Review of Blade Runner (1982) by Josh F — 16 Dec 2013

Once again Ridley Scott's classic futuristic noir graces the silver screen with the definitive 'Final Cut' edition. Not much has been altered in terms of the story if you were already a fan of the 'dark' ending, but the cinematography and the ambiance has never looked better.

The subtle brooding tones and dialogue are all the more aided by a remastered soundtrack via Vangelis who's score defines the murky neon drenched streets of 2019 Los Angeles. Blade Runner is a dystopian tale about a police officer tasked with 'retiring' a handful of Nexus 6 replicants who have returned to earth while contending with a female replicant who serves as the love interest of the film, who is played wonderfully by Sean Young.

Again this is the best version of the film sporting the omitted infamous 'voice overs' and the 'happy ending' which many fans felt alienated by in the past. Harrison Ford delivers a fine performance as the weathered Rick Deckard and Rutger Hauer turns in a brilliant performance as Roy Batty the enigmatic leader of the replicants.

In the end 'Blade Runner' is the testament to the true art of film making as well as a staple of the sci-fi genre as a whole. It's beauty is in it's subtle comments on humanity and the cost of progress and while the former is a little toned down in comparison to the short story by Philip K.

Dick, it succeeds in creating a more accessible version of the same themes. A tremendous film and perhaps Ridley Scott's best even 30 years later.