Stalker
(1979/Criterion Collection Blu-ray)
Picture:
B+ Sound: B+ Extras: B Film: B+
The
visually stunning film Stalker (1979) is now available on
Blu-ray courtesy of The Criterion Collection in this 2K remastered
version that takes audiences into the world of the film like never
before. The fifth feature film by Acclaimed Director Andrei
Tarkovsky (Mirror, Solaris), the world of Stalker
is hypnotizing, dark, and endless with images that are simplistic yet
intriguing.
An
adaptation of the novel Picnic by the Roadside by brothers
Boris Strugatsky and Arkady Strugatsky, Stalker is an
allegorical sci-fi film that makes you think much like Solaris,
this film has been claimed by many as one of of Tarkovsky's best in
what is yet another deep journey of a film from the legendary
filmmaker.
Stalker
stars Alisa Freyndlikh, Aleksandr Kaydanovskiy, and Anatoliy
Solonitsyn.
In
a small, unnamed country there is an area called 'The Zone' that
contains 'The Room', where in it is believed your greatest desires
are granted. However The Zone isn't an easy place to get to - it is
in a forbidden area and has been sealed off and isn't without great
peril to enter its core. That doesn't stop a writer, a professor,
and a 'stalker' from getting into the zone by any means necessary.
What will their fate be, especially if there is truly no turning
back?
Presented
in 1080p high definition with a full frame aspect ratio of 1.37:1
from the original 35mm elements and an uncompressed monaural audio
track, the film has been remastered in 2K high definition. Never
short on detail, the film masterfully uses both its sound and visual
tracks to create interesting and atmospheric sequences. Parts of the
film are in a sepia tone and other parts in a natural view (color),
the practical filmmaking here is mind boggling. The language track
is in Russian with newly translated English Subs. The result is
superior to anything but the best film prints of a film that just
gains a larger following all the time.
Special
Features...
New
interview with Geoff Dyer, author of Zona: A Book About a Film
About a Journey to a Room
Interview
with cinematographer Alexander Knyazhinsky
Interview
with set designer Rashit Safiullin
Interview
with composer Eduard Artemyev
An
Essay by critic Mark Le Fans in a collectible insert booklet
This
impressive Blu-ray edition from Criterion is solid and continues
Criterion's longtime celebration of Tarkovsky's work any time they've
released one of his gems.
-
James Lockhart
https://www.facebook.com/jamesharlandlockhartv/
