Average Rating: 
Rating:  - Life Out of Balance
Koyaanisqatsi is a very moving film consisting of powerful visual images set against the music of Philip Glass. It is not a movie with a story or a plot, but an art film with a message about the dangers of unheeded progress that ignores the laws of nature. The word Koyaanisqatsi is from the Hopi Indian language, and means "crazy life", of "life out of balance", and Life Out of Balance is the sub title of this film.The film opens with scenes of nature filmed in time lapse, then gradually moves into man's world. The scenes convey both beauty and ugliness at the same time, and take us to airports, freeways, skyscrapers, the comings and goings of people, microscopic views of integrated circuits contrasted with satellite views of cities, and the eerie ghost town images of the failed Pruit Igoe housing project. The film concludes with Hopi prophesies warning us of the dangers of taking too much from the world, and even of nuclear holocaust. Even if you disagree with the message of the film, the visual images and the artistic vision of the film make it well worth seeing. If you are a fan of Philip Glass' music, then that is an even more compelling reason to see it. If you don't like Philip Glass, then watch it with the sound off. I once saw this movie with the Philip Glass ensemble performing live at UCLA's Royce Hall. It was a very deeply moving experience, and one of the most profound live performances I have been to. Sadly this beautiful film is out of print, but it used to be available on VHS, and may still be lurking in some independent video stores. If you find it, then rent it, and if you see this playing in a revival house, then go way out of your way to see it. This film is not for everyone, but if you have read this far, you will like the movie, and kick yourself if you miss a chance to see it. Hopefully it will be released on DVD, as that would be a far better medium for this film than VHS. I don't know if it was ever released on LVD, but I would love to have it if was.
Rating: - Koyaanisqatsi DVD (the *real* thing)
I bought the DVD version of this seminal film from IRE (Reggio's organization) for the US$180 (the cost of the donation for the "premium"). I find this film remarkable. Ron Fricke's camera work was truly ground-breaking, and Glass' score is unparalled. While Reggio's "innocent eye" and the films overly-moralizing tones are dubious, _Koyaanisqatsi_ is still a landmark piecein film history. Academicians such as Scott MacDonald and others have reviewed this film and its impact on the visual culture proceeding from its release (Fricke's signature work coopted by so many different ad houses and Hollywoods film shops).Regarding Glass' new release of his soundtrack, the film (and DVD) still incorporate segements of music that remain unreleased on the audio albums (sections covering the introduction to L.A. and prior to the first machine/human shots at about ~30 mintues into the film). The DVD has everything in original. Essentially the DVD is a digital rip from the projected film. It contains film scratches, and the original score by Glass (not refurbished in any way). The picture quality is good, but reflects the film transfer (still better than any VHS version i've seen). However, the DVD palys the film in stadard TV aspect and not the letter-box aspect associated with films. Having never seen this film in the theater i cannot say if this is true of the original projection. However, after watching it about thirty times (for a semianr paper), and in comparison to the VHS edition, the DVD is a superior product. For the true lover of Reggio and Fricke, the DVD version from IRE is a must have. Nor VHS copy can compare (nor will a VHS copy last under playback!). The price is daunting - but if it matters, the DVD arrives in a sheath that is signed by Godfrey Reggio ( a real signature, not reproduced). Moralizing aspects aside, not since Vertov has the "documentary" been pushed as far by an American Cinematographer (though others since its realese have gone further in other directions, for instance Trinh Minh Ha). The DVD is a "must-have" from those who consider this film important - either academically or aesthetically. The US$180 price tag is high; but if it helps, it's tax deductable!
Rating:  - A life of its own on so many levels...
I can not speak for the DVD as I currently only own the VHS versions of both Koyaanisqatsi and Powaqqatsi. I first saw Baraka back in the 90s in the theater in its original 70mm glory and was absolutely blown away. Years later I stumbled across Koyaanisqatsi in a now defunct Blockbuster Video store and was mesmerized. Imagine my horror when some time later it was pulled from the shelves and taken out of print. Anyhow, to make a long story short these two films are a must-see for anyone who is into views of the world captured on film that are far from the mainstream. Some have criticized these films for being 'cultish' or being for 'college students to watch while stoned' (both of these two views are, in my opinion, a compliment). But to me they are glorious, mesmerizing, and hypnotic. Koyaanisqatsi takes place solely, I believe, in the United States and spends more time filming things then people. Powaqqatsi spends more focus in other countries and spends more time concentrating on the people. The blend of music and film without dialogue and without 'plot' (though there is a 'plot' but it is more thematic then it is linear) is brilliant. I have been able to watch these repeatedly and every time I am moved in different ways and pick up things I missed on previous viewings. Allow yourself the time to be still and be carried away.
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