Blade Runner: US Theatrical Cut – Monday 22nd September 2025

I’d seen bits ‘n pieces of Blade Runner in the 80’s, but the first time I sat down and watched it properly was the Director’s Cut, when it was shown on ITV in the ‘90s.
It was good, but it wasn’t Star Wars.

Since then, I’ve watched the film about once every decade, and the older I get, the more I appreciate it. The visuals alone are phenomenal; I need a book that is literally just still frames from the movie (come on Taschen, get on it!), because literally every shot is a work of art!
Anyhow, as I’d never seen it, I figured I’d watch the original Theatrical Cut of the film, and I have to say, it was good!

At first, the voiceover is a bit jarring, because you’re just not used to it, but overall, it definitely lends itself to the ‘gumshoe’ genre and adds to the ‘Future Noir’ aspect of the movie. It also provides explanations which definitely make the film easier to read, and makes the whole thing less ambiguous.
Personally, I much prefer that Deckard is NOT a replicant! At least in the subsequent Director’s Cut it’s still up to the audience to decide, but the sequel removes all doubt, which for me, lessens the original movie.

Also, I can definitely see why some people prefer this original version of the film; it’s easier to digest.
I do, however, prefer the ending of the Director’s Cut because it hints at there being more to the story.
Great film, but the climax of the film doesn’t build to a crescendo, and the protagonist (Deckard) isn’t an active participant in bringing the story to a close, which for me, is a weakness in the story.

The plot is brought to a close because the antagonist basically gives-up, which is not a satisfying conclusion at all! The only reason audiences seem fine with it is because of the stunning visuals, and the poetry of the dialogue. I get the argument that that the antagonist shows his ‘humanity’ in saving Deckard, but it doesn’t really make sense after we’ve just seen him kill others in cold blood; no matter what he does after that, he’s not really going to be redeemed.

A better crafted ending where Deckard outsmarts his opponent would have really elevated the film (and may even prove that Deckard is a replicant, because of his superior intelligence).

Anyway, I’m sure the next time I sit down to watch this film, I’ll love it more than I already do, and I’ll probably have a different opinion on the ending too!