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Off-world: The Blade Runner Wiki
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pages
Explore
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All Pages
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Books
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Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep?
Blade Runner: A Story of the Future
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Blade Runner 4: Eye and Talon
Non-fiction
Future Noir: The Making of Blade Runner
The Art and Soul of Blade Runner 2049
Blade Runner 2049: Interlinked - The Art
Blade Runner 2049: The Storyboards
The Art of Blade Runner: Black Lotus
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Blade Runner
Blade Runner 2049
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2036: Nexus Dawn
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Blade Runner: Black Lotus
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Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep?
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Blade Runner 2019
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Blade Runner Origins
Blade Runner: Black Lotus
Blade Runner: Tokyo Nexus
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Blade Runner 2049: Nexus Protocol
Blade Runner: The Roleplaying Game
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Blade Runner (1985 video game)
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Blade Runner 2049: Memory Lab
Blade Runner: Revelations
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{{DISPLAYTITLE:''Blade Runner''}} {{Real-world}} {{Infobox film|movie_name = Blade Runner |image = Blade Runner poster.jpg |director = [[Ridley Scott]] |producer = [[Michael Deeley]] |screenplay = [[Hampton Fancher]]<br>[[David Peoples]] |based on = [[Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep?]]<br>by [[Philip K. Dick]] |starring = [[Harrison Ford]]<br>[[Rutger Hauer]]<br>[[Sean Young]]<br>[[Edward James Olmos]]<br>[[Daryl Hannah]] |music = [[Vangelis]] |cinematography = [[Jordan Cronenweth]] |edited = [[Terry Rawlings]]<br>[[Marsha Nakashima]] |production companies = [[The Ladd Company]]<br>[[Shaw Brothers]]<br>Blade Runner Partnership |distributor = [[Warner Bros.]] |release date = June 25, [[1982 (production)|1982]] |runtime = 117 min. (International Cut)<br>115 min. (Director's Cut) |country = United States<br />Hong Kong |movie_language = English |budget = $28 million |box office = $33.8 million |imdb_id = 0083658 }} '''Blade Runner''' is a [[1982 (production)|1982]] neo-noir [[Wikipedia:Science fiction|science fiction]] film directed by [[Ridley Scott]], depicting a dystopic [[Los Angeles]] in November [[2019]]. The [[Wikipedia:Screenplay|screenplay]], which was written by [[Hampton Fancher]] and [[David Peoples]], is loosely based on the novel ''[[Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep?]]'' by [[Philip K. Dick]]. The film itself features: [[Harrison Ford]], [[Rutger Hauer]], [[Sean Young]], [[Edward James Olmos]], [[M. Emmet Walsh|M Emmet Walsh]], [[Daryl Hannah]], [[William Sanderson]], [[Brion James]], [[Joe Turkel]] and [[Joanna Cassidy]]; lead designer: [[Syd Mead]], soundtrack composer [[Vangelis]]. The film describes a future in which genetically manufactured beings called [[replicant]]s are used for dangerous and degrading work in [[Earth]]'s "[[Off-world Colonies|off-world colonies]]." Built by the [[Tyrell Corporation]] to be 'more human than human', the ''[[Nexus-6]]'' generation appear to be physically identical to humans — although they have superior strength and agility — while lacking comparable emotional responses and empathy. Replicants became illegal on Earth after a bloody mutiny. Specialist police units — [[Blade Runner Unit|blade runners]] — hunt down and "retire" (i.e., kill) escaped replicants on Earth. With a particularly brutal and cunning group of replicants on the loose in Los Angeles, a reluctant [[Rick Deckard]] is recalled from semi-retirement for some of "the old blade runner magic." ''Blade Runner'' initially received polarized reviews from film critics, some who were confused and disappointed it didn't have the pacing expected from an action film, while others appreciated its thematic complexity. The film performed poorly in North American theaters while achieving success overseas. Despite poor early ticket sales, it was adored by fans and academia and quickly attained cult classic status. It gained such great popularity as a video rental, partly due to the film's ability to reward repeated viewing, that it was chosen to be one of the first movies to be released on DVD. ''Blade Runner'' has been widely hailed as a modern classic for its immersive special effects and prefiguring important themes and concerns of the 21st century. It has been praised as being one of the most influential films of all time because of its detailed and original setting, serving as a postmodern visual benchmark with its realistic depiction of a decayed future. ''Blade Runner'' brought author [[Philip K. Dick]] to the attention of Hollywood, and numerous films have since been based on his literature. ==Plot== {{Quote|Early in the 21st Century, <small>THE TYRELL CORPORATION</small> advanced Robot evolution into the <small>NEXUS</small> phase – a being virtually identical to a human – known as a ''Replicant''.<br>The <small>NEXUS 6</small> ''Replicants'' were superior in strength and agility, and at least equal in intelligence, to the genetic engineers who created them.<br>''Replicants'' were used Off-world as slave labor, in the hazardous exploration and colonization of other planets.<br>After a bloody mutiny by a <small>NEXUS 6</small> combat team in an Off-world colony, ''Replicants'' were declared illegal on earth – under penalty of death.<br>Special police squads – <small>BLADE RUNNER UNITS</small> – had orders to shoot to kill, upon detection, any trespassing ''Replicant''.<br>This was not called execution. It was called retirement.||Blade Runner}} In [[Los Angeles]], November [[2019]], [[Rick Deckard]] is called out of retirement when an overconfident Blade Runner — [[Dave Holden|Holden]] — is shot during a [[Voight-Kampff test]] by [[Leon Kowalski|Leon]], an escaped replicant. [[Image:BladeRunner Sun.jpg|thumb|left|275px|Tyrell dimming the sun.]] A reluctant Deckard is brought to his old boss, [[Harry Bryant|Bryant]], who informs him that the recent escape of Nexus-6 replicants is the worst yet. Bryant briefs Deckard on the replicants: A total of [[Six renegade replicants|six replicants]] have escaped on Earth. [[Roy Batty]] is a commando, Leon a manual laborer, [[Zhora]] an assassin, and [[Pris]] a 'basic pleasure model.' Bryant also explains that the Nexus-6 model has a four-year lifespan as a fail-safe against their developing unstable emotions. Deckard is teamed up with [[Gaff]] and sent to the [[Tyrell Corporation]] to ensure that the Voight-Kampff test works on Nexus-6 models. While there Deckard discovers that [[Eldon Tyrell|Tyrell]]'s young secretary [[Rachael]] is an experimental replicant with implanted memories which provide a cushion for her emotions. Deckard and Gaff then search Leon's apartment, where they find several clues including a stack of old photos and scales belonging to an unknown animal. Meanwhile, Roy and Leon force [[Hannibal Chew]], an eye designer, to direct them to [[J.F. Sebastian]] who can lead them to Tyrell. Later, Rachael visits Deckard at his apartment to prove her humanity to him, but leaves in tears upon hearing that her memories are artificial. Pris meets up with Sebastian and takes advantage of his kind nature to gain access to his apartment. The animal scale and one of the photographs from Leon's apartment lead Deckard to [[Taffey Lewis]]' bar where he unsuccessfully questions Lewis. Deckard calls Rachael to apologetically ask her to join him, but she hangs up on him. When Deckard recognizes Zhora on stage, he pretends to be a representative from a dancer's union to gain access to Zhora in her dressing room. Zhora plays along until she suddenly attacks Deckard and escapes. Zhora makes a desperate attempt to get away from Deckard into the crowded streets, yet Deckard tracks her down and "retires" her. After the shooting, Gaff and Bryant show up and inform Deckard that Rachael will also need to be "retired". Deckard spots Rachael in the distance, though as he follows her he is suddenly seized and disarmed by Leon. Leon beats him viciously until Rachael shoots Leon with Deckard's gun, saving Deckard's life. They go back to Deckard's apartment where Deckard tells her he won't hunt her down. They share an intimate moment, though it turns from tender to violent when Rachael rebukes Deckard's advances, and he then forces her to kiss him. Meanwhile, Roy arrives at Sebastian's apartment and with Pris' charms they convince Sebastian to help Roy meet Tyrell. Taking advantage of Sebastian's relationship with Tyrell as his opponent in chess, Tyrell permits them to meet with him. Roy demands an extension to his lifespan and requests absolution for his sins; upon receiving neither he kills Tyrell and Sebastian. [[Image:BladeRunner Bradbury Interior.jpg|thumb|right|275px|The [[Bradbury Apartments]]]] Deckard is sent to Sebastian's apartment after the murders and is ambushed by Pris, though he manages to shoot her after a struggle. Roy returns moments later, trapping Deckard in the apartment and playfully hunting him throughout the dilapidated [[Bradbury Apartments]], eventually forcing him to the roof. Deckard attempts a jump to another building and ends up desperately hanging from a beam. Roy easily makes the jump and stares down at Deckard — just as Deckard loses his grip Roy grabs his wrist and saves his life. Roy is deteriorating quickly (his 4-year lifespan is up) as he sits down in the rain and eloquently marvels at the highlights of his life and concludes, "All those moments... will be lost... in time... like... tears in rain. Time... to die." Roy quietly dies as Deckard looks on in silence. Gaff arrives in a [[spinner]] shortly afterward and, as he's leaving, cryptically shouts, "It's too bad she won't live, but then again, who does?" Deckard returns to his apartment and cautiously enters when he sees the door is ajar. He finds Rachael alive and as they leave Deckard comes across an origami calling card left by Gaff; he has allowed them to escape, and they depart toward an uncertain future together. ==Cast== *[[Harrison Ford]] as [[Rick Deckard|Deckard]] *[[Rutger Hauer]] as [[Roy Batty|Batty]] *[[Sean Young]] as [[Rachael]] *[[Edward James Olmos]] as [[Gaff]] *[[M. Emmet Walsh]] as [[Harry Bryant|Bryant]] *[[Daryl Hannah]] as [[Pris]] *[[William Sanderson]] as [[J.F. Sebastian|Sebastian]] *[[Brion James]] as [[Leon Kowalski|Leon]] *[[Joe Turkel]] as [[Eldon Tyrell|Tyrell]] *[[Joanna Cassidy]] as [[Zhora]] *[[James Hong]] as [[Hannibal Chew|Chew]] *[[Morgan Paull]] as [[Dave Holden|Holden]] *[[Kevin Thompson]] as [[Bear]] *[[John Edward Allen]] as [[Kaiser]] *[[Hy Pyke|Hy Pike]] as [[Taffey Lewis]] *[[Kimiko Hiroshige|Kimiro Hiroshige]] as [[Cambodian lady|Cambodian Lady]] *[[Bob Okazaki|Robert Okazaki]] as [[Sushi master|Sushi Master]] *[[Carolyn DeMirjian]] as Saleslady *[[Ben Astar]] as [[Abdul Ben Hassan]] ===Uncredited=== *[[Judith Burnett]] as Ming-Fa *[[Leo Gorcey, Jr.]] as [[Louie]]–Bartender #2 *[[Charles Knapp]] as Bartender #1 *[[Thomas Hutchinson]] as Bartender #3 *[[Kelly Hine]] as Show Girl *[[Sharon Hesky]] as Barfly #1 *[[Rose Mascari]] as Barfly #2 *[[Alexis Rhee|Alexis (Susan) Rhee]] as Geisha #1 (Billboard) *[[Hiroko Kimuri]] as Geisha #2 *[[Kai Wong]] as Chinese Man #1 *[[Kit Wong]] as Chinese Man #2 *[[Hiro Okazaki]] as Policeman #1 *[[Steve Pope]] as Policeman #2 *[[Robert Reiter]] as Policeman #3 ==Production== [[Philip K. Dick]] died before its release, but saw a forty-minute special effects test reel, about which he was very complimentary. The screenplay, by [[Hampton Fancher]], attracted producer [[Michael Deeley]] (who secured several financing sources, later problematic when one delayed the release of the film's Special Edition) who convinced director [[Ridley Scott]] to create his first American film; Scott was unhappy with the script and had [[David Peoples]] rewrite it. The title derives from Alan E. Nourse's novel ''The Bladerunner'' (1974), whose protagonist smuggles black-market surgical instruments. William S. Burroughs' wrote ''Bladerunner, A Movie'' a cinema treatment. Aside from the title, neither Nourse's novel nor Burroughs's treatment are relevant to the film. Screenwriter Fancher happened upon a copy of ''Bladerunner, A Movie'' whilst Scott searched for a commercial title for his film; Scott liked the title, obtained rights to it, but not to the novel; (Note: some editions of Burroughs' treatment-novel use the two-word spacing: ''Blade Runner''.) ''Blade Runner'' owes much to Fritz Lang's 1927 film ''Metropolis''. Scott credits Edward Hopper's painting ''Nighthawks'' and the proto-cyberpunk short story comic "The Long Tomorrow" (by Dan O'Bannon, art by Moebius) as stylistic mood sources. Scott hired [[Syd Mead]] as conceptual artist, both were influenced by the French science fiction comic magazine ''Métal Hurlant'' (Heavy Metal), to which Moebius contributed. Moebius was offered pre-production of ''Blade Runner'', he declined, to work on René Laloux's animated film ''[es Maîtres du temps'' — a decision Moebius later regretted. [[Lawrence G. Paull]] (production designer) and [[David Snyder]] (art director) realised Scott's and Mead's sketches. [[Jim Burns]] briefly worked designing the [[Spinner]] hovercars; [[Douglas Trumbull]] and [[Richard Yuricich]] supervised the special effects for the film. [[Image:BladeRunner Spinner Billboard.jpg|thumb|right|275px|A police [[spinner]] flies alongside an advertising-laden skyscraper in LA.]] Prior to principal photography, [[Paul M. Sammon]] was commissioned by ''Cinefantastique'' magazine to do a special article on the making of ''Blade Runner''. His detailed observations and research later became the book ''[[Future Noir: The Making of Blade Runner]]'', which is also called the ''Blade Runner Bible'' by the cult following of the film. The book outlines not only the evolution of ''Blade Runner'' but the politics and difficulties on-set; particularly on Scott's expectations (coming from Britain) of his first American crew. Also, his directing style with actors created friction with the cast and likely contributed to Ford's subsequent reluctance to discuss the film. ==Themes== :<sub>''Main article: [[Themes in Blade Runner]]''</sub> Despite the initial appearance of an action film, ''Blade Runner'' operates on an unusually rich number of dramatic levels. As with much of the cyberpunk genre, it owes a large debt to film noir, containing and exploring such conventions as the femme fatale, a [[wikipedia:Raymond Chandler|Chandleresque]] first-person narration (removed in later versions), and the questionable moral outlook of the Hero — extended here to include even the humanity of the hero, as well as the usual dark and shadowy cinematography. It is one of the most literate science fiction films, both thematically — enfolding the philosophy of religion and moral implications of the increasing human mastery of genetic engineering, within the context of classical Greek drama and its notions of hubris — and linguistically, drawing on the poetry of [[wikipedia:William Blake|William Blake]] and the Bible. ''Blade Runner'' also features a chess game based on the famous Immortal Game of 1851. (The king and queen are interposed on Tyrell's side, a position which a grandmaster would never attempt.) [[Image:BladeRunner Bradbury.jpg|thumb|left|260px|Dark sprawl overlooked by glimmering towers.]] The world of ''Blade Runner'' depicts a future whose fictional distance from present reality has grown sharply smaller as [[2019]] approaches. The film delves into the future implications of technology on the environment and society by reaching into the past using literature, religious symbolism, classical dramatic themes and film noir. This tension between past, present and future is apparent in the retrofitted future of Blade Runner, which is high-tech and gleaming in places but elsewhere decayed and old. A high level of paranoia is present throughout the film with the visual manifestation of corporate power, omnipresent police, probing lights; and in the power over the individual represented particularly by genetic programming of the replicants. Control over the environment is seen on a large scale but also with how animals are created as mere commodities. This oppressive backdrop clarifies why many people are going to the off-world colonies, which clearly parallels the migration to the Americas. The popular 1980s prediction of America being economically surpassed by Japan is reflected in the domination of Japanese culture and advertising in LA 2019. The film also makes extensive use of eyes and manipulated images to call into question reality and our ability to perceive it. [[Image:BladeRunner Deckard and Rachael.jpg|right|275px|thumb|Deckard and Rachael.]] This provides an atmosphere of uncertainty for ''Blade Runner''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s central theme of examining humanity. In order to discover replicants an empathy test is used with a number of questions focused on the treatment of animals; making it the essential indicator of someone's "humanity". The replicants are juxtaposed with human characters who are unempathetic, and while the replicants show passion and concern for one another the mass of humanity on the streets is cold and impersonal. The film goes so far as to put in doubt the nature of [[Themes in Blade Runner#Deckard: replicant or human.3F|Deckard]] and forces the audience to reevaluate what it means to be human. ==Reception == ===Awards and nominations=== ''Blade Runner'' has both won, and been nominated for, many awards. It was nominated for the following awards: * BAFTA (1983) ** Best Film Editing – Terry Rawlings ** Best Make Up Artist – Marvin G. Westmore ** Best Score – [[Vangelis]] ** Best Sound – Peter Pennell, Bud Alper, Graham V. Hartstone, Gerry Humphreys ** Best Special Visual Effects – Douglas Trumbull, Richard Yuricich, David Dryer * British Society of Cinematographers: Best Cinematography Award (1982) – Jordan Cronenweth * Fantasporto ** International Fantasy Film Award (1983) - Best Film – [[Ridley Scott]] ** International Fantasy Film Award (1993) - Best Film – Ridley Scott (Director's cut) * Golden Globe: Best Original Score (1983) - Motion Picture – [[Vangelis]] * Oscar (1983) ** Best Art Direction-Set Decoration – Lawrence G. Paull, David L. Snyder, Linda DeScenna ** Best Effects, Visual Effects – Douglas Trumbull, Richard Yuricich, David Dryer * [[Saturn Award]] (1983) ** Best Science Fiction Film ** Best Director – [[Ridley Scott]] ** Best Special Effects – Douglas Trumbull, Richard Yuricich ** Best Supporting Actor – [[Rutger Hauer]] ** Best Genre Video Release (1994) – Director's cut For more, see [[Saturn Award|Awards Won]]. ==Influence== [[Image:RoyBatty.jpg|left|thumb|275px|Roy Batty ([[Rutger Hauer]]) with a dove.]] Initially avoided by North American audiences, ''Blade Runner'' was popular internationally and has become a cult classic. The film's popularity and cult status has made it popular to reference in other media. The television show ''Futurama'' has made multiple references to ''Blade Runner'', and the shows ''Cutting It'' and ''Stargate SG-1'' have used quotes from the film. Actor [[William Sanderson]], who played Sebastian, voiced a similar character in the cartoon series ''Batman: The Animated Series''. In the action film ''The 6th Day'', a virtual psychologist says, "You seem to be avoiding talking about your parents. Imagine, two turtles are walking through the desert..." The film is often thought to have inspired William Gibson's Neuromancer. Gibson has said in interviews that he was already writing Neuromancer when Blade Runner was released, and was actually inspired by the implied background of the film Alien. The film arguably marks the introduction of the cyberpunk genre into popular culture. Blade Runner continues to reflect modern trends and concerns, and an increasing number consider it one of the greatest science fiction films of all time. The film was selected for preservation in the United States National Film Registry in 1993 and is frequently used in university courses. Its memorable quotations and soundtrack have made it the most musically sampled film of the 20th century. :''"Ridley Scott's film remains the defining vision of futuristic science fiction."'' – [http://www.cinescape.com/0/Editorial.asp?aff_id=0&this_cat=Movies&action=page&obj_id=19571 Steve Biodrowski] ''Blade Runner'' also served to influence the cyberpunk role-playing game, ''Shadowrun'', the seminal computer game ''System Shock'' and the '' Syndicate ''games. Iron Maidens' album "Somewhere in Time" features artwork influenced by the city scenes in the movie. The song "More Human Than Human" by White Zombie, found on their 1995 album "Astro Creep:2000" is a direct reference to the film, which was a favorite of Rob Zombie's at the time. The song's title as the tagline of the Tyrell Corporation is obvious. Near the end of the song, the lyrics "I am the nexus one, I want more life, fucker, I ain't done" are inspired by Roy Batty's conversation with Eldon Tyrell. The Fear Factory album Demanufacture features a song entitled "Replica" which was influenced by the movie. The stunning artwork, characters, and scenery of the movie have also prompted some beautiful [https://bodyartifact.com/article/blade-runner-tattoos/ Blade Runner Tattoos] from the series most devoted fans. ==Versions== :''For more information, such as differences between the versions, see [[Versions of Blade Runner]].'' Seven versions of the film exist: * The original 1982 international cut, which included more graphic violence than the U.S. theatrical release, and which was released on VHS and on Criterion Collection Laserdisc. * The U.S. theatrical version, also called the ''domestic cut''. * The San Diego sneak preview version, which is nearly identical to the domestic cut, but containing two additional scenes. * The U.S. broadcast version, edited for network television. * A workprint version, shown only as an audience test preview and occasionally at film festivals; This version was distributed in 1991, as a ''Director's Cut'' without Scott's approval (and was later included on the 2012 30th Anniversary Blu-ray set). * The Ridley Scott-approved 1992 Director's Cut, prompted by the unauthorized 1991 release. *A fifth version, ''Blade Runner: The Final Cut'', was shown in theaters in Los Angeles and New York in October, 2007. A 3-DVD set and a 5-disc Blu-ray set followed in 2007. It was then re-released on Blu-ray for the film's 30th anniversary in 2012. Of the seven, five are widely available: the domestic cut, international cut, workprint, Director's Cut, and ''Final Cut''. ==Music== :<sub>''Main article: [[Blade Runner (soundtrack)]]''</sub> Vangelis, fresh off of his [[wikipedia:Academy Award]] winning score from ''Chariots of Fire'', composed and performed the music on his synthesizers. The musicscape of the 2019 was created in Vangelis' "space" mode of new age music, as heard on such albums of his as ''[[wikipedia:Heaven and Hell (Vangelis album)|Heaven and Hell]]''. He also made use of various chimes and the vocals of collaborator Demis Roussos. Ridley Scott also used "Memories of Green" from Vangelis' album ''See You Later'' (an orchestral version of which Scott would later use in his film ''Someone To Watch Over Me''). :''"Both emotional and unsettling, the Blade Runner score plays off conflict (discord versus harmony, light against dark) for a rich, textured tapestry of sound."'' – [http://www.musicoutfitter.com/store/item/075678262326/bladerunner.html musicoutfitter.com] Despite the promise of a soundtrack album from Polydor Records in the end titles of the film, the release of the original soundtrack recording was delayed for over a decade. There are two official releases of the music from ''Blade Runner''. In light of the lack of a release of an album, The New American Orchestra recorded an orchestral adaptation in 1982 which bore little resemblance to the original. Some of the film tracks would in 1989 surface on the compilation ''Themes'', but it wasn't until the 1992 release of the Director's Cut version would a substantial amount of the film's score see the light of day. However, while most of the tracks on the album are from the film, there were a few that Vangelis composed but were ultimately not used and some new pieces. Many do not consider this to be a satisfying representation of the score. These delays and poor reproductions led to the production of many bootleg recordings over the years. A bootleg tape surfaced in 1982 at science fiction conventions and became popular given the delay of an official release of the original recordings, and in 1993 "Off World Music, Ltd." created a bootleg CD that would prove more comprehensive than Vangelis' official CD in 1994. A disc from "Gongo Records" features most of the same material, but with slightly better sound quality. In 2003, two other bootlegs surfaced, the "Esper Edition," closely preceded by "Los Angeles - November 2019." The double disc "Esper Edition" combined tracks from the official release, the Gongo boot and the film itself. Finally "2019" provided a single disc compilation almost wholly consisting of ambient sound from the film, padded out with some sounds from the Westwood game "Blade Runner." The Gongo release is considered the best presentation of the music, while Los Angeles - November 2019 and the Esper Edition are excellent mementos of the film. :''"Dreamy, evocative, beautiful and essential."'' – [http://www.moviegrooves.co.uk/shop/bladerunner.htm moviegrooves.com] ==Novel== The original screenplay by [[Hampton Fancher]] was based loosely on [[Philip K. Dick]]'s ''Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep?'', which he optioned in 1980 after an unsuccessful previous attempt. However, Fancher's script focused more on environmental issues and less on issues of humanity and faith, which weighed heavily in the novel. When Ridley Scott became involved with the film, he wanted changes to the script made, and eventually hired David Peoples to perform the re-writes after Fancher refused. The film's title also changed several times during the writing process, it was to be called ''Dangerous Days'' in Fancher's last draft before eventually taking the name Blade Runner, actually borrowed (with permission) from a William S. Burroughs science fiction novel titled ''Blade Runner: A Movie''. As a result of Fancher's divergence from the novel, numerous re-writes before and throughout shooting the film and Ridley Scott never having entirely read the novel it was based on, the film diverged significantly from its original inspiration. The changes have led many critics and fans to consider them as independent works of fiction; despite the fact ''Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep?'' was reprinted for a time with the title ''Blade Runner'' to help promote sales. Some of the themes in the novel that were minimized or entirely removed include fertility/sterility of the population, religion, mass media, Deckard's uncertainty that he is human, real versus synthetic pets, and emotions. ==Sequels== Three official and authorized ''Blade Runner'' novels have been written by Philip K. Dick's friend [[K. W. Jeter]] which continue the story of Rick Deckard and contain some previously unused elements of ''Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep?''. The novel ''Blade Runner 2'' contains numerous inconsistencies with the film, however, including the resurrection of a dead character and a complete reworking of the nature of another. *''[[Blade Runner 2: The Edge of Human]]'' (1995) *''[[Blade Runner 3: Replicant Night]]'' (1996) *''[[Blade Runner 4: Eye and Talon]]'' (2000) David Peoples, who co-wrote ''Blade Runner'' also wrote the 1998 film ''[[Soldier]]''. The director of this film, [[Paul W.S. Anderson]] has said that ''Soldier'' is intended to be a "sidequel" to ''Blade Runner'', meaning that ''Soldier'' takes place in the same universe, and the spinners used in ''Blade Runner'' are also used in ''Soldier''. [[David L. Snyder]], who was art director for ''Blade Runner'' and production designer for ''Soldier'' also considered the films to be akin to siblings.<ref>Cinescape September/October 1998</ref> However, ''Soldier'' is an unofficial sidequel, as it was never formally approved by the ''Blade Runner'' partnership or Alcon Entertainment, who have owned the rights to the elements of ''Blade Runner'' that appear in ''Soldier'', and to that overall universe. Though not an official sequel to ''Blade Runner'', many fans have noted the similarity of the 1999 TV series ''Total Recall 2070'' to the Blade Runner universe. Many consider the series a sequel to, or at least set in, the same universe as ''Blade Runner''. Some truth actually lies in this assumption. ''Total Recall 2070'' was based on two works by Phillip K. Dick: the short story, ''We Can Remember It for You Wholesale'' (on which the film Total Recall is based), and the novel ''Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep?'', on which ''Blade Runner'' is based. A sequel to ''Blade Runner'', directed by [[Denis Villeneuve]], entitled ''[[Blade Runner 2049]]'' was released on October 6, 2017. [[Harrison Ford]] and [[Edward James Olmos]] reprise their roles from the first film. ==Games and comics== [[Image:BladeRunner PC Game (Front Cover).jpg|thumb|140px|PC game cover]] There are two computer games based on the film, [[Blade Runner (1985 video game)|one]] for [[Wikipedia:Commodore 64|Commodore 64]] and [[Wikipedia:ZX Spectrum|ZX Spectrum]] by CRL Group PLC (1985) based on the music by [[Vangelis]] (due to licensing issues) and another action adventure [[Blade Runner (video game)|PC game]] by [[Westwood Studios]] (1997). The latter game featured new characters and branching storylines based on the Blade Runner world, coupled with voice work from some of the original cast from the film. A prototype board game was also created in California (1982) that had game play similar to Scotland Yard. The cult computer game ''[[Wikipedia:Snatcher|Snatcher]]'' was heavily influenced by Blade Runner, so much so that websites exist detailing the numerous similarities between the two. Archie Goodwin scripted the comic book interpretation, [[A Marvel Comics Super Special: Blade Runner]], published September, 1982. The Jim Steranko cover leads into a 45-page adaptation illustrated by the team of Al Williamson, Carlos Garzon, Dan Green and Ralph Reese. (This adaptation includes one possible explanation of the title's significance in story context: the narrative line, "Blade runner. You're always movin' on the edge.") Also there was a parody comic of Blade Runner called "Blade Bummer" by Crazy comics. ==Trivia== *[[Wikipedia:Dustin Hoffman|Dustin Hoffman]] was the original choice for the lead, although he was asked why they asked him to play a "macho role". Hoffman was interested in the project, but wanted to change [[Rick Deckard|Deckard]]'s character, so the producers decided to make Harrison Ford. *[[Wikipedia:Debbie Harry|Deborah Harry]] was the first choice for [[Pris]]. *[[Daryl Hannah]] could not perform her own stunt movements in the scene where Pris attacked Deckard, so a female gymnast was hired as a stunt double. However, the gymnast rehearsed Scott's scene so many times that she was too exhausted to do anything when it was time to shoot, so a male gymnast, found during the lunch break, was hired to film the scene in her place. *When Gaff talks to Deckard in a Japanese restaurant he partly speaks in the [[Wikipedia:Hungarian language|Hungarian language]]: "azonnal kövessen engem!" ("Follow me now!") and ";ófasz", a vulgarity (literally, "horses di..."). Later, he says: "Nehogy mar, te vagy a Blade Runner!", which translates as "ompossible, you're the Blade Runner!". Then he starts speaking in another language. Allegedly, to the viewers in [[Wikipedia:Hungary|Hungary]], the scene is hilarious. *In a sequence in which Deckard and [[Gaff]] are approaching a [[Los Angeles Police Department|police station]], [[w:c:starwars:Millenium Falcon|Millenium Falcon]]'s model from the "[[w:c:starwars:Star Wars|Star Wars]]" series is masked as a building and can be seen on the left side of the screen. And the model of a spacecraft from the movie "[[Wikipedia:Dark Star (film)|Dark Star]]" can be found masked as a building. *[[Rachael]], [[Dave Holden|Holden]] and Pris smokes "Boyrd" cigarettes, originating in [[Wikipedia:France|France]]. *At one time every replicant has a red spark in his eyes (Rachael in Deckard's Apartment, Pris in [[J.F. Sebastian|Sebastian]]). And Deckard has the same light when he talks to Rachael in his apartment. *[[Rutger Hauer]] partially improvised his final speech. *In the original scenario, six [[replicant]]s were mentioned. The sixth was called "[[Mary]]", but it was kicked out of budget constraints and time schedules. This resulted in inconsistencies because [[Harry Bryant|Bryant]]'s character reminded Deckard that six replicants had escaped, but one was killed by an "electrical fence", which would mean that there were five of them. But in the movie, only four of them are shown. So some have developed the theory that Deckard is the fifth replicant. *Filming was allegedly so tiring that the members of the team were hijacked by [[Ridley Scott]]. Even the shooting of [[Harrison Ford]] remained in bad memory. They even gave the movie a mocking name "Blood Runner". *This was the first film to be released in the "director's version" by the original director's vision. *In 2000 Ridley Scott stated that Deckard was a replicant. Ford then angered and said "We agreed that he definitely was not replicant". *2004. "[[Wikipedia:The Guardian|The Guardian]]" has conducted a study with 60 scientists nominated by Blade Runner as the best SF film. ==Videos== <gallery widths="200" position="center" spacing="small" captionalign="center"> Blade Runner (1982) Official Trailer Blade Runner 30th Anniversary Trailer Blade Runner 30th Anniversary AFI Trailer Blade Runner 30th Anniversary HD SD Trailer "Blade Runner (1982)" Teaser Trailer </gallery> ==Appearances== *Individuals **[[Roy Batty]] **[[Bear]] / [[Colonel Fuzzy]] **[[Harry Bryant]] / [[Harry Bryant/Jeter|Harry Bryant (Jeter)]] **[[Cambodian lady]] **[[Hannibal Chew]] **[[Rick Deckard]] / [[Rick Deckard/Jeter|Rick Deckard (Jeter)]] **[[Rick Deckard's ex-wife]] (pictured in all versions, mentioned in theatrical versions) **[[Gaff]] / [[Gaff/Jeter|Gaff (Jeter)]] **[[Abdul Ben Hassan]] **[[Dave Holden]] / [[Dave Holden/Jeter|Dave Holden (Jeter)]] **[[Kaiser]] / [[Squeaker Hussar]] **[[Leon Kowalski]] **[[Taffey Lewis]] **[[Louie]] **[[Pris]] / [[Pris/Jeter|Pris (Jeter)]] **[[Rachael]] / [[Rachael/Jeter|Rachael (Jeter)]] **[[Saleslady]] **[[J.F. Sebastian]] / [[J.F. Sebastian/Jeter|J.F. Sebastian (Jeter)]] **[[Sixth replicant]] (mentioned in theatrical versions and Director's Cut) **[[Sushi master]] **[[Eldon Tyrell]] / [[Eldon Tyrell/Jeter|Eldon Tyrell (Jeter)]] **[[Lilith Tyrell]] / [[Sarah Tyrell (Jeter)|Sarah Tyrell]] (pictured and mentioned) **[[Webber]] (mentioned) **[[Zhora]] *Locations **[[Bradbury Apartments]] **[[Earth]] **[[Los Angeles]] **[[Los Angeles Police Department]] headquarters **[[Off-world colonies]] (mentioned) **[[The Snake Pit]] **[[Tannhäuser Gate]] (mentioned) **[[Tyrell Corporation]] headquarters **[[White Dragon]] **[[Yukon Hotel]] *Groups **[[Los Angeles Police Department]] **[[Shimago-Dominguez Corporation]] (mentioned) **[[Six renegade replicants]] **[[Tyrell Corporation]] *Objects **[[Esper]] **[[Origami]] **[[Rick Deckard's gun]] **[[Spinner]] **[[Vid-Phon]] **[[Voight-Kampff test|Voight-Kampff machine]] ==References== {{Reflist}} {{Imagecat|Images (Blade Runner)}} # {{note|bfi}} Bukatman, Scott. (1997) ''Blade Runner: BFI Modern Classics''. ISBN 0851706231 # {{note|brbible1}} Sammon, Paul. (1996) ''Future Noir: the Making of Blade Runner''. ISBN 0061053147 # {{note|moebius}} Giraud, Jean. (1988) ''The Long Tomorrow & Other SF Stories''. ISBN 0871352818 # {{note|ecofeminist}} Jenkins, Mary. (1997) [http://trumpeter.athabascau.ca/content/v14.4/jenkins.html ''The Dystopian World of Blade Runner: An Ecofeminist Perspective''] # {{note|retro}} Kerman, Judith. (1991) ''Retrofitting Blade Runner: Issues in Ridley Scott's "Blade Runner" and Philip K. Dick's "Do Android's Dream of Electric Sheep?"'' ISBN 0879725109 # {{note|brbible3}} Sammon, Paul. (1996) # {{note|brbible4}} Sammon, Paul. (1996) # {{note|hicks}} Hicks, Chris. (1992) [http://deseretnews.com/movies/view/0,1257,200,00.html DeseretNews.com – Review of Blade Runner] # {{note|flynn}} Flynn, John. (2003) [http://www.towson.edu/~flynn/br.htm Towson.edu – Blade Runner Retrospective] # {{note|ebert}} Ebert, Roger. (1992) [http://rogerebert.suntimes.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/19920911/REVIEWS/209110301/1023 RogerEbert.com – Review of Blade Runner] # {{note|rutledge}} Rutledge, Sean M. (2000) [http://www.candidcritic.com/blade_runner.htm CandidCritic.com – Review of Blade Runner] # {{note|starwars}} Brinkley, Aaron. Gunn, R. (2002) [http://www.bladezone.com/contents/film/tie-ins/star-wars/ The Blade Runner / Star Wars References] # {{note|brfaq}} Mariman, Lukas. (2000) [http://www.brmovie.com/FAQs/BR_FAQ_BR_Influence.htm BR FAQ: Influence] # {{note|panel}} Jha, Alok. Rogers, S. Rutherford, A. (2004) [http://www.guardian.co.uk/life/feature/story/0,13026,1290561,00.html Guardian.co.uk – Our expert panel votes for the top 10 sci-fi films] # {{note|brviews}} Netrunner. (2005) [http://www.brmovie.com/BR_Views.htm BRmovie.com – Top 100s and Reviews] # {{note|brsample}} Cigéhn, Peter. (2004) [http://web.archive.org/web/20041013041105/www.sloth.org/samples-bin/samples/source?summary Sloth.org – The Top 1118 Sample Sources] # {{note|brbible5}} Sammon, Paul. (1996) Page 298 # {{note|imdb}} IMDB. (2005) [http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0083658/trivia Trivia for Blade Runner] # {{note|snatcher}} KoKee. (2001) [http://www.snatcher.co.uk/ Blade Runner & Snatcher] # {{note|crazy}} Kupperberg, Paul & Camp, Bob. (1982) [http://media.bladezone.com/contents/publications/magazines/crazy/ BladeZone.com – Crazy: Blade Runner Parody] # {{note|curse}} [http://scribble.com/uwi/br/brfaq/faq-curse.html Curse] at the ''Blade Runner'' FAQ. == External links == <!-- note: these templates do not work on this Wikia {{wikiquote}} *{{imdb title|id=0083658|title=Blade Runner}} *{{rotten-tomatoes|id=blade_runner|title=Blade Runner}} *{{rotten-tomatoes|id=blade_runner_the_directors_cut|title=Blade Runner: The Director's Cut}} --> *[http://scribble.com/uwi/br/ 2019: Off-World] – One of the first ''Blade Runner'' fan sites *[http://www.bladezone.com/ ''BladeZone''] – The Online Blade Runner Fan Club & Museum *[http://www.brmovie.com/ ''BRMovie.com''] – [http://groups-beta.google.com/group/alt.fan.blade-runner?lnk=li&hl=en alt.fan.blade-runner] site **[http://www.brmovie.com/BR_Special_Edition.htm Special Edition News Page] **[http://www.brmovie.com/Encyclopedia/index.html Encyclopedia Blade Runner] *[http://www.tyrell-corporation.pp.se/ ''Los Angeles, 2019''] *[http://www.br-insight.com/ BR-Insight] – Analysis of the film *[http://www.filmsite.org/blad.html Filmsite.org] – Descriptive plot review * [http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/film/3600802.stm BBC: Blade Runner tops scientist poll] *[http://www.dailyscript.com/scripts/Blade-runner_early.html July 24, 1980 draft script] *[http://www.dailyscript.com/scripts/blade-runner_shooting.html February 23, 1981 shooting script] * [http://www3.sympatico.ca/n.rieck/links/cool_sci_fi_br.html New Berlin] *[http://www.movie-monsters.co.uk/bladerunner.html Movie-monsters.co.uk] – The best sci-fi film ever? {{Blade Runner}} {{wikipedia|Blade Runner}} [[ja:ブレードランナー]] [[Category:Films]] [[Category:Adaptations of Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep?]] [[Category:Real-world articles]]
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