Gravity

Not since Stanley Kubrick's 2001: A Space Odyssey has there been a sci-fi thriller as wondrous as this awesome Oscar-nominated film from director Alfonso Cuaron. In the dark depths of outer space, Dr. Ryan Stone (Sandra Bullock)—a specialist on her first mission—is trying to repair the Hubble telescope and half-listening to the genial bantering of veteran NASA astronaut Matt Kowalsky (George Clooney), who is testing a new jet pack. When their shuttle is destroyed by discarded debris from an obsolete satellite, sole survivors Stone and Kowalsky are stranded—helplessly spinning out of control—and unable to communicate with Mission Control. Tethered together, their only hope lies in reaching an abandoned Russian space station to locate a re-entry vehicle. While Clooney contributes wryly ingratiating humor, Bullock delivers an Oscar-nominated tour de force performance. When—during a rare moment of respite—we see her floating, curled into a fetal position, her fear and dread of being alone in the universe is absolutely palpable. Yet the character is also brave, resourceful, and fiercely determined to overcome immeasurable obstacles to survive. Utilizing long, intricate tracking shots, coupled with astounding visual and sound effects, Cuaron has created a luminescent virtual reality that enhances the story's emotional core (despite a bit of far-fetched science). Highly recommended. Editor's Choice. [Note: DVD/Blu-ray extras include a “Mission Control" behind-the-scenes section with "It Began with a Story," "Physical Weightlessness," "Space Tech," and more (107 min. total), five shot breakdowns (37 min.), a "Collision Point: The Race to Clean Up Space" featurette narrated by actor Ed Harris (23 min.), the director's son Jonás Cuarón's companion short "Aningaaq" with optional intro (10 min.), and trailers. The Blu-ray release also includes bonus DVD and UltraViolet copies of the film. Bottom line: a fine extras package for one of 2013's best films.] (S. Granger)