Description
Filmmaker Ron Fricke captures scenes in 24 countries, set to music by international artists. Shot with 70mm film.
Language : English
Product dimensions : 1.78 x 19.05 x 13.72 cm; 99.79 Grams
Item Model Number : D7858D
Director : Fricke, Ron
Media Format : Special Edition, Anamorphic, Color, NTSC, Multiple Formats, Widescreen
Run time : 1 hour and 37 minutes
Release date : 28 October 2008
Studio : MPI Home Video
ASIN : B001CDLAT4
Number of discs : 2
Ms. Rockie –
Just a Tad Confused …
Originally having owned Baraka on VHS (which eventually got away from me) I was excited, indeed, to learn that I could obtain a copy of the work on DVD. I placed my order without hesitation. While doing so, I noticed another work — also entitled Baraka — and took a moment to read several of the reviews. It was my thinking, based on certain of the reviews, that this had to be a different project just of the same name. That being the case, I was prompted to do research on the title, “Baraka.” (I learned much from that research.) Prior to that, however, and with the cover of the DVD being somewhat different, colors and all, I ordered that work as well. Upon receipt and in early viewing, I realized that it was the exact same as the first Baraka only, this was a “collector’s edition” with certain photographying enhancements, I guess. Long story short, I wound-up with two Baraka DVDs. I realized, however, that this was a good thing for me as I always enjoyed sharing this great work (which is how my VHS tape got away from me). But now, I can share the Baraka experience without taking the chance of my being left without this awesome work. So, although I inadvertently duplicated purchase of the DVD, I have no regrets.
One person found this helpful
Dana Garrett –
YES! YES! but�
The cinematography is breathtaking and the sound track captivating. Often the film moves from scene to scene by visual analogies that are nearly seamless. In the midst of the films evident spiritual concerns, we witness some of life’s cruelties: the hungry and the homeless mostly. Even here the film deftly finds beauty in the faces of the poor without, in any way, masking the dire human consequences of their poverty. In all of these respects the film is quite exceptional.In some obvious ways Fricke doesn’t trust the viewer’s ability to understand the film’s spiritual theme. It heavily contextualizes its theme by beginning and ending the film with people engaged in spiritual practices, almost as if it is announcing “This film will be about spirituality” and, later, “Don’t forget this film was about spirituality.” In that respect, Fricke made the film too easy. Also, Fricke relies too heavily on time-lapsed photography. That would be a perfectly acceptable technique if Fricke had done something new with it. But how many times have we seen nature scenes with clouds rushing overhead or the rapid time changes from day to night and back to day again?New age types will find the film flawless because it mostly privileges non-western spiritual practices. Hedonists (like me) will enjoy it as well: the film is unquestionably a visual feat.
11 people found this helpful
SonarTechSonarTech –
Baraka is excellent, but this DVD is not 4k or 8k as the cover art would suggest!
The gold bar on the DVD packaging says “8K ULTRADIGITAL HD” which apparently is marketing nonsense for 1080p. This is not a 4K or an 8K DVD – the video track resolution is 1920×1080. See picture. That said, I love Baraka, and I’m happy they did some restoration on this film. I don’t regret my purchase, but somewhere there’s a marketing jerk that needs a good beat-down for calling this an 8K DVD.
11 people found this helpful
RRCarlo –
The One Indispensable DVD
I own at least 500 DVDs. If you asked me which is my favorite film/DVD I would have to say “Baraka,” because, if for no other reason, it is the DVD I watch most. Scarcely a week goes by that I don’t watch Ron Fricke’s masterpiece.”Masterpiece” is not a term I use lightly. In fact, it’s not a term I use at all but it describes this film. First, it is simply beautiful. If you have a home theater system that you take pride in, this is the one DVD to own. It’s approximately ninety minutes are spread over two layers: as a result the picture is almost HD-like, especially if you have an “upscaling” DVD player and a suitable display.The music, a combination of Michael Stearn’s original score and contributions by artists like “Dead Can Dance,” compliment the visuals perfectly.None of this would matter if the subject of the film weren’t worthy of your consideration. Rest assured, it is. I don’t trust the words “spiritual” or “spirituality” but I will make an exception for “Baraka.” As Fricke puts it in the documentary on the DVD, while we have been invited to live on the planet, life has not given any of us a veto over the guest list. “Baraka” is about that “guest list.”There is no other film I can say this about: I watch it a lot because I am always a better person for having watched it. 12/10
5 people found this helpful
KV Trout –
Rented it twice and would like to own it…
What can I say that hasn’t already been said in the hundreds of positive reviews of this art-movie-music-dvd?It is amazing. The footage of the Balinese Monkey chant alone makes the film worth seeing. And then there are so many other interesting things, people, and cultural snapshots… it is a smorgasbord of interesting and amazing people and places and rituals and life on planet Earth.My only complaint is that part of the 2nd half of the film, where modern day “civilized” humans enter the picture, is too long, ugly and boring… I realize the idea was to contrast and compare the cultures of more primitive people and the cultures of modern peoples, but I found the modern people boring and unpleasant, and that part of the film goes on a bit too long.The film does make you think about who we human beings are and how we are all connected, and yet also different; how modern people seem to have lost their connection their own humanity, and to nature; and how we are desroying the life-support system we depend on… This could also have been called “Koyannisquatsi” (life out of balance), but I guess that title was already taken. (-;The soundtrack is superb, and the images are beautiful. I can’t imagine any dialogue that would have made the movie better.I think everyone should see this movie. Then you’ll probably want to buy it.
One person found this helpful
Isaac –
The Baraka Experience!
The DVD arrived in just one week! It was an unexpected suprise!Nonetheless, I got the anamorphic widescreen version. But, I ordered the 8k remastered that with the shipping and everything came at 30 $.30 dollars is a lot of money for a DVD, but for me is the most meaningful and impactful movie of humanity.Showing humans and nature, just how the architect made us.I have no bluray, but I am hoping in the future to get my hands on the bluray edition.I guess it’s good to have two editions, one is for sharing with friends, and the other is or your own delight!
Robert Burridge Studio –
…from ArtsyFartsy News, September 2008
This month’s highly recommended DVD is Baraka. I’ve watched and showed this dazzling film to my painting students over the past several years. I can tell you the power of this visually enlightening film by describing everyone who has watched this to the end. When Baraka was over, no one moved, or even spoke. They simply sat, staring at the screen – then composed themselves and eventually filed out of the room. That’s the strongest testimonial I can give you!Baraka is powerful… no dialogue. It’s a visual documentary of a poetic tour of the globe set to the rhythms of various religious and spiritual rituals, spanning diverse locales as China, Brazil, Kuwait and major US and European sites. The soundtrack will lubricate your mind. If you are an artist, you will want to own this DVD! Hint: To fully enjoy this experience, turn off the phone, sit quietly and close to the ones you love for just a few minutes before pushing the play button. It will be memorable. Baraka must be seen, felt and experienced to be understood.
2 people found this helpful
Franco Girardi –
Preciosa fotografía
Preciosa fotografía solo falto subtítulos explicativos de cada lugar pero un buen bluray
Shenandoah browning –
Visually stunning! Turn on all your advanced settings !
I certainly do not have the vocabulary to describe this film.. I know it was filmed this way but, it looks like they welded 4 IMAX cameras together .. my 55″ t.v. looked very small ( it’s in my bedroom).. so I’m watching it on my 83″ next but, this time I’m not watching it alone. I’m having friends over because like I said I can not describe the experience of watching this.. its nothing I’ve seen before .. it will test your television.. it will also take you around the world.. and know that you are but a grain of sand !
Cha Cha –
can’t play in Sony SBP-300
Any one else having problems with the 8k disc? Plays on other blu-ray players but not mine, Sony SBP-300 (and I updated to version 4.20 – the latest firmware)Update 8/7/13:After reading the follow up commentary, I will acknowledge that I gave a very low score due to the fact that the movie would not play. To the extent that my lame early edition Sony blu-ray player could not play the disc, i rated the movie on that basis since they did put a product out there in the stream of commerce that gave several blu-ray players at the time of release a really hard time. Now that I have no issues with pplayback, I can say that this movie is intense and worth the repeated viewing, the movie itself deserves 4 stars. To those amazonians that i offended, please understand my 2008 frustration with this physical product, but the actual move is stupendous, no question.
2 people found this helpful
Allen Nick Heitman –
A great prelude to the movie Samsara
It is a great prelude to the movie Samsara and presents human kinds diverse cultures, aka, the human condition.
One person found this helpful
R.P.D. –
Let’s not go nuts
I bought this DVD on the basis of rave reviews I read on this web site. I figured with all this hype, I just can’t go wrong. Let me just say at the outset, it’s a good film. It’s unusual in it’s conception and the sound-track blends with the images well and would be a good CD on it’s own. But let’s come down to earth. This is not the religious experience people are making it out to be. These reviews are way over the top. After a couple of viewings I was finding it dragged at times. OK nice mountains. Anytime you fly over big mountains they tend to be fairly beautiful. I would have prefered either a more hard-hitting treatment of war or for the movie to avoid the subject altogether (note: I have not seen any of the Qatsi trilogy). Could be I’m jaded, but I was disappointed in the end, partly due to too much hype having been made about it on these pages. The ending itself is weak I think and leaves you wondering more about the process than the point of it all. I would certainly recommend a viewing before purchase. No doubt about it though, Ron Fricke’s work has been incredibly influential, especially (and very obviously) in the medium of advertising. In general regarding reviews, I have a feeling that most of them are by satisfied customers, so it tends to be biased in favour of the product.
12 people found this helpful
William J. Feuer –
Alien filmmaker documents humanity
Suppose a talented alien filmmaker came to earth and created a ~90 minute documentary on the human species and its place on earth for broadcast on an alien cable channel. The result might well be Baraka.The being behind the camera is a great cinematographer and has a striking ability to capture human activity, some of those activities the result of great emotion, but has no insight into the actual human joys, sorrows, dramas that motivate our actions. None of that appears. Nevertheless the result is riveting! More than 1 and ½ hours go by with no plot, no narration, and yet the viewer is never bored.I agree that this is not a film for kids, but the “chick beak burning” scene commented on by another reviewer is not traumatic (to me). The DVD version looks fine on my TV which is not HD…
3 people found this helpful
Matt J. Rose –
Around The World On 1 Disc!
Breathtaking is one word I use when telling people about this movie. I put this in my Blu Ray player and from the very first menu image I was blown away!Being able to see these cultures and they way they live is something you wont forget. Most of us get up in the morning, have coffee, read the paper, etc…well scrap all that and head to the most remote areas on earth, where ritual dances and ceremonial cremations are still performed!I was a huge fan of Planet Earth, but this movie with no Narration is top notch! The BD is a real treat with stunning visuals, and incredible sound (watch the special features, the sound guy did some pretty amazing stuff!) If you want to see how things are outside your own backyard you owe it to yourself to purchase this movie.Also on a side note, they did away with the cardboard sleeve and gave us an actual blue BD case! ENJOY!
4 people found this helpful
Anonymous –
Most Satisfying after Viewing the Extras on the Disc!!
The visuals are stunning…but oh-h so frustrating to watch…because there is NO dialogue. The accompanying music is haunting at times and always interesting. However, whatever you want to know about the film you learn only by viewing the extras on the disc, and THEN the real appreciation for the film grows exponentially!! When you hear what the cinematographers and producers went through to achieve this incredible collection of shots, you will likely want to view the film again, and will then have a keener sense of why it is so special. Personally, I had a hard time getting into it at first because it went all over the place, with no explanation of what you were viewing, where it was filmed, or why, but after listening to the extra feature, I thoroughly appreciated the film. It is truly unique…and really quite stunning!!
29 people found this helpful
Jon W. Reinhardt –
Baraka Blu-ray
This review is for the Blu-Ray version. Roger Ebbert was right in his review when he said “”Baraka” by itself is sufficient reason to acquire a Blu-ray player.”. Most reviews before this date 10-30-08 are most likely for the DVD version. I have a 47 inch LG LCD 1080p tv and a brand new Panasonic DMP-DB35 Blu-ray disk player. It is hard to describe how good this movie looks on my TV. The movie has no dialog and is a series of scenes from around the world set to music. There is no computer animation in this movie but the movie was recorded on 65mm film. The video is the first 8K resolution video ever made of a 65mm film and each frame was digitally restored. the official web site for the movie is […] All I can say is that you must see this film on Blu-ray to be able to appreciate how good it really is. Buy this movie now while you are thinking about it!!!
10 people found this helpful
Dennis Yenn –
Too weird to handle.
5 Star Chronos New age IMAX still cutting edge today.3 Star Baraka Too weird to handle.This is the same review I’m combining for the comparison of both Chronos and Baraka.CHRONOS & BARAKAThese programs are visual displays of majestic landmarks, people, cultures, and wonders of the world. If you want to watch TV, but don’t feel like watching TV, these are the way to go. No thinking, no storyline, just relax and let your imagination go. It’s a revolutionary new age type of artistic display. It can be watched repeatedly without boredom, like a music CD.BARAKAAs far as the content of Baraka, the major problem I have are those bizarre African tribe ritual scenes. Not that there’s anything wrong with this, but I’d much rather see this in a documentary, with a narrator describing this cultural meaning. Ie, teach me. OK, I see the point of Baraka is appreciation of art, but without the explanation, these weird clips leave me in a state of mysterious void of confusion. Perhaps Baraka should have a 2nd audio channel or subtitle. Same goes with the shots of homeless people and inner city trash: BORING, and disgusting. Homeless and trash on 1080p is not art.CHRONOSChronos is Baraka minus the weird tribal rituals. Chronos is 100% sheer art in its original Ron Flicke form. Every scene, second, and breath has power, deep thoughts and emotions attached to it, can be watch numerously, anytime. Chronos blu ray also includes 3 invaluable features not on Baraka. 1) Global location pop up, 2) Annotations pop up of detailed features of each location, and 3) Director’s audio commentary.I give Chronos blu ray 5 star, and Baraka blu ray 3 stars.
2 people found this helpful
Steve Mozeson –
A magnificent trip to countless fascinating places, the world over!
This is a magnificent documentary, which most vividly shows our world of beautiful places, highlighted with religious and social customs, flora and fauna, and many forms of artwork. The photography and accompanying actual sounds provide a most moving and intriguing experience. This documentary is designed to surprise and delight you!
Avid Reader –
disappointed after reading glowing reviews
not a bad movie, just not great. i learned a lot about colorful endogenous peoples in remote regions contrasted with megacity dwellers. i purchased this because of the reviews saying this was one of the best movies if not the best on blu ray. i am however totally spoiled by planet earth (both reg dvd and blu ray). i kept wanting/waiting for the panoramic aerial views as in planet earth but the majestic scenes were limited. the music and flow were not as polished as in planet earth. i can only assume the reviews were from before the release of planet earth. it seemed choppy and a mixed bag of some stellar shots mixed with mediocre ones. i can’t even remember what the movie’s theme was.
3 people found this helpful
Sr Ann –
Video
I love that this video had no talking, just some chants and natural sounds. I loved the part about New York City and I liked the part showing the monk in his contemplative walk in the heart of Tokyo. This is a very intense and moving video production.
yoji koyama –
最高峰！
買って得しかないでしょう！DVDを持っていましたが、Blurayを買いましたが、ワクワクとドキドキが止まらなかった。これほどの傑作は中々出会えないと思います。画質・音響ともに大満足でした。
One person found this helpful
Michele Possenti –
Super
Spettacolo
𝗧𝗿𝘂𝘁𝗵 𝗦𝗲𝗲𝗸𝗲𝗿 –
Amazing…
Thought provoking and absolutely amazing cinematography. Equal parts enjoyable and saddening. It will have you thinking of it for many months after you have seen it.If you are looking and wondering whether to purchase. Do not hesitate. Buy it now. You will be glad you did.Highly Recommended. Buy with confidence.I do not receive any payment or free goods for writing these reviews. I am just happy to share my views on my purchases with fellow like minded Amazonians in the hope that you may find it helpful.
2 people found this helpful
kt –
地球と人類
地球とそこに住む人間の営みが、圧倒的なレベルの映像と音楽で迫ってくる超優秀な作品。人類の遺産レベル。Blu-ray版が絶対おすすめです。
3 people found this helpful
AndrewAndrew –
Baraka – a spectacular must seen! never miss film!
Baraka means blessing in a multitude of languages. This is a 1992 non-narrative film directed by Ron Fricke and was the first in over twenty years to be photographed in the 70mm Todd-AO format.Baraka is also the only film that re-scanned at 8k resolution with special dedicated equipment did at FotoKern Laboratories. This automated 8k film scanner has operated continuously more than 3 weeks for finishing the scan with more than 150,000 frames, producing over 30TB of image data in total. It has been spend a total of 16-months for digital intermediate process re-mastered before releasing it as blu-ray.Baraka was filmed at 152 locations in 24 countries. It is one astonishing work ever did.Baraka proof viewing pleasure means thousand word. See it to believe how brilliant spectacular it being film and produce.Baraka give you the most beauty of earth where you never feel and seen before, your life is something missing without watching it.Picture QualityUnbelievable how stunning the picture quality is where you hardly believe it was shooting on year 1992. It is by far the only beyond top notch quality you ever seen in any recent film transfer. The beauty and clarity deserved it 8k transfer.The output is like you seen in real life where it surpass for the most aclaim outstanding movie – Avatar which basically mostly did in CGI, Baraka is not CGI, Baraka is real!They is no single issue of DNR, EE or whatever technology apply, no sign of edge issue, judder, color banding, over sharpen or whatever you name it, it is not there. The only there is pure perfection transfer ever did.Audio QualityEven though this film without any narration, the perfect music score by Michael Stearns and featuring music by Dead Can Dance, L. Subramaniam, Ciro Hurtado, Inkuyo, Brother and David Hykes is outstanding than whatever you believe! Without them, this film is nothing.ConclusionThe only film that beyond the edge. Top notch transfer in both PQ & AQ.A must own for any blu-ray lover and a must seen film in your entire life at least once!5 star for everything Baraka deserved! 10 out of 10 without any doubt! Brilliantly bravo!Can’t wait for it sequal “Samsara” which schedule to be release in unknown time on this year 2011.
6 people found this helpful
Simon Russell –
Unoriginal.
Despite the excellent score from Lisa Gerrard and others, this film emulates Koyaanisquatsi and others while offering little new.
david mc quaid –
Baraka – It’s like being blind and seeing colour for the first time.
If there was a reason to upgrade from a regular TV to a hi-def TV and Blu-Ray machine Baraka is it. This film now remastered in 8K, how holds the title of being the most visually stunning movie ever released on any video format. 8K is the highest level of film transfer in existence, and Baraka is the first film to go through this transfer.There is no Blu-Ray or HD DVD on the market today anywhere that has a visual image that compares to this film.But to fully appreciate it and all its 1080p glory watch it on a 1080p TV and Blu-Ray 1080p output machine. It’s like being blind and seeing colour for the first time.This film includes how they remastered the film, and the best and longest behind the scenes documentary on the film’s making. With old footage and brand new interviews with all those involved.The greatest film ever made? Not at all. The greastest viual film in the world today, at this time, yes.
6 people found this helpful
J.I –
心に語りかけてくる映画
このようなドキュメンタリーの映画を見たのは初めてですが，何かを感じます。人によってそれは違うのかもしれませんが，自分は，精神的なものが人間には必要なのだ，ということを強く感じました。ナレーションは一切ないのですが，私たちの心に何か語りかけてくるものがあります。
Jordan –
Incredible film
Baraka is an amazing film that allows its extraordinary images and sounds to transport the viewer all around the world and tell of the formation and evolution of earth, man’s rise to power, life & death, religion, war and the consequences of technology. The film was shot on 70mm film on six continents in 24 countries and the quality of this film is really amazing.
Tony Belding –
It’s amazing, but beware. . .
First, I want to note that this disc didn’t work in my Sony Bluray player. I was deeply disappointed, but I didn’t want to give it up, so I set it aside in the hopes of getting it to work someday. I eventually figured out that I could connect the player to the internet and update its firmware, and that got Baraka working. If your player has trouble with this disc, see if any firmware update is available!As for the movie. . . I see that people who buy it often get 2001: A Space Odyssey too. Good call! With Baraka’s stunning cinematography and lack of any dialog or narration, I was reminded of 2001, especially the opening “dawn of man” sequences. Maybe this film should have been called 1993: An Earth Odyssey.Most of the images are beautiful, some are stunning, many are thought-provoking, and the soundtrack is an excellent match for it all. I shouldn’t have to repeat the praise that many have already heaped on Baraka — it’s all true. However, I also have to quibble with Baraka, because it has philosophical axe to grind. The unsubtle theme is that industry destroys the Earth, modern life is dehumanizing, and we’d all be better off returning to the forest and becoming oh-so-wise-and-happy stone age hunter-gatherers.In fact, one of the best ways to describe Baraka is by telling what it isn’t. If any of you have seen the TV series “Modern Marvels”, just imagine the polar opposite of that. MM is homely, Baraka is beautiful. MM is prosaic, Baraka is sublime. MM explains, Baraka shows. MM thinks, Baraka feels. And then there’s the underlying message. . . Modern Marvels is a paean to technology, industry and progress. Baraka is a condemnation of those things. My own philosophy, I have to say, is more in line with Modern Marvels.In short: I adored Baraka, but I also have to take it with a grain of salt. I suggest you do the same.
12 people found this helpful
Pietro Beltrami –
Capolavoro senza tempo
Il film-documentario più bello ed emozionante mai realizzato. Incredibile combinazione di immagini e musica, che vale più di mille parole e didascalie. Colonna sonora spaziale. Un must!
One person found this helpful
BP –
Una experiencia visual imprescindible.
Muy recomendable
J. Spybey –
If ever DVD was invented for a movie…
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.
81 people found this helpful
Cliente de Amazon –
Increíble Película!
Había visto esta película hace años. Me había gustado mucho. Ahora, desde un cañón en un proyector y con calidad bluray es una experiencia impactante.
2 people found this helpful
Frank Bitterhof –
Probably the most important film ever made
I discovered my soft spot for Visual Arts film when I first watched KOYANNISQATSI, where quite literally a picture said more than a thousand words. Followed by POWAQATSI and Ron Fricke’s own CHRONOS (in a manner of speaking a sequel to KOYANNISQATSI focusing on European locations and at the same time the prequel to BARAKA, revealing Ron Fricke’s personal artistic style to approach the subject), BARAKA is – put simply – the mother of all such Visual Arts films.Without any audible word Ron Fricke confronts the audience with images of our world and scenes from global life, sometimes beautiful and exciting, sometimes ugly and sobering but always in a context that invites self-reflection and involves the audience (in many memorable instances it is somewhat unclear whether it’s the audience that’s watching or the one being watched). What never ceases to amaze me are the reactions of my guests I expose to BARAKA, some are taken in silent awe, others are giggling and reveal a kind of uncertainty as to what to think about the experience.Words can’t express my gratitude to all the individuals involved in the restoration process of this Blu-ray disc, there is an impressive remove-the-veil-visualization that illustrates what BARAKA looked like on home video first and now (which itself is worth to watch), and the documentary about the making of the film is rich in anecdotes (I couldn’t help but feel that the production itself was truly blessed as Murphy’s Law seemed to be banned by a higher force for the duration of production).Just a few words about some issues I’ve repeatedly heard: BARAKA was shot on film and with special lenses, so in close-up camera shots the background is sometimes out of focus which is owed to technical reasons and artistic intentions (there is nothing wrong with the HD resolution). Sometimes audiences would have liked a subtitle option indicating at which global location the shot was taken, because at times BARAKA has a somewhat inevitable Trivial Pursuit character (but a travelogue wasn’t Ron Fricke’s artistic intention. The end credits reveal all the locations).The making of the film documentary clearly reveals that much more footage that’s not included in the film was shot. Personally, I’d like to see that one day but feel it shouldn’t be used to make a “special edition” of BARAKA, as I couldn’t possibly imagine how it could ever improve the film in its finished version.If you feel the bulk of movies Hollywood produces is like eating cake all the time and you look for something with more nutrition and a different, exotic flavor, BARAKA is my ultimate recommendation. It is definitely a film everyone should watch in his or her lifetime, as it constitutes a one-of-a-kind experience, unlike all others.
5 people found this helpful
Freddie Valentine –
A beautiful collection of images.
Having been a fan of Koyaanisquatsi, I couldn’t wait to see this film and the cinematography is truly astounding. No special effects, just real images and hypnotic music and some awe inspiring, disturbing, surreal things you will see. Although it lacks the power of Koyanniqatsi, if you have already seen that, it is a true work of art and can be recommended to anyone who still has a sense of wonder left within them.I suppose it could be described as a surreal travelogue. A film which has beauty, unsettlement, wonder and fear. Sometimes all at once.If you want something really different then give this a try. Anyone with an open mind will not be disappoined.
6 people found this helpful
SofiP –
Amazing
This is one of my favorite documentaries. It is very well done. It is a bit long, so I usually take a break before the scene with the donkeys pulling garbage up the hill. Completely recommend this, and Tomorrow (Demain) by Cyril for people who care about our world.
JonnyBlaze –
No words to describe this movie…
There are no words in the movie. It is a piece of art. There is only music and images yet it tells a story of humans, the good, the bad and the ugly. It is best viewed by yourself, in peace and quiet.
carminaburana –
Amazing experience!
I just watched Baraka first the first time and I can only think how great it is. It is somehow true that you need a nice big HD Tv and a good system for the sound to fully take advantage of the stunning images and the beautiful music.I bought the blue ray version, and the only thing I didn’t like was the flimsy, cheap packaging.But the movie is simply breathtaking.The sequence I loved most was the one showing the Japanese Zen priest meditating in the street. Pure expression of the sacred and the profane coexisting in real life.This is an extraordinary story about everyday life, with its more or less tragic actions, expressing universal faith and beauty.The disc is loaded with 2 bonus features offering a story of the making of Baraka and another one about the restoration process. I would say that after listening to the story behind the movie you end up better understanding and enjoying the main movie.I had no problems with the disc played on a PS3 station.I recommend this film to everyone for a better understanding of our life as whole, transcending boundaries and time.
2 people found this helpful
Mucusman –
Blu-ray is a HUGE improvement over the DVD
Not reviewing the film per-se, but rather the sound and image quality of the Blu-ray vs. the DVD (I own both). Upgrading from the DVD to Blu-ray, the resolution is drastically improved, and a DTS 5.1 soundtrack is added to the Dolby mix.Upgrading to Blu-ray is highly recommended, even if you enjoy the DVD.And, to dispel any confusion, the 8k transfer means that the film elements were scanned at 8k… but then down-sampled to Blu-ray’s native resolution of about 2k (1080p).
3 people found this helpful
ross tobin –
1.0 out of 5 stars
Crap service .
Ordered DVD . Won’t play
Steven Aldersley –
An intriguing look at life
Baraka (1992)Documentary, 96 minutesDirected by Ron FrickeThere are few films that I think everyone should watch at least once, but Baraka may be one of them. Perhaps it should be shown in schools too? It’s arguably the strangest choice on my list.Baraka is a word in the ancient Sufi language meaning “the thread that weaves life together” and the film contains no dialogue and no explanation. It’s a series of images taken from 24 different countries. Some of the images show scenes of animal life or extreme beauty; others show human rituals and the effects of war or poverty. The result provokes a lot of thought if you are open to such things.Shot on 70mm film, the Blu-ray presentation is among the best live action films the format has to offer. Some of the images are located in places that are not normally accessible to people. An image of an underground cavern springs to mind.If you follow the film closely, you are likely to be moved. The beauty is breathtaking, but some of the sadder scenes could take your breath away for a different reason. The contrast between good and evil is one of the themes running throughout the documentary. You might also question the path you have chosen in your life when you realize that most humans are continually racing toward something and few stop to appreciate the beauty in their lives.The special features are informative and almost as interesting as the film itself. If you are curious about where the images came from, the special features answer most of your questions.
8 people found this helpful
rodrigogarlop –
Lo mejor que he visto en 1080
Se trata de una nueva remasterización de una de las películas más estéticamente bellas que se han hecho. El nuevo máster en 8k se transfirió a formato Blu-ray para quedar en 1080 pero con un detalle mejor que la mayoría de remasterizaciones que suelen encontrarse de DVD a Blu-ray, al grado de no pedir nada a uno de esos demos de 4k considerando la distancia del sillón a la tele.En cuanto a la película, es un esfuerzo fílmico impresionante que consiste en escenas de la vida y naturaleza en diversos países, muy al estilo de la trilogía qatsi de Ford Coppola, con cierta carga de crítica social al yuxtaponer imágenes contrastantes y muchas veces simbólicas que giran en torno a la naturaleza, la espiritualidad, la explotación humana y las ciudades.
6 people found this helpful
ぽんぽんぽん –
さぁ、旅に出よう！〜お一人様大歓迎〜
梵好きにはたまらない１本だと思います。サウンドと映像のマッチがすごい。大きなテレビでドーンと観ていただきたい。週末の夜中とかに是非。
Xamonas –
There ought to be a sixth star for something like this!
According to the sleeve, this film is 92 minutes in length. When the credits appeared, I could not believe that anything more than an hour had passed.I bought this film on spec because of a special offer whilst buying Koyaanisqatsi (also filmed by Ron Fricke and one of my favourite films ever) and have just watched it for the first time. I am now buying a second copy for my mother’s birthday.This film manages, without a word of dialogue, or a single actor, to show us, simultaneously, both the diversity and the similarity of the entire human race.The haunting soundtrack fits effortlessly into a kaleidoscope of images, showing mankind at it’s best, worst and simply trying to survive. Shots of Kuwait during the gulf war, Ayers rock, pilgrims at both the wailing wall & Mecca, battery hens, Rio de Janiero slums and so much more, are expertly liked together in such a way that cities, countries and continents flow seamlessly together into a whole that leaves the viewer stunned and breathless.There is not a single bad shot in the movie. No matter how bleak the subject matter, it is photographed with such care and compassion that one is left with an impression of beauty and wonder.If Ron Fricke were to film the 3rd sequel to an abyssmal, ‘made for TV’ no-brainer, it would be hailed as the next Citizen Kane. That he doesn’t, is a credit to him. That, instead, he can continue to make films such as this, is a credit to the world.
19 people found this helpful
Wolfgang –
Super DVD !
Beste Qualität prompt erhalten
MikeTahtib –
No plot, beautiful imagery
Shows humanity’s efforts to find their place in the world, highlighting the things we’ve built, the things in nature we stand in awe of, and the practices we engage in to bring us a sense of the spiritual. Beuatiful images. I love it, I haven’t shown it to my girlfriend yet because I don’t know if she’ll tolerate the lack of plot. If you have a fancy TV you want to show off, especially one with excellent brightness, this is the disc to use (I first saw this in an ultra-high-end AV store). I am surprised it isn’t available in 4K, not sure how much difference that makes, but it’s still impressive.
Matt –
Highly Recommended
Transcends the visual experience to a whole new level. There is nothing like this ‘movie’. I say ‘movie’ because it’s more of an audio/visual experience that hits emotional notes inside the viewer.If you’re going to watch this, BluRay is the only way to go. Anything less than BluRay format is taking away from it.Each viewer may have a different perspective on what the filmmakers are intending to convey but you will be moved by it.I highly recommend this viewing experience for everyone of all ages. It’s almost hypnotic in its visuals and music.If you consider this a movie that you want to experience without any knowledge going into it, don’t read further…My only negative about this experience is the tribal ‘chant’ section, which is very interesting to see, but I feel it’s placement disrupts the flow of the film and carries on a bit too long. This is merely a personal perspective and may or may not be how others feel about it.
One person found this helpful
小野和男 –
地球放浪
視聴しはじめてすぐに強烈な既視感を覚えました。即時に、藤原新也氏の若い頃の著作、印度放浪・西蔵放浪・全東洋街道そしてアメリカ等を集大成・映像化したかのようなドキュメンタリーであることに気づきました。寝転がって見てましたが、展開する厳粛な世界にいつの間にか居ずまいを正している自分を発見した次第です。参考までに『西蔵放浪』(朝日文庫)の前書きを・・・ 地表は、あちこちでタイム・スリップをしている。地球に住む様々な民族は、同時に今という時間を共有しているわけではない。 人々は、それぞれ固有の地層年代の上に居る。(中略) 地球には様々な地層年代が露出している。だから、今、という時の計測を、 そのような様々な地層の上に住む人々のすべてをひっくるめて当てはめるという考え方は一つの幻想だと思う。科学的に進歩した 国の最も急進的な部分を、今、という時の計量の基準にする風潮は単純な傲慢である。地球に住まうそれぞれの人々には、それぞれ の今というものがあるのだ。
2 people found this helpful
J. Flynn –
Skeptical no more.
I bought this DVD on impulse last week because Amazon paired it with Waking Life, and as I waited for it to arrive, I went hot and cold constantly, at one point thinking “wow, this must be so powerful and amazing, considering that there’s no narration and no traditional plot,” to “oof, well, can I sit through ninety-some minutes of this with nothing to tie the images together?” Let me just say that when all was said and done, my initial excitement was more than justified.The language of this film, where in most others we would look to dialogue, is found in the music (which is incredible in its own right– note to self, see if the soundtrack is available). Through the segues, peaks, and valleys of the sound, Fricke actually manages to cogently connect such starkly different images as traffic in Tokyo with human breathing, the intensely different architechtures of distant cultures, menial factory labor and upper-class executive professions, prayer and chant– all the while jumping from one end of the Earth to the other, creating a spectacle of similarity that will leave you shaking your head in amazement.Surprisingly enough, as is mentioned in certain other comments, there is a poignant emotional charge to the piece as well– I won’t go into details of course, but I have to say I was just as moved by scenes of this film, completely devoid of words and (what I am now forced to view to be) more superficial human drama, as I was by any big-name actor-driven drama like Schindler’s List, Green Mile, or anything like that. Some parts are drop-dead hilarious, others are terrifying. Never a dull moment throughout.Meanwhile, to speak of the film more technically, it’s still a masterpiece. This is the first piece I’ve ever seen that was shot in 70mm film, and I was blown away. I’ll tell you, it doesn’t even matter whether or not you’ve got an HDTV with 7.1 surround sound– I watched Baraka on a 20″ JVC TV/VCR combo, with its standard stereo speakers– the depth of field is almost dizzying. Even simple dolly shots (some scenes toward the end focus most on architechture) are strikingly rendered, and the color quality is absolutely insane. Every frame could conceivably be printed and exhibited as a professional photograph, but of course then you’d lose the soundtrack! I can barely begin to imagine what it must look like on an HD display.Overall, there is not a single thing I can criticize about this movie– it’s quite possibly one of the best I’ve ever seen, and one I plan to strap all my friends down to watch at some point soon. Definitely worth the investment to be able to watch it over and over– my skepticism was totally dashed.My particular copy was damaged slightly– I wasn’t able to see chapters 5 or 6 when I watched it, but Amazon’s been really great about getting a new copy to me as fast as possible, so I’m all-around pleased! Definitely a great buy– grab up Baraka straightaway if you’re a fan of documentary, experimental film, cultural studies, poetry, photography, anything!
9 people found this helpful
Psimikakis Chalkokondylis –
Beautiful
I will not go in depth of describing the qualities of these films, as this has been done by many people before me and probably in a much more coherent and descriptive way.However, I will say that although the films were shot quite a number of years ago, they are as necessary today as they were when they were shot.Please watch these films, but also please take your time and just immerse yourself in what these films show. The imagery is stunning, and some of the things that you realise about the world, about other people, about yourself are just unique.Along with the Qatsi trilogy, they stand as landmarks in the history of film-making, creating a genre of their own and being the grandfathers of a lot of films you see today (such as the recent film “HOME”, available on YouTube).
11 people found this helpful
音楽探検隊 –
感動映像作品。
遺跡？での本格派ケチャは見どころあります。輸入版ですが、もともとナレーションが無いので、全く問題ありません。フルHDのシアター環境がある人は買って損は無いです。
One person found this helpful
L. Barile –
Jaw-dropping, literally!
I took my 10 year old son and a 10 year old friend of his to this movie in the theater when it first came out. Given that there is no dialogue, I knew I was taking a chance. But the boys were mesmerized from the breathtaking opening scene — they dropped their jaws and kept their eyes wide open throughout. It is to me so awed and amazing a movie that when it looked as if I were going to die from cancer a few years later, I requested that my executor play this for my son and to tell him that it was the best way I could describe my religion or faith in the Divine. Highest recommendation.
rewardlondon –
Love this film!
It seems to be really hard to get hold of this DVD for region 2 and I finally found it with this seller. I was slightly worried that I wasn’t able to order it from the UK but decided I would take the chance and order it from Czech Republic, knowing that the language of the film didn’t even matter, as there is no dialogue. The seller made it simple ot navigate the menus by enclosing instuctions, and they are very easy to follow. The DVD itself is original and good quality and if you really want this wonderful film for your collection, I would say go for it!
One person found this helpful
Amazon Customer –
Amazing film especially great in remastered version
This version is a huge improvement over the old DVD, and is a film everyone should see!
LoneWolfHackerHiveMind69 –
maybe …
maybe it will make you realize things; but … maybe even the things you think you’ve realized are just delusions made up to satisfy your pseudo-intellectual ego; yet … one will still benefit from this masterpiece: it will show you how overly self-absorbed you are;
ケンケン６１ –
８Ｋスキャンの魔術！
２０年前の作品が、８Ｋスキャンで見事に蘇ってます。音もDTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 96k/24bitsでリアルです。大画面で観ると、まるでそこに居るかのような臨場感です。輸入盤ですが、セリフが一切ないので問題なしです。
6 people found this helpful
storyteller –
Baraka
This is the most amazing and wonderful film experience. I saw it when it first came out and have tried to track it down many times since then. I am always suprised to find people haven’t seen it. The visual impact is very strong and memorable and the music is brilliant too. You may think it will be boring to watch a long film with no words but when it finished, to me, it felt too short. I wanted it to go on and on. It is definately amongst the five best films I have seen – in fact I think it is probably my number one.
9 people found this helpful
P. Ras –
A great film, but DVD quality still not quite there
I first saw Baraka in a theater shortly after its release and I have been mesmerized by this film ever since. Until recently, I had been watching the original DVD release on a small television for years. I have now made the jump to a Sony 57-inch widescreen. After attempting to watch the original version on my new big screen, I simply could not put off purchasing the Collector’s Edition any longer.Let’s make this clear up front, the Collector’s Edition does bring some very much needed improvement. Watching this film on my big screen is now a very enjoyable and worthwhile experience, despite the image quality still coming up a bit short. Perhaps I’ve been spoiled by the razor-sharp picture that comes with today’s big DVD releases like Lord of the Rings. I think it would be fair to say that I’m just being nitpicky. Nevertheless, a film like Baraka yearns to have a restoration and transfer that’s on par with the Star Wars Trilogy DVD’s.For those who have seen this film and enjoyed it as much or more than I have, then this DVD is a very worthwhile purchase. Those who have not seen it need to rent it first. Baraka needs to be taken for what it is, a collection of images ranging from beautiful and startling to chaotic and disturbing. Some have chosen to decry Ron Fricke’s acheivement. I have even seen it called a racist film, which leaves me dumbfounded. The message that continues to repeat for me each time I see it is the plight of mankind and how our greed, hatred, overconsumption and neglect is shaping our world.
14 people found this helpful
aorto –
Five stars for the film, not the DVD…
I saw this film in its original 70mm glory before I had any idea what it was. Not knowing anything about made it all the more spectacular. All I was told is ‘you gotta see it’.It is a symbiosis of sound and sight in a truly unique synthesis. One without the other leaves one with a sense of absence. Yet the two together are perfect. Michael Stearns provides a soundscape that buoys music from around the world. Add to this stunning scenery and fascinating people both at play and at work from around the world and you’ve got a delight for the senses. You really do just have to see it.Personally I have to watch it when I’m alone as most people I know simply think the movie to be a bit odd as it is not your traditional ‘movie’. Yet it is so much more than a documentary or some kind of advertisement for the Sierra Club or something. It is truly something to be experienced.Now for the bad news. The picture quality on the DVD is spectacular, so too the songs. However, there are some moments of rather loud static in between the songs. It sounded to me at first like the wind or part of the film but then I realized it’s not. It sounds like tape hiss (and I know for certain that it isn’t my sound system). Perhaps bad transfer or a bad original, I don’t know, but it is almost, though not quite, distracting enough to put a damper on it.So five stars for the film and the music, four (even three) on the DVD.
18 people found this helpful