Blade Runner was selected for preservation in the US National Film Registry

[wilky61]

Originally Posted by Tachaeon

Sure people might not like Blade Runner for the story. You have to realize that back in 1982 it was the most visually stunning movie of its time. Even on Blu-ray I still say "wow". Just think if you saw this back in its day, you'd say holy crap this looks awesome!

I dunno about that, I always thought the film was too dark until they 2007-ified the special effects. I was never a fan of the special effects of the 1980s, and Blade Runner used to look a lot darker in older releases/formats than it does now. Upon my first viewing of the film (the 1992 Director's Cut), I thought the story/human drama was pretty good (how about Roy Batty's lines on the rooftop!!) but that the effects/visual prowess were completely overrated.

I still think 2001: A Space Odyssey is probably the most visually stunning movie of all-time, and that movie's approaching 45 years old. Apocalypse Now is a pretty good honorable mention, not sci-fi but closer in proximity to BR.