Chronos (US)
Taking time-lapse cinematography to a transcendent level of artistic achievement
Certificate: none
Running Time: 40 mins
Retail Price: $14.99
Release Date:
Content Type: Movie
Synopsis:
Taking the familiar conventions of time-lapse cinematography to a transcendent level of artistic achievement, filmmaker Ron Fricke circled the globe to make Chronos, a stunning 70-millimeter time-lapse tour of natural and man-made wonders.
The entire film has the enhanced, hyper-realistic quality of a laser-etched photograph, and by using special cameras and motion-control photographic techniques, Fricke and his technically expert crew were able to create mesmerizing images guaranteed to spark any viewer`s sense of awe and wonder. Accompanied by the hypnotic music of Michael Stearns, this visual journey takes the viewer on a tour of over 50 locations on nearly every continent of the world, including explorations of Paris, the Vatican, the Egyptian pyramids, the African veldt, and many more stunning vistas. The cumulative effect is the feeling that the world--from the busiest metropolis to the most serenely remote wilderness landscape--is dictated by "chronos," the rhythm of time to which all living things must submit. Like Koyaanisquatsi and Baraka, this is one of those eye-candy films that was conceived according to its specific theme, so it`s not only a soothing visual experience but a thought-provoking study of our fascinating planet.
Special Features:
Interactive Menus
Scene Access
Video Tracks:
Standard 1.33:1
Audio Tracks:
Dolby Digital Stereo 2.0 English
Directed By:
Ron Fricke
Written By:
Genevieve Nicholas
Constantine Nicholas
Soundtrack By:
Michael Stearns
Director of Photography:
Ron Fricke
Editor:
Alton Walpole
Ron Fricke
Producer:
Steven Marble
Mark Magidson
Jeffrey W. Kirsch
Ron Fricke
Preston M. Fleet
Distributor:
Simitar
Your Opinions and Comments
This is an IMAX movie (about 40 minutes long), which was shot in a unique way - the camera has been mounted on a crane which was moving VERY slowly and taking time lapse pictures. The film was then run at very high speed, creating an amazing combination of motion and time.
Words cannot actually describe it - you just have to see it for yourself.
The movie was shot in France, Italy, Egypt, UK, USA, Israel, Greece and Spain.
The 20:55 time code marks the beginning of 7 magical minutes, that had they been recorded in 6 discrete channels (as in The Ultimate DVD - Platinum) could be described as a "near orgasmic experience". Yes, that good. I strongly recommend that you take a look at the DTS or DD 5.1 mix of those 7 minutes in The Ultimate DVD - Platinum.
The 4:3 video transfer is good. While the movie is not clear of dust particles, there are no compression signs (though several dark scenes look a bit grainy) and the amount of detail is very high.
The stereo soundtrack is a huge disappointment. This movie was originally recorded in 6 channel DBX and was disgracefully downmixed to pure PCM stereo (1536 kbps, 48 kHz, 16 bits). What a shame!
The menus are all still and silent.
There are no extras on the disk. This is really a crime, since a featurette about the technique the movie was shot would`ve been really great.
Bottom line - despite the amazing visuals, this disk does not live to its reputation. Still, for 10 US$ (including S&H) it is satisfactory.