Also published in the Rumford Falls Times

The Library Line

by Karl Aromaa

03/31/10


      Of the thousands of movies that come along and then are forgotten, there are a few that become classics and are watched and rewatched by movie lovers. Gone With the Wind of course, Casablanca, and certainly The Wizard of Oz. More recently Star Wars, Raiders of the Lost Ark, The Godfather.

      Blade Runner, 1982, is not only a movie that has become a classic but one that still inspires active interest and controversy. So much so that the director, Ridley Scott, produced a highly anticipated "final cut" in 2007.

      For those not familiar with the story, Blade Runner stars Harrison Ford and is a bleak, futuristic look at the relationship between man and his artificial companions, in this case exceedingly lifelike and potentially dangerous creations called replicants.

      For anyone who is a true Blade Runner fan, the Rumford Library has the ultimate version available for loan. This new Blu-ray set is the "Complete Collector’s Edition". The package contains the 1982 U.S. theatrical cut, the 1982 international theatrical cut, the 1992 director’s cut, and the 2007 final cut. There is also the film "workprint," a rough version of the motion picture used during the editing process. On top of these five full versions of the movie there are an additional 9 hours of special features on supplemental discs.

      If you just want to see what the movie is about, watch the 1982 U.S. theatrical cut and leave the umpteen hours of optional viewing to those for whom there is no such thing as too much Blade Runner.

     
Prior editions of Library Line:

[March 24, 2010] [March 17, 2010] [March 10, 2010]