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Review from VIENNALE 27th of October 1.00 a.m.

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martinland

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Post Sun Oct 28, 2007 5:33 pm

Review from VIENNALE 27th of October 1.00 a.m.

That's what I posted yesterday on alt.fan.blade-runner, enjoy:

Dear Blade Runnerettes and Blade Runners,

[...]

24 hours ago I just sat right in the middle of a special screening of BRFC
in Vienna, together with 735 other happy people. It was the magnicifent
"Gartenbau Kino" with a giant curved screen and digital HD projection (a
first for me). From 1. a.m. to 3. a.m. that is! There was even applause at
the end of the show which is quite rare here in Austria, I can tell you!

It was a thrill!

A giant curved screen, my loved one by my side as well as a good friend, who never (!!!!) saw the film, but knows the score quite well being a
musician/composer himself.

Some of the things I noticed:

I caught the iris reacting to the fire, just because I spotted a glimpse
of a review in advance, which is exactly what I tried to avoid in the
first place...

No tears over the missing wires here... ;)

The only negative thing I have to say about this wonderful
event/impressions: I have seen this movie countless times on the big
screen. Sure enough I always find something new - the irony being, that
during _this_ particular screening of the undoubtedly most flawless
version - thanks to Zinema!! - because of the clarity/brightness of the
print I noticed a glitch in the compositing of the otherwise glittering
and mesmerizing (as it's always been) spinner in the first shot of the
giant billboard right after Holden's been shot (pun?): There is actually
something falling apart on the back wheel to the right. A "floating" piece
of matte line or detail, whatever. Now I can spot it even on the still on
the back of the first dvd. Never noticed that one before.

This was a short moment of confusion, but then I got into the movie and
t'was heaven of course:

I tried not to notice all the litte tweaks (like Deckard's bruise now
finally gone before his confrontation w/ Leon) just to keep "inside" the
movie.

A short list of my favourite "Ahaa" moments:

The Hades landscape I have to appreciate next time, because at that moment I had still to get used to the digital projection system and I was
"distracted" by the billowing flames being different... ;)

Happily I didn't have to blink anymore when Rachael steps in front of the
sun... :)

All the supposedly "old" bits of extra violence I have never ever seen
before. I never understood the assumption in FN, that the international
version should have incorporated all of this long ago. In movie theatres I
saw the original version, the director's cut, I still own the original VHS
of the "original" version, but I've never seen this footage here in Europe
anyways...

It added extra adrenalin to this experience, as if first-time... :)

I was quite happy to see that all the magnificent matte paintings have
been corrected to shine on all equipment (which is a pet gripe of mine:
Even masterpieces like 2001 which appear flawless in their natural
environment, e.g. theatrical exhibition, have been marred by video
transfers, DVD no less, that reveal stuff like front projection, that
_are_ invisible in the superior original medium. That's why I'm looking
forward to this particular film's re-issue on DVD).

One minor detail amidst the countless additions and corrections on the
soundtrack (I was well aware of all that during the screening): The
awkward cross fade from 'Memories of Green' to the 'Blade Runner Blues' right at the beginning of the balcony scene has finally been corrected...
:)

I'm also glad the shadow of the camera operator has been removed, but I'm equally glad that Zinema treats us w/ all the previous versions of the
movie to revel in these old, well-known, even beloved quirks, if we feel
like it.

Hmmm, it's easier to think of things that still puzzled me, because all
the nice, subtle enhancements felt right and didn't call attention to
themselves e.g. left me inside this mesmerzing world and let me enjoy the movie again...

Things I was astounded were _still_ left in this version:

The wrong angle on the hardcopy of Zhora's face, the too-tight-for-comfort cut to the line (she would still be in the room to hear it?!!?) "She's a replicant, isn't she?".

Something which didn't bother me up until now, which has been pointed out nonetheless by one of our companions, who saw the movie for the first time only a couple of weeks before: There's a continuity error w/ Pris' tongue which sticks out only in later shots (of course preparing the very powerful shot of Roy kissing her...). Two more things: The Esper still starts zooming in w/o request one time, although you could call that a jump cut forward in time. Ooops, the other one escapes me right now...

[EDIT]

Now I recall:

It's Zhora's eyes (no wonder that I kept looking on them every time - this movie kind of creates a fixation on eyes for the viewer ;-).

I've always been under the impression that they moved or more precisely "jumped" for one two frames, when her head gets turned before they zip her up, maybe it's an optical illusion,...

... otherwise I love that scene and how it now let's you feel empathy w/ Zhora, not the stunt double... ;)

When I get hold of the DVDs and have built my shrine, erm, I will surely freeze-frame through the sequence to make piece with this once and for all.

[/EDIT]

Don't get me wrong. This is a fabulous version that nearly brought tears
into my eyes and seeing this version for the first time will keep
haunting me in my dreams for the next couple of nights...

...but I mean, when you turn perfectionist with this version these are
valid omissions to be pointed out, right? No big deal though, we all know
how it is with the real world... ;) :)

It would be tremendously interesting to have Mr. Zinema comment on the above observations, including the spinner problem which apparently has always been there and I never spotted it.

Of course there are all these glorious new shots added back into the
fourth sector, the unicorn sequence, etc...

The sky shot with the dove flying into it has been done quite tastefully too, IMHO.

Can't wait to freeze frame my way through this definitive version!!

Finally it's amazing how after all these years and viewings Roy's speech
at the end - thanks to this special occasion - still manages to create so
much emotion. *sigh* :)

Afterwards it was quite fun to discuss/observe that others who obviously
haven't seen the movie quite as repeatedly didn't realize there where any changes except maybe two or three, but subconsciously they were brought back in to the movie emotionally on this big screen by all the
enhancements that would make the movie feel a bit lacking in execution
(despite all the unique FX, especially the incredibly beautiful lens flares etc. at the time, don't get me wrong), hadn't they been applied so lovingly by Mr. Zinema's and of course Ridley Scott's efforts...

One little critical afterthought though: I am under the impression that
(one of) the film prints I saw back in 1992 was nearly completely free of
any film grain compared to this digitally projected version which showed
quite a bit up close, but then again it's been 15 years since...

All in all it felt like a "fresh" and nearly perfect version of the "old"
movie, no more, no less (and nobody else has done something quite like
that before, not with for example Lawrence of Arabia or Star Wars, two
other completley different approaches to film restoration that come to
mind, anyway :)

I must stop now, because I could go on and on about this experience I'll
treasure in my heart... ;)

We all have this new gem to enjoy, discuss, and talk about until 2019,
hurray!

Have a better one,
Martin
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martinland

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Post Sun Oct 28, 2007 6:19 pm

Re: Review from VIENNALE 27th of October 1.00 a.m.

One more extremely funny recollection, which made me laugh out loud:

There was only a very short trailer of Viennale festival preceding the movie. Two dozens of seconds worth...

...and right into this moment of silence with everbody holding their breath with anticipation someone yelled, at the top of his lungs:

TURN IT UP!

:lol:

Pretty neat, huh?

Have a better one,
Martin
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Planta

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Post Mon Oct 29, 2007 3:54 am

great review Martin! thank you! btw, was it original language or translated or with titles?
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martinland

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Post Mon Oct 29, 2007 5:06 am

Planta wrote:great review Martin! thank you! btw, was it original language or translated or with titles?


Thanks, Planta! Not that structured, a bit stream-of-consciousness-ish, but if you like it, I'm happy! :D

It was original language, no dubbing, no subtitles - I don't think there is any other version in existence (which makes you wonder when and how they will accomplish the foreign language versions for the DVD and how they will sound for those who prefer them).

Have a better one,
Martin
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Planta

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Post Mon Oct 29, 2007 6:00 am

martinland wrote:It was original language, no dubbing, no subtitles - I don't think there is any other version in existence (which makes you wonder when and how they will accomplish the foreign language versions for the DVD and how they will sound for those who prefer them).


...and if it ever comes the chance to see it on the big screen in the rest of Europe too! fingers crossed! :( thanks Martin :wink:
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martinland

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Post Mon Oct 29, 2007 9:31 am

Planta wrote:fingers crossed!

That's the spirit!

I cross mine too for all you people out there to be able to enjoy it as it was meant to be seen! 8)

Martin
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Post Mon Oct 29, 2007 4:12 pm

What is this preferential treatment of the Austrians? Is it because that Schwarzenneger is King of Hollywood? :lol:

Truly excellent review Martin. Interesting to learn that the International Cut has never been seen internationally. I always visualized the barbarian hordes in Europe salivating at the screenings. :lol: I bought the 10th anniversary edition on VHS so have been watching the "International Cut" for 15 years. Maybe by International they mean the hinterlands of America. I do so appreciate this version more than the other two versions.

Glad to hear of your Anschluss with the Old Blade Runner. This privileged American has to wait until December 7th for a screening in Denver. And of course my wife preordered the Briefcase as soon as it was announced. I will finally get to view the work print.

Regards,

Erwin
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martinland

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Post Mon Oct 29, 2007 5:39 pm

starramus wrote:What is this preferential treatment of the Austrians? Is it because that Schwarzenneger is King of Hollywood? :lol:

Shua, wout else... :lol:

starramus wrote:Truly excellent review Martin. Interesting to learn that the International Cut has never been seen internationally.

Quite interesting, isn't it?

starramus wrote:I always visualized the barbarian hordes in Europe salivating at the screenings.

Yikes, now I won't be able to get this image out of my head. The barbarian hordes, *drool*... :lol:

starramus wrote:Maybe by International they mean the hinterlands of America.

Who knows? Paul M. Sammon would know! :D

starramus wrote:I do so appreciate this version more than the other two versions.

You're ready for the Final Cut, I'd say...

starramus wrote:has to wait until December 7th for a screening in Denver.

Consider yourself lucky, because that's not what everybody's able to do.

starramus wrote:And of course my wife preordered the Briefcase

Your wife? Of Course? Cool, I'm beginning to like her. :wink: :wink:, *nudge*nudge*

Which reminds me: Right before the screening I talked to the guy sitting right behind us and as soon as I told him that the briefcase is practically on its way already, he just said (in German): 'Ah, there's a mutual understanding here!'. :)

starramus wrote:I will finally get to view the work print.

Me too! That will be truly amazing, I know it. Plus the 45' 'alternate' version. I have to stop thinking about this, it makes me dizzy! :lol:

starramus wrote:Regards,
Erwin

All the better ones,
Martin
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Post Tue Oct 30, 2007 3:40 am

martinland wrote:I have to stop thinking about this, it makes me dizzy! :lol:


guys, we're all thrilling about it!!! can't wait any longeeerrr!!!! :D :D :D
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Post Tue Oct 30, 2007 1:52 pm

Counting the days, folks. I saw BR back on its first cinema run, in Sept of 1982. This DVD set has been a LONG time coming... just weeks to go now but I'm going to be ready- I've even got the week off work!
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Post Wed Oct 31, 2007 3:13 am

ghost of 82 wrote:...I've even got the week off work!


that's the spirit!! :D
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Post Wed Oct 31, 2007 1:19 pm

I think I'll watch the Final Cut first, then maybe the 45-min version, followed by the Dangerous Days doc. Gotta be the Workprint after that, maybe then again but with the commentary. Perhaps then some of the featurettes or straight back to the Final Cut and the Ridley commentary...

I'll need the week off work! It's going to be my early Christmas, especially as I have to work long hours over the Christmas period. This box is the best Christmas present for a BR nut of so many years.

By the time I've exhausted the DVD set I shall have the BluRay set from the USA to look forward to, yes BR in Hi-Def goodness.

You can imagine how thrilled the wife is with all this. :lol:
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Post Wed Oct 31, 2007 1:52 pm

Dear ghost of 82, your extraordinary geekiness is absolutely brilliant. I love it :D

I'm making a 5-hour round trip drive from my current hometown of Madison, WI to Chicago, IL to see the FC this Saturday. Already got my 2:30 P.M. matinee ticket for the MusicBox theatre purchased online. I'm so unbelievably psyched, the only language that could possibly adequately convey my utter f***ing enthusiasm is Cityspeak!!!

As for December 18, I'll be making a *10*-hour round trip drive to Minneapolis, MN, to check out the 5-DVD mofo with my childhood best friend whose father (unfortunately since passed on) originally introduced us to BR, courtesy a videotape of the original run on cable TV.

Short of another bridge collapsing in Minneapolis (sorry, very bad joke), there is NOTHING IN THIS @#$% WORLD that will get between me, the 5-DVD Ultimate Collection and my best friend's $3,000 monolithic hi-def TV set on 12/18/07!!! Arghrrrrrrr (pirate growl) and clinks of our Tsing Tao bottles to all our beloved BR mateys out there!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :lol:
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Post Wed Oct 31, 2007 4:01 pm

So my wife, sympathetic-to-the-cause sweetheart that she is, decided she wanted to join me after all on my BR-FC road trip/pilgrimage to Chicago this weekend; alas, she's working on Saturday, so I just picked up two tickets for Sunday instead.

If anyone out there's interested in a free ticket to a 2:30 P.M. screening of the BR-FC @ the Music Box Theatre in Chicago this Saturday Nov. 3rd, feel free to send me a private message and I'll reply with my ticket confirmation #, etc. (to be picked up at will call).

Sunday can't get here soon enough...!
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ghost of 82

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Post Thu Nov 01, 2007 6:13 pm

Let us know what you think of the FC. Cinema not really an option over here in 'ole Blighty- by the looks of things any showings will be very limited and not near me at all. :( But I enjoy reading all the comments on the forums here.

Whats the odds of the UK DVD release getting delayed and my week off work wasted? :shock:
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