Product Details

• Actors: Gary Sinise, Tim Robbins, Don Cheadle, Connie Nielsen, Jerry O'Connell
• Directors: Brian De Palma
• Format: Closed-captioned, Color, Dolby, NTSC, Special Edition, Subtitled, Widescreen
• Language: English (Dolby Digital 5.1)
• Subtitles: Spanish
• Dubbed: French
• Region: Region 1 (U.S. and Canada only. Read more about DVD formats.)
  
• Aspect Ratio: 2.35:1
• Number of discs: 1
• Rated: PG (Parental Guidance Suggested)
• Studio: Touchstone Home Entertainment
• DVD Release Date: June 4, 2002
• Run Time: 113 minutes
• Average Customer Review: 3.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (382 customer reviews)
• ASIN: B00003CWU3
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #9,874 in Movies & TV (See Top 100 in Movies & TV)
• Learn more about "Mission To Mars" on IMDb

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com

If Brian De Palma directed Mission to Mars for 10-year-olds who've never seen a science fiction film, he can be credited for crafting a marginally successful adventure. Isolated moments in this film serve the highest purpose of its genre, inspiring a sense of wonder and awe in the context of a fascinating future (specifically, the year 2020). But because most of us have seen a lot of science fiction films, it's impossible to ignore this one's derivative plot, cardboard characters, and drearily dumb dialogue. Despite an awesome and painstakingly authentic display of cool technology and dazzling special effects, Mission to Mars is light years away from 2001: A Space Odyssey on the scale of human intelligence.

After dispensing with a few space-jockey clichés, the movie focuses on a Mars-bound rescue mission commanded by Jim McConnell (Gary Sinise), whose team (Tim Robbins, Connie Nielsen, Jerry O'Connell) has been sent to retrieve the sole survivor (Don Cheadle) of a tragic Mars landing. During the sequence en route to Mars, De Palma's in his element with two suspenseful scenes (including a dramatic--albeit somewhat silly--space walk) that are technically impressive. But when this Mission gets to Mars, the movie grows increasingly unconvincing, finally arriving at an alien encounter that more closely resembles an astronomical CGI video game. But this is a $75 million Hollywood movie, and no amount of technical wizardry can lift the burden of a juvenile screenplay. Kudos to Sinise, his costars, and the special effects wizards for making the most of hoary material; shame on just about everyone else involved. --Jeff Shannon

Product Description

From the director of MISSION: IMPOSSIBLE comes the thrilling, eye-popping science fiction adventure MISSION TO MARS, starring Gary Sinise (SNAKE EYES) and Tim Robbins (HIGH FIDELITY). The year is 2020, and the first manned mission to Mars, commanded by Luke Graham (Don Cheadle, OCEANS 11), lands safely on the red planet. But the Martian landscape harbors a bizarre and shocking secret that leads to a mysterious disaster so catastrophic, it decimates the crew. Haunted by a cryptic last message from Graham, NASA launches the Mars Recovery Mission to investigate and bring back survivors -- if there are any. Confronted with nearly insurmountable dangers, but propelled by deep friendship, the team finally lands on Mars and makes a discovery so amazing, it takes your breath away. MISSION TO MARS is an action-packed rocket ride that will enthrall you with its stunning special effects and keep you on the edge of your seat.

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

75 of 81 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Why on Earth, or, uh, Mars, did this movie get so many negative reviews?!?! This is one of the best Sci-Fi films ever!! May 16, 2007

By JOHN P. HANSSEN

Format:DVD|Amazon Verified Purchase

You would think that the movie being reviewed here was a lame 50's or 70's B movie entitle "Attack of the Killer Blonde Bimbos" or something to that effect. I recently got a chance to view this entire film the other night and all I've got to say is "Man! This is a valuable lesson of not listening to the negative reviews before getting a chance to see the movie!! And, sad to say, this is exactly what kept me from seeing this movie for so long. I made the mistake of listening to all the negative ink about it. I can guarantee you that you will find this film at least very likable. The story is good and so is the acting, even though there may be a couple of hokey parts in the film. Most of it, though, is highly enjoyable and VERY believable. This has to be one best, as well as underrated, sci-fi films ever made. Definitely worth at least one viewing and definitely better than "Red Planet"!

52 of 57 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars I enjoyed the film. August 21, 2004

By W Arthur

Format:DVD

After having viewed the film at a cinema during its initial release, I purchased the DVD when it became available. I enjoyed the acting, the characters, the CGI, the music and the story. In short, I was entertained. Others have chosen to provide harsh comments. Personally, I enjoyed the film. I happen to be a science-fiction author and I like a good story. Mission to Mars provided that. I don't think Brian De Palma was trying to do anything more than entertain in an appealing way. As far as this reviewer is concerned, he succeeded.

37 of 43 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Top-Of-The-Line Science Fiction October 27, 2004

By Stephen B. O'Blenis

Format:DVD

Possibly the best near-future space exploration epic ever filmed, surpassing even such quality fare as "Stranded" and "2001" & "2010". Realistic and believable and fairly technical, but unlike too many skeptics-concious current science fiction, not afraid to dream big and speculate grand. Top-notch performances all around and oustanding technical aspects, plus superior characterization in a genre that sometimes seems to feel it has to make its players either cold and cynical or cocky and beligerent to be believable. Gripping from the start, with a fantastic finale, "Mission To Mars" is likely to awaken a curiousity for space, a sense of wonder and adventure, and an appreciation for the night sky in even the most jaded and disinterested hearts.