"Los Angeles, November, 2019" - an unforgettable movie theater experience

Rating: 10/10 (4 July 2019)

I saw "Blade Runner" in the theater again today (more on that later). First time I saw this film, it was the original version when it came out in Belgium (where I grew up) in 1982. Decades later, I saw it again, this time on DVD and in the "Director's Cut" or "Final Cut", I can't quite remember. The version I saw today was definitely the Final Cut.
"Blade Runner" (originally released in 1982; The FInal Cut released in 2007; 117 min.) brings the story of Deckard, as he tracks down 4 replicants who have escaped from an Off World and need to be "retired" with extreme prejudice. As the movie opens, we are reminded it is "Los Angeles, November, 2019". YES, this very year! In Ridley Scott's (bleak and dark) vision of the future, LA is in permanent darkness and rain, with lots of pollution, and lots of overcrowding. Our man Deckard (Harrison Ford) meets Rachel (Sean Young), who may or may not be a replicant, who can tell for sure? In the meantime Roy Batty (Rutger Hauer) is the leader of the replicants and up to no good...
While watching this in the theater today, I was struck by several things: first, the enormous vision from Ridley Scott this movie asked for (and received). Second, the set design and production is out of this world STILL, now almost 40 years later. Third, while there is very little "action", this movie flew by in no time (same as its Blade Runner 2049 sequel, incidentally). A movie like "Blade Runner" begs to be seen on the big screen. As luck would have, my art-house theater here in Cincinnati is doing a month-long sci-fi classics festival during July, and this was the first (and certainly not the last) that I was eager to see again in the theater. The July 4 matinee screening where I saw this at was attended very nicely, and I imagine the later screenings will be PACKED. If you have a chance to see "Blade Runner" in the theater, run, do not walk! It makes for an unforgettable movie theater experience.