Utopia

Minor Premise

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Edition Type: Limited Edition Slipcover

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This Partner Label release is distributed through Vinegar Syndrome's sister company OCN Distribution. Vinegar Syndrome had no part in, nor are responsible for, the restoration, extras, quality control or any content(s) of this release. We hope you enjoy our growing roster of Partner Labels and the expertise and curation brought to each release by their dedicated staff!

Details

This special limited edition embossed slipcover is limited to 3,000 units and is only available on our website and at select indie retailers. Absolutely no major retailers will be stocking them.

Utopia is a film acquisitions, sales, and technology company with a ‘filmmaker first’ approach. Utopia focuses on creating new revenue and monetization opportunities, improving the direct-to-consumer experience, and helping filmmakers maintain a global presence. Vinegar Syndrome’s sister company, OCN Distribution, is thrilled to be representing Utopia's brand new line of home video releases!

Attempting to surpass his father’s legacy and pressured by an old colleague (Dana Ashbrook of “Twin Peaks”), neuroscientist Ethan Kochar (Sathya Sridharan) turns his experiment on himself and unwittingly fractures his consciousness into ten competing sections. Ethan is now trapped in his home with his ex-girlfriend Alli (Paton Ashbrook) and the two must navigate trauma, ambition, and missteps of the past. Diving headfirst into the uncharted equations of the brain, they realize there is more at stake than just their relationship or Ethan’s reputation. With time quickly running out, he is forced to face off against the darker sides of himself.

Eric Schultz’s striking feature directorial debut, co-written with Thomas Torrey and neuroscientist Justin Moretto, is a brilliantly constructed science-fiction thriller, which also serves as a poignant reflection on our mind’s fragility and what constructs our sense of Self. Vibrant and trippy, with a focus on scientific authenticity, it dives through the inner workings of our anti-hero in a way that is insightful, suspenseful, and exhilarating. Sathya Sridharan’s performance as Ethan is a force to be reckoned with, bringing a unique twist to the sci-fi leading man, while Paton Ashbrook as Alli provides the film’s beating heart.

Strap in, watch carefully, and prepare to unlock the puzzle that is MINOR PREMISE.

directed by: Eric Schultz
starring: Sathya Sridharan, Paton Ashbrook, Dana Ashbrook
2020 / 95 min / 2.39:1 / English 5.1 Surround

Additional info:

  • Region A Blu-ray
  • Director's Commentary
  • "Minor Premise” Short Film
  • Behind the Scenes
  • Meet the Sections (1 - 9)
  • Dance Party
  • Teaser Trailer
  • Full Length Trailer
  • Reversible cover
  • English SDH subtitles

Overall rating: 4.2027025 / 5 from 74 reviews.

AI Generated Review Summary

Minor Premise, a limited edition slipcover, offers an intriguing and cerebral science-fiction experience with excellent picture quality and sound. The film's interesting premise and compelling performances by Sathya Sridharan and Paton Ashbrook make it a must-watch for fans of the genre.

Summary topics

  • Performances: 9%
  • Film: 28%
  • Quality: 11%
  • Premise: 16%

Review topics: ["quality","design","sound","picture","presentation","buy","work","movie","film","premise","idea","release","slipcover","performances","sci-fi","features","scientist","watch","acting","art","subject","thriller","disc","party","science fiction","director","itch","sci fi","pun","experience"].

Review highlights

  • "Nice picture quality the slip covers appearance is wonderful and thick cardboard."James S.
  • "The slipcover of Minor Premise is of a very high quality!"Paul K.
  • "A great low fi sci-fi that's all about big ideas."craig g.

Reviews

Intelligent and emotional.

"Sci-fi for the brain. And the heart! This is a very enjoyable movie."

Luc T. (4/5)

Minor Premise

"An enjoyable film."

Gloria W. (4/5)

A Clever Indie Sci-Fi Built on a Strong Idea

"Minor Premise stands out thanks to its focused concept and grounded execution. Centered on a brilliant but unraveling scientist, the film keeps its scope tight and lets character drive the tension rather than relying on spectacle. The performance anchors the story, making the increasingly fractured reality feel personal and believable. The premise is smart and confidently explored. Dividing the human mind into competing elements is a risky idea, but the film commits fully, using structure and pacing to steadily raise the stakes. It’s thoughtful science fiction that rewards attention and works especially well on repeat viewing. In terms of quality, the presentation is excellent. The image is clean and detailed, the sound design is clear and balanced, and the overall polish elevates it beyond typical low-budget genre fare. It feels deliberate, well-crafted, and respectful of its audience. Minor Premise is a strong example of modern indie sci-fi — intelligent, character-driven, and built around a concept that actually sticks the landing. A worthwhile addition for fans of cerebral genre films."

Tim L. (5/5)

A Smart Sci-Fi Thriller Built on a Clever Idea

"At the center of Minor Premise is its scientist protagonist, whose obsession and intellect drive the film forward in compelling ways. The performance grounds the story, making the increasingly strange developments feel personal and believable rather than purely conceptual. You’re watching a mind unravel as much as a mystery unfold. The premise is the film’s biggest hook — inventive, focused, and confidently explored. Breaking the human mind into competing elements is a bold idea, and the movie commits to it fully, building tension through logic and consequence instead of spectacle. It’s the kind of high-concept sci-fi that rewards attention and repeat viewing. In terms of quality, this release looks and sounds excellent. The presentation is clean and polished, with sharp visuals, clear dialogue, and an overall finish that elevates the material. It feels like a thoughtful, well-produced indie film rather than a disposable genre experiment. Minor Premise stands out as smart, engaging science fiction — driven by character, powered by a strong idea, and presented with care. A great pick for fans of cerebral genre films who appreciate quality storytelling over excess."

Tim L. (5/5)

Minor Premise

"I enjoyed myself watching this film."

Jason S. (5/5)

Good movie amazing quality

"So glad I picked it up. Put it on during Christmas"

tyler j. (5/5)

minor Premise

"i liked it"

John A. (5/5)

Memento-esque, until it isn't.

"I picked up Minor Premise at 70% as a blind buy and went in with middling expectations. I was pleasantly surprised, mostly in part due to my introduction to Sathya Sridharan and his gonzo performance. His co-lead Paton Ashbrook as his steely colleague and former lover is a nice antidote to the Girl Friday trope. Utopia's Blu-ray package has a great scan of the feature but sadly lacking in bonus features. There's a few minutes of BTS but no cast interviews. There's a "Dance Party" sequence though that sure to put a smile on anyone's face."

Shawn P. (4/5)

Minor Premise

"I knew nothing about this at all, a total blind buy. Hugely enjoyable. Good concept, but it lost me in places. I get why some may find it dull, but you need to pay attention. Another solid release."

Steven A. (5/5)

Wouldn’t recommend

"Quality of the packaging is always up to snuff, the appearance of the film is also great on this release but the movie it self was underwhelming in my opinion. I wouldn’t really recommend this movie, strange pacing. A rare miss from utopia"

Ian P. (3/5)

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