A still from the 1982 film Blade Runner
How long has it been since you’ve seen the original Blade Runner theatrical trailer? I mean really watched it, observing how it manages to take a beautifully-shot film and fit it into the standard preview formula. I am a true child of the ’80s, but I must admit I was a bit too young in 1982 to take note of this trailer. In fact, I didn’t see the film until high school, and when I finally did, it was the Director’s Cut. You can imagine my shock when I eventually saw the original version of the movie, complete with Harrison Ford’s gumshoe narrative voice-over, which (surprise!) both he and Ridley Scott opposed. Get ready for the narrative voice-over in this trailer…
It seems the voice is supposed to be that of Harrison Ford, but its polished studio sound is wee bit different from Ford’s cynical tone. Perhaps this theatrical trailer represents what film executives had hoped the movie would be–a fast-paced action thriller with a predictable plot. Thank goodness the finished product is a far cry from that vision!
Ridley Scott recently revealed that he is set to direct a follow-up to Blade Runner, likely a sequel, although not likely to feature the original characters or cast members. OK, we’re intrigued… While some may be quick to condemn the project, my guess is that Blade Runner fans will flock to theaters, secretly thrilled to see history in the making, hoping for a result more exhilarating than disappointing. Remember kids, not every follow-up has Phantom Menace stamped all over it…
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