SAMSARA
(2011, Blu-ray released January 8, 2013 – MSRP $34.98)
THE FILM:
- “Prepare yourself for an unparalleled sensory experience. Filmed over a period of almost five years and in twenty-five countries, SAMSARA explores the wonders of the world from sacred grounds to industrial sites, looking into the unfathomable reaches of man s spirituality and the human experience. Photographed entirely in 70mm and transferred to 4K digital projection format, SAMSARA s mesmerizing images of unprecedented clarity illuminate the links between humanity and the rest of nature, showing how our life cycle mirrors the rhythm of the planet. Neither a traditional documentary nor a travelogue, SAMSARA is a guided meditation on the current of interconnection that runs through all of our lives.“
WHO SHOULD BUY:
I’ve yet to see Ron Fricke‘s Baraka (or Chronos for that matter) and have only recently been working through the classic Qatsi Trilogy of films, for which he provided the cinematography and apparently much guidance for the original, groundbreaking masterpiece Kyaanisqatsi. I’m going to be completely honest here when I tell you that his latest effort, Samsara, just totally bowled me over.
I understand that Kyaanisqatsi had that effect when it was first screened in the early ’80s but decades of copycat footage and homages have most likely dulled the modern eye to images of its like. But Samsara is something new. In a similar vein, yes, but the pacing feels more assured. The images more direct. Everything heightened, more hypnotic and visceral. Michael Stearns and Lisa Gerrard contribute immeasurably to this experience with music and sound design that perfectly compliments the imagery. Samsara leaves me speechless and amazed (once again) at the power of cinema.
THE BLU-RAY DISC:
The near aesthetic perfection of the film is echoed in the stunning presentation of Samsara on Blu-ray disc. This is, hands down, my new demo disc and it should be yours too. Nothing has ever looked more accurately colourful and vivid and detailed and alive on my screen. The DTS-HD Master Audio 7.1 is nearly the equal of the transfer, providing a reference quality source to test out your expensive home theatre gear. Special features are light on the disc but exceptional, with a single 49-minute doc providing all you need to know about the origin of the film and the years of hard work that went into bringing it to life.
Highest possible recommendation.
SPECIAL FEATURES:
- Behind the Scenes
- Internet Teaser
- Theatrical Trailer
