As dense as it is deep, Bukatman's work is essential reading for anyone with a serious interest in science fiction, postmodern theory, or the relationship between technology and human culture. The glowing reviews by Bruce Sterling and Larry McCaffery were well-deserved, and this book will have a permanent place on my bookshelf (right next to Storming the Reality Studio). I had never heard of Scott Bukatman before finding this book, but I now look forward to reading anything he writes in the future.

One of _the_ important books for anyone interested in Science Fiction's engagement with cultural issues. I've yet to find someone who had done any important work at the time of the books' publication who isn't in there somewhere. It's been called "interminable identity" by some but that's just because people don't have the patience to wade through the good stuff. an Important Book..

This is indeed an excellently written "little" book on Blade Runner. I do feel, however, that the material on the film's inception is too drawn-out and that the rather more "interesting" exposition and analysis of the film remains far too cursory. BR deals with a myriad of themes and tropes, such as the recurring EYE theme. Bukatman mentions many instances where EYES occur and mentions a possible significance, but does explore it (or many other themes) in depth, eg. its relation to SCOPOPHILIA or SPECTATORSHIP, etc. Admittedly, it is small pocket-sized book, and it is worth the money, but if you desire an in-depth analysis of the film, this is not the book to purchase IMHO.

Avid fans of the film will find many pleasures in this book. It looks, in depth, at the comic book roots (mobias, Heavy Metal) that Blade runner aspired from. It can, however, go on a bit too much about it. It does cover other aspects of the film, but the books highest point is the opening - which discusses vision within the film.

Blade Runner is my favorite movie, and this is one of the best books on a film I've ever read. The comparisons with other sci-fi films and post-modernism are very interesting. There is also a lot of information on how the film was made.