- Joined
- Feb 8, 1999
- Messages
- 17,808
- Real Name
- Robert Harris
Over the years, I seem to have had an odd, almost metaphysical connection to Blade Runner, beginning sometime in the Spring of 1982, at which time I was invited to a screening of a film, of which I knew nothing.
It was a 70mm print, that was apparently being checked for quality, and a small group had been invited to attend. Great screening, at what then was Gomillion Studios, in Hollywood -- a wonderful sound facility -- that I believe is now the Gay & Lesbian Center.
Going in cold, I was knocked out by the film, the imagery, the audio, and had a nice chat with Ridley Scott, who was also checking out the print. He had previously directed two film, both of which I highly respected -- The Duelists, and Alien.
Move forward seven years, and I found myself at Todd-AO, along with Ron Haver, searching their vaults for stray audio elements on Spartacus, which had been mixed there. In one of the outdoor vaults, which at that time housed original audio elements on the R & H productions, large 70mm containers were in our way. These things probably weighted 40 pounds, and were awkward to move. Ron did the heavy lifting. Being curious, I checked out the labels, which noted that they had come from London.
Turned out to be a different 70mm print of Blade Runner, which we had turned over to WB.
This was the print that turned out to be the pre-release cut, and which was later duped to 35mm for special distribution, after a surprise screening in Hollywood.
Move forward almost another 20 years -- time does fly -- and I found myself watching the original camera negative being meticulously scanned, frame by frame, on Warner Bros. Northlight, in 4k. This was occurring as we were completing the scanning on the Godfather films. My takeaway, was that it was a gorgeously exposed negative, which was yielding superb results.
So...
Here we are in 2017, and Warner will be releasing their new 4k UHD Blu-ray of the film, on September 5.
My hopes were high for this one, as everything seems to have been done correctly, as far as handling of the elements.
Best to cut to the chase.
Blade Runner in 4k, is a release that should send many fans over the edge, to make the move to not only 4k UHD, but also to Atmos, as it not only shines in both categories, but arrives as absolute reference quality.
Resolution is magnificent. Black levels via HDR, and especially the blue-blacks of the night sequences shine. Shadow detail is beautiful. Grain structure perfect. Colors remind me of that original 70mm print, which had been struck from the camera negative, back in 1982.
Keep in mind that what you're seeing will be a pin-registered scan of the original camera negative.
Things don't get any better.
The audio, which was booming, and superb via 6-track 70mm magnetic, thirty-five years ago, now makes for an even more impressive and enveloping experience with the addition of Dolby Atmos and height channels.
My advice on this one, is to move quickly, grab a copy, and if you're not yet set up for 4k, and Atmos, this may be the time.
Cinema experiences don't get much better, especially in a home environment.
Image - 5*
Audio - 5 (Dolby Atmos)
4k - 5
Pass / Fail - Pass
Upgrade from Blu-ray - 5 (Don't let this one get away!)
Very Highly Recommended
RAH
It was a 70mm print, that was apparently being checked for quality, and a small group had been invited to attend. Great screening, at what then was Gomillion Studios, in Hollywood -- a wonderful sound facility -- that I believe is now the Gay & Lesbian Center.
Going in cold, I was knocked out by the film, the imagery, the audio, and had a nice chat with Ridley Scott, who was also checking out the print. He had previously directed two film, both of which I highly respected -- The Duelists, and Alien.
Move forward seven years, and I found myself at Todd-AO, along with Ron Haver, searching their vaults for stray audio elements on Spartacus, which had been mixed there. In one of the outdoor vaults, which at that time housed original audio elements on the R & H productions, large 70mm containers were in our way. These things probably weighted 40 pounds, and were awkward to move. Ron did the heavy lifting. Being curious, I checked out the labels, which noted that they had come from London.
Turned out to be a different 70mm print of Blade Runner, which we had turned over to WB.
This was the print that turned out to be the pre-release cut, and which was later duped to 35mm for special distribution, after a surprise screening in Hollywood.
Move forward almost another 20 years -- time does fly -- and I found myself watching the original camera negative being meticulously scanned, frame by frame, on Warner Bros. Northlight, in 4k. This was occurring as we were completing the scanning on the Godfather films. My takeaway, was that it was a gorgeously exposed negative, which was yielding superb results.
So...
Here we are in 2017, and Warner will be releasing their new 4k UHD Blu-ray of the film, on September 5.
My hopes were high for this one, as everything seems to have been done correctly, as far as handling of the elements.
Best to cut to the chase.
Blade Runner in 4k, is a release that should send many fans over the edge, to make the move to not only 4k UHD, but also to Atmos, as it not only shines in both categories, but arrives as absolute reference quality.
Resolution is magnificent. Black levels via HDR, and especially the blue-blacks of the night sequences shine. Shadow detail is beautiful. Grain structure perfect. Colors remind me of that original 70mm print, which had been struck from the camera negative, back in 1982.
Keep in mind that what you're seeing will be a pin-registered scan of the original camera negative.
Things don't get any better.
The audio, which was booming, and superb via 6-track 70mm magnetic, thirty-five years ago, now makes for an even more impressive and enveloping experience with the addition of Dolby Atmos and height channels.
My advice on this one, is to move quickly, grab a copy, and if you're not yet set up for 4k, and Atmos, this may be the time.
Cinema experiences don't get much better, especially in a home environment.
Image - 5*
Audio - 5 (Dolby Atmos)
4k - 5
Pass / Fail - Pass
Upgrade from Blu-ray - 5 (Don't let this one get away!)
Very Highly Recommended
RAH
