Blade Runner is a timeless masterpiece. While I sat there in the theater watching a gorgeous 25th anniversary digital print of this compelling science fiction classic, I simply could not believe the film was released way back in 1982.

Based on a story by Philip K. Dick, Blade Runner takes place in a futuristic Los Angeles and features Harrison Ford as Rick Deckard, an exterminator hired to seek out and terminate human-resembling androids known as replicants. A terrifying but ultimately sympathetic Rutger Hauer burns up the screen as a replicant who will do just about anything to stay alive extend his expiration date.

Blade Runner is visual feast - a striking, vibrant piece of awe inspiring grandeur. Director Ridley Scott's dark vision of a moody, overly crowded L.A. is simply breathtaking, and while the picture does feature flying cars and other intriguing technological advancements, this glimpse into the future feels entirely possible.

As visually gripping as this picture is, it's also a moving character piece. Watch as loner Deckard becomes smitten with a young woman (played by a twenty-two year old Sean Young) with a most interesting secret. It results in one of the more interesting romance scenarios of the 80's.

Blade Runner moves at a leisurely pace, but it isn't without it's stunning action sequences. Included - a tense showdown between Ford and Hauer that leads to an incredibly poignant climax. Blade Runner is poetry in motion. It's spellbinding science fiction fused with old school noir, but it's the film's startling and relevant look at humanity that really makes this an unforgettable cinematic experience.

For those already familiar with Blade Runner, there are subtle differences in Ridley Scott's definitive Director's Cut. The infamous Harrison Ford voice over from the original theatrical release has been removed (this was also the case with the version that was released just over ten years ago). Beyond that there are slight alterations in this cut (including a shot of a unicorn that you'd swear was an outtake from Ridley Scott's own Legend), and the film greatly benefits from a stunning digital face lift. Blade Runner is still playing in limited markets. Certainly this is the best way to see it. If it isn't playing a theater near you, be sure to pick it up on DVD. It's definitely worth owning.