When Blade Runner was first released in 1982 it was a box office flop, so what better than a big screen re-release of the definitive version of the film - The Final Cut - to allow us to correct our erstwhile blunders?
The dystopian sci-fi classic returns to UK cinemas next month, offering audiences the chance to become immersed once again in its nightmarish vision of a futuristic Los Angeles; stunning sets and breathtaking special effects, alongside Vangelis' sweeping score, combining to create a truly memorable film-watching experience.
The film, directed by Ridley Scott, is based on Philip K Dick’s 1968 novel Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep?, and is set in 2019.
LA is crowded, oppressive, damp and dangerous, flying billboards swarm the night skies while the neon saturated streets below are filled with a diverse and bustling mob.
It tells the story of semi-retired cop Rick Deckard (Harrison Ford), who is tasked with the job of hunting down replicants: intelligent but mutinous - and murderous - androids, who have turned against the humans they were designed to serve.
Daryl Hannah as replicant Priss
Having been used as slave laborers in far off worlds, a group of four have commandeered a space shuttle and returned to earth in order to confront their maker, Dr Eldon Tyrell (Joe Turkel).
Ford is excellent, but it is Rutger Hauer who steals the film - in chief replicant Roy Batty he plays the most human, and most sympathetic character - a spellbinding improvised speech, complete with doves and Jesus Christ imagery, providing the film with a fittingly potent conclusion.
Elsewhere Daryl Hannah, as Batty's replicant lover - a pleasure model called Priss, Sean Young, as Tyrell's assistant and Deckard love-interest Rachael, and Edward James Olmos, as enigmatic police officer Gaff, all provide career-defining performances.
Blade Runner is a genuine masterpiece, and the opportunity to view it on the big screen a cinematic gift - plus with a sequel recently announced (Ridley Scott will produce and Harrison Ford will return) there has never been a better time to return to it.
And for those who have never watched it, here's your chance to put that omission to bed.
Blade Runner opens in cinemas UK-wide on April 3.
RATING: FIVE OUT OF FIVE STARS
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel