Blade Runner is one of the greatest sci-fi flicks of all time (the others being Star Wars, Alien, and The Planet of the Apes). The design, the weirdo streetscapes, Rutger Hauer as a tripped-out replicant,  super-dark Harrison Ford…genius.

But what makes Blade Runner truly interesting is that, unlike almost every other film, it has actually evolved since its first theatrical release. After it went over-budget, Warner Bros. stepped in and forced Ridley Scott to add a lame VO and cut out the now-legendary unicorn daydream. Then in 1991, a ‘working copy’ of the film was mistakenly sent to a screening, sans VO, and fans were intrigued. So Scott put out a ‘Director’s Cut’, a film that revelled in the ambiguity excised from the first draft. Of course, the unicorn scene was back.

And now we have Blade Runner: The Final Cut. Cleaned up, restored and, according to Ridley, the film he always intended it to be. The DVD will hit stores December 18, but the film will be screened in New York and Los Angeles.

Which begs the obvious question: WTF? What about us, Ridley? Perhaps more accurately, what about me? I want to see the Final Cut in theatres, and find it pretty crappy that I can’t see it in Toronto. I mean, we only have one of the world’s largest film festivals. Why not throw us a bone?

So if you’re like me, and cheesed off with Ridley for this deliberate snub, leave a comment and tell Nunc Scio what you think. If I get enough response, I’ll bundle it off to Mr. Scott in one strongly worded email.

On a side note: how good is Ridley Scott as a director? Blade Runner, Alien, Gladiator, Black Hawk Down…the guy is like the Brett Favre of movies.

And while I’m totally nerding out…here’s some fun news: Simon Pegg (Hot Fuzz, Shaun of the Dead)  has been offered the role of ‘Scotty’ in the upcoming JJ Abrams directed Star Trek movie. Me likey.

Sigh. I’m getting really tired of posting on Venezuelan president Hugo Chavez continued attacks on freedom of speech. It’s not that I don’t think censorship is an important issue. It’s just that he does it so damn much.

Today’s low blow? Spanish singer (and winner of 14 latin grammys) Alejandro Sanz will not be allowed to perform his scheduled Nov. 1st gig at the state-owned Poliedro stadium in Caracas. His crime? Why, he criticized the beloved leader! Three years ago.

Sanz must have laid on the vitriol to get banned from performing in public buildings. Here’s his stinging polemic:

“I don’t like your president.”

Subversion! Insurgency! These five words clearly jeopardize the very future of Venezuela’s socialist revolution!

Or not.

What are you afraid of, Hugo? Is a pop singer so dangerous to your regime? I know latin rhythms always make me want to overthrow the government.

The Chavez supporters who periodically visit my site and accuse me of being in the thrall of some American-led anti-populist conspiracy will no doubt point out that Sanz will still be allowed to perform in private venues in Venezuela. Whatever. Chavez has shown time and time again that he will accept no criticism of his policies or behaviour. And if it is in his power to do so, he will shut that criticism down. That ain’t democracy, folks. Sorry to burst your balloon.

Talk about taking lemons and making lemonade. You lose a presidential election to a babbling dimwit, then manage to turn it all around and become a leading crusader for one of the most important issues in the history of human civilization. Then you win a Nobel Peace Prize, while the guy who beat you drags the world down deeper into religious conflict while destroying two countries in the process. Well struck, indeed.

Congrats to Al Gore on his momentous achievement. Liked the movie, liked the book, and like the man. I’m glad that environmental issues have become so central that even the Nobel committee took notice.

Now, if we could only do something about Global Warming. Nobel prizes don’t cool the Earth, as I’m sure Al Gore would agree. There is much work ahead.