Blade Runner (The Director's Cut)

Blade Runner is one of those films in which you either love or hate. There really is no in-between. It's become an aquired taste over the years since it's first inception into theaters circa 1982. But still remains a sci-fi classic. Some like their sci-fi fun, light and fluffy, some like it silly and action packed and some like it brooding, violent and dark. I'm without a doubt the a fan of the latter. I first saw Blade Runner when I was a wee lad, but I never really learned to appreciate it until I was in my late teens.

Ridley Scott really is rarely credited for inventing and pioneering a film genre. It always goes to the Speilberg's, Cameron's and Lucas' of the industry but Scott has made some of the greatest contributions to the history of modern film, and Blade Runner is one of those contributions.

As dated as this film is, it's special effects, atmosphere and brooding intensity still hold up and sets a standard today. Many directors have tried to emulate this but failed, as the fans will tell you there really is only one Blade Runner. This DVD could have had a lot more extra features other than a few deleted scenes, and I think (although a good DVD for the collection) does not really pay true homage or offer the fans what they deserve. I think people would love to have seen some of the old reels, outtakes and film documentries on a film that literally set a standard for a genre.

Set in the early 21st Century robots are used for the exploration and colonization of other planets outside our solar system. They are manufactured by a juggernaut company called The Tyrell Corporation" who specialises in AI and glady use the tagline "more human than human". Problem is these Replicants as they're known have also just become illegal on Earth after a rogue group of Replicants slaughtered an entire colony outpost. And yes you guessed right, they've made their way back to Earth.

The LAPD has initiated a group of special detective units called Blade Runners, who's primary goal is to track down and kill illegal Replicants on site. A retired Blade Runner named Deckard is lured back into the thick of things when he's asked to help take down this motley crue of Replicants....the rest is as they say history. And there's a really big twist in the story which I won't mention.

If you like your sci-fi dark and gloomy then this is for you. Plus anyone who likes sci-fi and is getting sick and tired of todays over-blown, big budget CGI fest's with little or no plot - then do yourself a favor. Watch it and enjoy Ridley Scott's depiction of Philip K Dick's gloomy futuristic America.