Blade Runner - The Eight Different Versions EXPLAINED

Summary

In this video, the complexities of *Blade Runner*'s multiple versions are explored, providing guidance on which version to watch before *Blade Runner 2049*. The video highlights the *Final Cut* (2007) as the definitive version, offering Ridley Scott's complete artistic vision. Other versions are discussed, including the *Work Print*, *US Theatrical*, and *Director's Cut*, each presenting different edits, voiceovers, and endings. The differences, particularly regarding the question of whether Deckard is a replicant, offer insights into the film's evolving narrative and thematic depth, making the *Final Cut* the most recommended for viewers before watching the sequel.

Takeaways

• 😀 Blade Runner 2049 has received rave reviews, including an 89% fresh rating on Rotten Tomatoes, and is praised for its ability to appeal to both new and old audiences.
• 😀 Critics consider Blade Runner 2049 a rare sequel that truly justifies its existence, building on the legacy of Ridley Scott's original Blade Runner.
• 😀 The themes of Blade Runner 2049 can be enjoyed by newcomers, but many will prefer watching the original Blade Runner, which has multiple versions.
• 😀 There are eight different versions of the original Blade Runner, making the choice of which one to watch before the sequel more complex.
• 😀 The 'Final Cut' is Ridley Scott's definitive version of Blade Runner, with full creative control and no studio interference. It serves as the ideal version to watch before Blade Runner 2049.
• 😀 The original U.S. theatrical version had a different opening and lacked the iconic unicorn dream sequence, which became key in later versions.
• 😀 A workprint version of Blade Runner was shown to test audiences in 1982, and it lacked the opening title sequence, unicorn dream, and featured alternate narration.
• 😀 The Director's Cut (released in 1992) removed the voiceover narration and included the unicorn dream, suggesting Deckard may be a replicant, but Scott wasn't fully satisfied with it.
• 😀 The 1994 Director's Cut, though supervised by Scott, was not fully under his control due to time constraints, but it included major changes like the removal of the happy ending and more focus on Deckard's humanity.
• 😀 Ridley Scott's 'Final Cut' (released in 2007 for the 25th anniversary) is the only version over which he had full control, containing enhanced scenes, better edits, and a definitive ending that leaves Deckard and Rachel's fate ambiguous.

Q & A

What is the main purpose of the video script?

The script serves to provide an in-depth overview of the various versions of the film 'Blade Runner' and offer guidance on which version to watch before seeing its sequel, 'Blade Runner 2049.'

Why is 'Blade Runner 2049' receiving rave reviews?

'Blade Runner 2049' is being praised for its visual spectacle, thematic depth, and for being a rare sequel that justifies its existence while appealing to both new and old audiences.

What is the recommended version of 'Blade Runner' to watch before 'Blade Runner 2049'?

The recommended version is 'The Final Cut,' which is Ridley Scott's definitive version, offering the most complete and artistic vision of the film.

What are the main differences between the various versions of 'Blade Runner'?

The different versions include changes in narration, plot elements, dream sequences, violence, and endings. Some versions contain voiceovers, happy endings, or alternate edits, while others, like the 'Final Cut,' represent Scott's fully controlled vision.

What was significant about the work print version of 'Blade Runner'?

The work print version was an early cut shown to test audiences in 1982. It lacked key elements like the opening title sequence and unicorn dream sequence, and included a different ending with a happier tone.

Why did Ridley Scott disown certain versions of 'Blade Runner'?

Ridley Scott disowned versions like the 'CBS TV' and the 'Warner Brothers Director's Cut' because they lacked key scenes, didn't reflect his artistic vision, and were released without his direct input.

What impact did test screenings have on the early versions of 'Blade Runner'?

Test screenings led to major changes, including the addition of a voiceover narration and a more straightforward, happy ending, to make the film more accessible to general audiences.

What is the significance of the unicorn dream sequence in 'Blade Runner'?

The unicorn dream sequence is central to the film's thematic exploration of whether Deckard is human or a replicant. It was included in later versions like the Director's Cut and the Final Cut, but was absent from earlier versions.

Why is the 'Final Cut' considered Ridley Scott's definitive version?

The 'Final Cut' is considered definitive because it is the version over which Ridley Scott had full control, with the film fully restored, digitally remastered, and containing all the necessary artistic elements, including the expanded unicorn dream and a lack of a happy ending.

What unique elements does the international cut include compared to other versions?

The international cut includes more violence, which was later inserted into the 'Final Cut,' and several scenes not present in other versions, making it closer to Ridley Scott's vision than the original theatrical release.