OK. I saw the original theatrical version in the theatre back in 1982. When I got my first DVD player, Bladerunner was one of the first movies I bought. It turns out to be the 1997 “Director’s cut”.
Its been years since I watched it, but I now understand that the version I have isn’t very good quality.
So I was thinking of buying a copy of the “final cut”. Is it worth it? Is the quality really better. And finally, how much difference is there between the 2 versions?
Your definition of “worth it” may vary. If you’re considering upgrading to Blu Ray, definitely go for it – it’s a wonderfully well-done Blu Ray with excellent sound and picture. And the new edit really is very, very good.
I can’t make a detailed comparison to the Director’s Cut version, but the Final Cut seems more-or-less perfect.
I thought the “directors cut” I saw was good, still a great movie, but marginally the least good of the versions I’d seen. I particularly noticed where the theatrical release was tighter than the “directors cut”, which sometimes had extra seconds of content which didn’t really add anything.
My preference would be “international release”, mostly because I think the unicorn is boring.
The Blu-ray is definitely a step up from the DVD. If you are going to buy a copy, there is no reason to not buy the Final Cut vs the Director’s Cut (previous poll). There is a 5-disc Blu-ray set that has the other versions as well, if you are looking for the voice-over.
Thanks all. Sounds like it will be worth getting the final cut version…doesn’t hurt to have both I guess, then I can compare for myself!