Blade Runner White Dragon Cut

Editing based on the latest script

According to Poul Sammon’s book ‘Future Noir’, some changes were made at the editing stage of the film’s production. Among them are the following three points––where the flow of the movie was changed dramatically.

From Zhora’s retirement to Deckard and Rachel’s love scene
From Deckard and Rachel’s love scene to Sebastian’s apartment
Deckard and Roy’s chase scene

In “Blade Runner: White Dragon Cut version 4” (hereinafter referred to as “WDC 4”), 1 and 3 have been reworked as scripted. In “Blade Runner: White Dragon Cut version 5” (hereinafter referred to as “WDC 5”), 2 is further reworked as scripted––aiming for full reproduction of the script dated February 23, 1981.

Including all unused cut

In WDC 4, almost all the deleted cuts that were available were added to the main volume. There are also short ones, in as little as 1 second in length, that were added. In addition, I had to figure out where all the deleted scenes went with the main scene that the cut was in. It took several months to classify the cuts––adding up to 345 in WDC4. And it will add up to more deleted cuts in WDC5!

Color correction and scratch removal

Since the deleted scenes were not color-adjusted to fit with the rest of the movie, color correction was performed in WDC 4 for consistency.
In WDC 5, complete removal of scratches (scratches on the film) that remained on the deleted cuts was performed. Scratch removal was performed manually while confirming each and every scratch.

Re-create new scenes that were not filmed

In WDC 4, the scenes that were not filmed due to budget restraints, although they were in the final script, were reproduced perfectly.

Leon hiding on the ceiling of the apartment
Frozen Che
Zhora’s Snake Dance, etc.

WDC 5 remakes “Frozen Chew” and “Zhora’s Snake Dance” In addition.

Los Angeles in 2019 drawn by Syd Mead

Among the production sketches Syd Mead drew for Blade Runner, there are many that depict the appearance of Los Angeles in 2019. Ridleyville was made based on Syd Mead’s sketch, but it merely reproduced a small part of the sketch.

WDC 5 challenges complete reproduction of Sid Mead illustrations.