One of the most notable studio vs. director battles in film history took place over Sci-Fi classic BLADE RUNNER. Helmed by Ridley Scott, the original release got gangbanged when the completion bond guarantors wrested control from Scott because of budget issues. Most famously they added substantial voiceovers (Harrison Ford reportedly did them poorly on purpose hoping that would prevent their inclusion), and a happy ending.
Fast forward to 1992 and Scott was given the chance to release a director’s cut, but he also claims he was rushed and was never particularly happy with it. This despite a far better response than the original received.
Now a myriad of rights issues have been sorted out and Warner home video is set to let us all finally see Scott’s original vision:
The restored “Director’s Cut” will debut on homevid in September, and remain on sale for four months only, after which time it will be placed on moratorium. “Blade Runner: Final Cut” will arrive in 2007 for a limited 25th anniversary theatrical run, followed by a special edition DVD with the three previous versions offered as alternate viewing: Besides the original theatrical version and director’s cut, the expanded international theatrical cut will be included. The set will also contain additional bonus materials.
Granted 25 years is a long time to wait for a project to finally get its just due, but better late than never. Thank goodness Warner is doing right by the project, rather than just remaking the damn thing!
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