Few sci-fi films have a grip on pop culture quite like Ridley Scott’s Blade Runner. The 1982 adaptation of Philip K. Dick’s iconic novel Do You Dream of Electric Sheep? starring Harrison Ford (Indiana Jones) defined the genre in the ’80s. Over the last 40 plus years, its fanbase and legacy have only grown. This was with the help of the 2017 sequel being one of the best films of the last decade. Now, before the world expands in its next iteration on the small screen, the original Blade Runner is getting a new futuristic 4K edition.
The latest 4K steelbook will include “The Final Cut” of Blade Runner, which saw extended scenes added to the theatrical release. This is seen by Scott and many fans as the definitive version of the film. This edition will presumably feature all the same special features as past 4K releases of the film and has cover art of Ford’s Rick Deckard ready to strike in a dystopian Los Angeles. This will be a UK release, but the 4K format is region-free for anyone who wants to buy it in the United States. The steelbook is set to debut on August 18, 2025.
What Is ‘Blade Runner’ About?
In the distant future of 2019, Blade Runner follows Detective Rick Deckard, whose job is to hunt hostel replicants. These are AI androids who pose as humans, or don’t even know about their mechanical origins. However, when he crosses paths with a woman named Rachel (Sean Young), his sense of reality is forever changed. To the point where the audience questions if Decker is a replicant himself. No matter if you prefer the theatrical or Final Cut, Blade Runner remains a genre staple.
Despite being a disappointment at the box office, making only $41 million worldwide, the film has an impressive certified-fresh rating of 89% on Rotten Tomatoes. Its cult following led to Ford reprising his role as Deckard in Blade Runner 2049 almost four decades later. Director Denis Villeneuve (Dune) reinvented the franchise and teamed Ford up with Ryan Gosling (Barbie). While a tragic box office bomb itself, 2049 has followed in the original’s footsteps by gaining a rabid fanbase in the last decade. The universe will soon be given a third go in the Amazon Prime Video series Blade Runner 2099. Hunter Schafer (Euphoria) will be leading the franchise into the future in this upcoming leap to television.
Where Can You Stream ‘Blade Runner’?
Blade Runner is currently not on a traditional streaming service, but you can rent the film on most major paid VOD platforms like Fandango at Home. Before you jump back into this classic sci-fi universe, you can pre-order Blade Runner’s new 4K steelbook on Amazon UK’s website for $23.55 USD.
Source: Amazon UK
About The Author
Discover more from imd369
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
