Baraka

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Rated: NR (Not Rated)
Type: DVD
Directed By: Ron Fricke
Studio: Mpi Home Video
Release Date: 2000-01-25
Running Time: 104 minutes
The word Baraka means "blessing" in several languages; watching this film, the viewer is blessed with a dazzling barrage of images that transcend language. Filmed in 24 countries and set to an ever-changing global soundtrack, the movie draws some surprising connections between various peoples and the spaces they inhabit, whether that space is a lonely mountaintop or a crowded cigarette factory. Some of these attempts at connection are more successful than others: for instance, an early sequence segues between the daily devotions of Tibetan monks, Orthodox Jews, and whirling dervishes, finding more similarity among these rituals than one might expect. And there are other amazing moments, as when sped-up footage of a busy Hong Kong intersection reveals a beautiful symmetry to urban life that could only be appreciated from the perspective of film. The lack of context is occasionally frustrating--not knowing where a section was filmed, or the meaning of the ritual taking place--and some of the transitions are puzzling. However, the DVD includes a short behind-the-scenes featurette in which cinematographer Ron Fricke (Koyaanisqatsi) explains that the effect was intentional: "It's not where you are that's important, it's what's there." And what's here, in Baraka, is a whole world summed up in 104 minutes. --Larisa Lomacky Moore

Locks Up Sony 350 w/v.10 firmware
What I saw of it was wonderful, but locks up and would barely load.

You can take your chances if you like, but there are other similar reviews.

My copy is going back.

Everyone should see this.
This film captures little pieces of the world we live in. It's full of surprises. We all suffer, some more than others, but not for any reason. Dancing, starving, bathing, praying ... churches and the holocaust. You won't be bored, even if there are no words.

A more clean, pure version of what Koyaanisqatsi was going for, in my opinion.

boring and unimpressive looking
i bought this movie thinking that it would look far better than all blu ray movies after reading reviews all over the internet but it didn't look that much better than any other blu ray movie and i was not the least bit impressed by the picture quality.this movie was also very very boring.

Wow! What a Great Blu-ray Introduction!
"Baraka" was the first disk I put in my new Samsung Blu-ray player. I didn't know what to expect, but I was rivited to my seat by the stunningly clear images. I thought I was at a theater instead of my living room! When I viewed the complete "Making Of" extra material I found out one reason: "Baraka" was made from a 65mm print and digitally restored. I have since viewed it a few more times, always seeing something different in this spiritually moving documentary. I recommend it to anyone who wants to see the full range of the Blu-ray disk's capabilities.

Visually stunning journey-provokes without words
PQ 5/5, Sound 4/5. The film was watched on a 42" Panasonic Plasma, and BD30K Blu-Ray player.

The film presents a worldly journey and without having read the film makers mission, an inevitable interconnectedness between cultures, socio-econimic statuses, and societal position was apparent throughout. Due to the powerful sound track, I felt as though I had been meditating for an hour and a half. Some of the images were beautiful,some were sad, and most were inexplicably stirring. This is a film that showcases humanity, for its unversality, and its relevance for the past and future centuries to come. The scenes are shown without reference to location, which increase wonder and speculation and really lends power to the images.

The Making of Featurette was very interesting from a film making perspective, and there was some discussion about the locations and challenges faced in completing the film.

If you are a hi-def enthusiast and enjoy documentaries and sturring cinema, this is one not to be missed. Roger Ebert was certainly correct in his assessment of naming this one the reason why Blu-Ray was brough to market. It's simply stunning and the pace and shots of the film will leave you breathless.