Overview:
Well, they do want to build some hype as we approach the release of the sequel feature film that I’m still not sure any of us asked for after so many years, but let’s do it anyway. So here is Blade Runner Black Out 2022 which is a short anime film that runs about 13 minutes if you cut out credits so not a great amount of time to do anything with. It is meant to be a prologue to the feature film. With that in mind, how is it?
Review:
Blade Runner, the original film, was iconic for its aesthetics and even though these days we’ve seen several million knock off futuristic cities with hover cars, and Blade Runner wasn’t unique even when it did it, there’s something unmistakably right about the look of this anime. It pulls you straight back into that universe and even though the original film was definitely not anime and this definitely is, there’s a clear visual connection between the two. Add to that the dramatic shot composition and what you have is a fairly brilliant film from a visual point of view that does exactly what I feel they were intending to do.
What isn’t quite as well handled are the characters. Though they are definitely trying and in 13 minutes manage more characterisation than some series do in 25 episodes, including back story, there just isn’t long enough to really feel the connections. While the choice of visuals and music draw you into their stories, the pace at which their journey is revealed doesn’t really allow any time for you to take it in and respond emotionally to it in a way that would just lift this from being watchable to being truly memorable.
The story is also pretty reflective of the original feature film. There aren’t many surprises in the events if you are familiar with Blade Runner, and the character motivations are pretty much what you should expect. the predictability doesn’t hurt the story here. It has been a long time since Blade Runner and they really want the audience to reconnect so this unsurprising but tightly crafted narrative works in their favour.
My only question would be about the logic of such a high tech world not having shielding for EMP’s. Really?
All and all, I had fun with this but it is kind of like watching a promo or an ad. It is interesting enough, I’ll probably think about it for a day or so and discuss it with others who have watched it, and then I’ll move on and think of other things. Still, if you are looking forward to the new Blade Runner movie then this might be a good starting point.
Thanks for reading.
If you enjoyed this post and like the blog, consider becoming a patron to support further growth and future content.
Thanks,
Karandi James.
I have to admit I haven’t saw the 1st one (shame on me) but I do know Ridley Scott is pleased by what Denis Villeneuve did. I know there is an embargo on the movie, but he could at least say that during is interview for the French-canadian television.
I am immensely looking forward to this new Bladerunner film. The first reviews are in, and so far they are highly positive saying it is one of the best sci-fi film that has been made in a while, and the best film of the entire year. Even though I am usually a bit skeptical with things like this, I have to admit that I am a big fan of the director’s work, and that everything that I have seen so far for this movie is truly amazing. Did you know that two other (short) live action films were made as a prequel for the new film? They can be found on YouTube. As for this one, agree with the things you wrote. It’s okay, but because of the relatively short time, it is not something that really stays with you. That said, I still enjoyed it enough, and it got me even more excited for the upcoming film. Keeping my fingers crossed for it 😊
I haven’t really looked for the two live action shorts. Blade Runner and I kind of have a rocky relationship so I’m not the biggest fan even though there are parts of the first movie that are truly exceptional. More importantly, I’m not a big fan of sequels well after the fact and I’m just not sure about this given Indiana Jones and the like (plus I won’t get to see the movie until it is out on DVD anyway because I haven’t managed to line up any travel to a town with a cinema when it is out).
So part of me is super curious to see what they’ve done with the film and to see a good sci-fi and the other part of me is resisting any kind of hype about this film.
True enough. I really agree with you on that fact. Honestly though this director has so far not disappointed me, and has made some incredible films. Don’t know if you have ever seen the movie Prisoner, but if you haven’t that one is well worth watching. If all goes well, I am going to see the film next weekend, and I will certainly do a review for it. Hopefully it will live up to the hype it has so far generated 😊
I’ll look forward to your review.
Wow, this sounds really cool actually. Where could I find it online?
You can find this, and two other short prequel movies for Bladerunner on YouTube. Here is a link to the anime prequel https://youtu.be/rrZk9sSgRyQ
Aw okay!! Thank you!!
It is on Crunchyroll but I think it is also on YouTube.
Okay! Thank you!!