Hey, everyone. "Moriarty" here with some rumblings from the Lab.
First of all, if you haven't seen Godfrey Reggio's masterful prayer on film KOYAANISQATSI, a big fat double shame on you. It's an amazing experience, one worth revisiting over and over. Shot by Ron Fricke (who went on to make the equally lovely and wonderful BARAKA), there's really no way to describe the experience of the film. It's a meditation, a record of our world as it crumbles in slow-motion. The title is a Hopi Indian word meaning "life out of balance." It certainly describes the effect the film has on viewers. It's like being given a truth pill. Without one word of dialogue, without characters, without narrative or any of the conventional trappings of what we're used to defining as "films," Reggio paints a picture of a world that is killing itself, but a world that is worth saving. It's remarkable, a testament to the magic of cinema in the right hands, and the follow-up film POWAAQATSI is also strong, moving stuff. We've gotten several letters from passionate fans of the film about whether or not the film is available on DVD. Here's TomServo50 with the good word. Pay special attention for the bombshell he drops about a potential third part in the trilogy...
I stop by The KOYAANISQATSI Site about once a month or so to see if there is any progress on both the rights issue surrounding the movie and attempts to release a Koyaanisqatsi DVD. Recently I stopped by the site and saw this notice:
"Why is KOYAANISQATSI not available on video and DVD? Because the rights are clouded by contracts that have passed through several multinational entertainment companies. Over the years we have tried to reach a fair compromise with these various companies that would bring KOYAANISQATSI back to its audience; but regretfully, that road has been exhausted. IRE has now taken steps to enforce our legal and contractual rights by commencing litigation in Federal Court.
"But litigation is expensive, so we appeal to you for financial assistance. Any size contribution will help in this legal fight and to support our other activities, including production of NAQOYQATSI.
"As an expression of thanks to our devoted friends and fans, IRE has authored a special Director's Premium Edition of the digitally remastered KOYAANISQATSI on DVD which includes the digitally re-mixed Philip Glass soundtrack. This is not a commercial release - rather a private issue premium - with each DVD sleeve personally signed by Director Godfrey Reggio.
These KOYAANISQATSI DVDs are available on request for contributors of $180.00USD or more.
Check out the original article HERE!!
