Godfrey
Reggie’s Qatsi trilogy began with Koyaanisqatsi (1983), an unconventional film
which utilized the visual aspects of cinema with a score by Philip Glass. The
result was the creation of a new type of film, commonly referred to as
Soundscapes. The trilogy was completed with Powaqqatsi in 1988 and Naqoyqatsi
in 2002, though there have been many other films which have followed in the
same footsteps of Reggie, Glass and cinematographer Ron Fricke. This trilogy is
the epitome of soundscapes, and each of movies has a precise theme which is
only clear upon the revelation the title’s meaning.
Using
spectacular photography and time-lapse effects, Koyaanisqatsi catalogues the
marked changes in the environments of the Northern Hemisphere. From the shifts
in nature to the increasing reliance on technology by humans, the photography
and music allow an understanding of the themes without the need for dialogue. From
a rocket lifting off to a simple aerial shot, there is a magnificence in the
Qatsi trilogy that is more impressive than any of the Imax or 3D spectacles of
today. The film is featured in a newly restored digital transfer, approved by
Reggio with 5.1 surround DTS-HD Master Audio soundtrack. The special features
include an interview program with Reggio and Glass discussing the film, as well
as new interviews with Fricke and Reggio. There is also an early demo version
of Koyaanisqatsi.
Powaqqatsi
shifts to third-world countries when he chose to focus on the Southern
Hemisphere for the follow-up to Koyaanisqatsi. The visual style is shifted
somewhat also, with far more segments in slow-motion, forgoing the time-lapse
photography which was essential to the first film. This film shows the ways of
the Southern Hemisphere, before showing the manner in which these traditions
are destroyed or altered for the sake of industry. Glass returned to score the
film, though his sound also changed to adjust to this particular theme. The
Blu-ray release includes a newly restored high-definition digital transfer,
approved by Reggio, with 5.1 surround DTS-HD Master Audio soundtrack. The
special features include an interview program with Reggio and Glass discussing
the film, as well as new interviews with Reggio and an extra short film, Anima
Mundi (1989). This is a film of over 70 animal species in 28 minutes, created
by Reggio.
The
final film in the trilogy takes on the digital revolution. Naqoyqatsi utilizes
both slow motion and time-lapse, not to mention found footage and computer
generated imagery. The film series comes full circle with the theme of a world
shifting from a reliance on the natural to the artificial. The use of virtual
reality within the creation of the film brings this message full circle in an
embracement. This time around Glass is joined by cellist Yo-Yo Ma. The Blu-ray
release includes a newly restored high-definition digital transfer, approved by
Reggio, with 5.1 surround DTS-HD Master Audio soundtrack. The special features
include a making-of documentary as well as a video afterward by Reggio on the
making of the trilogy. There is also a panel discussion on the film with Reggio
and crew, as well as interviews with Glass and Yo-Yo Ma.
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