Category: science fiction & fantasy

TLS (Times Literary Supplement) has hold a central place in the literary lives of educated Englishmen from the year 1902 when Times first started featuring it. An interesting sign of times, even this ivory tower of analogue culture is taking into account some current discussions around the digital domains. See e.g. a review of Andrew Keen’s book The Cult of the Amateur) on the differing concepts of ‘culture’ that surround the ongoing debates on blogs, for example. To us who are also drawn into the realms Tolkien created, irrespective of the medium, TLS also offers something in its recent installment, including a piece discussing Diana Pavlac Glyer’s work The Company They Keep: C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien as Writers in Community and the glimpses to the lives of the Inklings it offers.

Predicting future is hard, but fun job. Here is a pick of videos from YouTube:

• http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=92uaW9K6QEk  — future of mobile by Nokia, pt. 1
• http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=LN0vVf-a9V0  — future of mobile by Nokia, pt. 2
• http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=3WdS4TscWH8 — the classic Apple knowledge navigator concept
• http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=QcYrPkFe2J0 — the Apple Future Shock video
• http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=YRCFWdZicOM — the future of kitchen… by GE
• http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=1RXNWwGUsBU  — a ‘did you know’ video/powerpoint show by educator Karl Fisch
• http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=LtKQNwqNLLk&NR=1  — Microsoft ‘surface’ demo

There is something slightly comical in this line of techno-futurism and excitement about the future, if you keep on watching these long enough. On the other hand, optimism is sweet. One-sided, but still sweet.

Yes, I am that much of a fanboy, I definitely could go for this — any more details available anywhere? This Binary Bonsai/EzyDVD leak still the only detailed data?

Disc 1 – The Final Cut (2007):

• Ridley Scott’s definitive new version of his science-fiction masterpiece includes added & extended scenes, added lines and new and cleaner special effects.

Disc 2 – 3 Complete Film Versions:

• ‘82 U.S. Theatrical version

• ‘82 International Theatrical version

• ‘92 Director’s Cut

Disc 3 – “Dangerous Days: Making Blade Runner” Documentary

• Newly created documentary: Through interviews with the cast and crew, critics and colleagues, this feature-length documentary provides a mainstream-friendly yet meaningful in-depth look at Blade Runner’s literary genesis, its challenging production and controversial legacy. When all is said and done, this will be the definitive documentary on the film.

Disc 4 – Enhanced Content Bonus: (TBC)

• INCEPTION – Featurettes and galleries devoted to Philip K. Dick, the birth of Cyberpunk and adapting the novel Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep.

• PRE-PRODUCTION – Featurettes and galleries devoted to script development, conceptual design and abandoned sequences.

• PRODUCTION – Featurettes and galleries devoted to principal photography and locations.

• POST-PRODUCTION – Featurettes and galleries devoted to deleted scenes, music and visual effects.

• RELEASE – Featurettes and galleries devoted to marketing and reaction including Trailers, TV Spots and Promotional Featurettes

• LEGACY – Featurettes and galleries devoted to the film’s resurrection and impact.

Disc 5 – Work Print Version & Enhanced Content:

• Including the rarely seen Work Print version and potentially the 52 min. Channel Four (UK) documentary which was the first serious documentary created for the film.

Additionally, the set will come packaged in a limited “Blade Runner” briefcase holding the five-disc digipack with foil-enhanced and embossed slipcase. The goodies inside will include a lenticular motion image from the original feature, a collectible model spinner, an origami unicorn, a collection of photographs and a letter from Ridley Scott. Holy shit.

The street date is going to be in September. Unfortunately, the retailer is not taking international orders for this thing. However, don’t be too surprised if Region 1 gets the same thing. We’ll keep you posted.