Blade Runner screening in 4K at LA and HD/BR boxsets
Posted: Wed Dec 19, 2007 5:14 pm
I decided to post a new topic since the post I made in my blog combines both and I couldn't go into either of the current threads without going offtopic. Here is a translation from the post on the blog:
I am a Blade Runner fan, that is no secret. It was one of the first DVDs I owned, even if the quality from that release leaves a lot to be desired. I was able to watch it on a movie theater when a local radio station made a projection a few years back, and I was able to enjoy it just as the first time. The movie, with all it's detail, transported me in it's world and each frame from it captivated me more than ever.
One week ago I was able to watch it in 4K (4000 pixels high, compared to the 1080 from "high definition") at Los Angeles, during the Jules Verne festival. Some of the assistants were Sean Young, Joanna Cassidy, William Sanderson, James Hong, M. Emmet Walsh, Isa Dick Hackett (Philip K. Dick's daughter), Charles de Lauzirika and a lot more form the production, including the Spinner designer, several FX people and some other celebrities such as Patrick Stewart, Malcolm McDowell and William Shatner who presented the event. Unfortunately I could only carry my parent's Sony point-and-shoot camera (a piece of crap) since I didn't know if they'd let me go in with the Nikon D50 and lenses. Now I know they would have, but nothing can be done now. Here are some pictures that were only scaled down a bit for practical purposes.
Shrine Auditorium Entrance
The event was poorly organized.. but everything was worth it when the projection began. I must say that it was the highest quality video I've ever seen, and I am not only talking about the quality of the projection... the material per se and the restoration work are impeccable. Each frame looks incredibly sharp, and I believe much of it is also because back in the time all effects were done with models and by hand, no CG.. and it definitively shows in the cleanness of this new master. The audio left much to be desired because of the acoustics on the place, but that I will enjoy at home later.
Green Carpet
Sanderson
Cassidy
Emmet
Hong
After the screening, there was a small reception. Everybody that I talked to thought we pertained to the industry. Only a few asked and found out we were fans. I had the chance to talk with the artist that did Blade Runner paintings (which were shown there) and also with the creator of the Spinner, Mr William Ladd Skinner. There were tons of people form the production and crew, but I made no direct contact with them.
The day before the event we went to one of the locations used for the film: the Bradbury Building. The building is in the middle of the city, and was built in 1893. The place interior is impressive. The exterior is not as much impressive though:
Bradbury outside
The building has 3 entrances, all off them in the same style. here are some pics form the interior, in some of them you can catch a glimpse of the detail that the elevators and handrails have.
Bradbury Interior 1
Bradbury interior 2
Bradbury Interior 3
Bradbury Interior 4
Bradbury Elevator
The elevators wre powered by steam, but they were changed to electricity sometime in the last century. There is one on each side, and a metal with crystal ceiling crown the top if it. I couldn't stop thinking about Ghost in the Shell's ending and the possibility of another reference to Blade Runner that my brain had not grasped. As a bonus here is a pic of the entrance, where there are no columns.
Bradbury Ceiling
Bradbury door
But what really impressed me was the real size of the building and the apparent size created by Master Scott in the celluloid. While contemplating the place I was thinking about the impressive work done by the production and photographer to create that ambient with steam and pouring water, without damaging the place. here is an image from the movie, for contrast:
Bradbury in Blade Runner
But comming back to today, both HD-DVD and blu ray editions just arrived and are in my hands. Here are some images, that are taken with my Celphone's camera.. even worse than the others.
For those of you with both players it is worth noting that there is no difference in the encoding and audio, both are 1080p VC-1 at 24 frames and the audio is True HD. I make this point because the blu ray specs were not revealed until yesterday that the set was released. if you are using a PS3 with the BR edition, just keep in mind to set the audio HDMI out to LPCM, otherwise you'll get the lousy Dolby Digital at 624 kbps instead of the 3000 Kbps, even by HDMI.
This edition has all the othe rversions as well, and they are all in 1080p, even including the workprint (which is not clean as the others). It is limited to "only" 103000 pieces (I don't know if for all formats or for each one of them) and it includes the 5 disc edition, the unicorn, a spinner, a folder with cards that have Syd Mead art, an acrylic block with an animated seuqnece form the film (Deckard with the blaster) and a note by Ridley Scott.
Box
Opened Box
HD-DVD and BR
Yes I know, I double dipped and did so gladly. But I could not resist the need to "cover risks" regarding the audio and video formats (specially with the history of releases so far).. and after all, with Amazon's price and the discount on HD discs they have offered for the full year, I got both for the retail price of one.
Briefcase
Closed
Case Open
Spinner
Animated plastic block
"It's too bad she won't live!"