Baraka Blu-ray

Baraka

 (1992)

Documentary | Nature



A 70mm film shot entirely without dialogue, just sound and images, on six continents and in 24 countries, exploring the formation and evolution of Earth, the ascendance of man and the consequences of technology.

For more details about Baraka on Blu-ray, see the Baraka Blu-ray Review

Baraka Blu-ray, Video Quality

 


Baraka offers a breathtaking 1080p high definition, 2.20:1-framed transfer. Filmed in 65mm and painstakingly and lovingly restored with an 8k UltraDigital HD Process, the film represents the current zenith of Blu-ray picture quality. The depth, clarity, and color reproduction of the film is incredible. Each scene provides awe-inspiring, reference-quality imagery that effortlessly places the viewer within each frame of the film regardless of its locale on the world's surface. It's a teleportation device of sorts, a trip around the globe that costs only as much as your HDTV, Blu-ray player, and the disc, and it's worth infinitely more than that. The level of detail is absolutely remarkable, almost too-good-to-be-true for home viewing -- and before now, it was. Take, for example, one of the first shots of the film, that of a Japanese Macaque relaxing in a hotspring. Not only does the spring's water flow and wave and look as natural as can be, but it practically invites viewers to approach their screens and put a toe in to test the temperature. The creature's fur is so detailed that one can practically count each strand, and the bits of water and ice droplets scattered about its mane just might send shivers down the spine.

The detail in every shot is exceptional, with the above simply setting the stage for what is to come. Stone-laden streets, the brick façades of buildings, an individual's hair, their garments, and facial detail all provide breathtaking clarity and true-to-life attributes. Colors are bold and true, never overblown or dull, with no artistic license but to provide the finest lifelike imagery imaginable. The depth of the film is simply astounding, and the scope is incredible. No detail is left unseen, no corner of the image is ever soft, and no color is never anything but vividly reproduced. The exterior texture of the huts as seen in chapter six -- as several people situated outside create jewelry -- reveals every crack, rough spot, and crease. Subsequent images showcase intricate clothing and jewelry featuring an array of colors, each distinct and separate, with no bleeding or smearing. These scenes merely exemplify what viewers will enjoy during the film's 97 minutes of visual bliss. There just aren't enough superlatives to discuss the visual power and prestige of this presentation. As stated before, it is the peak of home video imagery, and is another title that simply cries out for a large display. No matter the size of the screen, it will seem insignificant next to the majesty and scope of the film.

Baraka Blu-ray, Audio Quality

 


Presented with a DTS-HD MA 5.1 lossless soundtrack created from the original 24 track tape elements, Baraka sounds as good as it looks. Featuring excellent fidelity, first-rate imaging, and efficient and effective use of every speaker in the system, the world of Baraka comes alive through the wonders of its soundtrack. The low frequency effects throughout the film are captivating and attention-grabbing. Listen to a scene in chapter three featuring raging water, or a heavy rainstorm in chapter 9 and booming thunder that follows, to which the sound of a buzzing chainsaw replies. A large tree then crumbles to the ground, the end result -- a devastating sonic moment that brings that corner of the world and experience to life. Here, as throughout, the bass contributes mightily to add additional realism and power to the film. The bass is incredible, tight, and precise, the epitome of what good bass sounds and feels like. The soundtrack fluently reproduces music and effects, such as the chirping birds of an early morning, a woman brushing the street, and a bell ringing in the distance in a scene found early in the film. The audio presentation gives the impression of being so effortlessly natural that it provides the ideal compliment to the amazing visuals. A natural, mystical score accompanies every scene. Chapter 4 features a tribal gathering, and the soundstage becomes absolutely immersed in ritualistic chants and calls from a group numbering in the hundreds. Audiences watch as these individuals become one with the beat and the audience listens as the beat becomes one with the individuals. What does it mean? What does it represent? To any viewer unfamiliar with these peoples, the answer remains a mystery. The point of this and every other scene is the experience of discovering something that most could never imagine. The visuals are astounding, but the sound places listeners squarely in the middle of the experience. Baraka is as fulfilling sonically as it is visually, a treat for the ears that features one of the most robust and natural soundtracks yet.

Baraka Blu-ray, News and Updates

• Baraka Selected for Blu-Ribbon Showcase - December 5, 2008


• Today on Blu-ray - October 28th - October 28, 2008


• Ebert: Baraka the "reason to acquire a Blu-ray player" - October 16, 2008

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