NOTE: The below Blu-ray captures were taken directly from the Blu-ray disc.

ON THE DVDs: In regards to content I refer you to Amazon that states: "In celebration of Blade Runner's 25th anniversary, director Ridley Scott has gone back into post production to create the long-awaited definitive new version. Blade Runner: The Final Cut, spectacularly restored and remastered from original elements and scanned at 4K resolution, will contain never-before-seen added/extended scenes, added lines, new and improved special effects, director and filmmaker commentary, an all-new 5.1 Dolby® Digital audio track and more. Harrison Ford, Rutger Hauer, Edward James Olmos, Joanna Cassidy, Sean Young, and Daryl Hannah are among some 80 stars, filmmakers and others who participate in the extensive bonus features. Among the bonus material highlights is Dangerous Days, a brand new, three-and-a-half-hour documentary by award-winning DVD producer Charles de Lauzirika, with an extensive look into every aspect of the film: its literary genesis, its challenging production and its controversial legacy. The definitive documentary to accompany the definitive film version."

In regards to the image differences - the new FINAL CUT is definitely cooler with some heavier blue-ish/green shading. It is a bit darker - compression is excellent (note: bumped bitrate) and there are less artifacts. I expect the high-def versions will look even superior but this looks exceptionally good for SD. Our new format reviews will be forthcoming. Along with the different, and better image, in my opinion, there are some subtle differences - the opening rolling text screen font is larger (and clearer). The optional subtitle font is smaller, and I found, easier to read with a more prominent black border and less 'jaggies'.

I, personally, found the new look a little more visually arresting. It has a new atmospheric effect - I found it a deeper one.

Audio (as advertised) has a new 5.1 track that sounds very good at times. It has some decent separation and the film really benefits from the inclusion of this new track. I thought it sounded wonderfully buoyant and subtle. Big improvement to my crusty old ears.

Disc one has three optional commentaries (for those that can't get enough!). I've finished all three (Scott's, executive producer/co-screenwriter Hampton Fancher and co-screenwriter David Peoples; producer Michael Deely and production executive Katherine Haber and finally one by visual futurist Syd Mead; production designer Lawrence G. Paull, art director David L. Snyder and special photographic effects supervisors Douglas Trumbull, Richard Yuricich and David Dryerand). I found them enjoyable but would also have preferred an academic-type look at the film (perhaps Paul Sammon alone). The closest that it came to was the writer's input (Fancher and Peoples) on commentary 2. The third was unique in that it had multiple inputs - which is always refreshing to hear different viewpoints and anecdotal episodes. I think these 'discussions' will be good for those very keen on the film and even those with just a passing interest after they have seen the FINAL CUT. I enjoy Blade Runner but know there are others out there that are quite fanatical about the film. I'm not in their league. The many versions (2-disc, 4-disc, 5-disc) cater to those of varying appeal for Blade Runner.

As one can judge my the times - the FINAL CUT is not especially longer (45 seconds) but has some new digital fixes and improvements in continuity errors. It's hard to critique this version as it has the full support of the director Scott.

So all in all, Disc One of this 2-disc FINAL CUT has:
RIDLEY SCOTT'S ALL-NEW "FINAL CUT" VERSION OF THE FILM
Restored and remastered with added & extended scenes, added lines, new and cleaner special effects and all new 5.1 Dolby Digital Audio. Also includes:
Commentary by Ridley Scott
Commentary by executive producer/co-screenwriter Hampton Fancher and co-screenwriter David Peoples; producer Michael Deely and production executive Katherine Haber
Commentary by visual futurist Syd Mead; production designer Lawrence G. Paull, art director David L. Snyder and special photographic effects supervisors Douglas Trumbull, Richard Yuricich and David Dryer

Disc Two
3.5 hour Documentary: DANGEROUS DAYS - MAKING BLADE RUNNER is a feature-length authoritative documentary revealing all the elements that shaped this hugely influential cinema landmark. Cast, crew, critics and colleagues give a behind-the-scenes, in-depth look at the film -- from its literary roots and inception through casting, production, visuals and special effects to its controversial legacy and place in Hollywood history.

it is divided into 8 self-explanatory sections: Incept Date - 1980: Screenwriting and Dealmaking, Blush Response: Assembling the Cast, A Good Star: Designing the Future, Eye of the Storm: Production Begins, Living in Fear: Tension on the Set, Beyond the Window: Visual Effects, In Need of Magic: Post production Problems and To Hades and Back: Release and Resurrection. NOTE: This documentary is interlaced.

Wow. Okay I'm going to finish the third commentary (report back) and then watch the 4-disc edition next (stay tuned) and soon after we hope to have high-definition reviews up. I can't imagine fans not loving this and swallowing it up whole. The image, audio and content changes are improvements and the supplements (commentary and bonus documentary seem more than  enough to sate even the staunchest of Blade Runner devotees. For $14 - it's the deal of the year.    

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