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