided to go all out with this collector’s edition release and include every cut as well as the marvellous Dangerous Days documentary! Excellent video, John!
Have you done a full review of this set Leon because if not, it's right up your alley. And I think the ongoing views on this video prove that it doesn't matter when you do a review of Blade Runner and how long it takes to find an audience, eventually it finds it. I would be able to give it a plug if you do create a review but if you've already done it please point me to it. Just read your email so I'll do a reply to that after I respond to all the remaining outstanding comments that have popped up in the past few hours. I'm glad you've received a good response to Apocalypse Now which you bloody well deserved with that video. John.
HD DVD should have been the successor to DVD. Going with Blu-ray all but killed the home video market because people in general still think Blu-ray it's something beyond their understanding. Everyone would have comprehended what HD DVD stood for. Keep that HD DVD copy of Blade Runner safe because that is one heck of a collectable today. I just wish there were still players on sale and the discs to run in them. John.
@@Corbomite-ei1ty I expect the Playstation 3 being able to play Blu-ray discs had a significant part in the early success of the format, while the Xbox 360 required a separate add-on to play HD DVDs. You could of course buy stand-alone players but many people wouldn't bother if they had a console that could already do the job, similar to how the Playstation 2 also being able to play DVDs gave that format a huge boost.
Very cool idea for a channel because it covers film history as well as talking about and reviewing 4K blurays! I'm a 42 year old movie enthusiast with a dedicated Theater Room and this is the type of content that I need in my life! I can't wait to watch more videos!!!
Greetings Termnator Juice. The Terminator is one of my very favourite films but as I have it on Super 8 I know it so well that I never bothered with the Blu-ray. Anyway, that's another story. Thank you for joining me on this filmic adventure in UA-cam. We watched Cinema Paradiso in 4K last night and I hope to get a video review of that done and uploaded shortly. John.
@@moviecollector5920 T2 was my always favorite, because it came out when I was 13 years old and blew my mind, but years later I realized the The Terminator was the better movie overall... And unfortunately James Cameron doesn't seem to believe in remastering and restoring his older films so we never got quality releases on Bluray(and now 4K bluray), and it's a real shame because the DVD versions look pretty terrible! The studios did release the first two Terminator movies on bluray but the quality was subpar, and the 4K transfer of T2 is abysmal from what I've heard, which is a real shame. : ( One bit of trivia for ya if you'll humor me... Which home video format was the first one where consumers could buy T2 in HD?
Actually saw this one in 1982 in the cinema and was blown away - even though it contained the voice over and the somewhat unnatural happy ending. Also owned the “bad” dvd but now am really happy with the 4k disc. Still thrills me today. Timeless gem. Thanks for this great review. Love the rich variety of collectibles in the background.
Thank you Gero. I think Blade Runner is one of the best films ever made. A real treasure to be able to watch it at home in such amazing, film-like quality. John.
I also saw it in 1983 (a 70mm print I believe) the picture quality really made it for me. As for the "Unnaturally happy ending" I'm sure Terry Gilliam thought the same and reverses it in his film "Brazil" where the couple getting away shown was brutally reversed.
Hi John, Thankyou for reviewing the best film ever made, My first encounter with this film was on a VHS pan and scan rental, and then subsequently on pan and scan taped off the tv, didn't see it in glorious widescreen until the director's cut 're-release in 93. What a lot of people forget is that people fell in love with the film with the voice over and happy ending, now yes, it's better without both, but the happy ending I seriously don't mind. Talking about 4k, the picture quality on Braveheart is outstanding. I too have an Alien War T shirt and can remember running out into Piccadilly Circus from the Trocadero, because we were bloody scared stiff!
I went through Alien War four or five times. Saw Sigourney Weaver and Lance Henrikson on the opening night which was a nice surprise. London was at its greatest around that time and it's been on a slow decline from then on. I couldn't believe it when the Leicester Square Theatre was demolished (aka Odeon West End) but I think that's an indication of how cinema is doing. No doubt Covid-19 is going to finish off a lot of them now but hopefully new investors will come in and get it all started again. Hopefully more will go back to screening real film which may act as a novelty draw, particularly on 70mm. Yes, I too think Blade Runner is one of the best ever and I hadn't seen it properly until the re-release in 1993. But I do still think I prefer the original version even if Mr. Ford didn't sound particularly interested in his narrative some of the time.
Great video. My parents had the original theatre realise of the film on Betamax video. I was terrified and equally captivated by this film and loved it more when I saw the director's cut in the 90s. The final cut, in my opinion, is one of the best revisits to a film, to 'fix' issues that there has ever been. If you haven't got a copy, I really recommend the book Future Noir, about the filming of Blade Runner. Great video again.
It's a great film and hard to believe it did so poorly upon original theatrical release. I agree about the Final Cut - those amendments/corrections were quite astounding and I too thought they enhance the film. Not something I usually agree with but they did it so well (for a change!). John.
I saw this film during its initial release at a drive-in theatre in Southern California in 1982. It was a double-feature along with 'Dead Men Don't Wear Plaid'. I was about 13 years old. Blade Runner was so mind blowing that I never forgot that night. (Of course, already being a monstrous Star Wars fan by then.) Stereo didn't exist then. The speaker was a single metal box about half the size of a shoe box (not small !), looked 20 years old and it sucked. Tinny crap sound, no bass at all. You would hang it on the inside of a car window. This is how Blade Runner was borne to us back in the day. _And yet it was Epic!_ It is very satisfying how well the story has aged; it seems even more relevant today than when it was filmed. (The film I mean; being a sizable improvement over the very good original book by Philip K. Dick)
Wouldn't it be wonderful to be able to go back and experience Blade Runner like that again today? Now you've got me thinking... I might put a screen up outside in front of the car and hang a couple of speakers into the car windows!!! John.
Great work John! Appreciate your insight into how the 4K's stack up to the original 35mm print, as well as your memories from it's original release. You got a new fan here. Keep em coming!
Thank you Daniel. I'm planning to look at Apocalypse Now 4K next but also have Cinema Paradiso on order (finally!). The plan for Apocalypse Now is to have another couple of chaps review the 4K for us too so that there will be more informed opinion and also a difference of releases as Leon at Leon Talks Film has the six disc 4K version which has the original version of the film (the lucky bast...!!!). John.
I had that Criterion laserdisc set. Forgot about CAV 😀 owned the VHS, laserdisc, DVD, Blu-ray and now the 4K. Best off, Ridley sent me an autographed print from the film, which he personally addressed to me 😀
@@moviecollector5920 and oh yeah, I was a projectionist at Wolves Poly in the 1970's and 80's and love the sound and vibe of a 16mm projector. Especially with an anamorphic lens.!!
I saw on dvd and wow what a difference it was in 4K. Like you said you can actually see the movie. One of my fav movies and 4K discs. Great gift from my wife.
I don't think either of us will ever tire of watching Blade Runner Jon. Just like Alien you can hang it on the wall and simply marvel at it like a great work of art. John.
So glad I found this channel. Can't wait for more content from you . I've always loved bladerunner. I'm probably similar age to you but never seen it in the cinema but iwn it on vhs, dvd, bluray and now 4k with dolby atmos. Aren't we lucky. Love the channel. Love the look of your cinema room. Love to see a video tour.
Thank you for your kind words Bilko. I wonder if the National Film Theatre ever screen Blade Runner. I was a member for years while living in London but they never showed it then. I suppose now we have the 4K discs and the possibility of all getting a budget home video projector the necessity for re-running old movies in cinemas has gone but I don't think it will be possible to beat a BIG screen in a large auditorium watching a film with other like-minded people. It should always be a FILM in a cinema though, particularly if there is a 70mm print available. I will do a video tour sometime and you'll be surprised how easy it really is to create a real ('reel') home cinema for very little cost... almost nothing in fact.
@@UNAL0504 Is there any particular aspect of Super 8 that interests you? When I get something more Super 8 orientated organized I will then try to include what you'd like to see or learn about.
Just found your channel. So glad I did. Great review of my all time favourite movie. Looking forward to watching your many video uploads. Excellent channel 👍
Yes, we even had promotional pin badges with the vehicles on, flyers , card hats all to do with the VW tie in at the time for car dealers- sadly not for a Spinner!
I got round to watching the 4K disc a couple of nights ago and my word what a disc. The PQ/SQ is stunning, but that HDR is just amazing. I'd read a lot of good things about the 4K disc but decided to keep my feet on the ground (as I did with Jaws) when I got round to watching this and doing that paid off. Thanks for running a great channel here John, I've been around for a month or two now working my way though your content a bit at a time, keep at it Sir and stay safe.
I feel that having Blade Runner and Jaws in the quality these 4K disc give us is a dream come true. I longed for Super 8 copies for years and even though I knew there were Jaws prints out there, I never came across one. Blade Runner never had anything released on Super 8 apart from a trailer (I think) from a dealer in America but I never got that either. So although the Blu-ray of Jaws is outstanding, the HDR on the 4K knocks it into a cocked hat. Similarly with Blade Runner but the Blu-ray version I looked at in the pack I got didn't look like a negative scan so possibly from a print or at best the internegative. The internegative is two generations own from the original camera negative and taken from the interpositive which is where all the colour grading and everything else is done so the internegative can be duplicated onto prints at speed until it falls apart whereupon a replacement is produced from the interpositive which of course, protects the original negative. This means that a new scan of the original negative means all the grading and contrast needs to be done from scratch. Sometimes this results in our 4K discs not replicating the original film exactly as with the 1989 Batman apparently. John.
I love your videos. Would you ever consider doing a retrospective of laser discs in your collection? I love the packaging of those things and would love to see them in more detail.
For those who love 2001, you *Must* read the book -- it is Exceptional Sci-Fi. Also best to find a more recent print with the Prologue that describes how the original version was just a short story by Clarke (30 pages or so); when Kubrick sought out Clarke, they developed the full-size story & movie simultaneously. However for the cinema, my vote goes to Blade Runner for top title.
I had a HD projector in my previous house and to watch the bluray of Bladerunner was an unequaled experience in terms of visual feel. That darkness and smoke and rain and was so vibrant. It was my favourite viewing experience in terms of visual presentation. No other bluray has looked so good.
Now you've made me think James because it may just be the best. There are quite a few classics though and even though I prefer Alien it's possible Blade Runner is a better film... if that makes sense. John.
Having finally purchased my copy of BLADE RUNNER 4k from GRUV it does not disappoint. The cityscapes are beautiful. This copy has the theater and director's cut on one disc. I've been wanting this for a long time as it's been on my list of must-haves. I was surprised recently when I upgraded my HDMI cables to 2.1 and how it improved color and clarity. So I thought I would watch your review again after getting my own copy and I must say I pretty much agree with everything you said. Daniel.
It is a beautiful 4K disc Daniel. Just like having a 35mm print without the noise of the projector but that can be sorted. Maybe I should make a recording of the Kinoton FP20 running just so people can make up a sound loop to run in the background while watching this 4K of Blade Runner. That would complete the illusion. John.
I love your reviews. I own a lot of the discs you’ve reviewed and I’ve been enjoying your opinions on them as well as the history and context you provide. Thanks for all the great content
Thank you. I could do with watching this Blade Runner 4K again. But I have a colleague who has a 35mm print so I keep thinking that I most hold off until we've been able to run that. One day hopefully. John.
John. Sorry I am so late to watch your review of Blade Runner 4k. I just found your channel yesterday. I watched your 4k review of 2001 a space odyssey. Figured 2001 the movie is 53 years old, I am 53 years old, I should probably own this. I enjoyed your review of 4k Blade Runner. I don't think there is a subject you covered during your review that I am not currently aware of but that is not the point. I enjoyed your memories of watching this movie with the sound of the 35mm camera running. I too miss that sound. You gave me a great idea to run that on a small speaker in the back of my home theater with the sound of a muffled 35mm projector running. It really adds to the emersion of watching some of my favorite movies from the 70's and 80's. I have now subscribed to your channel and look forward to catching up on your other review. Take care.
Thank you xbladerunner. Glad you found me and even more glad to have you as a subscriber. It's the support that makes this worthwhile. Ad Astra is another good science fiction (review went up today) once you get past the fact that it's not the usual blockbuster shoot 'em up! John.
Thank you for doing this review. You've convinced me to buy this movie, yet again. I've owned it on VHS, DVD, Bluray, Steelbook, Collectors edition with car and now it will be 4k.
I compared the 4K disc to the Blu-ray with the original version of the film from 1982 in this pack so probably not the fairest comparison but I still think this is another top-notch 4K and similar in standard to a 35mm print, albeit on a slightly smaller screen than we'd usually be enjoying 35mm film at a cinema in days gone by. Whatever, Blade Runner is a masterpiece. And talking of masterpieces, I'm hoping to review the 4K of The Deer Hunter shortly. It's a bit dark but when I saw the film on re-release in about 1981 it was dark and intentionally grainy to provide a dirty, gritty feel.
I collect vinyl and I'm glad we don't have Laserdisc-sized sets anymore. One thing I've discovered is that when people move, their collections of large objects are the first things to go, even before big furniture. 12" discs would take up space and people usually can't take them like books or DVDs (which can fit in disc wallets) in cars or U-Hauls so they'd break them up. Last summer I saw a college student drop off her record collection because she graduated and had to move for work. She'd been collecting for 4 years and bought most of her stuff new so it had to have been an $8,000 collection...just *poof* gone because it was too big and heavy to take with her. Broke my heart and I can't imagine that happening to collectors on a regular basis, but if we had large sets like Laserdiscs, we'd see it all the time. Not good, man....nooooooooooot good.
Funny thing is, I have over 100 laser discs on a shelf and they take up less space than 100 DVDs, Blu-rays and UHD Blu-rays (plus the odd CD-I too). Losing the packaging would make a lot of difference of course. Now then, I'd better get to your Alien 3 comment now... stand by.
Good luck with it Simon. It can take a bit of playing around to get the best out of 4K. My basic rule of thumb is to ensure all digital processing is turned off on the player and the projector or television. That usually ensures you're almost there before you start. John.
This is one of my favorite films of all time. I loved it the day I watched it. I could watch it with no dialogue and still be mesmerized by it. On top of the great visuals you get all the great writing and acting. Love the themes on how valuable life is. Ridley at his best.
Well said Duncan. Apparently Ridley Scott was a little temperamental making this film in Los Angeles. I think that was because the American crew didn't understand what he was trying to do. Lesson learned in the end I suppose as it's now regarded as one of the greatest films ever made. John.
I enjoy all the many versions of “Blade Runner”, but I’d say my favorite is still the original theatrical release. Somehow I recently became unsubscribed from your channel-still not sure how-but now subscribed once again. I really enjoy your content.
I'm with you on the original version David. Shame there isn't a 4K version of it in this disc set. I think UA-cam unsubscribed quite a few people recently. Must be getting too popular!!! John.
Excellent review. The BEST sci Fi movie ever. I'm one of those weird ones that prefers the narration. I saw the movie in the theater when it came out and have loved it ever since. Thumbs up boss!
Yep, I still think the original version is best. I didn't see it at the cinema but did see the so-called 'Director's Cut' which wouldn't have made any sense to me at all if I hadn't seen the original film first. Without that dialogue from Harrison Ford it's nonsensical. I recently got the soundtrack LP which I love. John.
That's one of the best Andre. I'd still love to have an original low fade 35mm print but in reality it's not necessary with the latest version of the film looking this good on video. Play some projector noise in the background and you'd think you were watching a master print. I hope you have a great time with it. John.
I was late to get on the Blade Runner train. Don't really know why, I'm a big fan of Harrison, maybe it was because I was enjoying his successes in Star Wars. And Indiana Jones series. Well I'm glad I finally watched Blade Runner because I think it's his best work and the movie is a masterpiece in every sense of the word! Thank you for your insightful take on this classic, your passion for this film is apparent! I will buy the 4k based on your take and can't wait, I've been enjoying it on blu ray.
The Blu-ray versions are in the pack I have but they don't compare to the 4K which looks just like a 35mm print to me. It really was a thrill for me to be able to watch this film in such great quality at home. I never would have thought it possible without someone gifting me a valuable 35mm theatrical print. John.
Since my recent 4K home theater upgrade, I've been watching a lot of 4K movie review channels like yours. I've also found myself buying 4K Blu-ray films like they're going out of style. As you can imagine, there's a significant cost factor involved. I've already purchased nearly $2,000 USD worth of 4K movies in efforts of building up my library. Many of them I've purchased before in other formats such as VHS & DVD. I first became familiar with Blade Runner (1982) many years after it's theatrical release. I bought the director's widescreen cut of it on VHS in the 1990's. Yesterday I placed an order for the UHD version. I immediately fell in love with the Vangelis soundtrack. I still have the CD which I bought as well. I saw Chariots of Fire in the theater but somehow Blade Runner slipped past my radar scope; which came out shortly thereafter. In the 1990's I picked up a copy of Chariots of Fire on LD. I really didn't learn to appreciate the significance of that movie until I was a few years older than I was when seeing it in the movie theater. The Vangelis theme song became so popular. Today the phrase "went viral " would be used to describe it's success. Hearing the methodical synthesizer note repeating itself at the beginning just reels the listener in. In the video link that I've attached, you'll see a side of Harrison Ford that few are familiar with. > ua-cam.com/video/pl8u1NtK-7w/v-deo.html
It's easy to spend a lot of money on discs and it can become a bit addictive. Certainly I've spent far too much over the past two years but we haven't exactly been able to live life as normal across most of the world so I expect many of us turned to home movies to help get us through it. It also helped starting this channel which I wouldn't have had the time for before the pandemic. I watched the aircraft museum promotional film you posted the link for and it's beautiful. I've been to Denver International many times and if I head over again I think I'll be visiting Wings Over The Rockies Air & Space Museum. Harrison Ford has a wonderful voice. In fact, he's better in the promo video than he is with the voice over in Blade Runner but I still prefer the original version of Blade Runner simply because without the Harrison Ford narration there is absolutely no chance of comprehending what the hell is going on. John.
@@moviecollector5920 That's really interesting. Though I currently reside in Michigan, I've lived in a couple of other areas of the United States. From late 1990 to early 1992 I lived in Lakewood, Colorado; a community located a few miles west of Denver. The DIA was still being constructed at the time.
@@ericlozen9631 First few times I flew into Denver we had to go via Minneapolis or Washington. Went into the city centre of Minneapolis between flights once, it was January and I have never known cold quite like it. Got stuck on a chair lift in Colorado when a white-out hit one time and that had a wind chill of between -40 to -50 but that was different. John.
@@ericlozen9631 Breckenridge. One of my favourite places on planet Earth... not that I've visited any other planets lately. When that storm came in it was without warning. A sunny day suddenly went completely white with high winds causing the chair lift to be shut down. I hadn't put my ski hat on prior to getting on the lift because it was so warm at the base but after a few minutes in that storm I could feel my brain cooling down so I covered my head with my thick gloved hands rather than risk dropping anything that could keep me alive long term. Fortunately we were only stuck for about five or ten minutes, we got to the top and the lift operators told us to get to the base immediately. There was no one else on the lift behind us. Vail is a pretty nice place to ski too but I find it all a bit fake there whereas Breckenridge is still an original gold mine town despite all the development of recent years. John.
Saw this in the cinema in 1982 - blew me away and loved it ever since - great channel - just found and subbed - thank you fur the effort and love you put into your reviews
Nice! Blade Runner is my absolute favorite movie of all time. I love that you kept the snap-case flipper DVD from ages ago. I ditched that for the remastered Director's Cut DVD that came out just a few years before the Final Cut hit Blu-ray. I wish I had held onto that as it was one of the first DVD's I ever bought (and I wish I still had the Remaster which I ditched when the Blu-ray hit). Oddly enough, I still have a VHS copy of the DC....AND (you'll love this) I have the HD-DVD version of the briefcase collector's set.
You're the second person that's told me they have the HD DVD of Blade Runner Tom. If HD DVD had have become the high definition disc format winner then the home movie market would be in a much better state. Most people think Blu-ray is some sort of high tech thing they could never hope to understand whereas everyone would have understood 'HD DVD'. Sony up to dirty tricks apparently. The original DVD I have is a region 1 which I picked up in the USA in January 1999. The shopkeeper tried to tell me it wouldn't play over here so I had to explain all about region codes and multi-region playback on certain machines. John.
@@moviecollector5920 HD-DVD was actually the superior format on a technical level and would have been much easier to build upon for future formats. Blu-ray was all about Sony flexing and wanting to control the licensing for the next generation format. They knew they had the power to control the success of a format when they packed in a DVD player with the PS2 -- but they did without any of the benefits of owning the licensing. With the PS3 they took it one step further and made "their" format the successful one. Can't blame them, really. It worked. But I think we would have been better off with HD-DVD in the long run. It was much more robust.
Excellent video. New subscriber. You enhance my enjoyment of these movies. I just upgraded my home theater to 4k and I have never seen Blade Runner and really like Harrison Ford. Seems like a no brainer blind 4k purchase for someone like me. Not totally blind with excellent reviews like yours.
Good to have you here and welcome! Blade Runner is one of three all-time great cinematic works of art in my opinion (2001 and Apocalypse Now being the other two but Alien's not too far behind) and this 4K disc release is just like looking at a 35mm print. It's a dream come true to be able to own a copy in such wonderful quality so if you're prepared to simply watch a film that is beautiful to look at and listen to then you are going to enjoy this Ridley Scott masterpiece. I hope that's not over selling it because expectation can have a bearing on how much you like a film. John.
New subscriber here John. Blade Runner is one of my favorite all time movies. I watched it in Brazil in 1982 and it was magical. I have a 1080 3D version of Blade Runner 2049 that I am dying to watch in 3D on my big projector screen, even though this movie just doesn't have the same magic as the 1982 film. Never knew there was a laser disc copy. I'm a few years older than you and I like your reminiscing about these good old favorites. Now I have to buy a 4k 3D player and projector. just upgraded the projector a year ago... Like your shirt!
The BFI IMAX have a screening of 'The Final Cut' on Sunday 5th February Jim but it's a video projection of course. It will be 90 feet wide though so I bet all us Blade Runner fans would love to see that. It's a film that doesn't need to be watched, you only need to look at it and admire the imagery like we do a great oil painting hanging in a gallery. I didn't think very much of the recent sequel but I expect it's biggest fault was not being the 1982 film. I have tried re-watching it though but it didn't make any difference. I don't think there is such a thing as 4K in 3D so you'll probably be fine with what you have. I like 3D as a novelty but I've always struggled with complete films in 3D. I prefer it when there are sections that go into 3D and we only have to put the dreaded glasses on for five minutes or so at a time. LCD 3D is a bit different though as those glasses feel almost natural. John.
I used to own the Criterion laserdisc, loved it, although my copy degraded. Maybe laserdisc rot. I so regret selling my laserdisc collection - but just didn’t have room for it at the time. Took a lot of space.
And if you think LaserDisc takes up a lot of space you want to see what a few 35mm features will do to your living room! Laser rot was a more common problem on LaserDisc. I only have one (Dante's Peak NTSC copy) that has suffered so far that I know of. John.
I was 14 years old on June 26th 1982 when I got dropped off at the movies and snuck into blade runner. As I entered the theater if you had asked me what I thought the future would look like I would have described something along the lines of Star Trek TOS, colorful and perfectly clean. When the movie ended I felt like a different person and my view of the future was complely changed to what was a much more realistic view. I also thought it was beautiful, Roys sacrifice and speach was so moving. I was very disappointed that it did not do well. I love the movie and everyone involved with it. Then we snuck in and watched The Thing (1982) for the first time, it was the best movie day ever.
What an historic day you had there Mr. Grimm. Two of the greatest films ever made in one cinema outing. That's not something that your ever likely to repeat although I think we can all agree that we hope we haven't seen our favourite film yet. So, you never know, there may be a couple of masterpieces that will appear in the future and playing in the same multiplex on the same day. If so, I'll see you there! John.
this 4k release and the one for blade runner 2049 are the first movies I've ordered to start my collection (still waiting for the to arrive so I can enjoy a great movie night). Excellent review as always
The original film is probably among the best 35mm films put onto the 4K disc format Jesus. The only thing missing when screening it is the gentle drumming of a distant 35mm projector in a projection booth. I didn't get on so well with the sequel but others rate is highly so you should have a great time. If science fiction is your main preference then probably the best 4K is INTERSTELLAR owing to its genuine IMAX origin. John.
To me Blade Runner has perfect visuals, perfect music, Harrison ford getting drunk or offering drinks the entire movie lol. You have Roy & pris as an amazing duo. I literally always watch this movie for the soundtrack alone . It doesn’t have a flaw until Harrison Ford starts freaking with a Robot !! But other than that 10/10
Yes, no film is perfect but this one comes pretty close. A couple of years ago I finally purchased the soundtrack album which is beautiful to listen to and to look at as it's in one of those gatefold LP sleeves. John.
We were one of the few uk cinemas that showed it. Most people came to see it just for Harrison Ford, but soon realised this film was something different.
Well, I wish you'd have invited me along Derek cos' back in 1982 our local cinema completely missed it. Seems like most cinemas did from what you just said. Perhaps it was a film that was simply too far ahead of its time back then. 'The Fifth Element' had striking similarities but by 1997 we'd all gotten used to the Blade Runner look.
The trailer did make it to Super 8, in a SF reel released by LA films and sold in the UK by Derann. Very good print quality, at least on the LPP copy I have.
Great review of one of my favourite films, I still own my dvd collections tin with all the different cuts of the film to this day still one of my favourite editions, a true masterpiece of a film 🍿🔥 keep the reviews coming great channel
One of my favourtie films too but I think that's the case with a great many of us true film enthusiasts. The 4K disc is just like screening a 35mm print and we could never have wished for better than that from a home video. Quite amazing really. John.
@@moviecollector5920 Thanks for the reply, love your new channel, your insight on your amazing collection and infos on super 8 and other films, is very interesting. Great to have new insight for us movie lovers. Great work sir, keep it up! From Canada...
It's one of my favourites too Rob. Andy at ElectricGeek has just done a very interesting review of two Blade Runner 4K box sets which I think you'll also like: ua-cam.com/video/Mv-fO34GImA/v-deo.html
Fantastic review, i was not a fan of this film years ago to be honest, i do have it on Blu-ray and have had it for about a year but still have yet to watch it again, i am now thinking of upgrading to 4K before i do re-watch it, thanks mate.
I need to thoroughly check the Blu-ray against the 4K Bushman Blu because one of the things that has become a pet project over the past couple of months is if there is any perceptible difference between the 4K and 2K discs. I did check Blade Runner and immediately could see a significant improvement over the 2K but after I'd switched everything off I realized there are multiple versions of the film on 2K in the four disc box that I have. Somewhere in there may be a 2K version taken from the same master as the 4K and that is the one to check. Whatever the outcome it is an exceptionally good picture on the 4K disc and HDR should mean it's got more visible detail in the darker scenes and areas of the frame. My take on it was that it's just like watching a film and that's an amazing compliment for a video. If only they were all so good but they're not.
I've got the Blade Runner 2K disc taken from the 4K master playing right now and I've been to and fro between the 4K and the 2K over the opening Brion James sequence taking the test and then on to where Harrison Ford is awaiting his oriental food at the 'Dragon' stall. The 4K is perceptibly superior in that colour is better and dark areas are highlighted better. The 2K has a bias towards cyan (i.e. a bluish image) but the 4K is more natural. Whether or not the definition is any better on the 4K will have to wait until I'm able to project both of the discs 30 feet wide because you just can't tell the difference on small home screens. This is something I plan to go into a little more on my forthcoming 4K vs. 2K video. To summarize my Blade Runner conclusion: the 4K is more involving.
@@moviecollector5920 Thankyou for checking out the discs, i am definitely waiting for the 4K release now, i know i stated that i didnt like the film when i first watched it but i am really looking forward to checking it out again,
The Blade Runner pack I show in the video has the original version of the film on Blu-ray too. I watched that too and I still think I prefer that version to all of them even if Mr. Ford's narration doesn't sound like he's particularly interested at times. Picture isn't as good on that version of the film though. John.
This movie is one of my all time favourites. I don’t have a 4K player but you have inspired me to go and buy this disc. I preferred the original version from the theatrical release which I have on NTSC laserdisc. Kind regards Colin.
We're thinking alike Graham because I prefer the original version of the film to all the re-edits that have come afterwards. I don't think the standard version of the 4K release includes the original version on a Blu-ray disc but it must be available somewhere. John.
This is one of the titles where I have owned every incarnation, on nearly every format. I saw it on HBO as a kid and was curious. When I bought a laserdisc player at age 16 I rented the criterion laserdisc and was floored. In 1993 I was lucky enough to see the so called directors cut on the largest screen in CT and I remember it vividly. Obviously I had it on dvd and own the BluRay (which has too much noise and grain reduction, plus the dreaded modern revisionist teal color timing). I also saw the final cut in NYC projected at 4K and it was a revelation. The film is not as grainy as other sci fi films from the era due to the use or larger format film in photographing the sfx. I’m quite curious about the 4K disc release and will put it on my list. Now bring on BLACK RAIN for 4K. That’s the first Ridley Scott film I saw in a theater.
I'll second that for Black Rain! As for the 4K of Blade Runner, it is one of my favourites... and I have a lot of 4K discs now. There are better quality discs out there but Blade Runner on this 4K disc looks close to a 35mm print to me. John.
I watched this review again. It came across as very nostalgic, which is exactly the way I feel about the movie. It still surprises me how well the combination of 1930's aesthetic merged in this film with futurism and all the neon lights - it worked! I did not know that Laser Disks have every frame on them in a perfect quality. Is it the same idea behind 4K disk releases? Do you get smeared objects on screen, when you pause 4K discs at random?
LaserDisc was the best video format of its time Dmitri. PAL discs were usually of quite significantly higher quality than NTSC owing to the 100 lines more information (625 lines PAL, 525 lines NTSC) but occasionally a really good NTSC disc came along that surpassed the PAL equivalent. They were best viewed on cathode ray televisions and don't stand up well on video projectors today. The 16x9 1.5 times squeeze was first intended for LaserDisc but it never came about and hence why DVD quickly surpassed the quality of LD. Freezing a frame on LD was not possible on Constant Linear Volocity (CLV) discs but was on Constant Angular Velocity (CAV) discs. CLV had the advantage of being able to contain around an hour of video per side whereas the superior CAV was only half an hour. The big box releases such as the Alien box I show contains the film on four sides of CAV Laserdiscs. If there was blurring of the frame in the original frame, whether caused by movement or incorrect focus on the day of the shoot, then that's how it appears in any pause on any video format whether it be LD or 4K. If the frame contains static imagery then the resultant pause is perfect and like having an enormous poster on the wall. As for Blade Runner, an all-time masterpiece. I never tire of that film which is like a moving work of art to just look at in awe for two hours. And listen to for that matter. John.
@@moviecollector5920 That was very informative, John! Thank you very much for explaining. I just moved to US, when Laser Discs were popular and missed this entire medium. The next thing I remember, every store had VHS and DVD - side by side. I did visit Korean Karaoke once, where we had to choose from catalogue, which songs we wanted to sing and the owner then entered specific Laser Discs into player. I never used this medium before or since. The fact that you can pause any frame is absolutely wonderful and very fancy for the VHS era. I am familiar with PAL, SECAM, meSECAM and NTSC formats, but I had no idea that they were so different in quality. Dmitri
@@dmitripopov8570 SECAM seems to be the same as PAL Dmitri so quite possibly just the French being French again. Did you know that the only part of the world where commercial aircraft don't speak English is in French air space? I suspect a lot of this all goes back to what happened at Waterloo because Britain never seems to have been forgiven. John.
@@moviecollector5920 French is a very important language in International Relations and Politics. Most agreements are being presented in at least two languages - one of them being French. There are many reasons for this, but to summarize - this is an old tradition, which has to do with French Revolution and model of their constitution; Waterloo and Napoleonic War; Human Rights Regime and many international agreements. Unfortunately, there is a mutual dislike between British and French - mostly on political level - but both cultures are very important in the world of international jurisprudence and relations. After the fall of USSR, may corporations and their systems were appearing here and there, presenting their vision of technological progress. This is how I met PAL, SECAM, meSECAM and NTSC. No surprise that you never used the SECAM and meSECAM. You had your own good system. Dmitri
@@dmitripopov8570 It's just the politicians who have the disdain between our two nations. I think SECAM is used in a couple of countries but PAL was all over the world with a lot of NTSC too. NTSC wasn't as efficient but because of its 24fps seems to be taking over now. We had a 1200 line high definition ready to go in the 1980's but that got killed. It was a PAL system and 16x9 widescreen. I saw it and I still don't think I've seen a television broadcast format that is as good. John.
Great review. I am so glad that I had the opportunity to see many of these movies at the theater. I was tired when I saw 2001: A Space Odyssey and tried hard not to doze off. Blade Runner really an impression. Star Wars stunned even me and every other theater goer with that opening scene. Even watching the release of The Good, The Bad and The Ugly was incredible. I wish everyone can see a movie when released at the theater because that is where movies are bigger than life. Now we can enjoy many of these old movies, restored to their great glory before they are ruined by time.
I agree - nothing beats seeing a film in a cinema. And the bigger the cinema, the better. The Good The Bad & The Ugly was shot in a rather peculiar 35mm format which was only two sprockets high - TechniScope. This gave the 2.40:1 frame ratio but had to be blown up and squeezed to make the generic 35mm release prints. In other words, the image quality shouldn't really be much cop! John.
Thank you for reviewing my favourite film. I even met the producer Ivor Powell on a couple of memorable occasions. Love the sweatshirt, I only got to experience the travelling version of Alien War in Bournemouth conference centre, it was ruddy marvellous!
Alien War was sensational. Since making the Alien video three months ago my wife found a few of our original admission tickets and a little A5 magazine that was sent to members. We had a special night down there where all the members were invited. It was an amazing night but Alien War always was amazing. Blade Runner is one of my all time favourite films too. But I have never met Ivor Powell. Seen him in the making of documentaries quite often though! John.
@@moviecollector5920 many thanks for the videos and this response, I still remember shaking coming out of Alien War! Mr Powell is a friend of a family I know hence the meeting. He described many fascinating ideas he had for the Alien saga, many of which were later “borrowed” by the film company! Sadly Ivor fell out with Ridley pre his “comeback” with Gladiator. Enjoyed the look around your cinema room - unlike many of these things (where the room appears just another rich persons show off which won’t be used) I love the passion and use it gets - still trying to work out how you thread that film PJ! We are lucky enough to have a screen and 7.1 system (B&W not THX though) but everything I have is “only” 2K as I’m perfectly happy with it - will be interested to hear your verdict on 2K vs 4K? Oh and I take it you have visited Waterloo Imax for the ultimate experience (and when travel permits can I suggest Futuroscope in France as well which I know you would find fascinating? All the best. Mike
@@MikeTheBike2010 Ho ho - did Fururoscope in the early 1990s when it was all film. No doubt it's mainly video now which wouldn't be quite so appealing. The Waterloo IMAX is one of the few cinemas I will actually go to these days but only if I know there is a film print being screened. Our home cinema was set up for film so it's a little different to the modern penchant for a home cinema which tend to replicate the look of a current multiplex. A black room in the house with a few boards of sound deadening on the walls wouldn't really appeal to us. What I'd really like is a miniature replica of Empire Screen 1 after the 1989 refit. Neon lights in the multi-recessed ceiling that gradually change colour, a laser show before the start of the main film and finally THX sound. Oh, got the last part sorted already! Blu-ray is far better than we ever realized isn't it? Now that Blu-ray has benefitted from the same masters used for 4K releases, or the same techniques as used for 4K releases, we can see that it was always far better than we could ever have wished for for our home cinemas. The fact that 4K is usually even better owing to HDR is a bonus but there's no need for anyone to rush out to purchase new equipment until their existing equipment has reached the end of its life. John.
No contest for me Clark. But I did enjoy 2049. I probably need to wait a couple of years before I watch it again because I may think even more of the sequel then. John.
One of my favourite films of all time. I first saw this in school. Yes we watched this in school I think I was about 11 & I was about the only kid to love it..BTW I'm a new subscriber.. & have watched most of ur uploads.
I don't suppose any of the teachers understood it at all. How long ago was this school screening Barry because if it was over a certain number of years you would have most likely been watching a 16mm print? John.
@@moviecollector5920 cheers John actually bit envious of ur home cinema. Still got my own little TV room. Just saw Ambulance was a bit to long & to many drone shots, but I decided I would stay on & see the batman for the 3rd time love it. Have u managed to see it?
@@barrycoote9562 I haven't seen The Batman but I expect I'll get the 4K disc release as soon as it's out. Anyone can put a little home cinema together with a little determination Barry. Video projectors are so good and so comparatively cheap now that all you need is a place to put it and a white wall to project onto. Black masking makes a major difference but a few hooks in the wall and a bit of velcro and all the various frame aspect ratios can be enveloped without the need for motors or automation. The screen we're using is one we've had for over 30 years now and initially we had it in our London flat hidden behind a pelmet and rolled down whenever we fancied a film show. It's ten feet wide because the room was ten feet three inches and that was therefore the widest screen we could fit in. Funny that it's bigger than most screens installed in homes today but back when Super 8 was king many of us had rather large screens. John.
I have a friend who has a 35mm copy of Blade Runner. Must make him screen it for me one day which would then be a good excuse for another Blade Runner UA-cam video. John.
And I think that's because it's been a hobby since a very young age really. Home movie discs are more of a passtime but I manage to look at them similarly to how I used to review film prints which possibly makes a bit of a difference. Not many UA-cam reviewers ever had film at home and therefore only got into the home movie passtime at a much later date. John.
Great review. I watched Blade Runner (first original version with narrative) in the former Yugoslavia (in town Split-Croatia now) in the cinema and it was awesome!
In my opinion the original Warner - Region 1 NTSC DVD looks the best and to me is the closest to the version i saw in the cinema when it was released back in the day as i think later transfers in both blu ray and HDDVD were too teal / green leanings in most scenes. i haven't checkout the 4k uhd yet. btw i love your dedication.
Keith, you are one of the few who ever enjoyed that experience. Well done. I had to wait until the re-release but I'd already seen it on television by then so that undoubtedly nullified the impact somewhat. An undoubted masterpiece. Think I'll put it on again tonight now that you've set me thinking!
@@moviecollector5920 Well John I have some idea of how time consuming it is to make even a "simple" video like that and I liked your "mini" history of Cinerama in your 2001 4K review. You have a great home cinema setup! Cheers! :-)
Nice review, don't know if you ever had the 5 disc Blu-ray set from the US that was released a decade or so ago and if you had feelings about how the two releases compare content-wise?
No, never saw that one. This one is excellent though so I expect they're the same to look at but with even more to plough through on the six disc version. I only watched the so-called 'Final Cut' and the original version of the fim on this set. I still think the original is the best but the Final Cut is much more impressive than the previous re-edit from 1991 and anything else that may have been done to it since then. John.
@@moviecollector5920 The picture hasn't held up so well on the older Blu release - I re-watched it recently after a gap of seven years or so and was surprised, although scanning and remastering techniques have improved quite a bit over recent years so we've been spoiled. The set I have has got the Final Cut alongside the so-called director's cut, the original theatrical version and its European equivalent, plus a workprint, alongside quite a few extras. I wouldn't mind that edition you have but missed it on release and now it's a tad pricey! I might just have to plump for the normal 4K release at some stage. Paul
@@GrimCellar Going back to the original camera negatives for each film is perhaps the difference nowadays whereas before maybe a theatrical print would have been scanned. Certainly the latest copies of The Final Cut are extremely sharp with good colour and basically look just like a 35mm print. With that in mind, I expect the basic two disc version that is generally available is all you need because the quality of the original film on the Blu-ray in the special four disc pack is not in the same league as The Final Cut in terms of picture quality. I expect it's the old scan that you already have. John.
On a wall painted with brilliant white matt emulsion. Take a look at my home cinema tour video and you'll see how it all hangs together here... with string and sticky tape! Optoma now do a sub-£1,000 video projector which should be worth a look. Apparently BenQ have a good budget machine too. John.
@@hzubovi1 If you plan to watch in a dark room then all these projectors are so bright that the lumens figure is academic. The advice I give is to head to a dealer and get a few demonstrated. If you're in Britain then Richer Sounds is the place and even if you're not their web site is a good place to start looking to get some ideas in the first place. Epsom now have a 3LCD 4K projector which may well be better than all the single chip DLP equivalents but it's so distracting when dust gets on the LCD panels - as it always does eventually - and has the effect of blurred green splodges that are just visible. Do let me know if you need any help and I'll answer what I can. John.
@@moviecollector5920 Thanks again for the tips. I saw your video on another channel as well tackling these issues. The projector I am currently considering is the Optoma UDH38.
@@hzubovi1 I've just looked at the Richer Sounds projector pages and the UHD38 is on their sales list as well as a few others that may be worth taking a look at: www.richersounds.com/tv-projectors/projectors/4-k-projectors.html?p=1
OMG , your a fan of BlackRain, that film is one of my all time favs, I have such a cognitive attachment to that film but Ive never met a person who is a fan or has seen it. BladeRunner is just pure greatest. 4th fav film ever.
Black Rain is one of Ridley Scott's best. Put me down for a 4K of that one, that's for sure. Blade Runner is even better and the 4K is just like watching a film. I still prefer the original version of Blade Runner but they're all terrific irrespective of how impossible they may be to comprehend without the narrative. John.
You should see a major difference in quality. I think the 4K is akin to owning a 35mm print because it's that good. Not the best video quality you're ever going to see as it was shot 35mm rather than 65mm but it's outstanding in the 35mm class. John.
Streaming is often so annoying. You are not in control and there's so much faffing around. And of course, the quality of a 4K stream does not match a Blu-ray disc quality.... yet.
Anytime your passing Jambo Shango and we can take a look at Blade Runner in 4K together. Shame I never got a 35mm print which was a bit remiss of me. John.
Hi John, please let me know when one of your neighbours move out so I can live next door to you 👍🏻 finally got Blade Runner today, had a sneak look at it and I'm impressed so far.
Well, if you do manage to purchase next door (it's actually up for sale at the moment) then that would give the perfect excuse to watch Blade Runner again! I hope you enjoy the 4K release as much as I did. What a film!
@@moviecollector5920 just finished it mate, what a blast! Started my day with Superman the movie 4K, which was a huge disappointment, Blade Runner made it all better. Do you know if Grease 4K is worth all the hype?
@@roguetrooper5288 I've heard that Grease is excellent on 4K and it should be because it had enhanced colour on its original release in 1978 (at least I think it was '78). I've only ever seen it when Derann released it in Super 8 'Scope and I was tasked with doing the review for the Film For The Collector magazine so I don't have much of a history with Grease. I did enjoy it although I never purchased a copy on anything but if you take a look at the 4K and it's great then I suspect I'll finally take the plunge. By the way, I've just picked up Superman in 4K so that's a bit of a downer! I'll have to put Blade Runner on after to cheer myself up. However, Superman was always a bit soft and that was perhaps an extra attempt to hide the strings because it was initially tagged by a newspaper thus: "Is it a bird? Is it a plane? No, it's a Warner Brothers actor on strings." Soft focus on the prints would have gone some way to hiding the inadequacies of the special effects so I'll let you know what I think. John.
@@moviecollector5920 I'm pretty sure BBC one broadcast the new Grease 4K master yesterday in HD, it was a big step up from the Blu-ray that's for sure. Yeah, Superman was shot soft, the HDR was good, especially the space stuff and Krypton with those reflective suits. The problem with this release is the grain, it's so bad in a lot of places it's distracting. On a plus note, they've colour corrected his suit so it's a consistent blue throughout. I was born in 1972 so films like Superman, Grease and Jaws to name a few mean a lot to me.
@@moviecollector5920 do you collect Blu-rays too? I got the German release of The Six Million Dollar Man seasons 1 - 5 on Blu-ray by Turbine. It's one of the greatest physical media experiences of my life, I'm just mind blown by the picture quality and audio.
Hello, I found your channel a couple of days ago and I realy like your videos. I´m from Mexico. I have the Criterion Collection LD, 2 DVD editions, the HD-DVD and BLU RAY. I really want to know if the 4K is a worth step up from standard BluRay.
Well, I watched the original version of the film from my 4K and Blu-ray four disc set and the 4K is in a different league. If the other versions on Blu-ray are of similar quality then there is no doubt that the 4K is a step up. It looks like a 35mm print to me and I could never have asked for more than that... except perhaps, for a 35mm print! I hope you are well and keeping safe over in Mexico. John.
The MGM release laserdiscs are my favorite as far as packaging and picture quality. I also love the transfer of Trainspotting and Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas on Laserdisc although the latter would have had nicer packaging in a gatefold. I only have a cheap player and a Sony television. Although I now have a cheap Walmart Onn projector. It's not bad for a cheap thing actually. Anyway, I may have to wire it all up tonight. Under the mention circumstances, the MGM releases and those others all look fantastic compared to the 150 others I have
The best NTSC laser disc I ever saw was the CAV box set of The Wizard of Oz. The colour and definition on that was out of this world for the time. But generally the PAL laser discs were a cut above anything NTSC. 100 extra lines when we're only talking 525 (NTSC) and 625 (PAL) it makes an incredible difference. These days Blu-ray and 4K have knocked LaserDisc off the top spot but I still love them and will never part with them irrespective of the unsurpassed superiority of 4K and a lot of Blu-rays. John.
And I wish you all the best with it Will and happy collecting. Looks like a few great films from the past are coming out imminently too so you're timing couldn't be better. John.
@@moviecollector5920 just watched the Dune 1984 4K today in my new Sony player and I notice that the audio is out of sync. Same with my Dark Knight trilogy. Strange.
@@Chuckyboy85 Out of synch audio was an early problem on some DVD players so it could be that the new Sony has a memory issue in the same way whereby the image information is overwhelming and causing the sound to slip by a couple of frames. Perhaps check for a new operating system (firmware) and try that. John.
@@moviecollector5920 will try that cheers John. Next year or should I say almost this year is the 40th anniversary of Blade Runner. Hopefully something special in the pipeline.
I didn't like it enough to do a full review ellishme but it is included in the video I did Top Ten Movies Shot On Video In My Collection. Initially I found the image quality a little too dull to consider it but thankfully I took a third or fourth look at it and managed to land in scenes that looked really good. I've only watched it all the way through twice and as much as I wanted to like it both times I didn't much care for it. I will give it another try sometime and maybe my lowered expectations will mean I will actually enjoy it then. Whatever I think of it, it hasn't and will not spoil the 1982 masterpiece for me. John.
@@moviecollector5920 i understand why and i was the same viewing it at the cinema. But i did not care much for the original seeing it as a kid i think i was even more disappointed. It wasn't until later in life after re watching it i began to love it as one of my favorite movies of all time ! I would advice you to watch some of the making of extras if you can especially with the director Denis Villeneuve i think he was truly worried about making a mockery of the original and put everything he could into it. He was a fan of the original and did not skimp on any of the effects which with the props the model sets and top notch CGI must have cost a fortune to do. The film critic Kermode had this to say about it and he himself is a huge Bladerunner fan. ua-cam.com/video/s7qjl7jRyZ8/v-deo.html ua-cam.com/video/fHGu7f1jJhY/v-deo.html
@@littlemanitor I'm editing a bus documentary at the moment so I can't stop to look at Mark Kermode's review but I will do later. I didn't dislike the sequel it just wasn't Blade Runner and didn't resemble the Blade Runner world that was created by Ridley Scott and his team. The opening was poor but I can understand them using it as it was the original opening for the 1982 film. If they had have used it in 1982 I don't think the lacklustre, grey look would have been used though. I expect I did watch all the extras when I first viewed the 4K disc about 4 years ago but I will have to take another look at them. I thought the models were rather poor much of the time, unlike the original film. Maybe if the film had have been anything other than a sequel to Blade Runner I'd have thought more of it but Denis Villeneuve also direced Arrival and I didn't think very much of that one either.
@@moviecollector5920 I suppose the look was something they had to change being set in the future..sorry for disturbing your work btw ! Oh and my discs arrived from hmv fine Thanks
@@littlemanitor I think the look of Blade Runner 2049 should have replicated that of Blade Runner but I expect the makers of the sequel wanted to create something different. I would have gone all out to make it look as similar as possible even if the story went outside of the city. I'm getting everything organized for the little production I'm working on so you haven't disturbed me at all. It actually helps to break off and go back to things occasionally. And good news that your HMV discs have arrived too. We all got what we ordered in the end. I had a quick look at the Predator 4K on Saturday evening and it the bits I saw didn't look particularly good at all. Perhaps people were just relieved to get a new transfer after the debacle of the Blu-ray which looks dreadful. John.
There was a 35mm print of it on eBay a couple of weeks ago. You could have added that one to your collection too. The original version of the film but I don't know if they were all on low fade stock in 1982 as that was the crossover year. If not, it's probably a salmon pink colour by now. John.
I think it's almost 35mm quality in the home. Amazing work for a film that was largely ignored upon initial release but this masterpiece won out in the end. John.
Blade Runner was shot on 35mm film Reubsbay so that is why it looks so good. Video cameras are not managing to equal the quality of 35mm very often, if at all, so it would be nice if more productions got back to using the best tools of the trade. It's all about money though and video costs practically nothing. John.
The "director's cut" wasn't actually the director's cut - it was assembled by the studio. Scott's only version after the original theatrical release was "The Final Cut".
Hi John. It’s me again. Mr 6300 movies. Blade runner is my all time favorite movie. Always has been. It’s part of my life. I’m looking at the new 4K that you talked about and it’s so beautiful I’m nearly in tears. I feel like I’m in the theater. I have an LG 77 inch with an 8000 watt sound system that can knock down walls and what an experience this is for me. It looks so amazing. I do have one question for you. A few years ago Ridley released his Blu-ray FINAL CUT that we were excited to see. I always had a little issue with it and wonder if you also noticed it. I’m very color sensitive and that version always had a slight greenish tint to it. Not huge but enough to keep me aware of it. This 4K looks perfect. Did you ever notice a green cast on that Final Cut Blu-ray? As always. Thanks. You are much appreciated.
I only ever looked at BLADE RUNNER on any Blu-ray with this 4K pack. I didn't watch the FINAL CUT Blu-ray though, only the original (and best) version of the film but I expect I took a cursory look to check it against the 4K which I think is about as close to owning your own personal 35mm print as it comes without actually owning a 35mm print. That would be the ultimate of course and I do have a friend who has one. I just need to work out how to get in there one night! John.
80s sci-fi contains a good chunk of all my favorite films, which is unusual for a gen z. most people i know my age can't tolerate anything beyond the year 2000 unless it's star wars. so, lately i've been trying to figure out what i like about the 80s so much that i don't find as much in most modern sci-fi films. i think it's small and more personal stories told in large unique worlds. and blade runner represents that very well.
@@duncandonuts5268 I hope you've seen in in genuine IMAX Duncan. Only 3 IMAX cinemas currently in the UK but 18 in the USA, 6 in Canada, 1 in eastern Europe somewhere and 1 in Australia. There is still a single genuine IMAX in India but they only have to 15/70 3D documentaries to screen now so that's not looking too hopeful for the sub-continent. All the rest have gone full on, cheap, low quality video projection. John.
@@moviecollector5920 I've never seen any film in imax unfortunetely. My first time watching intersteller was with my 4k disc on my dad's 75 inch tv. Hopefully one day I'll have the opportunity to see it in imax!
Ive had this on 2 x VHS (old WB's late 80's, then 1992 Directors cut) then DVD, then 5 disc DVD boxset with all the versions, then Bluray all the cuts box set and now 4K. Hate to think how much have spent on this 1 film over the years but if anything is worth it, Blade Runner probably is. The 4K and the Atmos soundtrack really is something else. Saw this finally on the big screen not long before 2049 was released but i think the 4K is as good.
I think we really need a bigger screen to see exactly how good these 4K discs are at times. Certainly in here about about 7 feet wide it looked like a 35mm print but I want to project it about 20 feet wide sometime. We do have a 24ft wide CinemaScope screen for the British Film Collectors Conventions so I'd like to resurrect those once this pesky virus allows it and give some of the discs a try on that whopping big screen. We'd need about 400 people to come along for a gathering to break even these days though but it all depends on the cost of a venue. John.
Their is a 90 min video on cuts scenes from Blade Runner the one at the end of video is Rachel talking in the car driving out of the city. She say you know what I think. I think we were "MADE" for each other!!! This was never used in the film.At a point it is suggested Deckard is Replicant . With Unicorn sequence also from Ridley Scotts movie Legend a scene cut put in for this assertion. Harrison had said In one interview he was not a Replicant. As you can see 👀???? It was implied in one incarnation and then changed for the Final Cut.
That was the second MOVIE COLLECTOR video Phil so almost four years ago now I think. I might finally get around to reviewing the sequel eventually. John.
My thinking of the sequel is that something wasn't quite right. It may have been a few things but overall I find it to be forgettable whereas the original film stays in my head and I feel like I could watch it over and over again. I did revisit the sequel before doing this review but couldn't really think of anything worthwhile to say about it. To summarize, everything was better in the 1982 film - the characters, the sets, the story, the soundtrack, the special effects - everything including the fact that it had beautiful film grain which the sequel did not and it suffered for that right from the outset. Blade Runner is simply one of my favourite films but despite what I've said I suspect the sequel will grow on my over the years. John.
And if makes a second appearance for the Alien review. Didn't get a chance to talk about Alien War though but maybe if Aliens gets a 4K disc release that will be more of an excuse to mention it. John.
Blade runner is the only film in my collection that i own EVERY release of throughout the years. My family always asks me, "dont you already own that". And i say yes, but not this one. I cant imagine doing this for anything else.
I was a visual effects artist on Star Wars prequels, sequels, standalone movies, commercials, the Mandalorian show and even Disneyland SW attractions. The original trilogy made an indelible impression on my life and not only inspired my career, but my lifelong love of films. I really enjoy your UA-cam videos... your historical knowledge, incomparable film collection and amazing home theater all strike a cord deep in me. Really glad I found your channel!
Star Wars made an indellible impression on me too. I wanted to have a go at the special effects but my father's Super 8 camera didn't have single frame advance so despite building some home made models I never did get the chance to try stop motion animation with them. I already loved cinema and home movies by then but the Super 8 cut down releases fuelled my interest and that is what has led to these little videos today. Seems like you and I have similar interests... although I'm a bit of a nut for classic British cars too, particularly those wearing a Triumph badge so I'm probably certifiable really..
@@moviecollector5920 I am certifiable in many other ways. Though I haven't been bit by the bug for automobiles, I have been for a host of other expensive hobbies and interests, such as collecting movie prop replicas, memorabilia, and autographs. The same for sports and music entertainment, but film and filmmaker collecting is one of my bigger endeavors. I've dreamed for decades of constructing a true home cinema in my basement and have collected items such as theater seats, movie poster lightboxes and mylar light box for Now Playing mylars from AMC Cinemas. But while I do have an Epson projector to project my modestly substantial collection of blu-rays, dvds and laserdiscs against a wall, I have not converted my basement into a theater yet, and time is running out. One reason I see your setup and admire it so much!
@@trueCinemaniac There is nothing better than a flat white wall to project onto. Paint the surround black and you're almost there as easy as that. Moving masking and everything else can be added later as you work it out. You don't need to waste money on a screen, that's for sure.
This is amazing. You are an incredible host. Thank you for your work.
Thank you Mr. Schiller. It's easy to talk about a film as good as Blade Runner though. A true masterpiece.
John.
Hi John, fantastic work. I was a projectionist at a 9 cinema complex in the late 90s and early 00s and sometimes I miss the cinematic look and feel of good quality print stock. I love how these studios are keeping things like grain intact in these legacy titles and not DNRing and sharpening images to 'appeal' to a modern audience. sometimes all digital film can look a little soulless.
Thank you Paul. Always nice to hear from a fellow enthusiast.
John.
The best 4K disc I own! Your review perfectly encapsulates what I love so much about this disc and film in general. I’m so happy that Warner decided to go all out with this collector’s edition release and include every cut as well as the marvellous Dangerous Days documentary! Excellent video, John!
Have you done a full review of this set Leon because if not, it's right up your alley. And I think the ongoing views on this video prove that it doesn't matter when you do a review of Blade Runner and how long it takes to find an audience, eventually it finds it. I would be able to give it a plug if you do create a review but if you've already done it please point me to it.
Just read your email so I'll do a reply to that after I respond to all the remaining outstanding comments that have popped up in the past few hours. I'm glad you've received a good response to Apocalypse Now which you bloody well deserved with that video.
John.
I’ve still got the five disc HD-DVD of Blade Runner with the work print version.
HD DVD should have been the successor to DVD. Going with Blu-ray all but killed the home video market because people in general still think Blu-ray it's something beyond their understanding. Everyone would have comprehended what HD DVD stood for.
Keep that HD DVD copy of Blade Runner safe because that is one heck of a collectable today. I just wish there were still players on sale and the discs to run in them.
John.
@@moviecollector5920
Absolutely agree!
Sony paid off the studios with huge brown envelopes when it looked like Toshibas format was winning.
@@Corbomite-ei1ty I heard something similar to that. Whatever happened, it looks to have been dodgy at best.
John.
I've got this copy too - a great collection and really great transfers too
@@Corbomite-ei1ty I expect the Playstation 3 being able to play Blu-ray discs had a significant part in the early success of the format, while the Xbox 360 required a separate add-on to play HD DVDs. You could of course buy stand-alone players but many people wouldn't bother if they had a console that could already do the job, similar to how the Playstation 2 also being able to play DVDs gave that format a huge boost.
Well I should have known it, 'Blade Runner'. Seriously great review and you're getting so professional!
I was going to blame the lack of a Super 8 release of Blade Runner on the manager at Derann at the time but I thought I'd better not say it out loud!
Very cool idea for a channel because it covers film history as well as talking about and reviewing 4K blurays! I'm a 42 year old movie enthusiast with a dedicated Theater Room and this is the type of content that I need in my life! I can't wait to watch more videos!!!
Greetings Termnator Juice. The Terminator is one of my very favourite films but as I have it on Super 8 I know it so well that I never bothered with the Blu-ray. Anyway, that's another story. Thank you for joining me on this filmic adventure in UA-cam. We watched Cinema Paradiso in 4K last night and I hope to get a video review of that done and uploaded shortly. John.
@@moviecollector5920 T2 was my always favorite, because it came out when I was 13 years old and blew my mind, but years later I realized the The Terminator was the better movie overall... And unfortunately James Cameron doesn't seem to believe in remastering and restoring his older films so we never got quality releases on Bluray(and now 4K bluray), and it's a real shame because the DVD versions look pretty terrible! The studios did release the first two Terminator movies on bluray but the quality was subpar, and the 4K transfer of T2 is abysmal from what I've heard, which is a real shame. : (
One bit of trivia for ya if you'll humor me... Which home video format was the first one where consumers could buy T2 in HD?
Actually saw this one in 1982 in the cinema and was blown away - even though it contained the voice over and the somewhat unnatural happy ending. Also owned the “bad” dvd but now am really happy with the 4k disc. Still thrills me today. Timeless gem. Thanks for this great review. Love the rich variety of collectibles in the background.
Thank you Gero. I think Blade Runner is one of the best films ever made. A real treasure to be able to watch it at home in such amazing, film-like quality. John.
I also saw it in 1983 (a 70mm print I believe) the picture quality really made it for me. As for the "Unnaturally happy ending" I'm sure Terry Gilliam thought the same and reverses it in his film "Brazil" where the couple getting away shown was brutally reversed.
Hi John, Thankyou for reviewing the best film ever made, My first encounter with this film was on a VHS pan and scan rental, and then subsequently on pan and scan taped off the tv, didn't see it in glorious widescreen until the director's cut 're-release in 93. What a lot of people forget is that people fell in love with the film with the voice over and happy ending, now yes, it's better without both, but the happy ending I seriously don't mind. Talking about 4k, the picture quality on Braveheart is outstanding. I too have an Alien War T shirt and can remember running out into Piccadilly Circus from the Trocadero, because we were bloody scared stiff!
I went through Alien War four or five times. Saw Sigourney Weaver and Lance Henrikson on the opening night which was a nice surprise. London was at its greatest around that time and it's been on a slow decline from then on. I couldn't believe it when the Leicester Square Theatre was demolished (aka Odeon West End) but I think that's an indication of how cinema is doing. No doubt Covid-19 is going to finish off a lot of them now but hopefully new investors will come in and get it all started again. Hopefully more will go back to screening real film which may act as a novelty draw, particularly on 70mm.
Yes, I too think Blade Runner is one of the best ever and I hadn't seen it properly until the re-release in 1993. But I do still think I prefer the original version even if Mr. Ford didn't sound particularly interested in his narrative some of the time.
Great video. My parents had the original theatre realise of the film on Betamax video. I was terrified and equally captivated by this film and loved it more when I saw the director's cut in the 90s. The final cut, in my opinion, is one of the best revisits to a film, to 'fix' issues that there has ever been. If you haven't got a copy, I really recommend the book Future Noir, about the filming of Blade Runner. Great video again.
It's a great film and hard to believe it did so poorly upon original theatrical release. I agree about the Final Cut - those amendments/corrections were quite astounding and I too thought they enhance the film. Not something I usually agree with but they did it so well (for a change!).
John.
I saw this film during its initial release at a drive-in theatre in Southern California in 1982. It was a double-feature along with 'Dead Men Don't Wear Plaid'. I was about 13 years old. Blade Runner was so mind blowing that I never forgot that night. (Of course, already being a monstrous Star Wars fan by then.) Stereo didn't exist then. The speaker was a single metal box about half the size of a shoe box (not small !), looked 20 years old and it sucked. Tinny crap sound, no bass at all. You would hang it on the inside of a car window. This is how Blade Runner was borne to us back in the day. _And yet it was Epic!_ It is very satisfying how well the story has aged; it seems even more relevant today than when it was filmed. (The film I mean; being a sizable improvement over the very good original book by Philip K. Dick)
Wouldn't it be wonderful to be able to go back and experience Blade Runner like that again today? Now you've got me thinking... I might put a screen up outside in front of the car and hang a couple of speakers into the car windows!!! John.
Great work John! Appreciate your insight into how the 4K's stack up to the original 35mm print, as well as your memories from it's original release. You got a new fan here. Keep em coming!
Thank you Daniel. I'm planning to look at Apocalypse Now 4K next but also have Cinema Paradiso on order (finally!). The plan for Apocalypse Now is to have another couple of chaps review the 4K for us too so that there will be more informed opinion and also a difference of releases as Leon at Leon Talks Film has the six disc 4K version which has the original version of the film (the lucky bast...!!!). John.
I had that Criterion laserdisc set. Forgot about CAV 😀 owned the VHS, laserdisc, DVD, Blu-ray and now the 4K. Best off, Ridley sent me an autographed print from the film, which he personally addressed to me 😀
Well you might have got one for me too! I can see that you and I are on very similar wavelenghths Robert.
@@moviecollector5920 and oh yeah, I was a projectionist at Wolves Poly in the 1970's and 80's and love the sound and vibe of a 16mm projector. Especially with an anamorphic lens.!!
@@Celestialrob I don't have many films on 16mm but I do have a few - Bullitt, Airplane 2 and Zulu plus a few trailers and shorts.
@@moviecollector5920 Airplane 2? Surely you cannot be serious……….
@@MikeTheBike2010 Ho ho. And don't call me Shirley!
Now it will never be lost, like tears in the yotube stream.. Great work!
Thank you again Jørn.
I saw on dvd and wow what a difference it was in 4K. Like you said you can actually see the movie. One of my fav movies and 4K discs. Great gift from my wife.
I don't think either of us will ever tire of watching Blade Runner Jon. Just like Alien you can hang it on the wall and simply marvel at it like a great work of art.
John.
Thanks John I’m enjoying your reviews, I’ve started buying the odd 4K disc. Love your home cinema.
So glad I found this channel. Can't wait for more content from you . I've always loved bladerunner. I'm probably similar age to you but never seen it in the cinema but iwn it on vhs, dvd, bluray and now 4k with dolby atmos. Aren't we lucky. Love the channel. Love the look of your cinema room. Love to see a video tour.
Thank you for your kind words Bilko. I wonder if the National Film Theatre ever screen Blade Runner. I was a member for years while living in London but they never showed it then. I suppose now we have the 4K discs and the possibility of all getting a budget home video projector the necessity for re-running old movies in cinemas has gone but I don't think it will be possible to beat a BIG screen in a large auditorium watching a film with other like-minded people. It should always be a FILM in a cinema though, particularly if there is a 70mm print available. I will do a video tour sometime and you'll be surprised how easy it really is to create a real ('reel') home cinema for very little cost... almost nothing in fact.
@@moviecollector5920 Please do .
@@UNAL0504 If you haven't found the home cinema tour video then it's here: ua-cam.com/video/jQ7uxYv3zbY/v-deo.html - and I hope you like it.
@@moviecollector5920 Yes I have thanks enjoyed it very much .Can you do more like that on super 8
@@UNAL0504 Is there any particular aspect of Super 8 that interests you? When I get something more Super 8 orientated organized I will then try to include what you'd like to see or learn about.
Just found your channel. So glad I did. Great review of my all time favourite movie. Looking forward to watching your many video uploads. Excellent channel 👍
Thank you Stephen. Very glad to have you with me.
John.
Yes, we even had promotional pin badges with the vehicles on, flyers , card hats all to do with the VW tie in at the time for car dealers- sadly not for a Spinner!
I got round to watching the 4K disc a couple of nights ago and my word what a disc. The PQ/SQ is stunning, but that HDR is just amazing. I'd read a lot of good things about the 4K disc but decided to keep my feet on the ground (as I did with Jaws) when I got round to watching this and doing that paid off. Thanks for running a great channel here John, I've been around for a month or two now working my way though your content a bit at a time, keep at it Sir and stay safe.
I feel that having Blade Runner and Jaws in the quality these 4K disc give us is a dream come true. I longed for Super 8 copies for years and even though I knew there were Jaws prints out there, I never came across one. Blade Runner never had anything released on Super 8 apart from a trailer (I think) from a dealer in America but I never got that either. So although the Blu-ray of Jaws is outstanding, the HDR on the 4K knocks it into a cocked hat. Similarly with Blade Runner but the Blu-ray version I looked at in the pack I got didn't look like a negative scan so possibly from a print or at best the internegative. The internegative is two generations own from the original camera negative and taken from the interpositive which is where all the colour grading and everything else is done so the internegative can be duplicated onto prints at speed until it falls apart whereupon a replacement is produced from the interpositive which of course, protects the original negative. This means that a new scan of the original negative means all the grading and contrast needs to be done from scratch. Sometimes this results in our 4K discs not replicating the original film exactly as with the 1989 Batman apparently. John.
I love your videos. Would you ever consider doing a retrospective of laser discs in your collection? I love the packaging of those things and would love to see them in more detail.
Top 5, if not the greatest Scifi ever. Yes, even over 2001 A Space Odyssey.
Both great films. I don't know which I prefer but I think it's Blade Runner... then again... no, it's 2001... err no...
John.
For those who love 2001, you *Must* read the book -- it is Exceptional Sci-Fi. Also best to find a more recent print with the Prologue that describes how the original version was just a short story by Clarke (30 pages or so); when Kubrick sought out Clarke, they developed the full-size story & movie simultaneously. However for the cinema, my vote goes to Blade Runner for top title.
I had a HD projector in my previous house and to watch the bluray of Bladerunner was an unequaled experience in terms of visual feel. That darkness and smoke and rain and was so vibrant. It was my favourite viewing experience in terms of visual presentation. No other bluray has looked so good.
It is an exceptional Blu-ray. 4K is even slightly better due to HDR. Thank you for commenting John.
John.
Thank you, for the love of movies, and thank you for loving Blade Runner, one of the best sci-fi movies of all time, if not the best.
Now you've made me think James because it may just be the best. There are quite a few classics though and even though I prefer Alien it's possible Blade Runner is a better film... if that makes sense.
John.
I just discovered this channel! Love the review! Great film! Subscribed!
Thank you Sega.
Having finally purchased my copy of BLADE RUNNER 4k from GRUV it does not disappoint. The cityscapes are beautiful. This copy has the theater and director's cut on one disc. I've been wanting this for a long time as it's been on my list of must-haves. I was surprised recently when I upgraded my HDMI cables to 2.1 and how it improved color and clarity. So I thought I would watch your review again after getting my own copy and I must say I pretty much agree with everything you said. Daniel.
It is a beautiful 4K disc Daniel. Just like having a 35mm print without the noise of the projector but that can be sorted. Maybe I should make a recording of the Kinoton FP20 running just so people can make up a sound loop to run in the background while watching this 4K of Blade Runner. That would complete the illusion.
John.
I love your reviews. I own a lot of the discs you’ve reviewed and I’ve been enjoying your opinions on them as well as the history and context you provide. Thanks for all the great content
Thank you. I could do with watching this Blade Runner 4K again. But I have a colleague who has a 35mm print so I keep thinking that I most hold off until we've been able to run that. One day hopefully. John.
John. Sorry I am so late to watch your review of Blade Runner 4k. I just found your channel yesterday. I watched your 4k review of 2001 a space odyssey. Figured 2001 the movie is 53 years old, I am 53 years old, I should probably own this. I enjoyed your review of 4k Blade Runner. I don't think there is a subject you covered during your review that I am not currently aware of but that is not the point. I enjoyed your memories of watching this movie with the sound of the 35mm camera running. I too miss that sound. You gave me a great idea to run that on a small speaker in the back of my home theater with the sound of a muffled 35mm projector running. It really adds to the emersion of watching some of my favorite movies from the 70's and 80's. I have now subscribed to your channel and look forward to catching up on your other review. Take care.
Thank you xbladerunner. Glad you found me and even more glad to have you as a subscriber. It's the support that makes this worthwhile. Ad Astra is another good science fiction (review went up today) once you get past the fact that it's not the usual blockbuster shoot 'em up!
John.
Thank you for doing this review. You've convinced me to buy this movie, yet again. I've owned it on VHS, DVD, Bluray, Steelbook, Collectors edition with car and now it will be 4k.
I compared the 4K disc to the Blu-ray with the original version of the film from 1982 in this pack so probably not the fairest comparison but I still think this is another top-notch 4K and similar in standard to a 35mm print, albeit on a slightly smaller screen than we'd usually be enjoying 35mm film at a cinema in days gone by. Whatever, Blade Runner is a masterpiece. And talking of masterpieces, I'm hoping to review the 4K of The Deer Hunter shortly. It's a bit dark but when I saw the film on re-release in about 1981 it was dark and intentionally grainy to provide a dirty, gritty feel.
I collect vinyl and I'm glad we don't have Laserdisc-sized sets anymore. One thing I've discovered is that when people move, their collections of large objects are the first things to go, even before big furniture. 12" discs would take up space and people usually can't take them like books or DVDs (which can fit in disc wallets) in cars or U-Hauls so they'd break them up.
Last summer I saw a college student drop off her record collection because she graduated and had to move for work. She'd been collecting for 4 years and bought most of her stuff new so it had to have been an $8,000 collection...just *poof* gone because it was too big and heavy to take with her. Broke my heart and I can't imagine that happening to collectors on a regular basis, but if we had large sets like Laserdiscs, we'd see it all the time. Not good, man....nooooooooooot good.
Funny thing is, I have over 100 laser discs on a shelf and they take up less space than 100 DVDs, Blu-rays and UHD Blu-rays (plus the odd CD-I too). Losing the packaging would make a lot of difference of course. Now then, I'd better get to your Alien 3 comment now... stand by.
Great review. Many thanks. Have been subscribed for a while now and each review is a revelation. I’ve just got my first 4K player and I’m ready to go.
Good luck with it Simon. It can take a bit of playing around to get the best out of 4K. My basic rule of thumb is to ensure all digital processing is turned off on the player and the projector or television. That usually ensures you're almost there before you start. John.
This is one of my favorite films of all time. I loved it the day I watched it. I could watch it with no dialogue and still be mesmerized by it. On top of the great visuals you get all the great writing and acting. Love the themes on how valuable life is. Ridley at his best.
Well said Duncan. Apparently Ridley Scott was a little temperamental making this film in Los Angeles. I think that was because the American crew didn't understand what he was trying to do. Lesson learned in the end I suppose as it's now regarded as one of the greatest films ever made. John.
I enjoy all the many versions of “Blade Runner”, but I’d say my favorite is still the original theatrical release.
Somehow I recently became unsubscribed from your channel-still not sure how-but now subscribed once again. I really enjoy your content.
I'm with you on the original version David. Shame there isn't a 4K version of it in this disc set.
I think UA-cam unsubscribed quite a few people recently. Must be getting too popular!!! John.
Excellent review. The BEST sci Fi movie ever. I'm one of those weird ones that prefers the narration. I saw the movie in the theater when it came out and have loved it ever since. Thumbs up boss!
Yep, I still think the original version is best. I didn't see it at the cinema but did see the so-called 'Director's Cut' which wouldn't have made any sense to me at all if I hadn't seen the original film first. Without that dialogue from Harrison Ford it's nonsensical. I recently got the soundtrack LP which I love.
John.
Just started getting into 4K since I got my Bravia 65” OLED last year. Love your channel!
Thank you ReservoirFrog. You'll need a 4K video projector to go with it now! John.
@@moviecollector5920 😅
Just bought my Blade Runner (Final Cut) 4K blu ray! Can't wait to watch it :) Thanks for the fantastic discussion as always, John :D
That's one of the best Andre. I'd still love to have an original low fade 35mm print but in reality it's not necessary with the latest version of the film looking this good on video. Play some projector noise in the background and you'd think you were watching a master print. I hope you have a great time with it. John.
I was late to get on the Blade Runner train. Don't really know why, I'm a big fan of Harrison, maybe it was because I was enjoying his successes in Star Wars. And Indiana Jones series. Well I'm glad I finally watched Blade Runner because I think it's his best work and the movie is a masterpiece in every sense of the word! Thank you for your insightful take on this classic, your passion for this film is apparent! I will buy the 4k based on your take and can't wait, I've been enjoying it on blu ray.
The Blu-ray versions are in the pack I have but they don't compare to the 4K which looks just like a 35mm print to me. It really was a thrill for me to be able to watch this film in such great quality at home. I never would have thought it possible without someone gifting me a valuable 35mm theatrical print. John.
Best Reviewer on YT let’s be honest
I think Keith at Euphoria Pictures is doing special work these days but thank you for saying so. John.
Dangerous Days, to my mind, exceeds even Heart of Darkness as the best BTS documentary every made..
It is brilliant I'm probably going to be watching Hearts of Darnkness again soon though as a 4K review of Apocalypse Now is coming soon. John.
Since my recent 4K home theater upgrade, I've been watching a lot of 4K movie review channels like yours. I've also found myself buying 4K Blu-ray films like they're going out of style. As you can imagine, there's a significant cost factor involved. I've already purchased nearly $2,000 USD worth of 4K movies in efforts of building up my library. Many of them I've purchased before in other formats such as VHS & DVD. I first became familiar with Blade Runner (1982) many years after it's theatrical release. I bought the director's widescreen cut of it on VHS in the 1990's. Yesterday I placed an order for the UHD version. I immediately fell in love with the Vangelis soundtrack. I still have the CD which I bought as well. I saw Chariots of Fire in the theater but somehow Blade Runner slipped past my radar scope; which came out shortly thereafter. In the 1990's I picked up a copy of Chariots of Fire on LD. I really didn't learn to appreciate the significance of that movie until I was a few years older than I was when seeing it in the movie theater. The Vangelis theme song became so popular. Today the phrase "went viral " would be used to describe it's success. Hearing the methodical synthesizer note repeating itself at the beginning just reels the listener in. In the video link that I've attached, you'll see a side of Harrison Ford that few are familiar with. > ua-cam.com/video/pl8u1NtK-7w/v-deo.html
It's easy to spend a lot of money on discs and it can become a bit addictive. Certainly I've spent far too much over the past two years but we haven't exactly been able to live life as normal across most of the world so I expect many of us turned to home movies to help get us through it. It also helped starting this channel which I wouldn't have had the time for before the pandemic.
I watched the aircraft museum promotional film you posted the link for and it's beautiful. I've been to Denver International many times and if I head over again I think I'll be visiting Wings Over The Rockies Air & Space Museum. Harrison Ford has a wonderful voice. In fact, he's better in the promo video than he is with the voice over in Blade Runner but I still prefer the original version of Blade Runner simply because without the Harrison Ford narration there is absolutely no chance of comprehending what the hell is going on.
John.
@@moviecollector5920 That's really interesting. Though I currently reside in Michigan, I've lived in a couple of other areas of the United States. From late 1990 to early 1992 I lived in Lakewood, Colorado; a community located a few miles west of Denver. The DIA was still being constructed at the time.
@@ericlozen9631 First few times I flew into Denver we had to go via Minneapolis or Washington. Went into the city centre of Minneapolis between flights once, it was January and I have never known cold quite like it. Got stuck on a chair lift in Colorado when a white-out hit one time and that had a wind chill of between -40 to -50 but that was different.
John.
@@moviecollector5920 Which ski resort was it. Although I never learned how to ski I still visited a couple of them.
@@ericlozen9631 Breckenridge. One of my favourite places on planet Earth... not that I've visited any other planets lately. When that storm came in it was without warning. A sunny day suddenly went completely white with high winds causing the chair lift to be shut down. I hadn't put my ski hat on prior to getting on the lift because it was so warm at the base but after a few minutes in that storm I could feel my brain cooling down so I covered my head with my thick gloved hands rather than risk dropping anything that could keep me alive long term. Fortunately we were only stuck for about five or ten minutes, we got to the top and the lift operators told us to get to the base immediately. There was no one else on the lift behind us.
Vail is a pretty nice place to ski too but I find it all a bit fake there whereas Breckenridge is still an original gold mine town despite all the development of recent years.
John.
Saw this in the cinema in 1982 - blew me away and loved it ever since - great channel - just found and subbed - thank you fur the effort and love you put into your reviews
Thank you Dean. Good to know you like the reviews and I'm pleased to have you with me.
John.
Nice! Blade Runner is my absolute favorite movie of all time. I love that you kept the snap-case flipper DVD from ages ago. I ditched that for the remastered Director's Cut DVD that came out just a few years before the Final Cut hit Blu-ray. I wish I had held onto that as it was one of the first DVD's I ever bought (and I wish I still had the Remaster which I ditched when the Blu-ray hit). Oddly enough, I still have a VHS copy of the DC....AND (you'll love this) I have the HD-DVD version of the briefcase collector's set.
You're the second person that's told me they have the HD DVD of Blade Runner Tom. If HD DVD had have become the high definition disc format winner then the home movie market would be in a much better state. Most people think Blu-ray is some sort of high tech thing they could never hope to understand whereas everyone would have understood 'HD DVD'. Sony up to dirty tricks apparently.
The original DVD I have is a region 1 which I picked up in the USA in January 1999. The shopkeeper tried to tell me it wouldn't play over here so I had to explain all about region codes and multi-region playback on certain machines.
John.
@@moviecollector5920 HD-DVD was actually the superior format on a technical level and would have been much easier to build upon for future formats. Blu-ray was all about Sony flexing and wanting to control the licensing for the next generation format. They knew they had the power to control the success of a format when they packed in a DVD player with the PS2 -- but they did without any of the benefits of owning the licensing. With the PS3 they took it one step further and made "their" format the successful one. Can't blame them, really. It worked. But I think we would have been better off with HD-DVD in the long run. It was much more robust.
@@Downhuman74 That's a darned good summary!
Excellent video. New subscriber. You enhance my enjoyment of these movies. I just upgraded my home theater to 4k and I have never seen Blade Runner and really like Harrison Ford. Seems like a no brainer blind 4k purchase for someone like me. Not totally blind with excellent reviews like yours.
Good to have you here and welcome! Blade Runner is one of three all-time great cinematic works of art in my opinion (2001 and Apocalypse Now being the other two but Alien's not too far behind) and this 4K disc release is just like looking at a 35mm print. It's a dream come true to be able to own a copy in such wonderful quality so if you're prepared to simply watch a film that is beautiful to look at and listen to then you are going to enjoy this Ridley Scott masterpiece. I hope that's not over selling it because expectation can have a bearing on how much you like a film. John.
New subscriber here John. Blade Runner is one of my favorite all time movies. I watched it in Brazil in 1982 and it was magical. I have a 1080 3D version of Blade Runner 2049 that I am dying to watch in 3D on my big projector screen, even though this movie just doesn't have the same magic as the 1982 film. Never knew there was a laser disc copy. I'm a few years older than you and I like your reminiscing about these good old favorites. Now I have to buy a 4k 3D player and projector. just upgraded the projector a year ago... Like your shirt!
The BFI IMAX have a screening of 'The Final Cut' on Sunday 5th February Jim but it's a video projection of course. It will be 90 feet wide though so I bet all us Blade Runner fans would love to see that. It's a film that doesn't need to be watched, you only need to look at it and admire the imagery like we do a great oil painting hanging in a gallery. I didn't think very much of the recent sequel but I expect it's biggest fault was not being the 1982 film. I have tried re-watching it though but it didn't make any difference.
I don't think there is such a thing as 4K in 3D so you'll probably be fine with what you have. I like 3D as a novelty but I've always struggled with complete films in 3D. I prefer it when there are sections that go into 3D and we only have to put the dreaded glasses on for five minutes or so at a time. LCD 3D is a bit different though as those glasses feel almost natural.
John.
I used to own the Criterion laserdisc, loved it, although my copy degraded. Maybe laserdisc rot. I so regret selling my laserdisc collection - but just didn’t have room for it at the time. Took a lot of space.
And if you think LaserDisc takes up a lot of space you want to see what a few 35mm features will do to your living room!
Laser rot was a more common problem on LaserDisc. I only have one (Dante's Peak NTSC copy) that has suffered so far that I know of.
John.
I was 14 years old on June 26th 1982 when I got dropped off at the movies and snuck into blade runner. As I entered the theater if you had asked me what I thought the future would look like I would have described something along the lines of Star Trek TOS, colorful and perfectly clean. When the movie ended I felt like a different person and my view of the future was complely changed to what was a much more realistic view. I also thought it was beautiful, Roys sacrifice and speach was so moving. I was very disappointed that it did not do well. I love the movie and everyone involved with it. Then we snuck in and watched The Thing (1982) for the first time, it was the best movie day ever.
What an historic day you had there Mr. Grimm. Two of the greatest films ever made in one cinema outing. That's not something that your ever likely to repeat although I think we can all agree that we hope we haven't seen our favourite film yet. So, you never know, there may be a couple of masterpieces that will appear in the future and playing in the same multiplex on the same day. If so, I'll see you there!
John.
this 4k release and the one for blade runner 2049 are the first movies I've ordered to start my collection (still waiting for the to arrive so I can enjoy a great movie night). Excellent review as always
The original film is probably among the best 35mm films put onto the 4K disc format Jesus. The only thing missing when screening it is the gentle drumming of a distant 35mm projector in a projection booth. I didn't get on so well with the sequel but others rate is highly so you should have a great time. If science fiction is your main preference then probably the best 4K is INTERSTELLAR owing to its genuine IMAX origin.
John.
To me Blade Runner has perfect visuals, perfect music, Harrison ford getting drunk or offering drinks the entire movie lol. You have Roy & pris as an amazing duo. I literally always watch this movie for the soundtrack alone . It doesn’t have a flaw until Harrison Ford starts freaking with a Robot !! But other than that 10/10
Yes, no film is perfect but this one comes pretty close. A couple of years ago I finally purchased the soundtrack album which is beautiful to listen to and to look at as it's in one of those gatefold LP sleeves.
John.
We were one of the few uk cinemas that showed it. Most people came to see it just for Harrison Ford, but soon realised this film was something different.
Well, I wish you'd have invited me along Derek cos' back in 1982 our local cinema completely missed it. Seems like most cinemas did from what you just said. Perhaps it was a film that was simply too far ahead of its time back then. 'The Fifth Element' had striking similarities but by 1997 we'd all gotten used to the Blade Runner look.
Such a pleasure
...to listen to your reviews John 🤠😎
Thank you. This Blade Runner review was the second one I ever did. May last year I think. Things seem to have gone rather well since then. John.
The trailer did make it to Super 8, in a SF reel released by LA films and sold in the UK by Derann. Very good print quality, at least on the LPP copy I have.
Send it down Brian!
Great review of one of my favourite films, I still own my dvd collections tin with all the different cuts of the film to this day still one of my favourite editions, a true masterpiece of a film 🍿🔥 keep the reviews coming great channel
One of my favourtie films too but I think that's the case with a great many of us true film enthusiasts. The 4K disc is just like screening a 35mm print and we could never have wished for better than that from a home video. Quite amazing really. John.
Another great review of a classic, I remember when I saw it in cinema, I knew it was going to become a classic
Sadly I saw if first on television but got a second chance with the Director's Cut.
John.
@@moviecollector5920 Thanks for the reply, love your new channel, your insight on your amazing collection and infos on super 8 and other films, is very interesting. Great to have new insight for us movie lovers. Great work sir, keep it up! From Canada...
@@tankndg26 Thank you. We plan to give the 4K of Ad Astra a spin on Saturday night [at the movies] so that may well be the next review.
John.
Blade Runner is my all time favorite FILM. Thank You for a GREAT REVIEW.
It's one of my favourites too Rob. Andy at ElectricGeek has just done a very interesting review of two Blade Runner 4K box sets which I think you'll also like: ua-cam.com/video/Mv-fO34GImA/v-deo.html
Fantastic review, i was not a fan of this film years ago to be honest, i do have it on Blu-ray and have had it for about a year but still have yet to watch it again, i am now thinking of upgrading to 4K before i do re-watch it, thanks mate.
I need to thoroughly check the Blu-ray against the 4K Bushman Blu because one of the things that has become a pet project over the past couple of months is if there is any perceptible difference between the 4K and 2K discs. I did check Blade Runner and immediately could see a significant improvement over the 2K but after I'd switched everything off I realized there are multiple versions of the film on 2K in the four disc box that I have. Somewhere in there may be a 2K version taken from the same master as the 4K and that is the one to check. Whatever the outcome it is an exceptionally good picture on the 4K disc and HDR should mean it's got more visible detail in the darker scenes and areas of the frame. My take on it was that it's just like watching a film and that's an amazing compliment for a video. If only they were all so good but they're not.
I've got the Blade Runner 2K disc taken from the 4K master playing right now and I've been to and fro between the 4K and the 2K over the opening Brion James sequence taking the test and then on to where Harrison Ford is awaiting his oriental food at the 'Dragon' stall. The 4K is perceptibly superior in that colour is better and dark areas are highlighted better. The 2K has a bias towards cyan (i.e. a bluish image) but the 4K is more natural. Whether or not the definition is any better on the 4K will have to wait until I'm able to project both of the discs 30 feet wide because you just can't tell the difference on small home screens. This is something I plan to go into a little more on my forthcoming 4K vs. 2K video. To summarize my Blade Runner conclusion: the 4K is more involving.
@@moviecollector5920 Thankyou for checking out the discs, i am definitely waiting for the 4K release now, i know i stated that i didnt like the film when i first watched it but i am really looking forward to checking it out again,
Just subscribed from the USA. Really enjoy your history of the film. Great job.
Very nice of you to say so Ariel. Thank you.
This looks great. I’m upgrading a lot of my film collection at moment to 4K . Thanks for your review ,this has sealed my decision to get this one .
It's like running a 35mm print in the home Eamonn and this one, plus quite a few others, make it all worthwhile investing in 4K equipment. John.
Great review, I have 2 copies of the Final Cut DVD and a copy of the 30th Anniversary Director's Cut Bluray, plan to get the 4K Steelbook also...
The Blade Runner pack I show in the video has the original version of the film on Blu-ray too. I watched that too and I still think I prefer that version to all of them even if Mr. Ford's narration doesn't sound like he's particularly interested at times. Picture isn't as good on that version of the film though.
John.
This movie is one of my all time favourites. I don’t have a 4K player but you have inspired me to go and buy this disc. I preferred the original version from the theatrical release which I have on NTSC laserdisc. Kind regards Colin.
We're thinking alike Graham because I prefer the original version of the film to all the re-edits that have come afterwards. I don't think the standard version of the 4K release includes the original version on a Blu-ray disc but it must be available somewhere. John.
This is one of the titles where I have owned every incarnation, on nearly every format. I saw it on HBO as a kid and was curious. When I bought a laserdisc player at age 16 I rented the criterion laserdisc and was floored. In 1993 I was lucky enough to see the so called directors cut on the largest screen in CT and I remember it vividly. Obviously I had it on dvd and own the BluRay (which has too much noise and grain reduction, plus the dreaded modern revisionist teal color timing). I also saw the final cut in NYC projected at 4K and it was a revelation. The film is not as grainy as other sci fi films from the era due to the use or larger format film in photographing the sfx. I’m quite curious about the 4K disc release and will put it on my list.
Now bring on BLACK RAIN for 4K. That’s the first Ridley Scott film I saw in a theater.
I'll second that for Black Rain! As for the 4K of Blade Runner, it is one of my favourites... and I have a lot of 4K discs now. There are better quality discs out there but Blade Runner on this 4K disc looks close to a 35mm print to me.
John.
I watched this review again. It came across as very nostalgic, which is exactly the way I feel about the movie. It still surprises me how well the combination of 1930's aesthetic merged in this film with futurism and all the neon lights - it worked!
I did not know that Laser Disks have every frame on them in a perfect quality. Is it the same idea behind 4K disk releases? Do you get smeared objects on screen, when you pause 4K discs at random?
LaserDisc was the best video format of its time Dmitri. PAL discs were usually of quite significantly higher quality than NTSC owing to the 100 lines more information (625 lines PAL, 525 lines NTSC) but occasionally a really good NTSC disc came along that surpassed the PAL equivalent. They were best viewed on cathode ray televisions and don't stand up well on video projectors today. The 16x9 1.5 times squeeze was first intended for LaserDisc but it never came about and hence why DVD quickly surpassed the quality of LD.
Freezing a frame on LD was not possible on Constant Linear Volocity (CLV) discs but was on Constant Angular Velocity (CAV) discs. CLV had the advantage of being able to contain around an hour of video per side whereas the superior CAV was only half an hour. The big box releases such as the Alien box I show contains the film on four sides of CAV Laserdiscs. If there was blurring of the frame in the original frame, whether caused by movement or incorrect focus on the day of the shoot, then that's how it appears in any pause on any video format whether it be LD or 4K. If the frame contains static imagery then the resultant pause is perfect and like having an enormous poster on the wall.
As for Blade Runner, an all-time masterpiece. I never tire of that film which is like a moving work of art to just look at in awe for two hours. And listen to for that matter.
John.
@@moviecollector5920 That was very informative, John! Thank you very much for explaining. I just moved to US, when Laser Discs were popular and missed this entire medium. The next thing I remember, every store had VHS and DVD - side by side. I did visit Korean Karaoke once, where we had to choose from catalogue, which songs we wanted to sing and the owner then entered specific Laser Discs into player. I never used this medium before or since.
The fact that you can pause any frame is absolutely wonderful and very fancy for the VHS era.
I am familiar with PAL, SECAM, meSECAM and NTSC formats, but I had no idea that they were so different in quality.
Dmitri
@@dmitripopov8570 SECAM seems to be the same as PAL Dmitri so quite possibly just the French being French again. Did you know that the only part of the world where commercial aircraft don't speak English is in French air space? I suspect a lot of this all goes back to what happened at Waterloo because Britain never seems to have been forgiven.
John.
@@moviecollector5920 French is a very important language in International Relations and Politics. Most agreements are being presented in at least two languages - one of them being French. There are many reasons for this, but to summarize - this is an old tradition, which has to do with French Revolution and model of their constitution; Waterloo and Napoleonic War; Human Rights Regime and many international agreements. Unfortunately, there is a mutual dislike between British and French - mostly on political level - but both cultures are very important in the world of international jurisprudence and relations.
After the fall of USSR, may corporations and their systems were appearing here and there, presenting their vision of technological progress. This is how I met PAL, SECAM, meSECAM and NTSC. No surprise that you never used the SECAM and meSECAM. You had your own good system.
Dmitri
@@dmitripopov8570 It's just the politicians who have the disdain between our two nations. I think SECAM is used in a couple of countries but PAL was all over the world with a lot of NTSC too. NTSC wasn't as efficient but because of its 24fps seems to be taking over now. We had a 1200 line high definition ready to go in the 1980's but that got killed. It was a PAL system and 16x9 widescreen. I saw it and I still don't think I've seen a television broadcast format that is as good. John.
Great review. I am so glad that I had the opportunity to see many of these movies at the theater. I was tired when I saw 2001: A Space Odyssey and tried hard not to doze off. Blade Runner really an impression. Star Wars stunned even me and every other theater goer with that opening scene. Even watching the release of The Good, The Bad and The Ugly was incredible. I wish everyone can see a movie when released at the theater because that is where movies are bigger than life.
Now we can enjoy many of these old movies, restored to their great glory before they are ruined by time.
I agree - nothing beats seeing a film in a cinema. And the bigger the cinema, the better.
The Good The Bad & The Ugly was shot in a rather peculiar 35mm format which was only two sprockets high - TechniScope. This gave the 2.40:1 frame ratio but had to be blown up and squeezed to make the generic 35mm release prints. In other words, the image quality shouldn't really be much cop! John.
Thank you for reviewing my favourite film. I even met the producer Ivor Powell on a couple of memorable occasions. Love the sweatshirt, I only got to experience the travelling version of Alien War in Bournemouth conference centre, it was ruddy marvellous!
Alien War was sensational. Since making the Alien video three months ago my wife found a few of our original admission tickets and a little A5 magazine that was sent to members. We had a special night down there where all the members were invited. It was an amazing night but Alien
War always was amazing.
Blade Runner is one of my all time favourite films too. But I have never met Ivor Powell. Seen him in the making of documentaries quite often though!
John.
@@moviecollector5920 many thanks for the videos and this response, I still remember shaking coming out of Alien War! Mr Powell is a friend of a family I know hence the meeting. He described many fascinating ideas he had for the Alien saga, many of which were later “borrowed” by the film company! Sadly Ivor fell out with Ridley pre his “comeback” with Gladiator. Enjoyed the look around your cinema room - unlike many of these things (where the room appears just another rich persons show off which won’t be used) I love the passion and use it gets - still trying to work out how you thread that film PJ! We are lucky enough to have a screen and 7.1 system (B&W not THX though) but everything I have is “only” 2K as I’m perfectly happy with it - will be interested to hear your verdict on 2K vs 4K? Oh and I take it you have visited Waterloo Imax for the ultimate experience (and when travel permits can I suggest Futuroscope in France as well which I know you would find fascinating? All the best. Mike
@@MikeTheBike2010 Ho ho - did Fururoscope in the early 1990s when it was all film. No doubt it's mainly video now which wouldn't be quite so appealing. The Waterloo IMAX is one of the few cinemas I will actually go to these days but only if I know there is a film print being screened.
Our home cinema was set up for film so it's a little different to the modern penchant for a home cinema which tend to replicate the look of a current multiplex. A black room in the house with a few boards of sound deadening on the walls wouldn't really appeal to us. What I'd really like is a miniature replica of Empire Screen 1 after the 1989 refit. Neon lights in the multi-recessed ceiling that gradually change colour, a laser show before the start of the main film and finally THX sound. Oh, got the last part sorted already!
Blu-ray is far better than we ever realized isn't it? Now that Blu-ray has benefitted from the same masters used for 4K releases, or the same techniques as used for 4K releases, we can see that it was always far better than we could ever have wished for for our home cinemas. The fact that 4K is usually even better owing to HDR is a bonus but there's no need for anyone to rush out to purchase new equipment until their existing equipment has reached the end of its life. John.
Blade Runner is a masterpiece. But do you prefer this or 2049? Both insanely good films.
No contest for me Clark. But I did enjoy 2049. I probably need to wait a couple of years before I watch it again because I may think even more of the sequel then.
John.
One of my favourite films of all time. I first saw this in school. Yes we watched this in school I think I was about 11 & I was about the only kid to love it..BTW I'm a new subscriber.. & have watched most of ur uploads.
I don't suppose any of the teachers understood it at all. How long ago was this school screening Barry because if it was over a certain number of years you would have most likely been watching a 16mm print? John.
@@moviecollector5920 hey John I guessing it was either Christmas 82 or 83. Those were the days. I'm just off to the cinema now..
@@barrycoote9562 I'm just off to the cinema now too but it's downstairs so I don't have far to go!!! Hope you've had a good time tonight. John.
@@moviecollector5920 cheers John actually bit envious of ur home cinema. Still got my own little TV room. Just saw Ambulance was a bit to long & to many drone shots, but I decided I would stay on & see the batman for the 3rd time love it. Have u managed to see it?
@@barrycoote9562 I haven't seen The Batman but I expect I'll get the 4K disc release as soon as it's out.
Anyone can put a little home cinema together with a little determination Barry. Video projectors are so good and so comparatively cheap now that all you need is a place to put it and a white wall to project onto. Black masking makes a major difference but a few hooks in the wall and a bit of velcro and all the various frame aspect ratios can be enveloped without the need for motors or automation. The screen we're using is one we've had for over 30 years now and initially we had it in our London flat hidden behind a pelmet and rolled down whenever we fancied a film show. It's ten feet wide because the room was ten feet three inches and that was therefore the widest screen we could fit in. Funny that it's bigger than most screens installed in homes today but back when Super 8 was king many of us had rather large screens.
John.
Thanks John keep up the great work mate love your insightful reviews 👍👍
I have a friend who has a 35mm copy of Blade Runner. Must make him screen it for me one day which would then be a good excuse for another Blade Runner UA-cam video. John.
Great review, i remember seeing Blade Runner Director's Cut at the very same cinema back in November 1992, i've still got my cinema ticket too.
Well that's amazing. And it's good to know I'm not the only person nutty enough to keep the tickets! John.
This guys passion and dedication for films is incredible
And I think that's because it's been a hobby since a very young age really. Home movie discs are more of a passtime but I manage to look at them similarly to how I used to review film prints which possibly makes a bit of a difference. Not many UA-cam reviewers ever had film at home and therefore only got into the home movie passtime at a much later date.
John.
@@moviecollector5920 👍
Great review. I watched Blade Runner (first original version with narrative) in the former Yugoslavia (in town Split-Croatia now) in the cinema and it was awesome!
I still prefer the original version of the film. Without that narrative it's a bit like trying to decipher 2001!!!
In my opinion the original Warner - Region 1 NTSC DVD looks the best and to me is the closest to the version i saw in the cinema when it was released back in the day as i think later transfers in both blu ray and HDDVD were too teal / green leanings in most scenes. i haven't checkout the 4k uhd yet. btw i love your dedication.
I will be pleased to learn what you think if you do get the 4K disc Steve.
John.
I saw Blade Runner in 70mm on first release at Warner Rendezvous Screen 2 and it knocked my socks off!
Keith, you are one of the few who ever enjoyed that experience. Well done. I had to wait until the re-release but I'd already seen it on television by then so that undoubtedly nullified the impact somewhat. An undoubted masterpiece. Think I'll put it on again tonight now that you've set me thinking!
@@moviecollector5920 Well John I have some idea of how time consuming it is to make even a "simple" video like that and I liked your "mini" history of Cinerama in your 2001 4K review. You have a great home cinema setup! Cheers! :-)
Nice review, don't know if you ever had the 5 disc Blu-ray set from the US that was released a decade or so ago and if you had feelings about how the two releases compare content-wise?
No, never saw that one. This one is excellent though so I expect they're the same to look at but with even more to plough through on the six disc version. I only watched the so-called 'Final Cut' and the original version of the fim on this set. I still think the original is the best but the Final Cut is much more impressive than the previous re-edit from 1991 and anything else that may have been done to it since then. John.
@@moviecollector5920 The picture hasn't held up so well on the older Blu release - I re-watched it recently after a gap of seven years or so and was surprised, although scanning and remastering techniques have improved quite a bit over recent years so we've been spoiled. The set I have has got the Final Cut alongside the so-called director's cut, the original theatrical version and its European equivalent, plus a workprint, alongside quite a few extras. I wouldn't mind that edition you have but missed it on release and now it's a tad pricey! I might just have to plump for the normal 4K release at some stage.
Paul
@@GrimCellar Going back to the original camera negatives for each film is perhaps the difference nowadays whereas before maybe a theatrical print would have been scanned. Certainly the latest copies of The Final Cut are extremely sharp with good colour and basically look just like a 35mm print. With that in mind, I expect the basic two disc version that is generally available is all you need because the quality of the original film on the Blu-ray in the special four disc pack is not in the same league as The Final Cut in terms of picture quality. I expect it's the old scan that you already have.
John.
Yes, you're probably right, John, maybe worth just picking up the standard 4K and keep my US import for the other stuff. Thanks for your views.
Paul
Thank you for these reviews. Really apreciate it. Also what is the best way to play or project these 4k movies at home?
On a wall painted with brilliant white matt emulsion. Take a look at my home cinema tour video and you'll see how it all hangs together here... with string and sticky tape! Optoma now do a sub-£1,000 video projector which should be worth a look. Apparently BenQ have a good budget machine too. John.
@@moviecollector5920 I found some affordable Optomas. How many Lumens would you say is suitable for a home theater experience?
@@hzubovi1 If you plan to watch in a dark room then all these projectors are so bright that the lumens figure is academic. The advice I give is to head to a dealer and get a few demonstrated. If you're in Britain then Richer Sounds is the place and even if you're not their web site is a good place to start looking to get some ideas in the first place. Epsom now have a 3LCD 4K projector which may well be better than all the single chip DLP equivalents but it's so distracting when dust gets on the LCD panels - as it always does eventually - and has the effect of blurred green splodges that are just visible. Do let me know if you need any help and I'll answer what I can.
John.
@@moviecollector5920 Thanks again for the tips. I saw your video on another channel as well tackling these issues. The projector I am currently considering is the Optoma UDH38.
@@hzubovi1 I've just looked at the Richer Sounds projector pages and the UHD38 is on their sales list as well as a few others that may be worth taking a look at: www.richersounds.com/tv-projectors/projectors/4-k-projectors.html?p=1
OMG , your a fan of BlackRain, that film is one of my all time favs, I have such a cognitive attachment to that film but Ive never met a person who is a fan or has seen it. BladeRunner is just pure greatest. 4th fav film ever.
I have the 5 Disc Complete Collectors Edition US Import on Blu-ray and it was my goto but the 4k is stunning.
Black Rain is one of Ridley Scott's best. Put me down for a 4K of that one, that's for sure. Blade Runner is even better and the 4K is just like watching a film. I still prefer the original version of Blade Runner but they're all terrific irrespective of how impossible they may be to comprehend without the narrative.
John.
I bought the 25th anniversary "ultimate edition" tin box DVD edition back in the day. Upgrading by ordering the UHD+BD today.
You should see a major difference in quality. I think the 4K is akin to owning a 35mm print because it's that good. Not the best video quality you're ever going to see as it was shot 35mm rather than 65mm but it's outstanding in the 35mm class. John.
Thanks for the reply!
Lovely, collectable items that you can hold, read, collect and keep....That's why I don't/won't stream movies. Another great video, thanks.
Streaming is often so annoying. You are not in control and there's so much faffing around. And of course, the quality of a 4K stream does not match a Blu-ray disc quality.... yet.
Fantastic review. Blade Runner is a masterpiece. Your set Up looks incredible. New subscriber!
Anytime your passing Jambo Shango and we can take a look at Blade Runner in 4K together. Shame I never got a 35mm print which was a bit remiss of me. John.
@@moviecollector5920 that would be an amazing experience
Hi John, please let me know when one of your neighbours move out so I can live next door to you 👍🏻 finally got Blade Runner today, had a sneak look at it and I'm impressed so far.
Well, if you do manage to purchase next door (it's actually up for sale at the moment) then that would give the perfect excuse to watch Blade Runner again! I hope you enjoy the 4K release as much as I did. What a film!
@@moviecollector5920 just finished it mate, what a blast! Started my day with Superman the movie 4K, which was a huge disappointment, Blade Runner made it all better. Do you know if Grease 4K is worth all the hype?
@@roguetrooper5288 I've heard that Grease is excellent on 4K and it should be because it had enhanced colour on its original release in 1978 (at least I think it was '78). I've only ever seen it when Derann released it in Super 8 'Scope and I was tasked with doing the review for the Film For The Collector magazine so I don't have much of a history with Grease. I did enjoy it although I never purchased a copy on anything but if you take a look at the 4K and it's great then I suspect I'll finally take the plunge.
By the way, I've just picked up Superman in 4K so that's a bit of a downer! I'll have to put Blade Runner on after to cheer myself up. However, Superman was always a bit soft and that was perhaps an extra attempt to hide the strings because it was initially tagged by a newspaper thus:
"Is it a bird?
Is it a plane?
No, it's a Warner Brothers actor on strings."
Soft focus on the prints would have gone some way to hiding the inadequacies of the special effects so I'll let you know what I think.
John.
@@moviecollector5920 I'm pretty sure BBC one broadcast the new Grease 4K master yesterday in HD, it was a big step up from the Blu-ray that's for sure. Yeah, Superman was shot soft, the HDR was good, especially the space stuff and Krypton with those reflective suits. The problem with this release is the grain, it's so bad in a lot of places it's distracting. On a plus note, they've colour corrected his suit so it's a consistent blue throughout. I was born in 1972 so films like Superman, Grease and Jaws to name a few mean a lot to me.
@@moviecollector5920 do you collect Blu-rays too? I got the German release of The Six Million Dollar Man seasons 1 - 5 on Blu-ray by Turbine. It's one of the greatest physical media experiences of my life, I'm just mind blown by the picture quality and audio.
Hello, I found your channel a couple of days ago and I realy like your videos. I´m from Mexico.
I have the Criterion Collection LD, 2 DVD editions, the HD-DVD and BLU RAY. I really want to know if the 4K is a worth step up from standard BluRay.
Well, I watched the original version of the film from my 4K and Blu-ray four disc set and the 4K is in a different league. If the other versions on Blu-ray are of similar quality then there is no doubt that the 4K is a step up. It looks like a 35mm print to me and I could never have asked for more than that... except perhaps, for a 35mm print!
I hope you are well and keeping safe over in Mexico.
John.
The MGM release laserdiscs are my favorite as far as packaging and picture quality. I also love the transfer of Trainspotting and Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas on Laserdisc although the latter would have had nicer packaging in a gatefold. I only have a cheap player and a Sony television. Although I now have a cheap Walmart Onn projector. It's not bad for a cheap thing actually. Anyway, I may have to wire it all up tonight. Under the mention circumstances, the MGM releases and those others all look fantastic compared to the 150 others I have
The best NTSC laser disc I ever saw was the CAV box set of The Wizard of Oz. The colour and definition on that was out of this world for the time. But generally the PAL laser discs were a cut above anything NTSC. 100 extra lines when we're only talking 525 (NTSC) and 625 (PAL) it makes an incredible difference. These days Blu-ray and 4K have knocked LaserDisc off the top spot but I still love them and will never part with them irrespective of the unsurpassed superiority of 4K and a lot of Blu-rays.
John.
Excellent review, Blade Runner is one of my favourite movies of all time.
One of mine too Conrad500. Ad Astra in 4K is the next review and although it's not Blade Runner I found it surprisingly good.
John.
Amazing videos- continue to view and makes me excited about my soon to be 4K blu ray collection
And I wish you all the best with it Will and happy collecting. Looks like a few great films from the past are coming out imminently too so you're timing couldn't be better. John.
Afternoon John. You're coming up to your first anniversary on UA-cam, have you got a special video planned to celebrate.
Nope! But funny you should mention that it's been almost a year because I was wondering if I should put a video out on the day and mention it. John.
I still have my BR 1992 DC cinema stubs! Still my fav movie of all time!
Good to know there are others out there as nutty as me! Well done Stephen. John.
Merry Christmas John. I love Blade Runner a true masterpiece. I highly recommend you check out the new Dune when it hits 4k at the end of January.
I suspect I will give Dune a go Ger despite the awful version back in 1984 I think. I suspect this one will be somewhat better!
John.
@@moviecollector5920 just watched the Dune 1984 4K today in my new Sony player and I notice that the audio is out of sync. Same with my Dark Knight trilogy. Strange.
@@Chuckyboy85 Out of synch audio was an early problem on some DVD players so it could be that the new Sony has a memory issue in the same way whereby the image information is overwhelming and causing the sound to slip by a couple of frames. Perhaps check for a new operating system (firmware) and try that. John.
@@moviecollector5920 will try that cheers John. Next year or should I say almost this year is the 40th anniversary of Blade Runner. Hopefully something special in the pipeline.
@@Chuckyboy85 Good point Ger. I'll invite Ridley round for a screening!
Trying to find your review of bladerunner 2049 or did you not like the movie John? Its massively grew on me and I love the original bladerunner movie.
I didn't like it enough to do a full review ellishme but it is included in the video I did Top Ten Movies Shot On Video In My Collection. Initially I found the image quality a little too dull to consider it but thankfully I took a third or fourth look at it and managed to land in scenes that looked really good. I've only watched it all the way through twice and as much as I wanted to like it both times I didn't much care for it. I will give it another try sometime and maybe my lowered expectations will mean I will actually enjoy it then. Whatever I think of it, it hasn't and will not spoil the 1982 masterpiece for me.
John.
@@moviecollector5920 i understand why and i was the same viewing it at the cinema. But i did not care much for the original seeing it as a kid i think i was even more disappointed. It wasn't until later in life after re watching it i began to love it as one of my favorite movies of all time ! I would advice you to watch some of the making of extras if you can especially with the director Denis Villeneuve i think he was truly worried about making a mockery of the original and put everything he could into it. He was a fan of the original and did not skimp on any of the effects which with the props the model sets and top notch CGI must have cost a fortune to do. The film critic Kermode had this to say about it and he himself is a huge Bladerunner fan.
ua-cam.com/video/s7qjl7jRyZ8/v-deo.html
ua-cam.com/video/fHGu7f1jJhY/v-deo.html
@@littlemanitor I'm editing a bus documentary at the moment so I can't stop to look at Mark Kermode's review but I will do later. I didn't dislike the sequel it just wasn't Blade Runner and didn't resemble the Blade Runner world that was created by Ridley Scott and his team. The opening was poor but I can understand them using it as it was the original opening for the 1982 film. If they had have used it in 1982 I don't think the lacklustre, grey look would have been used though. I expect I did watch all the extras when I first viewed the 4K disc about 4 years ago but I will have to take another look at them. I thought the models were rather poor much of the time, unlike the original film. Maybe if the film had have been anything other than a sequel to Blade Runner I'd have thought more of it but Denis Villeneuve also direced Arrival and I didn't think very much of that one either.
@@moviecollector5920 I suppose the look was something they had to change being set in the future..sorry for disturbing your work btw ! Oh and my discs arrived from hmv fine
Thanks
@@littlemanitor I think the look of Blade Runner 2049 should have replicated that of Blade Runner but I expect the makers of the sequel wanted to create something different. I would have gone all out to make it look as similar as possible even if the story went outside of the city.
I'm getting everything organized for the little production I'm working on so you haven't disturbed me at all. It actually helps to break off and go back to things occasionally. And good news that your HMV discs have arrived too. We all got what we ordered in the end. I had a quick look at the Predator 4K on Saturday evening and it the bits I saw didn't look particularly good at all. Perhaps people were just relieved to get a new transfer after the debacle of the Blu-ray which looks dreadful.
John.
Owned this movie on every format and love the blu ray. I’ll be adding the 4k disc soon
There was a 35mm print of it on eBay a couple of weeks ago. You could have added that one to your collection too. The original version of the film but I don't know if they were all on low fade stock in 1982 as that was the crossover year. If not, it's probably a salmon pink colour by now.
John.
Great review, have a copy on order. Love you cinema. Keep up the good work
I hope you like it as much as I did Peter. It's just like watching a real film.
John.
Picked it up yesterday fantastic image quality and the Atmos audio is simply amazing :)
I think it's almost 35mm quality in the home. Amazing work for a film that was largely ignored upon initial release but this masterpiece won out in the end.
John.
Its crazy how good this 4k release looks for its age.
Blade Runner was shot on 35mm film Reubsbay so that is why it looks so good. Video cameras are not managing to equal the quality of 35mm very often, if at all, so it would be nice if more productions got back to using the best tools of the trade. It's all about money though and video costs practically nothing.
John.
Great review of this fantastic movie and masterpiece :) I also like Blade Runner 2049.
The "director's cut" wasn't actually the director's cut - it was assembled by the studio. Scott's only version after the original theatrical release was "The Final Cut".
I never knew that. I still think the original version is the best but it's a close thing with The Final Cut. John.
Hi John. It’s me again. Mr 6300 movies. Blade runner is my all time favorite movie. Always has been. It’s part of my life. I’m looking at the new 4K that you talked about and it’s so beautiful I’m nearly in tears. I feel like I’m in the theater. I have an LG 77 inch with an 8000 watt sound system that can knock down walls and what an experience this is for me. It looks so amazing. I do have one question for you. A few years ago Ridley released his Blu-ray FINAL CUT that we were excited to see. I always had a little issue with it and wonder if you also noticed it. I’m very color sensitive and that version always had a slight greenish tint to it. Not huge but enough to keep me aware of it. This 4K looks perfect. Did you ever notice a green cast on that Final Cut Blu-ray? As always. Thanks. You are much appreciated.
I only ever looked at BLADE RUNNER on any Blu-ray with this 4K pack. I didn't watch the FINAL CUT Blu-ray though, only the original (and best) version of the film but I expect I took a cursory look to check it against the 4K which I think is about as close to owning your own personal 35mm print as it comes without actually owning a 35mm print. That would be the ultimate of course and I do have a friend who has one. I just need to work out how to get in there one night! John.
80s sci-fi contains a good chunk of all my favorite films, which is unusual for a gen z. most people i know my age can't tolerate anything beyond the year 2000 unless it's star wars. so, lately i've been trying to figure out what i like about the 80s so much that i don't find as much in most modern sci-fi films. i think it's small and more personal stories told in large unique worlds. and blade runner represents that very well.
Don't forget INTERSTELLAR which is another science fiction regarded as one of the greatest films ever made. John.
@moviecollector5920 I do love me some intersteller!
@@duncandonuts5268 I hope you've seen in in genuine IMAX Duncan. Only 3 IMAX cinemas currently in the UK but 18 in the USA, 6 in Canada, 1 in eastern Europe somewhere and 1 in Australia. There is still a single genuine IMAX in India but they only have to 15/70 3D documentaries to screen now so that's not looking too hopeful for the sub-continent. All the rest have gone full on, cheap, low quality video projection. John.
@@moviecollector5920 I've never seen any film in imax unfortunetely. My first time watching intersteller was with my 4k disc on my dad's 75 inch tv. Hopefully one day I'll have the opportunity to see it in imax!
Ive had this on 2 x VHS (old WB's late 80's, then 1992 Directors cut) then DVD, then 5 disc DVD boxset with all the versions, then Bluray all the cuts box set and now 4K. Hate to think how much have spent on this 1 film over the years but if anything is worth it, Blade Runner probably is. The 4K and the Atmos soundtrack really is something else. Saw this finally on the big screen not long before 2049 was released but i think the 4K is as good.
I think we really need a bigger screen to see exactly how good these 4K discs are at times. Certainly in here about about 7 feet wide it looked like a 35mm print but I want to project it about 20 feet wide sometime. We do have a 24ft wide CinemaScope screen for the British Film Collectors Conventions so I'd like to resurrect those once this pesky virus allows it and give some of the discs a try on that whopping big screen. We'd need about 400 people to come along for a gathering to break even these days though but it all depends on the cost of a venue. John.
Their is a 90 min video on cuts scenes from Blade Runner the one at the end of video is Rachel talking in the car driving out of the city. She say you know what I think. I think we were "MADE" for each other!!! This was never used in the film.At a point it is suggested Deckard is Replicant . With Unicorn sequence also from Ridley Scotts movie Legend a scene cut put in for this assertion. Harrison had said In one interview he was not a Replicant. As you can see 👀????
It was implied in one incarnation and then changed for the Final Cut.
And it's the confusion and your own interpretation that goes a long way to making this film the compelling movie that it is.
John.
A great review as always keep up the great work 👍👍
That was the second MOVIE COLLECTOR video Phil so almost four years ago now I think. I might finally get around to reviewing the sequel eventually. John.
What's your thoughts on the sequel Blade Runner 2049? To me it has the better story but the original just looks better and has the better score.
My thinking of the sequel is that something wasn't quite right. It may have been a few things but overall I find it to be forgettable whereas the original film stays in my head and I feel like I could watch it over and over again. I did revisit the sequel before doing this review but couldn't really think of anything worthwhile to say about it. To summarize, everything was better in the 1982 film - the characters, the sets, the story, the soundtrack, the special effects - everything including the fact that it had beautiful film grain which the sequel did not and it suffered for that right from the outset. Blade Runner is simply one of my favourite films but despite what I've said I suspect the sequel will grow on my over the years. John.
Love the alien war jumper.
And if makes a second appearance for the Alien review. Didn't get a chance to talk about Alien War though but maybe if Aliens gets a 4K disc release that will be more of an excuse to mention it.
John.
Yeah I saw it first in your alien review (very good, by the way) did you manage to go on alien war?
Blade runner is the only film in my collection that i own EVERY release of throughout the years. My family always asks me, "dont you already own that". And i say yes, but not this one. I cant imagine doing this for anything else.
Do you have a 35mm print and a projector to run it on though Johnathan? If not, there's a challenge for you because that would be the ultimate. John.