Baraka - Beauty in Blu - Blu-ray Forum

Hep · 07-20-2008, 11:42 PM

I haven't seen any discussion on this forum regarding the new blu pre-order for Baraka (and yes I did a search). This has been one of my more anticipated BD releases. Anyone else out there a fan?

For those not familiar, Baraka (meaning: the essence of life from which the evolutionary process unfolds) is a beautiful piece of cinematic art. It was filmed over 5 years, in 24 countries around the world on Todd-AO (70mm) film. It is a dialogue free film that aims to make the barrier of language irrelevant. The film plays out as an essay on our planet, the beauty of human diversity, and the sometimes destructive impact of humanity on the earth. The lack of dialogue does not mean this film is not destined for a great lossless sound track. It has a magnificent original score, which in many circles turned out successful as a stand-alone album (I have known a couple of people who owned the soundtrack without even realizing it was a film).

The 70mm source material should make for a killer BD. It has brilliant panning shots, and time lapse sequences that surely must have been an inspiration for the makers of Planet Earth. Highly recommended.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001CDLATE?tag=bluray-060-20

Baraka Blu-ray.com Review

.

Heart_Collector · 07-20-2008, 11:47 PM

Man, that sounds incredible.

Cromlech · 07-21-2008, 12:48 AM

This sounds right up my alley! Thanks mate.

EricJ · 07-21-2008, 02:55 AM

Although "Chronos" wasn't bad either.

Hep · 07-21-2008, 03:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by EricJ

Although "Chronos" wasn't bad either.

Agreed. Ron Fricke did both films, and while I enjoyed Chronos - finding it visually pleasing - at the end of the day I don't consider it in the same league as Baraka. Where Chronos is 45 minutes of cinematography, Baraka takes it to the next level, expanding it to a full length feature (96 min), organizing the visuals into a non-verbal thesis on human kind.

I felt the pacing of Baraka, in concert with the fantastic score, kept my interest more effectively than Chronos. The images form a puzzle to be pieced together to fully comprehend the message, albeit a message subject to our own perspectives.

InfectedStranger · 10-16-2008, 05:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by EricJ

Although "Chronos" wasn't bad either.

Chronos was great! Don't know what you're talking about.

This one is defiantly a must to upgrade from my DVD.

CheapChildren · 10-16-2008, 06:34 PM

I just watched the featurette on Amazon for it and it looks great!

alexakajeff · 07-21-2008, 04:16 AM

Buy-ing!

Deciazulado · 07-21-2008, 09:22 AM

I've seen a few scenes of the HD transfer on a 30+ foot wide screen, if the Blu-ray looks like that people are going to be very happy

A film element was scanned 16 times higher quality than BD. Oh and for the grain observing crown, no grain.

This is the kind of film that can only be appreciated best on Blu-ray. DVD would not do it justice as a Blu-ray can, having to see it on a smallish screen while on BD you can see it on a big screen just like a 70mm film should and appreciate the detail and multichannel soundstage that goes with it.

Hep · 07-21-2008, 01:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Deciazulado

I've seen a few scenes of the HD transfer on a 30+ foot wide screen, if the Blu-ray looks like that people are going to be very happy

. A film element was scanned 16 times higher quality than BD.

This is very good news. Baraka will be a triple dip for me, and looks like it will be worth it. Thanks for the heads-up Deci.

Grubert · 07-21-2008, 01:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Deciazulado

I've seen a few scenes of the HD transfer on a 30+ foot wide screen, if the Blu-ray looks like that people are going to be very happy

A film element was scanned 16 times higher quality than BD. Oh and for the grain observing crown, no grain.

Excellent.

Now MGM needs to announce Koyaanisqatsi and Powaqqatsi.

beb · 07-21-2008, 02:27 PM

I am a huge fan of Baraka, have owned it on DVD since it was first released, and first saw it when I was in high school and was blown away. I have turned many people onto it by showing them the wonderful Balinese "monkey chant" scene. I am thrilled to see this coming to Blu-Ray. It sounds like they did it justice. 70mm films are ideal for BD transfer if done right!

I also own all of the QUATSI trilogy on DVD, and have always been disappointed with the PQ of Koyaanisqatsi (After years of searching I found a bootleg copy of the limited-edition IRE DVD release, which is better than the sub-standard MGM DVD, but still has lots of dirt and other visual issues).

I have searched high and low and can't find any plans for Koyaanisqatsi, Powaqqatsi, or Naqoyqatsi to be released on BD, but I would be beside myself if they ever do. I know it has to be expensive to do a good BD transfer of films that have a rather limited audience, but it seems like some wealthy fan might be able to sponsor the task. If I had the $$ to spare, I'd do it in a heartbeat! Or if some loyal fans could rally MGM to release them?

Does anyone know who to contact at MGM to make requests that actually don't just get filed in the round file?

-beb

PS funny synchronicity, I forgot my forum password, and so I had it send me a reset email, and when I checked my email, literally two minutes before the blu-ray.com email, I got an email from the Spirit of Baraka mailing list, announcing the Blu-ray release:

http://www.spiritofbaraka.com/baraka.aspx

diamondfoxxx · 10-02-2008, 03:44 PM

Why does it say '8K Ultra Digital HD' on the cover? Isn't this purposely misleading us to believe we are watching 8K resolution when Blu-ray is only 1080p?
Or are they saying the negative was scanned at 8K?

51zioF9-IhL._SS500_.jpg

stockstar1138 · 10-02-2008, 03:49 PM

that is misleading, i agree.

SpaceDog · 10-02-2008, 04:26 PM

I guess it means they can re-use this master if there should ever be 4k players and tvs.
Lots of DVDs say "mastered in high definition". Just means that the source master was superior to the capabilities of the final product. Not a bad thing.

I'm still going to buy it.

Eternalnow · 10-02-2008, 05:14 PM

This will be mine!!!

Teabaggins · 10-02-2008, 05:26 PM

this will be my second BD purchase because I know I will watch it over and over

mikejet · 10-20-2008, 01:39 PM

Does anyone have a link to the Ebert quote?

Josh · 10-20-2008, 01:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mikejet

Does anyone have a link to the Ebert quote?

http://rogerebert.suntimes.com/apps/...WS08/810150290

It was in my news post:

https://www.blu-ray.com/news/?id=1941

LifeOfAPirate13 · 11-17-2008, 03:44 PM

This movie is amazing! But I will say for the first 15 min the PQ isn't good until you see the asian people by the side of that mountain with all the different levels kinda looks like steps I would say from there on the PQ is amazing!!!! I was amazed at how awesome the presentation was on this movie.

07-20-2008, 11:42 PM	#1
Hep Power Member Member since:Oct 2007 Location:Ontario, Canada Home Theater Gallery:33 Blu-ray collection:660 Blu-ray reviews: 7 Trading Score:17	Baraka - Beauty in Blu I haven't seen any discussion on this forum regarding the new blu pre-order for Baraka (and yes I did a search). This has been one of my more anticipated BD releases. Anyone else out there a fan? For those not familiar, Baraka (meaning: the essence of life from which the evolutionary process unfolds) is a beautiful piece of cinematic art. It was filmed over 5 years, in 24 countries around the world on Todd-AO (70mm) film. It is a dialogue free film that aims to make the barrier of language irrelevant. The film plays out as an essay on our planet, the beauty of human diversity, and the sometimes destructive impact of humanity on the earth. The lack of dialogue does not mean this film is not destined for a great lossless sound track. It has a magnificent original score, which in many circles turned out successful as a stand-alone album (I have known a couple of people who owned the soundtrack without even realizing it was a film). The 70mm source material should make for a killer BD. It has brilliant panning shots, and time lapse sequences that surely must have been an inspiration for the makers of Planet Earth. Highly recommended. http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001CDLATE?tag=bluray-060-20 Baraka Blu-ray.com Review . Last edited by Deciazulado; 10-18-2008 at 07:59 AM. Reason: add review

07-21-2008, 02:27 PM	#12
beb Member Member since:Jan 2008 Blu-ray reviews:1	I am VERY excited for this release I am a huge fan of Baraka, have owned it on DVD since it was first released, and first saw it when I was in high school and was blown away. I have turned many people onto it by showing them the wonderful Balinese "monkey chant" scene. I am thrilled to see this coming to Blu-Ray. It sounds like they did it justice. 70mm films are ideal for BD transfer if done right! I also own all of the QUATSI trilogy on DVD, and have always been disappointed with the PQ of Koyaanisqatsi (After years of searching I found a bootleg copy of the limited-edition IRE DVD release, which is better than the sub-standard MGM DVD, but still has lots of dirt and other visual issues). I have searched high and low and can't find any plans for Koyaanisqatsi, Powaqqatsi, or Naqoyqatsi to be released on BD, but I would be beside myself if they ever do. I know it has to be expensive to do a good BD transfer of films that have a rather limited audience, but it seems like some wealthy fan might be able to sponsor the task. If I had the $$ to spare, I'd do it in a heartbeat! Or if some loyal fans could rally MGM to release them? Does anyone know who to contact at MGM to make requests that actually don't just get filed in the round file? -beb PS funny synchronicity, I forgot my forum password, and so I had it send me a reset email, and when I checked my email, literally two minutes before the blu-ray.com email, I got an email from the Spirit of Baraka mailing list, announcing the Blu-ray release: http://www.spiritofbaraka.com/baraka.aspx

10-02-2008, 03:44 PM	#13
diamondfoxxx Senior Member Member since:Jan 2008 Location:San Francisco Blu-ray collection:45 Blu-ray reviews: 36	Baraka Question Why does it say '8K Ultra Digital HD' on the cover? Isn't this purposely misleading us to believe we are watching 8K resolution when Blu-ray is only 1080p? Or are they saying the negative was scanned at 8K? 51zioF9-IhL._SS500_.jpg

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07-20-2008, 11:47 PM	#2
Heart_Collector Senior Member Member since:Feb 2008 Location:Texas	Man, that sounds incredible.

07-21-2008, 12:48 AM	#3
Cromlech Member Member since:Apr 2008	This sounds right up my alley! Thanks mate.

07-21-2008, 02:55 AM	#4
EricJ Banned Member since:Jul 2007 Location:The Paradise of New England Blu-ray collection:6	Although "Chronos" wasn't bad either.

10-16-2008, 06:34 PM	#7
CheapChildren Special Member Member since:Jan 2008 Location:Fort Worth, TX Blu-ray collection:899 Trading Score:2	I just watched the featurette on Amazon for it and it looks great!

07-21-2008, 04:16 AM	#8
alexakajeff Banned Member since:Apr 2008 Blu-ray reviews:2	Buy-ing!

07-21-2008, 09:22 AM	#9
Deciazulado Site Manager Top contributor Member since:Aug 2006 Location:USiberia Home Theater Gallery:6 4K collection:1161 Blu-ray collection:7055 DVD collection:4063	I've seen a few scenes of the HD transfer on a 30+ foot wide screen, if the Blu-ray looks like that people are going to be very happy A film element was scanned 16 times higher quality than BD. Oh and for the grain observing crown, no grain. This is the kind of film that can only be appreciated best on Blu-ray. DVD would not do it justice as a Blu-ray can, having to see it on a smallish screen while on BD you can see it on a big screen just like a 70mm film should and appreciate the detail and multichannel soundstage that goes with it.

10-02-2008, 03:49 PM	#14
stockstar1138 Banned Member since:Apr 2007	that is misleading, i agree.

10-02-2008, 04:26 PM	#15
SpaceDog Blu-ray Samurai Member since:Jun 2007 Location:Raleigh, NC Blu-ray collection:116	I guess it means they can re-use this master if there should ever be 4k players and tvs. Lots of DVDs say "mastered in high definition". Just means that the source master was superior to the capabilities of the final product. Not a bad thing. I'm still going to buy it.

10-02-2008, 05:14 PM	#16
Eternalnow Active Member Member since:Mar 2008 Blu-ray collection:79 Blu-ray reviews:12	This will be mine!!!

10-02-2008, 05:26 PM	#17
Teabaggins Blu-ray Samurai Member since:Aug 2008	this will be my second BD purchase because I know I will watch it over and over

10-20-2008, 01:39 PM	#18
mikejet Banned Member since:Sep 2008 Location:Los Angeles, CA Blu-ray reviews:5 Trading Score:29	Does anyone have a link to the Ebert quote?

11-17-2008, 03:44 PM	#20
LifeOfAPirate13 Expert Member Member since:Oct 2007 Location:Chicago, IL Home Theater Gallery:7 Blu-ray reviews:2 Trading Score:18	This movie is amazing! But I will say for the first 15 min the PQ isn't good until you see the asian people by the side of that mountain with all the different levels kinda looks like steps I would say from there on the PQ is amazing!!!! I was amazed at how awesome the presentation was on this movie.

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