Synopsis

Koyaanisqatsi focussed on the US. Powaqqatsi (”Life in Transformation”) looks at the impact of the First World on the Third, taking us from an agrarian existence to full industrialization.

Audio

If anything, the sound on Powaqqatsi is even better than that of Koyaanisqatsi. The mix is just as powerful, but not there is an even greater sense of expansiveness — the music appears to take up the entire space of the room. Spectacular.

Video

T…e video is an improvement over Koyaanisqatsi’s, but still has a few flaws. The colours are sharp and crisp, and the contrasts and blacks are strong. The print is in much better shape, with no grain or speckles. A bit of flicker, however, is still present.

Special Features

The extras are much the same as on the first disc: basic menu, trailers for the whole trilogy, and conversation from Glass and Reggio. This feature is shorter (20 minutes instead of 30) but just as intelligent, and again the addresses the hows and whys of the film. Reggio also responds to some of the criticism the film has received.

Closing Thoughts

It’s great having these two films on DVD. One can only hope that their release means that the final installment will be here early in the fall rather than later.

Special Features List

• “Impact of Progress” Interview with Godfrey Reggio and Philip Glass
• Theatrical Trailers