Blade Runner: The Final Cut [4K Ultra HD] [1982] [Blu-ray] [2017] [Region Free]

The cinematography, music and set design are superb.

Classic movie. No problems. Arrived on time well packaged. Am verry pleased

Great movie... but this 4K version is not much different from the DVD quality.

Most people know the story of Blade Runner by now. It's one of the greatest movies ever. It wasn't a big sell when it came out but slowly became an all time science fiction classic and rightfully so. The movie was originally released in 1982 and was based on a story by Philip K. Dick. His 1968 novel, Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep? to be exact. It stars Harrison Ford and Rutger Hauer in their best roles, features incredible music from Vangelis and was directed by the now legendary Ridley Scott. The story of Blade Runner is one that will be debated until the end of time. It's based on a Blade Runner called Deckard (Ford). He's charged without hunting down four replicants who have escaped their life as slaves and found their way to Earth. Their goal is to preserve the remaining life they have left and understand the emotional struggle as they grow closer to their inevitable doom. It's a story which appears very simple on the surface. But the more you dig into the film, the deeper it all becomes and is one of the more fascinating aspects of it. As I said above, I think it's easily Harrison Ford's best role. I love him as Indiana Jones and Han Solo, like every other nerd out there. But there's just something in Blade Runner that puts him above those other films. The same can be said for Rutger Hauer. I've seen him do some interesting movies and others that were down right terrible. But here, the man shines so bright that he actually steals the show from every other actor in the film. The other roles played by Sean Young, Edward James Olmos, Daryl Hannah etc are all very fascinating. It's like we're seeing only just a glimpse of what could have been so much more. But that's a part of the appeal of this film. It's not all what it seems. Some people might find the film to be incredibly dull and that's an opinion I can fully understand. This is by no means an action movie and is it very slow paced. It likes to take its time and do things at its own pace. It bothered me growing up, I can easily sympathise. But as my appreciation for more serious cinema grew, I found myself appreciating this film more. It's not just the acting or the story, but the love that went into the art. Everything from the sets, the vehicles, weapons, computers, music make for an incredibly mesmerising experience. This is all emphasised on this magnificent 4k pressing. The visual and audio elements are better here than they have been and it will should do nothing but stun anyone who sees it. The old bluray disc that I own was good, but this is a whole other level. The clarity and depth of the picture is breathe taking. The detail in all the large scale models, the effects work etc is extremely impressive. Especially for a film of its age. The 7.1 audio track is another highlight and something fans need to hear. If you've ever heard the Vangelis soundtrack, you'll know that it's a magnificent piece of work. But to hear this new mix of the film will really shock some. It's extremely clear, the tracks have been given this very spatial mix. Everything has a place, from the rain falling behind you to the spinners flying over your head. It's quite powerful but well worth having for those with surround sound systems. There's not much else to say about Blade Runner really. It's a classic, one that I would highly recommend to fans of science fiction and noir. It's been given a magnificent 4k transfer and couldn't be more of a must have purchase. Fans shouldn't even question it this purchase.

Classic science fiction though the film is very different from the book, 'Do Androids Dream Of Electric Sheep' by Philip K. Dick, on which it is based. For a start, the film completely lacks PKD's satirical wit and the philosophical musings that led to the title of the book are also underplayed. Virtually everything else is different too - only the core feature, renegade replicants returning to Earth to try and secure a future for themselves and being hunted by Deckard, remains. Having said that, as a film standing on its own merits, it is an extraordinary achievement. A feast for the eyes, this predominantly moody film is sometimes criticised for its lack of action but there is more than enough to keep one occupied - this is not supposed to be a thrill a minute thriller. A thoughtful person can still ponder on what goes through the mind of a human entity designed to be a slave without feelings. How ironic that that is how we are supposed to present ourselves in a labour dominated workplace today!