YAY!

http://www.dvdtimes.co.uk/content.php?contentid=65412


I've always felt the original '77 edit was the strongest. I just hope it's had the full restoration is deserves. Anyway, all three in one set!


The details of the Blade Runner sets are mouthwatering as well - I know what I'm gettin' meself for Christmas!

http://www.dvdtimes.co.uk/content.php?contentid=65403

Close Encounters wasn't shabby, but Blade Runner is gonna get my money (if I can sneak it past the wife). Wonder how big the "brief case" is?

The CE3K link kept killing my browser, but it sounds good. And, for the record, my Criterion laserdisc of CE3K contains the original theatrical version as well as the special edition. You just have to program the correct chapters to play whichever version you like.

The CE3K link kept killing my browser, but it sounds good. And, for the record, my Criterion laserdisc of CE3K contains the original theatrical version as well as the special edition. You just have to program the correct chapters to play whichever version you like.


Oh, sorry about the browser problem. There's not really any detail, though, except that it will be forty bucks retail. No word on digital restoration yet or extras.

When they said it had never been out on any format, I wondered if that might be wrong. Remembered hearing there had been one or two laserdisc releases. Good to have that confirmed.

There's no arguing a love for Blade Runner, but I gotta respectfully disagree with Steve on the worth of CE3K. When people talk about how influential Star Wars was - in terms of fx and photography, in furthering the blockbuster mentality Jaws had started, in proving that sci-fi could be financially successful, even John Williams' chart-topping scores making traditional orchesteral soundtracks popular again - people have forgotten that CE3K was the second half of a one-two punch that year. It proved to the studios that Lucas' hit was no anomaly.

That, and it's a smart, beautiful film, the adult's counterpoint to the children's fantasy of E.T.

I thought Criterion had released Close Encounters with both the 1977 and 1980 versions in a deluxe package priced at something like $124.99. I could have sworn Siskel and Ebert reviewed it back when it first came out. I seem to remember they stated you could program your player to play either version. Did I dream that?

I thought Criterion had released Close Encounters with both the 1977 and 1980 versions in a deluxe package priced at something like $124.99. Did I dream that?

You didn't dream it.

As usual, Criterion did an amazing job on that series of discs. Both (i.e. "all three") versions of the film were included, complete with lots of cool extras, and you could program your player to present any version, or combination of versions, you wished.

I'd like to echo dreamer's comments re: the enduring pop cultural significance of CE3K. It was the first feature film to link UFOs with a Watergate-esque government coverup, and it laid the foundation for X-Files and its ilk. It's also one of the best movies Spielberg has ever made.

I caught the Blade Runner panel at ComicCon (wow!), but the CE3K thing is news to me. Thanks for posting!

I thought Criterion had released Close Encounters with both the 1977 and 1980 versions in a deluxe package priced at something like $124.99. I could have sworn Siskel and Ebert reviewed it back when it first came out. I seem to remember they stated you could program your player to play either version. Did I dream that?

Indeed, see post #3 above.
:p

I always skip post #3.

:tongue:

Of course. Always skip the prime number posts. That would leave out both the question and my response. Hmm, creepy. :p