Search - Gattaca [Superbit] on DVD

MPAA Rating: PG-13 Content Advisory: Adult Situations, Questionable for Children, Adult Language Movie Release: 1997 DVD Release: 12/11/2001 Format: DVD - Enhanced Wide Screen Letterbox for 16x9 TV Edition: Special Collection Audio Tracks: English Subtitles: English, French, Korean, Spanish, Thai SwapaDVD Credits: 1 Number of Discs: 1 Run Time: 1 hrs 46 mins Studio: Columbia TriStar Members Wishing: 2 Genres: Science Fiction, Tech Noir, Psychological Sci-Fi See Also: Gattaca [Widescreen/Fullscreen], Gattaca [Fullscreen], Gattaca [Blu-ray], Gattaca [Special Edition], Gattaca [Special Edition] [Includes Digital Copy]

New Zealand screenwriter Andrew Niccol (The Truman Show) made his feature directorial debut with this science fiction drama, set in a future when one's life is determined by genetic engineering rather than education or experience. The wealthy can choose the genetic makeup of their descendants. People are designed to fit into whatever role is decided before birth. But what happens when someone desires another way of life? Citizens in this impersonal future-world are fashioned as perfect specimens, so those in the natural-born minority are viewed as inferior to the pre-planned perfect specimens (aka "Valids") who dominate. One of the natural-borns (aka "In-Valids"), Vincent Freeman (Ethan Hawke), has several defects (poor vision, emotional problems, and short 30-year life expectancy), but he also develops a different outlook on his pre-ordained fate. He yearns to break free from society's constraints, and he dreams of a journey into space as a Gattaca Corp. navigator. To accomplish his goal, he enlists the aid of DNA broker German (Tony Shalhoub) and makes contact with Jerome Morrow (Jude Law), who was paralyzed in an accident and is willing to sell his superior genetic materials. Vincent assumes Jerome's identity and is scheduled for a flying mission. However, a week before his flight, a Gattaca mission director is murdered, and all members of the program are the suspects. Meanwhile, he develops a romantic interest in a beautiful Valid, Irene (Uma Thurman), prevented from going into space because of her heart defect. Tracked by a relentless investigator who is methodically jigsawing all the pieces together, Jerome finds his aspirations dissolving into stardust. ~ Bhob Stewart, All Movie Guide

Ethan Hawke - Vincent Freeman
Uma Thurman - Irene
Jude Law - Jerome Morrow
Gore Vidal - Director Joseph
Alan Arkin - Detective Hugo
Xander Berkeley - Dr. Lamar

Gattaca is a story set in the not-so-distant future where genetic tampering is all that stands between you and your future. Originally released a few years ago on DVD, Gattaca has been released a second time by Columbia in a new "Superbit" edition (which means a clearer picture and fuller sound) on DVD. This 2.35:1 anamorphic widescreen transfer looks exceptionally sharp and detailed. Everything in the image, including the colors, fleshtones, and black levels, are spot-on and very well-rendered; in short, this is a great-looking transfer by Columbia. The audio is presented in Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround and DTS Surround, both featured in English. The DTS track and Dolby 5.1 track both sound full and expansive with no distortion or hiss present. The surround feature in both the rear and front speakers is heavy and very full with great clarity. Much like the video portion of this disc, the soundtrack is also top-notch. Also included on this disc are English, Chinese, French, Korean, Portuguese, Spanish, and Thai subtitles. Columbia's theory is that since they are giving you great sound and video quality components, you don't need any extra features. As such, nary a trailer or commentary track can be found on this Gattaca: Superbit DVD. For those with a great home theater and TV, this disc is a very worthwhile buy. Otherwise, John Q. Buyer should stick with the original DVD release. ~ Patrick Naugle, All Movie Guide