# Which version of Blade Runner should I buy? **URL:** \ **Category:** Cafe Society\ **Created:** [January 20, 2012, 4:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/which-version-of-blade-runner-should-i-buy/610146 "2012-01-20T16:59:05Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![DCnDC](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dcndc/32/2842_2.png) [@DCnDC](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DCnDC)\ **Post date:** [January 20, 2012, 4:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/which-version-of-blade-runner-should-i-buy/610146/1 "2012-01-20T16:59:05Z")
The _Director’s Cut_ or the _Final Cut_? I’m only buying this thing once, dammit! I have it on an old VHS but I’m not even sure my VCR still works. I’m not sure which version that is, it’s likely the Director’s Cut. Does it really make a huge difference? ---
**Author:** ![Bryan\_Ekers](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bryan_ekers/32/183_2.png) [@Bryan\_Ekers](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bryan_Ekers)\ **Post date:** [January 20, 2012, 5:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/which-version-of-blade-runner-should-i-buy/610146/2 "2012-01-20T17:06:32Z")
Aside from Harrison Ford’s voice over, the differences are trivial among the various versions, as far as I know. Personally, I preferred the original theatrical release. Everything after that is fixin’ what ain’t broke. ---
**Author:** ![Zeldar](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/z/b77776/32.png) [@Zeldar](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Zeldar)\ **Post date:** [January 20, 2012, 5:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/which-version-of-blade-runner-should-i-buy/610146/3 "2012-01-20T17:08:51Z")
In spite of all the nyah-nyah-nyah about whether one cut proves or disproves that Deckard is indeed a replicant, or whether Ford bought into that concept, or whether Scott only did the other cuts to have his way about it all, I prefer the original version with the voice-over. Thus I said “Another version.” ---
**Author:** ![Dread\_Pirate\_Jimbo](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dread_pirate_jimbo/32/3897_2.png) [@Dread\_Pirate\_Jimbo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dread_Pirate_Jimbo)\ **Post date:** [January 20, 2012, 5:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/which-version-of-blade-runner-should-i-buy/610146/4 "2012-01-20T17:11:26Z")
This is still one of my Top 3 all-time favourite Sci-Fi movies, pretty much in any of the various versions. Just last week I saw a Blu-Ray release of Blade Runner that featured all three versions of the movie on it. The Final Cut was on the first disc and the other two versions were on the second disc. I’d say that’s the ultimate way to go. There are elements of all three versions that I like. Heck, for all the criticism piled on the original theatrical release, it was still good enough to justify all these other re-releases. There are actually bits and pieces of the voice-over I liked and I didn’t completely hate the happy ending, even if it was incongruous with the rest of the film. I found that the couple little tweaks in the Final Cut were relatively minor but significant, although I wouldn’t necessarily say they all made things better. Anyway, I’d say the package with the whole kit and kaboodle would be an ideal choice, since it allows you to view all three versions and compare and contrast as you watch. ---
**Author:** ![Bryan\_Ekers](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bryan_ekers/32/183_2.png) [@Bryan\_Ekers](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bryan_Ekers)\ **Post date:** [January 20, 2012, 5:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/which-version-of-blade-runner-should-i-buy/610146/5 "2012-01-20T17:14:18Z")
Looking at a list of versions, I guess what I saw (and prefer) is known as “International theatrical release”. ---
**Author:** ![RealityChuck](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/realitychuck/32/195_2.png) [@RealityChuck](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RealityChuck)\ **Post date:** [January 20, 2012, 5:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/which-version-of-blade-runner-should-i-buy/610146/6 "2012-01-20T17:30:46Z")
Seen them both. The differences are trivial. And the point Ridley Scott wanted to make with the Director’s cut was completely opaque without an explanation. ---
**Author:** ![Tim\_R.Mortiss](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/tim_r.mortiss/32/142_2.png) [@Tim\_R.Mortiss](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tim_R.Mortiss)\ **Post date:** [January 20, 2012, 6:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/which-version-of-blade-runner-should-i-buy/610146/7 "2012-01-20T18:02:54Z")
Count me among those who like the voice-over (original theatrical version). No, it isn’t necessary for you to understand the story, but I thought it added to the noir-ish feel. ---
**Author:** ![JKilez](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/e5b9ba/32.png) [@JKilez](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/JKilez)\ **Post date:** [January 20, 2012, 6:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/which-version-of-blade-runner-should-i-buy/610146/8 "2012-01-20T18:18:27Z")
Why would you choose the Director’s Cut over the Final Cut? Unless I am misremembering, the Final Cut just cleans up a bunch of stuff from the other release–the differences are trivial. The true difference is between the Theatrical release and the others. I would definitely recommend getting a release that has both that release and one of the newer versions. They feel like different movies. ---
**Author:** ![Miss\_Mapp](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/miss_mapp/32/369_2.png) [@Miss\_Mapp](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Miss_Mapp)\ **Post date:** [January 20, 2012, 6:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/which-version-of-blade-runner-should-i-buy/610146/9 "2012-01-20T18:33:55Z")
> [@Tim\_R.Mortiss](#): > > Count me among those who like the voice-over (original theatrical version). No, it isn’t necessary for you to understand the story, but I thought it added to the noir-ish feel. This has always been my opinion on it. But I bought the multiversion DVD set a couple of years ago. As with “Brazil” and “Dune,” I like comparing the different cuts of this movie. ---
**Author:** ![Omar\_Little](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/omar_little/32/269_2.png) [@Omar\_Little](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Omar_Little)\ **Post date:** [January 20, 2012, 6:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/which-version-of-blade-runner-should-i-buy/610146/10 "2012-01-20T18:38:09Z")
The point of the various different cuts was…for the studio to **make more money** off of a movie that was paid for years ago. ---
**Author:** ![brittekland](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/aeb1de/32.png) [@brittekland](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/brittekland)\ **Post date:** [January 20, 2012, 6:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/which-version-of-blade-runner-should-i-buy/610146/11 "2012-01-20T18:41:30Z")
> [@RealityChuck](#): > > Seen them both. The differences are trivial. And the point Ridley Scott wanted to make with the Director’s cut was completely opaque without an explanation. I have the director’s version. I voted for Final version coz that’s how I remember the film and that’s what I liked when I watched first time. ---
**Author:** ![Spudo](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/bbce88/32.png) [@Spudo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Spudo)\ **Post date:** [January 20, 2012, 7:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/which-version-of-blade-runner-should-i-buy/610146/12 "2012-01-20T19:02:51Z")
The Final Cut is, in my opinion, the best version. The differences between it and the Director’s Cut are pretty minor. There are some cleaned up shots and a couple corrections in sound/dialogue as I recall, and little else. The big differences are between the theatrical release and the others. The Collector’s Edition of the Final Cut set also comes with a bunch of making of stuff, some of which is very interesting, and the other versions of the movie itself. ---
**Author:** ![DrDeth](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/b487fb/32.png) [@DrDeth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DrDeth)\ **Post date:** [January 20, 2012, 7:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/which-version-of-blade-runner-should-i-buy/610146/13 "2012-01-20T19:06:10Z")
> [@Bryan\_Ekers](#): > > Aside from Harrison Ford’s voice over, the differences are trivial among the various versions, as far as I know. > > Personally, I preferred the original theatrical release. Everything after that is fixin’ what ain’t broke. Right, orig is best. Deckard is not a replicant. ---
**Author:** ![johnspartan](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/a183cd/32.png) [@johnspartan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/johnspartan)\ **Post date:** [January 20, 2012, 7:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/which-version-of-blade-runner-should-i-buy/610146/14 "2012-01-20T19:08:38Z")
I wouldn’t buy any of 'em. But then I’m not the biggest fan of the film. Honestly though, how many times in the course of, say, a month are you going to watch the movie? ---
**Author:** ![brittekland](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/aeb1de/32.png) [@brittekland](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/brittekland)\ **Post date:** [January 20, 2012, 7:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/which-version-of-blade-runner-should-i-buy/610146/15 "2012-01-20T19:14:54Z")
> [@johnspartan](#): > > I wouldn’t buy any of 'em. But then I’m not the biggest fan of the film. > > Honestly though, how many times in the course of, say, a month are you going to watch the movie? I feel warm and fuzzy just owning it. ---
**Author:** ![KneadToKnow](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kneadtoknow/32/3999_2.png) [@KneadToKnow](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/KneadToKnow)\ **Post date:** [January 20, 2012, 7:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/which-version-of-blade-runner-should-i-buy/610146/16 "2012-01-20T19:16:00Z")
The ideal version to buy is the four-disc Collector’s Edition that includes the theatrical, director’s and final cuts. ---
**Author:** ![DCnDC](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dcndc/32/2842_2.png) [@DCnDC](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DCnDC)\ **Post date:** [January 20, 2012, 7:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/which-version-of-blade-runner-should-i-buy/610146/17 "2012-01-20T19:20:14Z")
> [@johnspartan](#): > > Honestly though, how many times in the course of, say, a month are you going to watch the movie? You know when I watch movies I own? When I catch them running on TV. I’ll start watching it or come in somewhere in the middle, then get annoyed with the commercials and/or the editing/censoring and watch my uncut owned copy. ---
**Author:** ![thelurkinghorror](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/7c8e57/32.png) [@thelurkinghorror](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/thelurkinghorror)\ **Post date:** [January 20, 2012, 8:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/which-version-of-blade-runner-should-i-buy/610146/18 "2012-01-20T20:41:58Z")
You guys really prefer the ending where you can hear Ford rolling his eyes over his sardonic voiceover and the cheesy 80s soundtrack? ---
**Author:** ![Snowboarder\_Bo](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/snowboarder_bo/32/229_2.png) [@Snowboarder\_Bo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Snowboarder_Bo)\ **Post date:** [January 20, 2012, 8:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/which-version-of-blade-runner-should-i-buy/610146/19 "2012-01-20T20:42:01Z")
As others have mentioned, [this is the way to go](http://www.amazon.com/Runner-Five-Disc-Complete-Collectors-Blu-ray/dp/B000UBMWG4/ref=sr_1_1?s=movies-tv&ie=UTF8&qid=1327092034&sr=1-1). At $35, it’s not all that expensive and then you get every damn thing. ---
**Author:** ![Bryan\_Ekers](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bryan_ekers/32/183_2.png) [@Bryan\_Ekers](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bryan_Ekers)\ **Post date:** [January 21, 2012, 3:05am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/which-version-of-blade-runner-should-i-buy/610146/20 "2012-01-21T03:05:52Z")
> [@thelurkinghorror](#): > > You guys really prefer the ending where you can hear Ford rolling his eyes over his sardonic voiceover and the cheesy 80s soundtrack? Well, there’s nothing wrong with a cheesy '80s soundtrack in a cheesy movie made in the 1980s. It’s expected, even. At least the closing credits weren’t accompanied by _Nothing’s Gonna Stop Us Now_, as it seemed was required by law for movies of that era. I never understood why Deckard and Rachel flying off at the end got such a negative response. It was perfectly foreshadowed in the movie, and when I saw a recut version for the first time, with that ending chopped and the movie abruptly going to black with the elevator doors closing, I thought “… what the hell?” [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/which-version-of-blade-runner-should-i-buy/610146.md?page=2)