Gattaca (Special Edition)

Review By: Rocco Passafuime
RoccoPassafuime@TheCinemaSource.com

When you think of most future dystopias, you think of thrilling, other-worldly, action-heavy science-fiction fare like Blade Runner or Akira. However, there are some that that choose the route of more intellectual and drama-based approaches. One such film is Gattaca, now released on DVD in an all-new special-edition.

In the future, technology has become so advanced that life can be predestined from birth by one’s genetic makeup. Vincent Freeman (Ethan Hawke) is a naturally born human, known as an “In-Valid”, suffers from poor health and is destined to only live thirty years.

However, Vincent still yearns to become a space navigator as part of the Gattaca corporation. When seemingly less-than-impressive “valid” Jerome Eugene Morrow (Jude Law) is paralyzed from the waist down after an unsuccessful suicide attempt, he helps Vincent by assuming his identity by giving him his blood, tissue, and urine samples.

As Vincent quickly rises in the ranks as a would-be “valid”, he scores a chance to fly in space. However, his deception is threatened of being unraveled after a murder occurs and everybody in the facility is under suspicion from the authorities. This is only further complicated after Vincent kindles a relationship with a Valid named Irene (Uma Thurman), a colleague.

Gattaca benefits from its intriguing, clever, substantial plot on genetic manipulation as well as a fantastic look. However, despite the great story and look to the film, director Andrew Niccol ultimately has trouble bringing much dramatic weight to it and many of the performances. While Jude Law is terrific enough as Jerome, the same can’t be quite as said for co-leads Ethan Hawke and Uma Thurman who are serviceable, but ultimately lack any sort of presence here.

The DVD’s picture quality is in the 2:35:1 anamorphic widescreen aspect ratio, with the sound quality in Dolby Digital Surround 5.1. This all-new special-edition DVD comes packed with special features.

The first feature is the featurette “Welcome To Gattaca”, which features new interviews from the cast and crew. “Do Not Alter?” is a featurette narrated by Gore Vidal, which goes into the intriguing scientific aspects of the film. Also included is a briefer featurette, from the time the film was made, as well as six deleted scenes cut from the film, and a substance test outtake.

All in all, Gattaca is a very intriguing, intelligent, and stylish exploration into genetic mutation. However, its impact is severely dulled by a lack of dramatic power from its cast and story, making it fall short of the promise it would have had on paper.

Movie Grade: B
DVD Features Grade: B+
Overall Grade: B+