Blade Runner  (1982) One of the most stunning films to be released during the '80's, this is a visual and aural treat. Director Ridley Scott introduced a unique 'look & feel' that has been copied ever since. The dark, brooding sets with the persistent acidic precipitation, shadows cast by slow moving fans and search lights mounted on floating large screen advertisements. This atmosphere is further improved by the excellent soundtrack from Vangelis. The plot follows a cop in Los Angeles in the year 2020 who has to 'retire' some escaped replicants (androids). Each 'retirement' is stunningly filmed and shocking in realism. Starring Harrison Ford as the reluctant cop and Rutger Hauer as a 'reluctant' replicant. Sadly this film is now only available in the 'Director's Cut' version. The few scenes that were added do not make any major improvements, it is what is removed that I miss. The voice-over had been added after a test screening of the original to help explain the plot, whilst this is not really necessary it did add a rather quaint feel of those early black & white detective serials. However, the cut at the end is the saddest of all, as the contrast from L.A. to the stunning landscapes with that brilliant music from Vangelis could bring a tear to the eye.

The Fifth Element  (1997 - UK) Although the video format cannot do it justice, this film certainly warrants viewing at a good cinema if at all possible. The plot may be fairly basic, but there are many surprising twists in the flow, the action sequences are superb and the visual realisation is stunning. For the most amazing scene watch out for the Diva sequence at the Fhloston Paradise Hotel, opera in the middle of an action space epic? Watch it and you'll want to rewind and enjoy again! The excellent costumes are another remarkable feature of this film, designed by Jean Paul Gautier. This film deserved many more Oscars than a certain tedious love story (set on a boat) received. It just demonstrates how desperate the Oscar committee were to avoid giving any awards to a French film.