I confess, my last few posts have been kind of snarky. But no more! It’s Friday, yes, but I’ve also found two very good reasons for living:
Finally! The “definitive” (or something like it) version of Blade Runner is being released on DVD next year, along with a theatrical run, according to The Toronto Star. It doesn’t really matter which version is the “ultimate” one, since the DVD set will include multiple versions, including the original theatrical one with the bad voiceover and even worse happy ending. It’ll still be interesting to see the theatrical cut – it may be vastly inferior to Ridley Scott’s version, but it’s interesting to see how a movie can be changed just by editing; I quite enjoy Criterion’s awesome Brazil set, which includes both Gilliam’s masterpiece and the more easily digestible (and also with a happy ending) version cobbled together by the studio.
But since that’s next year, I need something to look forward to this year; thankfully, Cinematheque has delivered with their Summer Samurai programme: Classic Japanese samurai flicks on the big screen. The requisite Kurosawa masterpieces (Seven Samurai and Throne of Blood in particular) are present, and so is a nice assortment from other directors: Some Zaitoichi, Samurai Rebellion, The 47 Ronin, Three Outlaw Samurai, and many more. Yay!