review: GATTACA (Blu-ray)

Sony  //  Buy from Amazon.com In a future society, where the focus of discrimination has shifted away from race, class and gender, and has turned to human DNA, Vincent Freeman (Ethan Hawke) is born with a congenital heart condition - less than this society's idea of a valued individual. However, Vincent possesses an iron will, a trait that cannot be genetically determined, and his will hungers to be an astronaut. With the help of Jerome Eugene Morrow (Jude Law), a genetically superior, yet suicidal individual, Vincent is able to mask his true identity and make his way into the halls of Gattaca, the highly coveted aerospace corporation. Freeman is able to achieve certain successes, including a romantic attachment with colleague Irene Cassini (Uma Thurman). However, when his dream of going to Saturn seems within reach, a murder takes place at the institution and all employees become suspect. With an investigation underway, the pressure to hide his DNA intensifies. Only then, when his will is put to the extreme test, does he realize that perfection is not created, it's earned. I think I rented "Gattaca" on VHS back in '98 or '99 and, while somewhat impressed with the overall story and attempt made by the filmmaker, I wasn't so overwhelmed to ever watch again in the last 10 years. Now that it's received a shiny new Blu-ray release, however, and since I'm now 10 years older (possibly wiser, but the jury's still out on that one), perhaps it's time to give it another whirl and see if the sands of time have been friendly to this film. Turns out, they have. Of course, in 2008 Ethan Hawke, Uma Thurman and Jude Law are all household names (as well as tabloid fodder), but back in '98 when this film first came out, there weren't so well known, esp. Jude Law, who was just starting to make a name for himself. Watching these 3 up-and-coming actors give their all in this very ambitious, very stylized and, surprisingly, very well-done film is a treat to behold. Each delivers first-rate performances, with Law absolutely leaving the strongest lasting impression on at least this viewer. As good as the actors are, however, it's the movie itself that most impressed me. The cinemtography, the set decoration, the attention to even the smallest detail in creating this very believable futuristic society was breathtaking. A slick, polished, incredibly well done film that is absolutely worth another look in 2008 - like a fine wine, it's only gotten better with age. Video The 2.40:1 1080p high def transfer is solid, delivering all the razor sharp detail you'd expect from a Blu-ray release, and whatever noise seems to creep in during the dimly-lit sequences is undoubtedly part of the film itself, and not the transfer. Audio A strong, clean, clear Dolby TrueHD soundtrack delivers the audio goodies in tip-top shape. Extras audio commentary by cast "Welcome to Gattaca" featurette "Do Not Alter" featurette deleted scenes Closing Thoughts Very enthralling sci-fi/drama + solid extras = worth addition to any Blu-ray library