Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #12262 in DVD
• Released on: 2001-09-17
• Rating: Parental Guidance
• Aspect ratio: 1.78:1
• Number of discs: 1
• Formats: Anamorphic, PAL, Widescreen
• Original language: English
• Number of discs: 1
• Running time: 92 minutes

Amazon.co.uk Review
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

Special Features
2.35 Wide Screen
16:9 Anamorphic Wide Screen
English
Region 0
Dolby Digital 5.1 English
Dolby Digital 5.1
Making Of
Interviews
Behind The Scenes Clips
Theatrical Trailer

Synopsis
From Nepal to Kenya, from Australia to Brazil, people try to cope with the changes that have altered their landscape, crowding them together and speeding up daily life. The film shows us these alienated people, but also images of traditions -- whirling dervishes and Tibetan monks -- that offer different, peaceful ways of existence. Shot in 70mm in 24 countries, this awesome musical and visual montage in the tradition of 'Koyaanisqatsi' expresses the global existence of nature and man in the broadest sensory terms.

Customer Reviews

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.

Magnificent
BARAKA is an ancient Sufi word used by mystics to define man's inter-Connectedness to the universe. It simply translates as the breath Or essence of life from which the evolutionary process unfolds.Anther meaning is bless. This is a unique documentary filmed in 70mm film . Dazzling landscapes, curious people, fantastic creatures. A must see for all the nature enthusiasts. You will be amazed.

WOW.....what a beauty!
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, and 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.