Blade Runner: The Final Cut is the fifth version of director Ridley Scott’s 1982 film taking place in a dystopian future set in Los Angeles in 2019. Blade Runner is based loosely on Philip K. Dick’s novel Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep? It places us in a grim future, in a dirty and overpopulated Los Angeles. The Tyrell Cooperation has taken genetic creation to a new level; they now have the ability to create a person. These people are called Replicants, and can be created to have more strength, endurance and intelligence than a normal person. They are used mostly on off world colonies as laborers. When they escape on earth it is deemed a problem and they are hunted down by Blade Runners, Deckard (Harrison Ford) is one of these and our main character. When a Blade Runner takes out a Replicant it is called retiring them. Blade Runner is essentially the story of Deckard hunting down a small group of escaped Replicants.

The set design and visual effects in this movie were second to none when the film was originally released in 1982, and they still rival many of the CGI films of today. The city is alive with neon lights, flying cars and sky scrapers. There is a breath taking scene where Deckard is walking inside and apartment building and up above the skylight a blimp flies over with all its flashing lights.

The acting in Blade Runner is superb, which is rare for your average science fiction film. Harrison ford turns out one of his best performances as the disgruntled Blade Runner Rick Deckard, he is able to show Deckard’s inner struggle with the morality of his job. Take notice of his reaction after “retiring” a female Replicant. Sean Young is also surprisingly good as the Replicant Rachael, who is unaware of what she is. The best performance in this movie however is by Rutger Hauer who plays the leader of the escaped group of Replicants. He acts on pure emotion, and creates one of the most sympathetic villains I’ve ever seen.

Blade Runner: The Final Cut is the fifth version released including the three commercial versions, and the work print version that was shown in 1990 without Scott’s permission prompting the creation of the Director’s cut. The Final Cut is different than the others versions in a few different ways, it does not include the much debated voice over narration and also is without the happy ending. Now this may sound an awful lot like the Director’s Cut, which it is, but there are a few other significant differences between the two that makes it the better version in my opinion. They have touched up many of the visual mistakes that were still in the Director’s Cut, such as wires lifting the flying cars and also the wig on Joanna Cassidy’s (Zhora) stunt double. Also in this version Scott has shortened up some scenes as well as lengthened and completely altered others, which creates a better pace to this one.

The future presented in this movie may not seem too likely as the year 2019 approaches, but it rings true in more ways than one. For example the mass advertising that takes place and the overpopulation and out of control immigration, all of which we can see reflected in our present day. The plot to Blade Runner is simple but it presents many deep themes. It questions us on what it means to be human, and what really sets us apart, if at all from a Replicant.

Video

Blade Runner’s Final Cut hits Blu ray in 1080p 2.40:1 aspect ratio, resulting in a stunning video transfer that is going to knock the socks off all you fans. In the past DVD releases have been mauled with all sorts of grain and defects, but this new hi def release is simply fantastic. The difference isn’t subtle it simply looks amazing, the colors are fantastic and the overall transfer crisp. There is no denying that Blade Runner is one of the best looking catalogue titles on Blu-ray, if you like this movie in any way then you must have a look.

Audio

Blade Runner makes its Blu ray debut in stunning fashion, with a TrueHD 5.1 Dolby soundtrack. The results speak for themselves, ultimately there is nothing more to improve. The dialogue comes through brilliantly with no balancing issues, and all channel are used efficetvly. If you are like me with the latest standard definition release you were left wanting more, I can assure you that now all your needs will be satisfied.

Special Features

Blade Runners hi def release sees it packed with more special features than you have time to watch. This doesn’t leave fans with anything else to want, so enjoy.

Audio Commentaries: “The Final Cut”
Documentary: “Dangerous Days”
Featurette: “The Electric Dream: Remember Philip K. Dick”
Featurette: “Sacrificial Sheep: The Novel Vs. the Film”
Philip K. Dick: The Blade Runner Interviews
Featurette: “Signs of the Times: Graphic Design”
Featurette: “Fashion Forward: Wardrobe & Styling”
The Light That Burns: Remembering Jordan Cronenweth
Screen Tests: Rachel & Pris
Deleted and Alternate Scenes
Vintage Featurettes
Featurette: “Promoting Dystopia: Rendering the Poster Art”
Featurette: “Deck-A-Rep: The True Nature of Rick Deckard”
Theatrical Trailers

Final Thoughts

For fans of Blade Runner this can’t be put any simpler, there is nothing left to be desired. The video is stunning, the audio stunning, and team that up with more special features than you’ll probably ever watch and you got yourself a winner. The bottom line is, if you’re a fan of the film you need to go pick yourself up a copy in hi def.