Greetings gentle readers and welcome to another installment of the Sunday Morning Movie. Today it’s a sci-fi classic, Blade Runner:
and next week’s film, Faust:
Reviews of Blade Runner:
RogerEbert.com says:
In an earlier review of “Blade Runner,” I wrote; “It looks fabulous, it uses special effects to create a new world of its own, but it is thin in its human story.” This seems a strange complaint, given that so much of the movie concerns who is, and is not, human, and what it means to be human anyway. Even one character we can safely assume is human, the reptilian Tyrell, czar of the corporation which manufactures replicants, strikes me as a possible replicant. And of the hero, Deckard (Harrison Ford), all we can say for sure is that director Ridley Scott has left clues in various versions of his film that can be used to prove that Deckard is a human — or a replicant.
The Digital Bits says:
It’s easy to understate Blade Runner’s impact on the films that followed it, particularly in the genre of science fiction. Based on an eclectic and complex novel by Philip K. Dick (Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep?), Blade Runner is as much a hard-boiled film noir detective story as it is science fiction. And yet on the latter score, the film’s high-concept premise ranks easily alongside such cinematic landmarks of the genre as Stanley Kubrick’s 2001 and Forbidden Planet. All you need to do is watch almost any of the classic works of Japanese anime (Akira, Ghost in the Shell, Patlabor) and you’ll see Blade Runner’s influence in nearly every frame.
My take:
It’s hard to come up with words to describe the effect this film has had on me. As a kid, I enjoyed it as an action film. Even then though I knew it had deeper import than that. It was also a grim picture of the future that has come true in many ways. I award it ⭐⭐⭐, you can profitably watch it over and over.
Director: Ridley Scott
Novel: Phillip K. Dick
Screenplay: Hampton Fancher, David Peoples
Plot (Spoilers!):
Rick Deckard is a retired cop in Los Angeles in the year 2019. Well, he’s no longer retired. His old boss called him in to tell him he wants him to find four “replicants”, synthetic humans, and “retire” them with a bullet. Deckard says he’s retired but the boss ain’t taking no for an answer.
Deckard begins his investigation and it leads him to the inventor of the replicants and his attractive assistant Rachael. Rachael later finds out she is actually a replicant as well and turns to Deckard for help. He agrees to do so.
Most of the replicants are successfully retired but Roy Baty, their leader and a highly trained combat soldier, is alive. Deckard pursues him into an abandoned building and the two make it to the roof where Baty saves Deckard’s life, then dies as his lifespan limit has been reached.
Deckard returns home looking for Rachael. He knows the cops will be coming for her soon. He hustles her out the door and the two head off into the unknown.
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Bonuses:
11 Soviet Sci-Fi Movies Most Westerners Have Never Seen
For decades, Hollywood defined what science fiction looked like. But while Kubrick, Lucas, and Scott were building the Western canon, Soviet filmmakers were making something just as ambitious and almost none of it crossed the Iron Curtain.
I covered 11 Soviet sci-fi films most Westerners have never seen: a silent moon landing designed by the actual father of rocketry, a love story that beat The Shape of Water by 50 years, a film that may have literally killed the people who made it, and the cult comedy whose invented vocabulary entered the real Russian language.
One of these films directly inspired George Lucas. He flew to Moscow to meet the director. Soviet officials had no idea who he was talking about.
Why Ingmar Bergman Stopped Making Films – Extended Interview (1990)
On 30 November 1990, Swedish screenwriter, theatre director and filmmaker Ingmar Bergman spoke to ITN’s Fiona Murch about his role as a judge in that year’s European Film Awards. Widely regarded as one of the most accomplished and influential directors in the history of cinema, Bergman discussed a range of topics including whether there is room for competition in art, what he looks for in films, the state of European cinema and America’s “occupation” of European filmmaking, why he decided to stop making films, and his love of theatre.
Forbidden Planet (1956): The Banned Ending They Hid For Over 70 Years
Did you know the original ending of Forbidden Planet (1956) let everyone survive, keeping a much darker psychological truth hidden for over 70 years? Uncover the banned ending and 15 other mind-blowing secrets that shaped modern science fiction.
As the grandfather of modern science fiction, Forbidden Planet did more than just introduce audiences to Altair IV and Robbie the Robot; it laid the visual and thematic foundation for legendary franchises like Star Trek and Star Wars. In this deep dive, we explore the incredible behind-the-scenes reality of this 1950s sci-fi classic. From an erased ending that completely alters the film’s psychological depth to a hidden facial feature deliberately animated onto the terrifying Id Monster, this cinematic masterpiece is packed with forgotten history.
We also uncover how a historic MGM stage shared with The Wizard of Oz became an alien landscape, the staggering $5 million auction legacy of the original Robbie the Robot prop, and how an experimental electronic score changed Hollywood soundscapes despite being legally denied the title of “music.” Whether you’re a lifelong fan of the Krell’s subterranean empire, fascinated by early Disney practical effects, or simply love discovering movie facts, this breakdown reveals how one film pushed the absolute boundaries of storytelling.
Persona (1966) – Interview With Bibi Andersson, Ingmar Bergman and Liv Ullmann (Eng Sub)
1966 Inteview with filmaker Ingmar Bergman and actresses Bibi Andersson and Liv Ullmann about his masterpiece “Persona”
If you’re interested in more Bergman footage • Ingmar Bergman
Scientists Made Movies For Chimpanzees (They LOVED It)
Kano’s spent 10 years researching intelligence in great apes – Chimpanzees, bonobos, orangutans, and he found that they seem to have the capacity to understand how we think.
For the first time ever — we have recorded a lynx hunting salmon.
I Filmed Plants For 12 Years
4360 Days (11.9 years) of growing in total. A compilation of most of my videos from 2025, there is even one unreleased one baked in there somewhere. Thank you everyone for watching and commenting!
Nightfall: Cool & Smooth Jazz Classics 1920s 30s & 40s (Past Perfect) Relaxing jazz music
The Past Perfect Channel expertly remasters #vintagemusic from the 1920s, 1930s, 1940s and 1950s. French Music, Retro Music, Saxophone Music, Italian Music, #JazzMusic, Swing Band Music, Morning Music, Piano and Guitar Music, Music while Cooking, Christmas Music, Background Music, Holiday Music, #BigBands, #DanceBands, Love Songs, Tea Dances, Vintage Parties, Murder Mystery Events, Ballroom Dancing, War Re-enactment Events, Nostalgic Songs. Master Rights Copyright: Past Perfect Limited
https://youtu.be/bKlUG1AjunM?si=FXYB0QUX71QKFEjE
Dada and Cabaret Voltaire
The press release that accompanied the opening of the nightclub reads:
Cabaret Voltaire. Under this name a group of young artists and writers has been formed whose aim is to create a centre for artistic entertainment. The idea of the cabaret will be that guest artists will come and give musical performances and readings at the daily meetings. The young artists of Zurich, whatever their orientation, are invited to come along with suggestions and contributions of all kinds. -Zurich, February 2, 1916.
This is a clip from a movie about dada that I digitised from videotape.
I think that the original documentary film, from which this is an excerpt, is called ‘Dada’, directed by Greta Deses and originally produced in 1969. The link below should enable you to access a copy of the film from a source near you. I am fairly sure this is the film that I used.
http://www.worldcat.org/title/dada/oc…
In response to queries about the video. Since first posting the video I spent a considerable amount of time researching dada for a novel and am convinced that the video is, as always suspected, an excellent reconstruction. Ball’s ‘Flight out of time’ makes no mention of any filming.
THE FANTASY & SCIENCE FICTION ILLUSTRATIONS OF ALBERT ROBIDA
The images Albert Robida created in the later 19th and early 20th century are by turns amusing, fantastic and sinister. He was undoubtedly among the first to explore the illustrative potential of what we generally refer to as Science or Speculative Fiction, and because of the historical period in which his work was created it is highly predictive of the sub-genre known as Steampunk. This is by far the longest single video I’ve made but I hope you will agree that Robida’s remarkable output deserves the additional time and detail.
Beany and Cecil “A Trip To The Schmoon” (1962)
Japanese Baseball Animation (1931)
Jack’s Dream – Joseph Cornell (completed by Lawrence Jordan)
a colour version of “Jack’s Dream” by Joseph Cornell
from Unseen Cinema: Early American Avant-Garde Film 1894-1941
The Thief and the Cobbler: Recobbled Cut Mark 4
It is written among the limitless constellations of the celestial heavens, and in the depths of the emerald seas, and upon every grain of sand in the vast deserts, that the world which we see is an outward and visible dream, of an inward and invisible reality … Once upon a time there was a golden city. In the centre of the golden city, atop the tallest minaret, were three golden balls. The ancients had prophesied that if the three golden balls were ever taken away, harmony would yield to discord, and the city would fall to destruction and death. But… the mystics had also foretold that the city might be saved by the simplest soul with the smallest and simplest of things. In the city there dwelt a lowly shoemaker, who was known as Tack the Cobbler. Also in the city… existed a Thief, who shall be … nameless.
Chief Restorationist: Garrett Gilchrist
For the first time ever on YouTube, enjoy the original version of this lost animation classic, written and directed by three-time Academy Award winning animator Richard Williams (animation director of Who Framed Roger Rabbit). Nearly 30 years in the making, a labor of love by a team of animation greats, this was to be the masterpiece of Williams’ career, perhaps the most ambitious independent animated film ever conceived. The film was the inspiration for Disney‘s film Aladdin, which proved to be its undoing. After over two decades of work, the film was taken away from Williams when he couldn’t meet his deadline. It was eventually bought by Disney, recut and destroyed. It has never been seen the way it was intended to be seen … until now. Based on Williams’ original workprint, missing scenes have been restored using storyboards and unfinished animation. Restored to its true form, this lost classic has finally been found.
Directed by Richard Williams
Screenplay by Richard Williams and Margaret French
Master animator Ken Harris
Produced by Imogen Sutton and Richard Williams
Empire Brass: Baroque Brass- Side A
Empire Brass Quintet Recording. I claim no commercial rights to the recordings. I want to make these important recording(s) available for the educational listening of a larger audience, since they are out of print and, thus, no longer easily available.
Recorded in St. George’s Russian Orthodox Church in Brookline, Mass. 1977.
Rolf Smedvig and Charles A Lewis Jr., Trumpet
David Ohanian, Horn
Norman Bolter, Trombone
Sam Pilafian, Tuba and Euphonium
I post this with the knowledge and support of Norman Bolter and Sam Pilafian.
In my opinion, these are some of the best brass quintet recordings of all time! The musicianship of this group is absolutely outstanding. If you are a fellow brass player, hearing this recording is essential!! I hope it is as engaging and inspiring for you as I find it to be! Enjoy!!
Empire Brass: Baroque Brass- Side B
Musica Iberica – vol. I & II – Studio der Frühen Musik – Thomas Binkley, Andrea von Ramm
Ensemble: Studio der Frühen Musik, dir. Thomas Binkley
Album: Musica Iberica vol. I & II
Video: Walters Ms. W.420, Almugavar Hours Spagna – 1510 circa
/ musicamedievale
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Here is another great work by Thomas Binkley and his Studio der Fruhen Musik, this time on the early music of Spain, Portugal and Basque Country.
Yes, I know that only volume I is about medieval music, but I think that sacrificing this wonderful work just for a matter of dates is a real offense to this album and to our intelligence.
I’m sure you’ll agree with me, especially after listening.
I wish you good listening.
Mirko Virginio Volpe
Musica Medievale
The Italian Lute | Classical Renaissance & Baroque Music Compilation
Discover the luminous world of the Italian lute, brought to life through masterworks by Dall’Aquila, Da Milano, Zamboni and more. This hand-curated collection spans Renaissance to Baroque, performed with authenticity and elegance by leading specialists.
Please – Circus Days (cd version with 14 tracks)
A collection of demos and studio recordings 1967 – 1969
Steppin’ Out: 1961/1963 | Modern Jazz Classics: Hard Bop & Post Bop
Continuing our journey through the early 1960s, where modern jazz underwent a profound transformation. Between 1961 and 1963 the genre pushed its own boundaries, blending the soulful drive of Hard Bop with the more adventurous, experimental textures of Post Bop.
Featuring: Cannonball Adderley With Bill Evans, Art Blakey & The Jazz Messengers, Horace Silver, Lee Morgan, Hank Mobley and more. Thank you for listening and supporting the music!
The 1967 UK Psychedelic MASTERPIECE You Need to Hear: THE 23rd TURNOFF
“Michael Angelo” / “Leave Me Here” (Deram DM 150) September 1967
Pure 1967 UK Psychedelia: THE 23rd TURNOFF – Michael Angelo (Mono 45rpm)
Welcome to ‘Transistor Pop’ – documenting vintage sounds from the 1960s
My 45rpm singles are carefully remastered. I use original dynamic mono / stereo records. Also known as precious artefacts from a nostalgic era when everything seemed possible.
Ballaké Sissoko – Live at Afrika Festival Hertme – 2024
Welcome to the Afrika Festival Hertme archive!
Special thanks to
Camera: Aldine Reinink & Sjors Swierstra
Recording: Evert Aalten & Binnert Blom
Mix: Evert Aalten
Ballaké Sissoko is one of the leading musicians from Mali and a world-renowned master on the 21-string kora, which has become the musical emblem of West Africa. After
over 40 years of faithful service to the 21 strings of the kora, Ballaké Sissoko has achieved elder status. It has always been a story of love for him, a love that was evident from the very beginning, when he first started playing his father’s instrument, spurred on by his own heart and nothing else. His father, Djeli Mady Sissoko, the kora giant and co-director of the famous National Instrumental Ensemble of Mali, never exerted any pressure on his firstborn son, although his strong attraction to the instrument must have felt.
Early on, Ballaké Sissoko embarked on a solo career. He discovered playing together with musicians with eastern stringed instruments but also with Western ones such as the cello. Many years later, this led to a collaboration with cellist Vincent Segal with whom he formed an intimate musical relationship.
Not unimportant to mention is the trio 3MA, in which he plays with Moroccan oud player Driss el
Maloumi and valiha virtuoso Rajery from Madagascar. This year he released an album with South African guitarist Derek Gripper, who performed at the Spookhoes last year.
Ballaké Sissoko – Live at Afrika Festival Hertme 2024 mainstage
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