I'm sure that the Blu Ray is better than the Superbit, but here's my question...

How much better is the Blu Ray than the Superbit DVD for Gattaca?

I found the Superbit for $3 at Big/Lots and picked it up, but I'm debating whether to keep it or just sell it and buy the Blu Ray. I've never seen the movie, but it's gotten rave reviews from fans and even some critics, so is the Blu Ray worth the blind buy, or should I check out the Superbit first? (And is the Superbit good enough that I can live with it until Gattaca shows up at Fry's for $11.99 again?)

Yes. Aside from the movie looking much better (despite some edge enhancement), you'll also get some good extras.

A Superbit was nothing special anyway. All it really amounted to was a better job of compression on what was usually the same transfer. It wasn't as if there was more noticeable detail or anything.

However, I would consider checking out your copy first, since it was only $3. While I think it's a great film and would love to recommend it, I don't really believe in blind buys anymore. You just never know when a film that many others like is not going to connect with you.

DVD Beaver Comparison

There is no comparison.

my recommendation: watch the $3 superbit since it cost less than a rental. if you end up liking the movie, definitely buy the BD.

I have to say that the Blu-Ray edition blew me away! It is one of the best high-def discs I've seen since the format was born. The Superbits were good for what they were in their time, but as with all other DVDs, they cannot compare to true high definition. I'm with kefrank, though: rent the movie if you have yet to see it, and if you end up liking it, definitely opt for the Blu!

What Superbit can't ever do is match the colors.

Why are the colors so different? Color correction works for DVDs last I checked.

Sometimes a DVD is stripped of not only important data which take away detail, but also color data. Many DVDs with large blocks of the same color, will just tweak out and you can see the compression way too easily within the colored areas (the area looks like it's moving because of all the compression artifacts "moving" around).

This might be the reason for the massive color differences, and why the colors on the Blu-ray version could have never been displayed properly on DVD. Maybe the recording folk at the studio saw there was no way they could introduce such a highly saturated amount of colors without significant problems.

All of this is true, but there is even more to it than that. HD actually has a completely different colorspace than SD, allowing for a broader range of color with subtler hues.

Definitely my recommendation too. I mean you may not like the movie at all - personally I was just "meh" about it. No replay value for me...

Absolutely.

Can't wait to get my Blu-ray player.

First, I love this movie. One of my all-time favorites. I've purchased it in all formats. First, the standard DVD. Which was not good. Then Superbit, a great improvent. But the Blu-Ray is jaw dropping. I couldn't believe how clear and colorful it was. Like others have said, rent it first in case you don't love it. But if you're a fan, this is a no brainer. I'd rate the BD picture quality a 9.5/10.

I've never seen Gattaca, but I did find the Superbit for $3 as I noted, so I'll plan on watching that at some point and if I like the movie I'll pick up the Blu Ray.

Of course, if I find the Blu Ray for less than $14 before I get a chance to watch the Superbit I may just have to pick it up...

This BD looks amazing.

And I've seen in just about everywhere for $15.99 or less these days.

Oh, matome. I noticed your signature. Have you ever seen this?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ljEfBRX0vKA

LOL, that was freaky! Thanks, never saw it before. Now I have to search for some more on the Tube.

$15.95 at Amazon right now. Pretty good.

part of the 2 for $30 at bestbuy.com right now too.