Blade Runner – 4K UHD Blu-Ray Movie Review

In the futuristic year of 2019, Los Angeles has become a dark and depressing metropolis, filled with urban decay. Rick Deckard, an ex-cop, is a "Blade Runner". Blade runners are people assigned to assassinate "replicants". The replicants are androids that look like real human beings. When four replicants commit a bloody mutiny on the Off World colony, Deckard is called out of retirement to track down the androids.

This is one of my favorite sci-fi films of all time. It has Harrison Ford NOT being Han Solo and a young looking Rutger Hauer. Full of fascinating characters and organic backdrops, this film is a noir mystery and atmospheric slow burning suspense thrill ride. Blade Runner suffered in the box office because it came into theaters at the same time another great sci-fi film came out; E.T.. Of course, this release is timed just before the new Blade Runner 2049 hits the theaters. Will the new one be as good as the original? Therein lies the question.

Deckard (Ford), a Blade Runner (a cop who hunts down fugitive androids) is called upon to “retire” 4 androids that have landed on earth, seeking their creator. It seems that they are programed to die at the end of 4 years and they want to know if their lives can be extended. Deckard eventually is introduced to Raechel (Young), a fem fatale that also happens to be an android…only she doesn’t know that. Of course, the two of them fall in love and…well, no spoilers here. Suffice it to say, the film deals with some emotional themes and some philosophical ones as well. What does it mean to be human? How will these themes carry over into the next film?

If you are one of the few cavemen that have never seen this movie, now is your chance to see it in a format that is better than the theaters of the day. If you already own this movie, is the upgrade to 4K really worth it? Absolutely! It is a visually stunning masterpiece that needs to be experienced in UHD.

Just to be clear, this film was scanned in 4K with a 4K DI, so it is true 4K, and not down rezed. It looks amazing with razor sharp details, spot on contrasts and spectacular colors. The specular highlights of glinting metal or rain dripping off street signs and flying cars is a wonder to behold. The inky blacks are all the blacker because the dazzling whites contrast it so well. Skin tones are full and natural.

Every stitch in the fabric is clearly seen and intricate details in architecture and objects abound (esp. Tyrell Corp Headquarters building). Film grain is present, but well under control. The sound is loud, clear and enveloping. I really enjoy Vangelis’ musical score to this film, too. It’s just about perfect for the action on the screen, mournful, yet futuristic. I did not think the film could look better than the recent remaster for Blu-ray, but I was wrong. Thank you Ridley Scott… and bring on that next installment.

Besides the Blu-ray disc, included are: Commentaries, The Electric Dreamer: Remembering Philip K. Dick, Sacrificial Sheep: The Novel vs. the Film, Philip K. Dick: The Blade Runner Interviews, Signs of the Times: Graphic Design, Fashion Forward: Wardrobe & Styling, Screen Tests: Rachael and Pris, The Light That Burns: Remembering Jordan Cronenweth. Deleted & Alternate Scenes, 1982 Promotional Featurettes, Trailers and TV Spots, Promoting Dystopia: Rendering the Poster Art, Deck-a-Rep: The True Nature of Rick Deckard, Nexus Generation: Fans and Filmmakers, Includes UltraViolet so you can enjoy the film on many different compatible devices. All told, over 7 hours of extras!