More than meets the eye. (***Possible Spoilers Here***)

Rating: Null/10 (17 April 2004)

There's a lot said here about the visual effects, but something should therefore be equally said about the incredible soundtrack done by Vangelis for this movie. Sure, the synthesizers may sound a bit dated by today's standards, but given the subject matter in this film, it all fits perfectly. It would not be the same without it.
Rarely have I heard so much attention to detail in a soundtrack - especially a sci-fi one. The art of making a good soundtrack is perhaps subtle to some, but Vangelis knew how to create the unconscious effect of suggestion to make his music fit the scene perfectly. This process involves more than picking minors for sad scenes, and majors for happy ones. Then also there is timbre as well as tonal quality to consider.
The music for the opening scene is immediately ear-catching. The big 'THUUUMMMMP' is simply scary and acts as an 'anti-gong'. It is the pronouncement of our future doom. To this day, the Waldorf 'Q' series of synthesizers uses an emulation of this sound as a showcase patch.
Other highlights here include:

The 'Blade Runner Blues' theme - Played where a replicant woman is shot in the back and crashes through panes of glass in slow motion. The blues theme is in perfect keeping with the whole 'noir' feel and yet, in keeping with the futuristic setting, the lead is held by a synthesizer, not a saxophone.

'Rachel's Song' - Although the strings and woman's voice sooth, the constant metallic 'plinking' in the background reminds you that Rachel is a machine.

'Memories of Green' - This is the music played at the piano scene where Rachel remembers her implanted memories. The heavily detuned piano suggests age, but the electronic sounds in the background remind the listener that this too is not real, even if it seems so to her. This song is very Debussy-like suggesting this is what she remembers playing in her earlier memories. Subtle!

'Tears in Rain' - It is Roy Batty's last scene and perhaps one of the most poignant ones on film. An uplifting theme to match the releasing of the dove into the sky and signifying the release of a soul.

There are snippets of music played in various scenes that have distinctly Oriental overtones to them. Often, this music is heard echoing across the city or in other public places. This reflects the theme of an L.A. in 2019 with a meshing of Western and Oriental musical styles.

I don't think Vangelis got near his due here and my hat's off to him and to Ridley Scott for having the foresight to choose him. Next time you see this film, pay attention to the musical themes. Try to imagine what those scenes would be like without the music to set you on the path.