Told without dialogue, narration, cast or characters, film-maker Godfrey Reggio’s Koyaanisqatsi and Powaqqatsi are dizzying, hypnotic examples of cinema set to extraordinary scores by Philip Glass. The first instalment concentrates on the United States, contrasting its natural beauty with a population ever more dependent on modern technology. The second switches to the Southern hemisphere and focuses on cultures and traditions that are slowly eroding away as the modern world takes over.
THE UK BLU-RAY RELEASE The Arrow Films Blu-ray release (out on 12 May 2014) features new, restored 1080p digital transfers of both films in their original 1.85:1 aspect ratios, approved by director Godfrey Reggio, with 5.1 surround DTS-HD master audio soundtracks. Special features include an introduction by filmmaker and composer Gary Tarn, interviews with director Reggio and composer Philip Glass, trailers and collector’s booklet. Also included is Reggio’s 1992 28-minute short, Anima Mundi featuring a score by Philip Glass. The two releases are Region B locked.
DID YOU KNOW? Steve Coogan’s daft radio DJ Alan Partridge sings the opening theme of Koyaanisqatsi in the 2013 action comedy, Alan Partridge: Alpha Papa http://youtube.com/v/1jM2WA2WbDc
