![Baraka [Blu-ray]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/9136KDlMq7L.jpg)
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
D**E
A wonderful experience
I decided to order Baraka after watching Samsara, which is the newer film by Ron Fricke. This film is absolutely stunning. The quality of picture, soundtrack and the entire journey is absolutely amazing. It's hard not to get overwhelmed when you're seeing all the emotions the film carries. I'll have to admit, as it is a non-narrative documentary, I was confused at time where I couldn't recognize the place or what was going on. On the other hand, I loved that it had me thinking and wanting to learn more. It also opened a nice dialogue between my mother and myself, and we both started sharing and learning information from each other.I have to say, how you watch Baraka will definitely contribute to the experience. If you plan on watching it on a laptop, or any small screen, forget about it. This is a visual/auditory experience, and the bigger the screen and sound system, the best you'll enjoy it and feel it. The blu-ray version, which is what I have is simply gorgeous.I highly recommend you bundle this with Samsara (DVD & Blu-ray) .
N**A
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. Very emotional at times, especially watching people living in places which to me looked like hell on earthand having to struggle so hard just to survive. A humbling experience and one I think should be compulsory viewing for those who complain and yet have so much.
F**N
Beatiful 'fly on the wall' visuals
This Blu-ray is made up of a series of 'fly on the wall' views of nature and the human race. Shot on 70mm film it looks stunning although the odd mark is still visible on a large screen.
C**M
Visually enchanting
A documentary that relaxes me and tickles my spiritual imagination. There is no dialogue requiring attention. You can have it as background and sound to a gathering of friends, or watch it during a relaxing evening in. The visual kaleidoscope is breathtaking and is complemented by the music. It made me smile and shed a few tears. A gem.
M**S
Blu-ray version
Definitely worth an upgrade if you only have an ordinary dvd. Picture quality above average with very interesting documentary as an extra. Recommended.
A**R
excellent
I had trouble opening the DVD, which was MY fault. I provided feedback and the seller responded immediately with the relevant advice. It works. This is a great example of customer focus. A great product ....sold by a very focused responsive Company.
S**E
Stimulating and captivating...
Beautiful and mesmerising visually and musically; left viewers thoughtful and excited with sharing what came up for them.
D**Y
Quality filming and transfer to digital
Excellent - can be a little dragging at times.
M**O
Warning
This particular edition is not coded for region one and will not play in U.S. Bluray players. I found that out the hard way. Be careful what you order. If it's coming from an overseas vendor it's likely not gonna work.
I**O
映らない。。。
楽しみに自宅のブルーレイデッキに入れましたが、英文が写り、その後映像が映る事はありませんでした。何故....。
G**K
No soy un crítico imparcial
Desde que vi esta película hace más de veinte años me cautivó. Ahora he esperado a tener un blue ray para comprarla y poder disfrutarla. Un DVD no le hace justicia.Entiendo que haya gente que no comprenda esta película. Cuando estás habituado a encasillar las cosas y ponerles una etiqueta, te encuentras con esto y no sabes qué etiqueta pegarle. Esta película hay que ponerla, sentarse y verla tranquilamente, sin interrupciones,... y disfrutarla. Quien busque un documental que le diga qué esta viendo, dónde se ubican las escenas y qué tribus aparecen, que busque por ejemplo "Home", de Yann Arthus Bertrand, que le dará datos y una estructura más acorde a lo que están acostumbrados a ver.Con esta película descubrí a Lisa Gerrard (Dead can dance) y ese "Host of Seraphim" que te pone los pelos de punta mientras ves la cara oscura del mundo. Con eso ya me daría por satisfecho, pero hay otras muchas escenas para enmarcar.Esta película es como uno de esos cuadros que ves y te emocionan. No te hace falta que te lo expliquen.
G**.
Perfecta edición
Perfecta edición para una gran película. Acompañada de dos extras, uno de ellos sobre el proceso de remasterización de la obra original, que como sabréis se rodó en 70mm.
J**N
One Star
Disc did not play in my machine.
Trustpilot
1 month ago
1 week ago
