Article by Gary Willoughby Images Courtesy of Gary Willoughby & Bryan Ebenhoch

Several years ago I told my friends that I could envision a Blade Runner premier for the re-release of the corrected Director’s Cut. At that time, of course, the revised version was not entitled Final Cut, but rather “Special Edition”. In my minds’ eye I could see the premier probably taking place in Hollywood, perhaps at the Egyptian theatre. There would be lights and the red carpet, with the media in attendance and cameras flashing. Actors were being interviewed, while excited fans were asking for autographs. A spinner was positioned to the side of the carpet…..this was all fantasy on my part.

Fantasy became reality when on December 9, 2007 most of my dream came to fruition. I was not too far off from my imagination. When The Final Cut film was premiered in late August, at the 64th Venice Film Festival in Italy, I thought my dreams of a premiere in Los Angeles were dashed. But this last Sunday, I attended not only the Premiere of the Final Cut DVD, as guest of Scott-free DVD, but also attended the Final Cut After Party.

Bryan Ebenhoch flew into Los Angeles from Orlando, Florida just for the Blade Runner DVD Premier. The Premiere of the Blade Runner Final Cut DVD was the final day of a 10 day, “Jules Verne Adventure Film Festival”. Bryan and I met John Domrzalski at the Shrine Auditorium in downtown Los Angeles, shortly after 4:00 pm. There was a bit of confusion as to where we were supposed to enter, since we were not privy to the “Green Carpet”. There were in fact many large lights, the media, fans, cast and crew and thanks to the generosity of Gene Winfield, the small yellow restored “ People’s car” inside the lobby.

It was exciting to see the actors being interviewed by the media while cameras were flashing. Once inside, we registered and received our tickets. Gene Winfield had his own cameraman shooting for an upcoming DVD documenting a day in the life. After about an hour the lights dimmed and Malcolm McDowell took the stage.

Malcolm Mcdowell and Patrick Stewart present awards together

There was banter on stage between Patrick Stewart and Malcolm McDowell as they presented the winners of the various categories with the Jules Verne awards. William Shatner was honored with the Jules Verne Lifetime Achievement Award, which he accepted graciously.

William Shatner and Malcolm Mcdowell exchange experiences of working together

After the awards Mr. McDowell announced the film to be previewed, Blade Runner the Final Cut. The Blade Runner actors were called to the stage and the important participants in the film were asked to stand and were applauded. The actors in attendance were Joanna Cassidy, William Sanderson, Sean Young, Emmet Walsh, and James Hong. Ridley Scott gave a brief video taped acceptance speech and introduction, he was shooting another film in Morocco. The theatre darkened and an enormous screen decended.

Joanna Cassidy, James Hong, Bill Sanderson, Sean Young & Emmet Walsh

The film began to applause….The Final Cut, as most of us know has been completely re-mastered by Ridley Scott, Charles de Lauzirika and Paul Prischman of Lauzirika Motion Picture Company. The film was completely restored with new special effects and never before released extended scenes.

Ridley Scott accepts the Jules Verne award via pre-recorded video and presents Blade Runner: The FInal Cut. Charles de Lauzirika accepts the award on stage.

View our feature flash gallery of the event below. You may need to download Flash player to view. You can set it for automatic slide show using the console on the lower right.

After the film Bryan and I left to head over to the After Party at the Bradbury Building, I was anxious to see what Warner Brothers had prepared. Continue HERE for our coverage of the Warner Bros. Blade Runner: The Final Cut party at the Bradbury building.

Special thanks to John Domrzalski for the photo of Gary & Bryan.

Professional photographed images of the premier and the after party can be seen at:
www.wireimage.com
www.rexfeatures.com
www.gettyimages.com