Gattaca (Superbit Collection) |  | Director: Andrew Niccol
Actors: Ethan Hawke, Uma Thurman, Jude Law, Gore Vidal, Xander Berkeley
Studio: Sony Pictures
Category: DVD
List Price: $26.95
Buy New: $4.99
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Rating:  410 reviews
Sales Rank: 28042
Format: Anamorphic, Closed-captioned, Color, Dolby, DTS Surround Sound, DVD, Subtitled, Widescreen, NTSC
Languages: English (Original Language), English (Subtitled), Spanish (Subtitled), French (Subtitled), Portuguese (Subtitled), Georgian (Subtitled), Chinese (Subtitled), Thai (Subtitled)
Rating: PG-13 (Parental Guidance Suggested)
Region: 99
Aspect Ratio: 2.35:1
Number Of Discs: 1
Running Time: 106 Minutes
Shipping Weight (lbs): 0.3
Dimensions (in): 7.1 x 5.4 x 0.6
MPN: COLD07963D
ISBN: 0767883624
UPC: 043396079632
EAN: 9780767883627
ASIN: B00005R23Z
Theatrical Release Date: October 24, 1997
Release Date: December 11, 2001
Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days
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Product Description
In the future when one's genetic code can be altered, read and judged, Vincent, an \In-valid"", takes over the personality of one of the genetic elite in order to become a space navigator.
Genre: Science Fiction
Rating: PG13
Release Date: 11-DEC-2001
Media Type: DVD"""
Amazon.com essential video
Confidently conceived and brilliantly executed, Gattaca had a somewhat low profile release in 1997, but audiences and critics hailed the film's originality. It's since been recognized as one of the most intelligent science fiction films of the 1990s. Writer-director Andrew Niccol, the talented New Zealander who also wrote the acclaimed Jim Carrey vehicle The Truman Show, depicts a near-future society in which one's personal and professional destiny is determined by one's genes. In this society, "Valids" (genetically engineered) qualify for positions at prestigious corporations, such as Gattaca, which grooms its most qualified employees for space exploration. "In-Valids" (naturally born), such as the film's protagonist, Vincent (Ethan Hawke), are deemed genetically flawed and subsequently fated to low-level occupations in a genetically caste society. With the help of a disabled "Valid" (Jude Law), Vincent subverts his society's social and biological barriers to pursue his dream of space travel; any random mistake--and an ongoing murder investigation at Gattaca--could reveal his plot. Part thriller, part futuristic drama and cautionary tale, Gattaca establishes its social structure so convincingly that the entire scenario is chillingly believable. With Uma Thurman as the woman who loves Vincent and identifies with his struggle, Gattaca is both stylish and smart, while Jude Law's performance lends the film a note of tragic and heartfelt humanity. --Jeff Shannon
Amazon.com
Confidently conceived and brilliantly executed, Gattaca had a somewhat low profile release in 1997, but audiences and critics hailed the film's originality. It's since been recognized as one of the most intelligent science fiction films of the 1990s. Writer-director Andrew Niccol, the talented New Zealander who also wrote the acclaimed Jim Carrey vehicle The Truman Show, depicts a near-future society in which one's personal and professional destiny is determined by one's genes. In this society, "Valids" (genetically engineered) qualify for positions at prestigious corporations, such as Gattaca, which grooms its most qualified employees for space exploration. "In-Valids" (naturally born), such as the film's protagonist, Vincent (Ethan Hawke), are deemed genetically flawed and subsequently fated to low-level occupations in a genetically caste society. With the help of a disabled "Valid" (Jude Law), Vincent subverts his society's social and biological barriers to pursue his dream of space travel; any random mistake--and an ongoing murder investigation at Gattaca--could reveal his plot. Part thriller, part futuristic drama and cautionary tale, Gattaca establishes its social structure so convincingly that the entire scenario is chillingly believable. With Uma Thurman as the woman who loves Vincent and identifies with his struggle, Gattaca is both stylish and smart, while Jude Law's performance lends the film a note of tragic and heartfelt humanity. --Jeff Shannon
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Showing reviews 1-5 of 410
 Hard Science Fiction February 9, 2010
James S. Goss (Darmstadt, Germany)
Most Science Fiction seen in movies is actually Fantasy and Romantic fiction given a very thin gloss of scientific speculation. This is a completely different affair. Based in scientific speculation only a few decades beyond our current capabilities, Gattacca makes a concerted effort to discuss and understand how scientific advancement will effect our society. Added to that is a wonderful story, detailed and believable characters, and enough suspense for any film. As a true expression of what Hard Science Fiction, in the vein of Clarke of Asimov, is supposed to be I can not suggest a better film.
The coming genetic apocalypse February 7, 2010
Leslie H. Schwartz (Plano, Texas)
I got this DVD recently since it was on a list of recommended science fiction DVDs. which I found out you can get new for less than $[...], plus shipping.
Its somewhat typical - conventional in that the topic of human genetic engineering is placed in the context of a love story, which ordinarily would not interest me in the least bit.
But, it is revelatory in its dealing with the topic of human genetic engineering, done by humans, by parents for the sake of their children's best interests, (they suppose), and how our society might change in that context.
Its not a utopia, it's a dystopia, with ramifications well worth thinking over.
Once unleashed, and we are on the precipice of that, can the genie of genetic engineering be put back in the bottle?
And if human parents are prohibited from it, will anything stop our despotic covert governments from genetic engineering, if more power for them, better human weapons, can be made and controlled, I do not think so.
This is a vast topic, the movie series, Aliens, the whistle-blower Dan Burisch who says some reported alien UFO's such as Roswell, Greys/abductions were actually future versions of mankind coming back to gather genetic material to correct their own broken evolutionary path, Sitchin re: extraterrestrial intervention in mankind's past, the NAZI's - Rockefeller in the US and "eugenics", Dr Mary's Monkey (engineered bio weapons), again, too many instances to cite.
Check out the DVD if you are interested, it places in perspective one vital aspect of this very interesting topic.
 Gattaca February 3, 2010
D. A. White
I used this movie in my, "Intro to Moral Philosophy" class. The ethical issues that are raised evoked much dialogue among my students. Many had not seen the movie and found it thought-provoking.
Triumph of the Will October 24, 2009
Star Bux
2 out of 2 found this review helpful
The title of this movie is based upon four letters: G T C A, which represent
the four biochemical molecules which form DNA, a bigger molecule that
biochemists claim is necessary in order for life to exist in the form of flesh,
bone, blood, etc. GTCA, stand for Guanine, Thyamine, Cytosine, and Adonine:
GTCA, or phonetically, "Gattica", which sounds like the name of a prison.
This is a beautiful movie. Interesting plot. Romantic. And a great moral
fable about environment versus genetics versus something else...It is
about the internal struggle to define oneself and the limitations that others
would place upon you based upon their prejudices. This is one of my favourite
movies, and I think it is one of the best films of the science fiction genre,
since Fritz Lang's Metropolis. Another reason to like this film is the fact that
there is no profanity, no "curse words", no bad language, and no blasphemy,
in this movie, which is great for teenagers and adults alike: Very, very rare to
find a movie of this quality, now.
Vincent (Ethan Hawke) has a brother named Anton, who is genetically healthy
and predestined by an Orwellian Society, not to suffer as a common labourer,
whereas Vincent, because of his genetic profile is not allowed to enter certain
schools or have certain career aspirations (sound familiar?). He is confined not to
look beyond a certain economic class, and not to fraternize with people who are
better than he is, because there exists ample scientific evidence to support this
assertion. The society of the future predetermines a person's mate, economic
status, and career objectives, how he (or she) will live, based upon their genetic
code. And in this society, Vincent will rebel, by pretending to be somebody he is
not. But, a murder investigation (he didn't do it) threatens to reveal his true identity,
and who will believe that he did not do it, when it is revealed that he is a
"degenerate" (a "child of love" as opposed to a "test tube baby")? In the future,
genetic engineered people are considered NORMAL whereas they who believe in
love, are considered ABNORMAL, and they who would pass for NORMAL are
"enemies of the state"...This movie says that BEHAVIOUR matters, and not physical
appearances, such as SKIN COLOUR...And behaviour is gender specific as they
who desire to be holy, know...Irene (Uma Thurman) has a weak heart, as does
Vincent, only his is weaker...He desires to travel to the stars, and get there before
he falls asleep and begins to call the earth his home. See, Hebrews 11:16, KJV.
Vincent's constant attention to personal hygiene on one level expresses a desire
not to leave any genetic material behind which might expose him as an impostor,
but it also symbolizes his desire to escape the earthly realm, and join the stars
above. He is a dreamer. He feels a kinship to the stars above, as opposed to the
sand upon the seashore. The Church is a She, spotless and without rebuke.
My recommendation:
Get the dvd with the green cover. The edition that came after that one, blue with
a picture of a DNA strand on it, changed the look of the film, such that it looks
computer-generated.
Personally, I like seeing real people acting, rather than "touch-ups", "brush-ups",
or other "special effects", that make them look like "computer generated cartoon
characters". (Worked in the movie 'Tron', only because it was integral to the storyline.)
I guess "Hollywood studio executives" are hoping to convince audiences that
computer-generated characters are just as good to watch as real people are, and
therefore they can replace real actors with computer generated images (with computer
programmers serving as puppeteers) so that they will not have to pay actors salaries,
thereby permitting them to cut their costs of production and increase their ROI (return
on investment) or other such metrics. Or maybe "they" just like wrecking great movies.
Whatever the reason for the change, of the two, the green cover dvd is the best. My
guess, in a few years, people will think this CGI fad was just that. Or perhaps, the
movie was reissued in the CGI format to suggest to people how easy it is to frame
individuals, to fabricate incriminating evidence against somebody, and to send them
who are falsely accused to prison because most will not protest, being ignorant and in
awe of the "scientific evidence" before them...It is odd how the police in this future
society do not question the DNA evidence, how they believe in the science without
questioning the possibility that the science could be flawed. Perhaps it is because in
this future society, the police are the police because of DNA profiling, and therefore
it is in their "carnal interest" to believe in that science, not fearing Judgement Day, but
fearing the wrath of "Cesar", of a society whose social status depends on this science.
It is interesting that in the film, she warns Vincent that the police are looking for him,
as if she knew that he did not commit the crime. See, Matthew 27:19, KJV.
 Inadequate underdog story posing as a brilliant sci fi October 8, 2009
C. Christopher Blackshere (stalking you from the shadows)
2 out of 9 found this review helpful
Let me come right out and say it--I hated this movie. Hated, hated, hated. Okay, that might be a little too harsh. After all, it's not as bad as genital herpes, swallowing cat piss, or watching a Michael Bay flick. But as far as genius sci-fi goes, this is inferior, an imposter, an in-valid.
Gattaca does have an excellent premise, and has garnered quite a cult following. Manipulating genetics to form the perfect human being is an intriguing concept. Utilizing Science to eliminate birth defects and create a person less susceptible to diseases or illnesses is a possibility that many might consider justifiable. On the other hand, tampering with nature is bound to have its repurcussions.
My main problem with this story is the fact it tries to pound one element into your head over and over again and never offers much of anything else. A man born all-naturale wants to have the same priviledges as his genetic superiors. For the first half, it worked admirably. Then it started to get pretty dang stagnant. Still it kept riding this one-trick pony till the cows came home. Not sure what that means really, except I was annoyed and bored to freakin tears.
Ethan Hawke does a decent job. But how many fingerprint id's, blood samples, and heart tests can a man fake? Then they had his face plastered EVERYWHERE, and nobody could make the connection he was a murder suspect? PLEASE!!!! I don't care how blind your ego makes you, it is completely obvious!
Plus the differences between the valids &n in-valids were blown way outta proportion. Granted, he shouldn't be able to run as fast or swim as far. But he can't cross the freakin street? This movie might be making a statement how ridiculous prejudices are, which does of course carry some merit. But I felt this was way too heavy-handed.
And possibly one of the worst scenes I can recall off the top of my head--the party date with Uma. She realizes he is a murder suspect and has been deceiving her, watches him beat down some cop, forces her to run off with him, and then they make love under a gorgeous starlit sky. Atrocious!
Another thing I didn't care for--this had relatively few cool futuristic gadgets and gizmos. The cars looked retro, but they made a cool humming sound as they sped past. The cops didn't have any laser guns or sweet tracking devices. Nobody had cell phones. No teleportation tubes with dialethium crystals or electronic floatation devices? Nothing really. Bummer.
Anyway, I'm sorry. I'm rambling. But seriously, I don't put this anywhere close to the elite sci-fi masterpieces. In fact, it is one of my least favorites of the genre.
Showing reviews 1-5 of 410
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