Blade Runner snubs Toronto
by graeme
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.
I think you’re missing the opportunity in this news: New York road trip.
I can’t wait for you… I’m writing Mr. Scott myself!! Ridiculous!!!
Blade Runner: Director’s Cut is literally my all-time favourite movie. The original cut is garbage, however. I’ve got my fingers crossed that this version will be the best yet.
“Oh, I’ll tell you about my mother!”
Will this really be the final cut, or is this just another step in the progressive building of the masterpiece?
‘The Final Cut’ would be an excellent gift idea for a person to give to an older relative, say for Chrismas!
Two words: replicant conspiracy. Seriously.
Mr. Scott – please bring Blade Runner back to Toronto.
[...] A few weeks ago, I aired my righteous indignation over the lack of a Toronto theatrical release for Blade Runner: The Final Cut. I was mad, my readers were mad, and somewhere, somehow, I knew Deckard was super mad. And a [...]