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 the film.

As one can judge my the times listed above - 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. I think I liked it best - but that could be the image as well having an effect on my judgment with the brooding Noir-ish atmosphere being such a huge part of the film's character.

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.

Disc Three
• 1982 THEATRICAL VERSION
This is the version that introduced U.S. movie-going audiences to a revolutionary film with a new and excitingly provocative vision of the near-future. It contains Deckard/Harrison Ford's character narration and has Deckard and Rachel's (Sean Young) "happy ending" escape scene.
• 1982 INTERNATIONAL VERSION
Also used on U.S. home video, laserdisc and cable releases up to 1992. This version is not rated, and contains some extended action scenes in contrast to the Theatrical Version.
• 1992 DIRECTOR'S CUT
The Director's Cut omits Deckard's voiceover narration and removes the "happy ending" finale. It adds the famously-controversial "unicorn" sequence, a vision that Deckard has which suggests that he, too, may be a replicant.

The three versions on one dual-layered disc appear to utilize seemless branching and therefore all share the same color scheme and transfer qualities. They offer 5.1 and 2.0 English tracks and a French DUB as well as optional English (CC), French or Spanish subtitles.

Disc Four is stacked.
BONUS DISC - "Enhancement Archive": 90 minutes of deleted footage and rare or never-before-seen items in featurettes and galleries that cover the film's amazing history, production teams, special effects, impact on society, promotional trailers, TV spots, and much more.

• Featurette "The Electric Dreamer: Remembering Philip K. Dick"
• Featurette "Sacrificial Sheep: The Novel vs. The Film"
• Philip K. Dick: The Blade Runner Interviews (audio)
• Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep Cover Gallery (images)
• The Art of Blade Runner (image galleries)
• Featurette "Signs of the Times: Graphic Design"
• Featurette "Fashion Forward: Wardrobe & Styling"
Screen Tests: Rachel & Pris
• Featurette "The Light That Burns: Remembering Jordan Cronenweth"
• Unit photography gallery
• Deleted and alternate scenes
• 1982 promotional featurettes
• Trailers and TV spots
• Featurette "Promoting Dystopia: Rendering the Poster Art"
• Marketing and merchandise gallery (images)
• Featurette "Deck-A-Rep: The True Nature of Rick Deckard"
• Featurette "--Nexus Generation: Fans & Filmmakers"

I'm not through all featurettes on disc 4, but, surprisingly, I'm not tiring of them. they are divided into four section (Access, Inception, Fabrication and Longevity). The ones I have seen are quite educational and still remain interesting. I can see the appeal of the film as there is some evident depth of construction and a massive technical undertaking to create such a future 'world'. I was keen on the audio interviews with Dick who always seem like quite an enigma.

I guess the decision, for some in SD, is whether to indulge in this 4-disc SE, be content with the 2-disc SE or go for the Ultimate Collector's Edition(s) which is packaged in a limited edition, numbered "Deckard" briefcase and features rare and collectable memorabilia such as a Spinner car replica, Unicorn figurine, Illustration and Photo cards, and a lenticular Motion Film Clip in lucite.

This would, of course, depend on your interest in the film. I would have been happy with the 2-disc (compared HERE) but there is enough material on this 4-disc, to give it a viable recommendation - especially for the price. Warner have really gone to town with this release. With the inclusion of, what are now know as, the Archival versions and massive 4th Bonus disc it should definitely raise some interest for DVD of the Year voting.

 - Gary Tooze