I think I'll spring for the HD-DVD version on Amazon. $27.xx for a five-disc set is a steal!

For some reason I don't think the 5-disc SD will be re-released later w/out the briefcase. I think the 2 disc will remain as the constant for SD while the 4 disc will go OOP after a year or so. IMO.

Anyone have any pictures of the two-disc?

I was referring to the review of the film, not the DVD release.

Not helped in the slightest by the bashfest of a review of Matrix: Reloaded which was a hell lot better movie IMO.

Buuuut, we're getting wee bit OT here...

Hell yeah. I myself haven't seen the movie for ages but I do remember enjoying it back then and I see no reason why I wouldn't enjoy it now...I even ordered the 3-disc soundtrack and contemplate on getting that "Future Noir" book to really make it complete.

However...

People want the 5th disc but don't want to pay some 30+ bucks extra for it.

But I can agree with the above argument: the 5th disc only has the workprint cut (albeit with a commentary by the author of Future Noir) which, being largely for novelty value anyway, shouldn't really appeal to anyone except those same hardcore fans who're willing to pay the extra for the briefcase, anyway.

The 5th disc also contains the half-hour featurette All Or Variant Futures: From Workprint To Final Cut. I found it very fascinating and well worth watching even after going through all the extra materials on disc 2 and 4, especially since we get to hear quite a bit from Charles de Lauzirika. I think they should have added it to one of the other discs, because it doesn't have that much to do with the workprint per se but mainly the final cut. It's a shame some people will miss it (those buying the 2-disc and 4-disc)

My SD version didnt come with the plastic letter from Ridley Scott and picture thing. I thought I saw someone earlier say the same. Other than that its gorgeous. Cant wait to watch the final cut again and the other versions I havent seen.

I believe one person said he didn't get the letter. Bummer

Well AFAIK it IS supposed to come with the letter. Where'd you buy it?

Mine had the letter. But the back of the digipack holding the discs was torn and bent.

The briefcase is a lot smaller then I was expecting it to be.

Well I purchased the set today at Best Buy, snatched it right off the cart before they could put it on the shelves.

I'm really happy with the briefcase overall (# 56929). It has a nice plastic slipcover, although it's labeled with a DVD logo which sucks if I want to have the whole package and pick up a Hi-def version some day and just put it in there instead of the DVD. Another gripe is that the space between the handle and the case is small and my fingers get squished between it, my hand is not big either. But it's a scaled down version of the case, and I doubt I'll carry it around, so no big deal.

The toys are a bit cheap and seem somewhat fragile. The Unicorn is exactly what you expect. The Spinner has more of a weight to it than I expected, like a modification of a metal toy car. The lenticular photo is cool and cheap at the same time. It's one of the best and smoothest looking ones and has longer than average action, but the segment used seems arbitrary and the quality of the images used seems poor but that's probably just inherit in lenticular art. I would've prefered a film cell(s).

The concept and storyboard photos are nice and come in a black Blade Runner labeled file folder (featuring more art as the interior), which is inserted in a flap in the case. Each piece of art shows, on the back, how the concept was executed in the film with a little description.

As for the video content well it's fantastic. I've watched All Our Variant Futures, and most of the Enhancement Archives disc (including the Deleted and Alternate scenes), now I'm onto Dangerous Days (about half through). So far the All Our Variant Futures is my favorite piece. It's just amazing how long this DVD was in production and how much work and effort was put into it. It's awesome to see how they fixed the Zhora and lip-synch problems. They show side by side comparions and it is flawless work (there's a beautiful reaction from Joanna Cassidy when she sees the fruits of her labours). Seeing Ben Ford's face match up nearly perfectly with his father's is crazy too. And him mouthing his father's lines is surreal because the voice matches him too well, even though he doesn't normally sound like Harrison.

My other favorite piece is the Deck-a-Rep featurette. It's basically everyone they could possibly ask about the most controversial question in the film. Ridley jokingly calls those who don't get Deckard's a replicant morons. It then cuts to Darabont saying Deckard being a replicant is aburd and undermining, while Guillermo Del Toro says it doesn't matter. It's truly a great exploration of the topic, and very fun.

They didn't call this the ultimate set for nothing because it's not only the ultimate set for Blade Runner but the ultimate DVD release of the year, and maybe the decade. Atleast when it comes to a single film, but I'd have no arguement with someone listing it as the best set of all time. The 58 bucks (tax included) I spent on it was completely worth it.

My SD set did come with it the letter, for those who are wondering.

You mean the slipcover had the DVD logo or the briefcase?

There is a plastic slipcover that slides on the breifcase. It says DVD in the corner.

what is the workprint version like? and which version are most of you starting out with?

FRICKFRICKFRICK.
None of the stores in my area have the briefcase edition. Now I am trying to decide if it is worth it if I can get the same 5 discs on HD-DVD without the briefcase. Did I read that correctly?

Even though I ordered this off Amazon, I couldn't wait and went to Best Buy today and snatched the last one. Some dude had 2 in his hands and finally let one go. My Best Buy in Cerritos, CA was such a mess.....the 2 remaining briefcases were on the floor next to some open boxes of Halloween that hadn't been put on the shelves yet.

I'm thinking about still keeping the one from Amazon and not opening it and saving it as a collectible item.

Good thing I got mine through Amazon since Best Buy has the Blu Ray 5-Disc (non-briefcase) yet no HD-DVD version...

Edit: Well, using the Borders coupon posted in the Bargains Forum, I decided to get the briefcase. Came in at $59.99 so not too bad. Guess I'll just either sell the one I'm getting from Amazon or send it back...

so how is the 2 disc set?
does anyone know the packaging in comes in?

I was going to get the briefcase on SD dvd but since I have never seen Blade Runner, I decided to get the 4-Disc instead.

Packaging for the 2-disc FC comes in the typical standard keepcase with outer slipcover.

Bought the SD briefcase, and as others have said, this definitely belongs with the Alien Quadrilogy and LOTR EEs as one of the most comprehensive DVDs ever produced.

Well that's not exactly a problem then? You can just hide the slipcover somewhere and stick in the HD case in anyway :D

Just wondering, why are all the versions except for the workprint the exact same length? I understand that within that time frame, the edits can be different, and things can be added, removed such that none of the cuts are alike, but it still seems strange that in the end they're all 117 minutes long.

Of course, but the slipcover has stuff on the back, and if I want to have the complete package I'm stuck. Not a big deal though, just a little stinky for a perfectionist.

If you've never seen the film, you should watch the Final Cut first.

I disagree. I'd say watch the US Theatrical Release first.

Also, I'm getting worn out trying to keep up with the numerous Blade Runner threads. Perhaps a merge into a "Blade Runner...so many threads" is in order.

Just a completely illogical argument. What you paid 'back-in-the-day' has zippo to do with current pricing or determining value.

MOST people are not in hi-def yet (not even close). This high price for the BR fan who wants the complete set is nothing more than a money grab. This includes a fan base that is older and many (like myself) not wanting cheap toys. In fact, wanting thin releases that fit well on the shelf with the other DVDs.

Bad decision.

Illogical argument or not, people are still bitching and whining.

High Price? 55 dollars? Gimme a break.

This is a fantastic, wonderful set and I give kudos to Warner Bros. for giving it to the fans.