Average Rating: 
Rating:  - Inproper Matting? Who Cares!
Although some people are quick to point out that the MGM version of Koyaanisqatsi is improperly matted to 1.85:1, who really cares? If you are a fan of the 'qatsi films, then you are well aware that they have been out of print (unavailable to the public for purchase or even rental) for a LONG time. I have long been trying to obtain a bootleg, or even laserdisc copy of the films. On ebay they usually went for upwards of $100 a copy. When I heard that MGM was releasing the films on DVD, I was estatic, and after watching them at home on my TV, I am even more happy.Koyaanisqatsi is a love-hate film; you either love it, or hate it. For me, the brillance of Koyaanisqatsi comes in the juxtaposition of it's imagery and film score. The imagery is stunning: beautiful yet disturbing at times. The filmmaker Godfrey Reggio gives the viewer imagery and lets them make their own decisions about "what it means." This renders Koyannisqatsi a film where the viewer is quite active. If you do not like to think, or do not like abstractions you will most definitely not enjoy these films. If you enjoy thinking, and want to watch an experimental film that will leave you thinking for weeks, if not months afterwards, I can't recommend this film more.
Rating: - Great film finally available on DVD!
If you've never seen this one, you're in for a truly unique experience. No dialogue, no characters, no conventional plot. Music. Images. Hear me out, here!! The film starts off with nature shots against a slow tapestry of horns and winds. Eventually, we interfuse the nature shots with those of technology; dumptrucks working the land, airplanes in the sky. Eventually, the photography and music get faster and more electric, till we wind up with images of New York City streets sped up 200% give or take. Behind this is the grandest, most energetic and spectacular music Philip Glass has ever composed, bringing us to a pinnacle of sublime excitement. Atlthough there's no 'plot' to give away, I will not give you the ending lest you lose the fun of EXPERIENCING IT FOR YOURSELVES!!
Of course, if anyone but Godfrey Reggio and Philip Glass had done this film, it would've been disappointing. After all, we've all seen Baraca. Nature images, music; still, this is the original. So many films, just like Baraca, have imitated this one and even after one viewing, it will not be hard to see why! Although, on the 'DVD speical feature' interview, Reggio did offer one peice of advice for viewing. He mentioned that if, while watching, the viewer is asking herself why she's watching this, she will not enjoy it. So, yes, I suppose it takes 30 or so minutes to warm up to- as these are the slowest moments of the film, both visually and musically- but once you're there, it may just capture you!! One complaint about the DVD. The music, even though touched up from the original soundtrack has WAY too much reverb. On the 'vessels' cue, the keyboard reverb COMPLETELY drowns out the vocal. I listened back to my CD soundtrack and even that doesn't have but half the reverb of the film. Although it doesn't come close to ruining the film, it's definitely a pain. Here's a minor gripe. The Philip Glass Ensemble redid the soundtrack in 1998 and I know they toured with it that year, playing it synced up to the original film. I was REALLY hoping they would actually use the new soundtrack, as it would line up perfectly. They did not. Instead, we have to learn to live with the old one laced with careless reverb. Oh, well!! For all that, still five stars!!
Rating: - Once is all it takes to be hooked for life.
I haven't looked in the thesaurus yet, but I'm sure it lists no synonym for 'joy' that comes CLOSE to how glad I am that this is now available. Koyanisqaatsi is easily in my top ten list. That being said, I've only seen it ONCE!!Having been a Philip Glass fan for some time, I came across the first release of the soundtrack a few years ago, while studying at Berklee College of Music. Mesmerized, I spent a few weeks anxiously looking for a video store with a copy. There must've been many anxious viewers before me, because the cassette was worn quite thin due to age and repeated viewing. Owing to the weak cassette, the picture and sound were a solid C. The mood, cinematography, music and effect, though, were an easy A inching towards an A+. Although I saw the film 4 years ago, I can't get the NYC climax followed by the challenger 'release' out of my memory. There've been a few films that have trid to measure up through immitation (the speed shots, no dialogue, hollywoods take on 'minimalism') but Koyanisqaatsi was the first. If you truly want to experience what art can be, buy it, watch it and repeat.
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