Habitat (film)
A family transforms into a biosphere in a damaged world.
Habitat, a 1995 science fiction film, was released direct-to-video and later aired on the Sci Fi Channel. Its themes blend ecological warnings with genetic engineering, family conflict, and redemption. The movie was shot in Sony’s early analog High Definition format; Sony provided the equipment and technical support to promote the format, and the HD footage was later transferred to film. (Note: It was not a theatrical feature, and other films, such as 'The Last Broadcast' in 1998, also used early Sony HD formats.)
In a future where the ozone layer has drastically thinned, the Symes family flees from the father’s former employers and the government. Molecular biologist Hank Symes, obsessed with saving the world, has endangered his family. They hide in a desert community, but an accident transforms Hank into an ethereal lifeform and turns their house into a massive botanical biosphere that threatens anyone who enters. His teenage son Andreas struggles with fitting in at a new school, seen as an outsider. Despite his resentment, Andreas eventually recognizes that miracles can still happen in this strange time.
The cast includes Balthazar Getty as Andreas Symes, Tchéky Karyo as Hank Symes, Alice Krige as Clarissa Symes, Kenneth Welsh as Coach Marlowe, Laura Harris as Deborah Marlowe, Brad Austin as Blaine, Christopher Heyerdahl as Eric Thornton, Kris Holden-Ried as Daryl, and Daniel Pilon as Strickland.
- Release year
- 1995
- Format
- Sony early analog High Definition (direct-to-video; not the only feature to use early Sony HD)
- Award
- No known major award for cinematography
Lore & Background
In a future where the Earth's ozone layer is severely decreased, the Symes family is on the run from the father's former employers and the government. Hank Symes, a molecular biologist, has become obsessed with saving the world, endangering his family. They stop in a desert community to hide out, but a terrible accident transforms Hank into a fantastic ethereal lifeform and begins changing the house into a huge botanical biosphere entity that threatens all who enter.
Andreas Symes, the teenage son, experiences things from a teenager's point of view, worrying about attending local school and fitting in with kids who see him as a weirdo. Despite his feelings, his father remains present, changing things for him and others, and eventually Andreas comes to see that miracles can still happen.
The cast includes Balthazar Getty as Andreas Symes, Tchéky Karyo as Hank Symes, Alice Krige as Clarissa Symes, Kenneth Welsh as Coach Marlowe, Laura Harris as Deborah Marlowe, Brad Austin as Blaine, Christopher Heyerdahl as Eric Thornton, Kris Holden-Ried as Daryl, and Daniel Pilon as Strickland.
Reader's Guide
Habitat holds significance as a technical milestone in filmmaking, being the only theatrical movie shot in Sony's early analog High Definition format. Sony donated equipment and technical support to popularize the format, and the HD video was transferred to film for release. The film's ecological warning message, combined with genetic engineering and family themes, reflects late-1990s concerns about environmental degradation and technological hubris. Its direct-to-video release and Sci Fi Channel broadcast indicate its niche audience, while the Global Film Critics Award for Best Cinematography highlights its visual achievement. The film's legacy lies in its pioneering use of high-definition video for theatrical distribution, predating the widespread adoption of digital cinema.
Did You Know?
- Habitat was shot in Sony's early analog High Definition format, but it was not a theatrical feature—it went direct-to-video.
- Sony donated the equipment and technical support for the film to popularize the High Definition format.
- The High Definition video was transferred to film for release.
- Contrary to some claims, Habitat did not win a Global Film Critics Award for Best Cinematography; no such established award exists.
More in Canadian science fiction films 1-24
Spotted an error? Know more?
Reader corrections go straight into our review queue. Suggest an edit · How this site is sourced