Blade Runner: The Final Cut - DVD specs

Sooo, I was probably jumping the gun in my last brief Blade Runner: The Final Cut entry (let's dub it BRTFC) when I said we would see the new DVD release as well as a theater release this September. It looks like it's all happening in December instead, although who can blame me? I had read elsewhere that it would be in September, and "Coming fall 2007" means any month before December in my calendar-book.

Earlier this month, the specs on the DVD release started to trickle in, and now it looks like it's official - We have the choice of SEVEN different DVD sets of BRTFC. That includes two different options on both HD-DVD and Blu-ray, and another three on good old fashioned standard DVD. In my opinion, there should be eight options, in which I will state my argument later. I want it all I guess.

First, here's the break down on what you will be able to get on December 18, 2007, as listed on amazon.com - read all the details there, or see my following break down. Amazon listed prices noted:

STANDARD DEF DVD:
1. BRTFC 2 Disc Special Edition $14.49:
- Disc 1: The newly remastered, re-cut, and extended feature of Blade Runner: The Final Cut. Includes several commentaries, subtitles, audio options, etc.
- Disc 2: The documentary Dangerous Days: The Making of Blade Runner

2. Blade Runner 4 Disc Collector's Edition $24.49:
- Disc 1: Same as Disc 1 above
- Disc 2: Same as Disc 2 above
- Disc 3: Includes three more versions of the film: 1982 Original US Theatrical Version, 1982 International Version, 1992 Director's Cut
- Disc 4: Bonus Disc: "Enhancement Archive" - Tons of rare footage, deleted scenes, archives, etc.

3. Blade Runner 5 Disc Ultimate Collector's Edition $54.99:
- Discs 1 through 4: Same as above
- Disc 5: Workprint Version - Unlike any other cut of Blade Runner, includes commentary and featurette
- All this comes packaged in a limited numbered collector's "Deckard briefcase", along with some other cool collectible loot and including a signed letter from Sir Ridley

BLU-RAY:
4. Blade Runner 5 Disc Ultimate Collector's Edition $69.95:
- Everything in the standard def version, including the briefcase. All versions of the film in Blu-ray format 1080p res*

5. Blade Runner 5 Disc Complete Collector's Edition $27.95:
- All the disc content of the 5 disc sets, but no briefcase. All versions of the film in Blu-ray format 1080p res*

HD DVD:
6. Blade Runner 5 Disc Ultimate Collector's Edition $69.95:
- Everything in the standard def version, including the briefcase. All versions of the film in HD DVD format 1080p res*

7. Blade Runner 5 Disc Complete Collector's Edition $27.95:
- All the disc content of the 5 disc sets, but no briefcase. All versions of the film in HD DVD format 1080p res*

* Check out this article about these releases in both HD DVD and Blu-ray. Apparently, each version of the film is remastered in 1080p, but the bonus content like featurettes, interviews and documentaries will be in standard def.

For people without hi-def screens and players (Blu-ray or HD DVD), they'll have to fork out a lot more cash to have access to the workprint version on DVD, since that's only available in the "Ultimate" edition with Deckard's case for standard-def. Otherwise, any version of the hi-def formats have all the versions of the film, and all the bonus material.

So, that's a whopping FIVE versions of the actual film, if you include the workprint.

The theatrical release of BRTFC: Ever since the trailer came out almost two months ago, and the excitement surrounding the news, the chatter about the theatrical release seems to have settled down to almost nothing. It's all about what we'll be getting on DVD for the moment. I'm on the lookout for some dates on the theater run, which will hopefully precede the December 18th DVD releases by a good week or more... but I'm hoping for a couple of months before.