THE MOVIE

DVD Review by Nathan Laird

Koyannisqatsi unfolds completely through images; in a sense it is cinema in its purest form. It does not utilise traditional narrative or dialogue to convey its ideas, just a series of images set to the beautiful score composed by Phillip Glass for the film.

Koyannisqatsi is a hopi word, which loosely translates as “life out of balance” and the film attempts to highlight and draw attention to the destructive way in which western society interacts with the environment, the unsustainability of our way of living and the way in which we have been become slaves to the technology we have created. In short, it aims to demonstrates how we are the architects of our own destruction.

However, Koyannisqatsi is not entirely successful in conveying these ideas. Often they are simply not as well sketched out and illuminated as the filmmakers intended. It pales in this respect to Baraka, a film which uses a similar non-narrative form of image and music; and which more powerfully and eloquently tells its ‘story’ and expresses its ideas.

Koyannisqatsi is certainly not for everyone, but it offers for those who would submerge themselves in it, a unique and rewarding experience.

THE TRANSFER

Video:

The video is of reasonable quality, there are some video artefacts (one in particular in chapter 5 almost 3 minutes in involving a oil or gas pipe), but they are on the whole not distracting. The colours in parts of the film are muted, highlighting the fact that the film has not been restored in its transfer to DVD. The print used for the transfer also is somewhat poor in parts, particular where stock footage has been used.

Audio:

Audio for the film essentially consists of Glass’s haunting score, which is an integral part of the film, complementing and enhancing the imagery. The score has been well re-mixed into 5.1 for the DVD providing an enjoyable aural experience.

THE EXTRAS

Original Theatrical Trailer for Koyannisqatsi; Original Theatrical Trailer for Powaqqatsi; Essence of Life, documentary (22 minutes) – The Trailers have not been restored and their picture and audio quality is poor. Only the trailer for Powaqqatsi is of any real interest, providing a look at the sequel to Koyannisqatsi. The documentary provides an interesting insight into the film with interviews with director Godfrey Reggio and Phillip Glass, however the video quality of the documentary is disappointing with noticeable video artefacts throughout.

SUMMARY

An interesting cinematic journey, which will redefine your conception of film and its possibilities.