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From Amazon.co.uk
Baraka is a non-narrative visual poem addressing, according to director Ron Fricke, "humanity's relationship with the eternal." The title means "breath of life" or "a blessing" and the film unfolds into a tapestry of global images shot over 13 months in 24 countries, comparable to, but far more ambitious than Koyaanisqatsi (1983) which Fricke also wrote, edited and photographed. Like Bernardo Bertolucci's similarly meditative Little Buddha (1993), Baraka was designed as a powerful audio-visual experience, one of a handful of films made in the 1990s to revive the immensely cinematic 70mm process.
Filled with staggeringly beautiful vistas which are striking, rich in detail and immaculately composed, the screen is complemented by an immersive Dolby Digital soundtrack fusing natural sounds with a haunting world music score. (At one point composer Michael Stearns combines Japan's Kodo Drummers, a Scottish bagpipe ensemble and a Tibetan water music orchestra.) Baraka encourages the audience to think or be entranced, and depending on mood and circumstance it can enthral or bore. With its epic, trans-human scale, vast formal grandeur, depersonalised abstraction, startling juxtapositions and avowed ambition to be the ultimate non-verbal film, Fricke has created a visionary experience akin to 2001: A Space Odyssey.
On the DVD: Baraka is accurately transferred at the original 70mm theatrical ratio of 2.2:1, not as the packaging says as 2.35:1. The picture quality is superlative, with virtually no flaws and razor-sharp images. The Dolby Digital 5.1 sound is equally outstanding. The extras are presented at 4:3 with letterboxed clips, and being video based offer lower image quality. These special features play for approximately 25 minutes and, apart from the original theatrical trailer, are divided into three sections containing significant overlaps between the material. The "making of" documentary and the collection of to-camera comments from members of the production team are both interesting, but the behind the scenes location filming footage adds little substance. --Gary S Dalkin
Product Description
Directed and photographed by Ron Fricke (one of the main collaborators on Godfrey Reggio's 1982 masterwork 'Koyaanisqatsi'), 'Baraka' was filmed in 70mm in 24 countries over 13 months, and explores man's relationship with nature. Covering the ancient and the modern, the technological and the natural, the film uses music and images to chart the cycle of life and modern man's destructive relation to the planet.
Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
73 of 74 people found the following review helpful
By J. Spybey
Format:DVD
Perfect! If you enjoyed Koyannisqatsi then this is an absolute must. It is that film made much much better. How? First of all, it is shot on 70mm not 35mm so there quality is multiplied by four. Secondly, motion control tracking was used, which means that all those clever speeded up pieces of film now get to move at the same time. Thirdly, the cameraperson/director just got better at his art. EVERY shot in this movie is a piece of artwork. It is that amazing. Of course, if you are wanting plot and drama you will have to look elsewhere. What holds this film together is awe. Everytime a new shot appears it is like opening a new christmas present and wondering what is inside, gradually peeling off the layers until you see it. If you want to see the world in all its extremes, to see the beauty in Peru, India, Indonesia and pretty much everywhere, you just got to see this movie. Cannot be recommended high enough.
29 of 29 people found the following review helpful
Format:DVD
I felt like one well walked elephant after watching this film! It never fails to captivate the eye and ear; using visuals and music only, it takes you on a journey around the tips of the world and back.
You can see that Fricke has almost put his life into the cinematography, which will endlessly take you closer to the edge of you seat; with every shot revealing a new and astounding outlook of this beautiful world. I have never felt such an array of emotions from a single movie! From sand desserts, to forests, waterfalls, volcanoes, the sky, people at prayer, to people at war; each shot is uniquely precious with a character of its own.
The music is elegantly wrapped around the visuals; sounding similar to God Speed You Black Emperor and Explosions In The Sky, which alone would take you on a journey of a lifetime. This inspired soundtrack adds the extra dimension to the stunning photography.
I would recommend you find the biggest TV and the best sound system, turn up the volume, shut the curtains and swell into your surroundings. Never to return.
You can see that Fricke has almost put his life into the cinematography, which will endlessly take you closer to the edge of you seat; with every shot revealing a new and astounding outlook of this beautiful world. I have never felt such an array of emotions from a single movie! From sand desserts, to forests, waterfalls, volcanoes, the sky, people at prayer, to people at war; each shot is uniquely precious with a character of its own.
The music is elegantly wrapped around the visuals; sounding similar to God Speed You Black Emperor and Explosions In The Sky, which alone would take you on a journey of a lifetime. This inspired soundtrack adds the extra dimension to the stunning photography.
I would recommend you find the biggest TV and the best sound system, turn up the volume, shut the curtains and swell into your surroundings. Never to return.
26 of 27 people found the following review helpful
Format:VHS Tape
I saw this film a long time ago, and spent years looking for it. Now, thankfully, it's readily available. I have shown it to lots of people of all ages and from all walks of life, and every one of them, without exception, has agreed that it is brilliant. Any review will give you a description of this film, so I won't bother repeating them. Suffice to say, it's once seen, never forgotten. I defy anyone not to find this movie one of the best pieces of cinematography ever. The musical score alone is worth the price. I also have koyaaniqatsi by the way, which although great in its own right, doesn't match this masterpiece. Absolutely breathtaking.
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars
excellent
such an unusual but highly poignant film work of our existence on this planet -i would recommend to anyone to help understand the far reaching ways of life ! Read more
Published 15 hours ago by chris gonga
5.0 out of 5 stars
Epic
This movie (is it even a movie?) is epic and leaves you pretty speechless. I have watched this over and over again and will do in the future as well.
Published 15 days ago by Paavo Pere
5.0 out of 5 stars
Out of Earth!
They should send this thing to space, instead of some mathematical formulas!
It's a wonderful trip into the images and sounds of our world, allowing a thousand stories inside... Read more
It's a wonderful trip into the images and sounds of our world, allowing a thousand stories inside... Read more
Published 19 days ago by Simão Do Vale
5.0 out of 5 stars
A Window On The World!
This epic film is like a moving edition of National Geographic. Stunning photography (including intelligent use of time-lapse) accompanied by a wonderful musical score, this is a... Read more
Published 1 month ago by David Lusher
5.0 out of 5 stars
Livraison parfaite
Film époustouflant ... à voir absolument.
Malgré l'âge du support vidéo plus de dix ans .. Read more
Malgré l'âge du support vidéo plus de dix ans .. Read more
Published 1 month ago by alkido95
4.0 out of 5 stars
Wonderfull film
Fantastic film ,stunning landscapes, really well put together and worth buying. good musical score as well, now reasonably priced.
I really enjoyed it.
I really enjoyed it.
Published 2 months ago by IAN MANN
5.0 out of 5 stars
Compulsive viewing
I bought this after seeing it whilst staying with family abroad. I love the fact there is no narrative, just beautifully matched music and breathtaking photography. Read more
Published 2 months ago by Nana
5.0 out of 5 stars
Baraka
This film is something that you must see. It blows your mind. Images from the most beautiful places on earth gives place to the madness of big city centers.
Published 5 months ago by NIKOLAOS KAVALOS
5.0 out of 5 stars
good to watch before samsara
for a document made 20 years ago, still makes a huge impact :)
and the blue ray quality is superb!
and the blue ray quality is superb!
Published 5 months ago by Piotr
5.0 out of 5 stars
Baraka
This film everyone must see. Especially for those who have no opportunity to travel a lot. Wonderful pictures, great music. Read more
Published 6 months ago by Nagy László
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