Today marks a big day for Sci-Fi fans -- the theatrical re-release of "Blade Runner."

It's only being shown in NY & LA for a brief time to mark the movie's 25th anniversary, and to drum up interest for the December 18th DVD release of "Blade Runner: The Final Cut," which will contain director Ridley Scott's 'definitive' version of this much-discussed, much-beloved picture.

Its actually amazing to me how many people have seen this movie in full or in bits & pieces on TV over the past 25 years. And they either love it or hate it.

Me, I'm a geek so I fall strongly in the former group. I remember seeing it opening weekend back in June of '82. It was at the Palm Springs Theater in Hialeah, Florida. I was 10 years old and my older brother and I forced our mom to take us because we were huge Harrison Ford fans. Throw in the sci-fi elements and the coolest movie title EVER ... well, we were psyched.

But after we saw the movie, my first reaction was ... huh?? Where were the action scenes? Where were the big explosions?? I was bewildered to say the least by the story because it was pretty thick for a young kid. Replicants on the loose? Got it. Ford as a detective who tracks 'em down? Check. But what's he doing falling for a female replicant?? And why, even though he's supposed to be the bad guy and he beats the tar out of my hero Harrison, do I still find myself feeling badly for Roy Batty at the end of the movie (Rutger Hauer was SOOOO GOOOD in this!!). Very confusing stuff at the time.

Now, I was floored by the special effects. To this day I remember being in awe of the flying car scenes, the shots of 2019 Los Angeles' massive skyline. I also remember not being able to take it all in.

Oh, and I remember liking the voiceover at the end because it helped fill in the blanks. What's really funny is that I remember talking about the film with my brother and some other friends long after we had all seen it ...and realizing that any movie worth talking about that long after being seen is a good picture.

Blade Runner was the first film I remember examining & dissecting like that, and discovering the meaning of certain scenes that left me puzzled while watching (like Edward James Olmos' final line to Ford "Its too bad she won't live! But then again, who does?"

Fast-forward a decade, and I catch the Director's Cut of the film and the lack of the voiceover bothered me. I thought it was blasphemous to tinker with a movie that had grown in stature and quality with the passage of time. Then I saw it again. And again. And again.

Each time I picked up something new that I had missed before. And with each viewing, the voiceover became even less relevant in my mind because I had a better understanding of what Ridley Scott was aiming to communicate with us about this future society and how our understanding of humanity ... and what constitutes being 'human' ... is easily blurred by our actions.

Who needs lasers and wookies when you have all that to chew on?

I've probably seen 'BR' about 25 times over the years ...nearly all those times, it’s been the Director's Cut. I've always wanted to have a chance to compare the version I first saw, the Theatrical Version, to the DC. Then there's the legendary 'Workprint' version, which first surfaced in the early 90s when interest in the movie was revived. I've heard that version is significantly different than other versions, but after a brief screening run, its never been seen again.

Now we'll finally get our chance with the DVD release. 'BR: The Final Cut' will have every single version of the movie in one set, as well as a 5-disc special edition, packaged in a shiny metal briefcase that's going to be the must-have dork accessory this holiday season.

All I can say is, if you're a Sci-Fi fan, I shouldn't have to encourage you to check out the movie in theaters or get the DVD. It should be at the top of your to-do list.

If you don't like future stuff or any movie that talks about androids, replicants or 'blade runners' ...you should check out this movie just to see why so many people rave about it. Then you can make up your mind about whether it lives up to its reputation.