The Camera Eye discussion: BLADE RUNNER

Join Movie Club member Jake Brown for the next film in his series highlighting great cinematography in motion pictures: 1982's sci-fi juggernaut that challenges what it means to be human, Blade Runner. Legendary director Ridley Scott helms the film, based on the 1968 novel Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep? by author Philip K. Dick and written for the screen by Hampton Fancher and David Peoples. The film stars Harrison Ford, Rutger Hauer, Sean Young, and Daryl Hannah, incorporating the cinematography talents of Jordan Cronenweth (father of David Fincher DP Jeff Cronenweth), who captured every moment on Anamorphic 35mm in a wide 2.39:1 aspect ratio.

About Blade Runner
From Letterboxd: "In the smog-choked dystopian Los Angeles of 2019, blade runner Rick Deckard is called out of retirement to terminate a quartet of replicants who have escaped to Earth seeking their creator for a way to extend their short life spans."

Viewing Options for Blade Runner
Streaming options are unfortunately lacking, but for-purchase/rental options can be found through Apple TV, Amazon Prime, and physical copies through Movie Madness. All three sources have both the American Theatrical Cut and the Final Cut, with Movie Madness offering even more options.

Which version should I watch?
There are 7 different versions of 1982's Blade Runner, with the most favored being the Final Cut and the least favored being any version with Harrison Ford's voice-over narration and alternate ending added by the studio without director Ridley Scott's approval (originally, the American Theatrical Cut):

• Workprint (1982, initial unfinished version screened for test audiences, screened again in the early '90s as the unofficial "Director's Cut," available in the Five-Disc Ultimate Collector's Edition, NO voice-over, NO alternate ending)
• San Diego Sneak Preview (1982, early iteration of American Theatrical Cut but with 2-3 additional scenes, voice-over, alternate ending)
• American Theatrical Cut (1982, studio edited without Ridley Scott, available in the Five-Disc Ultimate Collector's Edition, voice-over, alternate ending)
• International/European Theatrical Cut (1982, aka "Criterion Edition" (LaserDisc), international iteration of Theatrical Cut but with 3 additional scenes, available in the Five-Disc Ultimate Collector's Edition, voice-over, alternate ending)
• U.S. Broadcast Cut (1986, television broadcast of Theatrical Cut but with cropped frame and heavily censored, voice-over, alternate ending)
• Director's Cut (1992, official "Director's Cut," additional unicorn galloping forest scene, available in the Five-Disc Ultimate Collector's Edition, NO voice-over, NO alternate ending)
• Final Cut (2007, definitive edition, aka "25th Anniversary Edition," Ridley Scott had more control than Director's Cut, inclusion of the 3 international cut additional scenes, extended unicorn galloping forest scene, available in the Five-Disc Ultimate Collector's Edition, NO voice-over, NO alternate ending)

“The Camera Eye” Portland Movie Club Meet-Up Series
Whether 35mm film, 70mm, 16, Super 8, or digital, we want to celebrate the greatest shots in cinema history. This isn’t just about cameras and lenses, though. It’s framing, lighting, blocking, acting, makeup, costumes, location, set design, and so much more. Of course, cinematography is just a jumping-off point. What about sound design, characters, editing, and most important of all, the story? Let’s discuss!

Here's how the Portland Movie Club Meet-Ups work

1. Just like a book club, we watch the movie before we meet. (Try watching it even if you've already seen it before. You don't have to watch one to join us, but it'll be more fun that way. Also, try taking notes to help remember the most interesting parts, and bring 'em with you if you can!)
2. We'll meet at Breakside Brewery in Beaverton at 2pm on the scheduled date. We'll have signs at our tables, but we'll also try to be obvious and identifiable.
3. Grab some food, some drinks, and spend time socializing/discussing this movie with us! We'll begin by going around and introducing ourselves. Then, we'll kick off a fun 5-question trivia round on the film (with a custom prize for the winner). Finally, I'll give a quick summary of the film's development, and we'll dive into the group discussion from there.

Are you on Discord? Join the Portland Movie Club!