"Blade Runner: Ultimate Collection" might arrive this fall

The long-awaited definitive DVD version of "Blade Runner" might be arrive this fall.

"Blade Runner" is the ultimate sci-fi cult classic. If you haven't seen it, check out my earlier posts about it, here and here.

The sharp-eyed folks at Davisdvd.com spied a product listing on an Australian DVD retailer's site that gives a September release date for a five-disc set called "Blade Runner: Ultimate Collection."

This set will include five complete versions of the movie:

• The original 1982 U.S. theatrical cut.
• The original 1982 international theatrical cut, which additional violence/gore.
• The 1992 so-called director's cut, which ditched Harrison Ford's less-than-inspired voiceover, added a strange dream sequence and made the ending less neat and tidy.
• An all-new final cut, which Ridley Scott claims is his true director's cut. The first "director's cut" was apparently rushed to market to cash in on the movie's 10th anniversary. This will include additional and extended scenes and some enhanced special effects. I imagine they've probably digitally removed visible cables that made the police cars "fly" and stuff like that. This should also include a re-shot scene to fix an obvious goof involving a stunt double who had a bad hair day.
• The pre-release work print. This was an early cut of the film that was shown to test audiences. It had numerous differences from the version released to theaters, including an alternate opening credit sequence and more shots of weirdos in the streets of 22nd century Los Angeles.

There's also a couple of documentaries, a slew of featurettes and limited-edition funky packaging including an origami unicorn and a miniature model of a flying police car from the movie.

I hate to guess how much this will ultimately cost in U.S. dollars, but it looks like this "Ultimate Edition" will truly live up to its name.

It's only May and this geek is already starting his Christmas wish list.

(Jorge Sosa is a staff writer for the Hutchinson Leader. He can be reached at sosa@hutchinsonleader.com)