RIDLEY SCOTT’S definitive version of his sci-fi masterpiece set in a dystopian future remains a spectacular visual phenomenon which begs to be seen on the big screen.

This final cut, released in 2007 to mark Blade Runner’s 25th anniversary, is an extraordinary piece of futuristic film noir, enhanced by Vangelis’s haunting music score.

Based on Philip K Dick’s novel Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep? it centres on former blade runner Rick Deckard (Harrison Ford), called out of retirement in 2019 to hunt four murderous Replicants — life-like intelligent androids — led by Roy Batty (Rutger Hauer) and his partner Pris (Daryl Hannah).

Despite its numerous versions over the years the film continues to be a stunning and thought-provoking drama which paints a depressingly bleak picture of a dark, dehumanising and oppressive world.

There’s a sequel in the pipeline — surely not a good idea — and it’s best to go and watch the original.

Review by Maria Duarte