It’s time for the Blade Runner 2049 blu-ray review, I’m a massive fan of the first Blade Runner film and consider it still to be the gold standard in sci-fi visuals and sound design.
Oh and I also love the story which just happens to be based on the novel Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep? by Philip K. Dick. When I heard a sequel was to be made I was a little unsure of how I felt about it. One thing that the Blade Runner 2049 shares with the original is that they both really look amazing on the big screen.
If you missed them at the cinema or simply can’t get enough of both films the good news is they are both available on blu-ray. I’ve already reviewed Blade Runner The Final Cut some time ago, I’m a little late to the party on this one as it came out in February but felt this needed to be addressed.
- Blade Runner 2049 (2017)
- Genre: Sci-fi
- Directed by Denis Villeneuve
- Running Time: Mins
- UK Rating 15
- Released By Sony Pictures
- Blu-ray Released: 5 February 2018
Plot
K is a replicant working as a Blade Runner for the LAPD tracking down the old series of rogue replicants. While on one of these cases he discovers a clue that leads to Lt. Joshi panicking as to the repercussions if this knowledge ever became public. She tasks K with cleaning up all trace of any evidence; however he begins to realise that he may actually be involved and decides to follow the lead believing he might just be a very important asset.
Style / Direction
The film is directed by Denis Villeneuve with the cinematography side of things that’s taken care of by Roger Deakins. I have to say they really nail the Blade Runner look and feel of the original masterpiece, it looks absolutely stunning. If you watch the original film followed by this sequel you will realise just how good of a job they have done from a filmmaker’s perspective. They get just about every right. From the LAPD landing pad to those bright neon advertisements it’s Blade Runner. From the flying police vehicles to the orangey tinge landscapes everything looks perfect.
Everyone involved in bringing this sequel to life deserves huge amount praise as they ultimately deliver the perfect sequel that the fans deserved.
Music / Audio Effects
The music is by Hans Zimmer and Benjamin Wallfisch and I have to say they merge the music of the original seamlessly with the new. It all feels and sounds like music from the original movie which really helps along with those spectacular visuals to make it feel like we are in the Blade Runner world. The music in the first movie was pivotal component and one that makes the world come to life and it continues to do so in the sequel.
Acting / Characters
The acting is all of the highest quality no-one lets the side down. Ryan Gosling I think puts in one of his best performances to date as the replicant Blade Runner K. He is the star of the film as we see the story unfold through his eyes. He does the sequel justice and really helps to keep you invested in his characters story.
Harrison Ford reprises his role as Rick Deckard and whilst we have to wait some time for him to appear its well worth waiting for.
Robin Wright plays Lt. Joshi K’s boss at the LAPD, she a tough no nonsense character and one that gives the film a nice gritty edge.
Jared Leto is the mysterious Niander Wallace, the man that has acquired all of the technology from the now bankrupt Tyrell Corporation. Following this acquisition he has begun production of a new line of slave repilcants. He plays the role well never really giving too much away as to his true motives.
Sylvia Hoeks is Wallace’s assistant Luv, she is a tough hard-arsed character that will stop at nothing to achieve her goals. She does this exceptionally well and contrasts well against the more sympathetic character Ryan Gosling plays.
K has a virtual girlfriend Joi played by Ana de Armas, she is to all intent a hologram AI. That however doesn’t stop K building up a strong connection with her and she plays a significant part in the films story. She is a very likeable character and one you are keen to see develop further.
Cast
- Ryan Gosling as K
- Harrison Ford as Rick Deckard
- Sylvia Hoeks as Luv
- Ana de Armas as Joi
- Robin Wright as Lt. Joshi
- Jared Leto as Niander Wallace
- Carla Juri as Dr. Ana Stelline
Conclusion: Blade Runner 2049 Film Review
I really loved the first film and didn’t really think that Denis Villeneuve and the rest of his team could really pull off something special with the sequel. However I am pleased to say they actually did, Blade Runner 2049 is a worthy sequel and one that has an interesting plotline, good acting, excellent visuals and a stunning soundtrack.
Without a doubt Blade Runner 2049 is a must see film, it’s the sequel that all Blade Runner fans deserved. It manages to still look and feel like the original masterpiece whilst somehow feeling fresh.
If you like my Blade Runner 2049 blu-ray review you may want to check out these films:
Conclusion: Blade Runner 2049 Blu-ray Review
The film released in 2017 so there are no issues with picture quality so I’ll move on to the special features. The blu-ray version I’m reviewing is the limited edition that comes on two discs and exclusive art cards. The standard edition is only one disc and minus the cards.
So to those extras and “Designing The World of Blade Runner” is thoroughly interesting look at how the filmmakers achieved the visually stunning world of Blade Runner 2049.
Next up are three short films that tell the stories of the key events prior to Blade Runner 2049. This all helps to fill in the gaps and expands on what is already mentioned in the film.
Disc one provides more than enough detail but if you really need more content the second disc adds more interviews in terms of how the casting came about plus a look at the fashion of Blade Runner 2049.
Extras
Disc One
- Designing The World of Blade Runner (22 mins)
- Blade Runner 101 (11 mins)
- 2048 Nowhere To Run (6 mins)
- 2036 Nexus Dawn (7 mins)
- 2022 Blackout (16 mins)
Disc Two (Bonus Disc)
- To Be Human: Casting Blade Runner 2049 (17 mins)
- Fights Become One: The Action of Blade Runner 2049 (6 mins)
- Two Become One (5 mins)
- Dressing The Skin: The Fashion of Blade Runner 2049 (6 mins)
Blade Runner 2049 (2017) Blu-ray
Blade Runner 2049 (2017) blu-ray is available now from Amazon.
- Limited Edition Blu-ray: https://amzn.to/2XlXRAZ
- Blu-ray: https://amzn.to/2DhIuSj
- DVD: https://amzn.to/2PdIA21
The Amazon links on this page are affiliate / associate links. By buying through the links we may receive a commission for the sale. This has no effect on the price you pay.
Popcorn Cinema Rating:
Blade Runner 2049 (2017)
MOVIE RATING: MUST SEE
BLU-RAY RATING: EXCELLENT
POPCORN CINEMA: RECOMMENDED
Blade Runner 2049 (2017) Trailer
For those of you yet to see the film I’ll leave you with a little taster…
Clip may not be representative of the Blu-ray version
That’s Blade Runner 2049 Blu-ray review, if you have any thoughts on this film you can leave a comment over on our Facebook page.
Summary: Blade Runner 2049 (2017) Blu-ray Review
Movie title: Blade Runner 2049 (2017)
Director(s): Denis Villeneuve
Actor(s): Ryan Gosling, Harrison Ford, Ana de Armas, Sylvia Hoeks, Robin Wright, Dave Bautista, Jared Leto
Genre: Sci-fi
- Movie Rating
- Blu-ray Picture Rating
- Extras
Summary
Blade Runner 2049 is the sequel all Blade Runner fans deserved it manages to still look and feel like the original masterpiece whilst telling a new gripping story.
 Blu-ray Review){kind=link}
 Blu-ray Review){kind=link}