Baraka Blu-ray

MPI has lovingly restored this hypnotic documentary from filmmaker Ron Fricke, who also helmed the Imax film Chronos and was cinematographer on the revolutionary Koyaanisqatsi. Baraka takes its influence from the Koyaanisqatsi trilogy, combining stunning visuals with haunting music. As Fricke describes in a bonus feature on the release, “Baraka’s really a guided meditation about humanity.” The film looks better than ever on Blu-ray, with sharpness and color saturation that’s as dynamic as the newer Planet Earth. The special features menu is sparse, with just two behind-the-scenes programs, but they are just as engrossing as the feature itself. One details the 8K UltraDigital mastering of the 70mm film, some of which had been damaged. The other, about the making of the film, is a fascinating companion piece that plays like the informational voice track that would normally run with a documentary.

Shelf Talk: Baraka showcases the kind of stunning images that wowed fans of Planet Earth, which has been a Blu-ray bestseller. With its music-only soundtrack, Baraka is more of a niche title, but it’s one of the few releases that will allow high-def owners to really show off what their equipment can do. Consumers who have purchased one of the higher-priced Blu-ray set-tops will be excited to hear about MPI’s release.