What does everyone think about The Three Colors DVD's coming out. Those are gonna be the biggest bombs ever dropped onto DVD, I can't wait. Kieslowski is what every good director working now wishes they could be. I don't know maybe I'm strechting that? WHo knows, hit me up and we'll see.
Kieslowski is the director Kubrick wanted to be, even (well, he did admire him, at least). I can't wait to get Three Colors (my favorite is Blue). Have you seen The Decalogue? I saw them for the first time last year, when my local art house got prints of all of them. They're fantastic.
Heaven was a nice closing note to his career, too.
Yeah, I got the Decalogue on DVD. The whole thing is great.
About Heaven. Well I didn't think it was all that great.
Tom Tykwer has a Kiesloski masturbatory problem I think. He did the same thing with Princess and The Warrior. Drivel.
I don't know, that's just me though.
Quote from: SubstanceDYeah, I got the Decalogue on DVD. The whole thing is great.
Get ready to buy it again:
Facets will release The DecalogueOnly weeks after the long awaited release of Krzysztof Kieslowski's Color Trilogy, the director's other master work is being readied for a DVD release. Facets Home Video will release The Decalogue this summer.
Originally airing on Polish television as a ten part miniseries, each segment of The Decalogue takes place in the present, and each was shot in the same high-rise apartment building in a middle-class section of Warsaw. Each of the stories is simply numbered, without a direct reference to the corresponding commandment that underlies the story. Kieslowski preferred to allow viewers to come to their own moral and ethical conclusions based on the story. The three DVD set will include an onscreen preface by Roger Ebert, which introduces viewers to the film in a lively and informative commentary. The DVD also contains an extensive interview with Kieslowski, a visit to the set and an appreciation of Kieslowski that features his colleagues and collaborators commenting on his life and career. An accompanying booklet also includes Kieslowski’s own reminiscences about the origin of the films, a recent interview with screenwriter Krzysztof Piesiewicz, and a complete cast and credits list. The DVD set will be priced at $79.95 and will arrive on August 19th.
Is Ebert doing a regular commentary or just an introduction to the movie? The details didn't seem specific to what he was doing. Either way, since I missed out on the first set, this is major news for me because the art of Kieslowski has risen to a major importance for me.
I don't Kubrick wanted to be Kiewslowski. Kubrick was too much the adventuer in showing different worlds and visions along the lines of like Speilberg or Stone, but Kubrick identified that the approach to showing those worlds was in how Kieslowski presented them. Just action, and no underlining.
~rougerum
Quote from: The Gold TrumpetIs Ebert doing a regular commentary or just an introduction to the movie?
Disc 1: "Roger Ebert on The Decalogue" a 15 min. introduction by Roger Ebert. From the back of the box: "Informaive and helpful, this onscreen introduction summarizes the impact of the series and then points out key moments in individual episodes that resonate with meaning." The copyright on this is 2001.
Decalogue 1-3
Disc 2:Decalogue 4-7
Disc 3:Decalogue 8-10
"On the Set of the Decalogue", three minute documentary on the making of the decalogue. "Kieslowski answers questions while on the set during the production of The Decalogue. Hear the director describe his masterpiece in his own words." Copyright 1988.
"Kieslowski Meets the Press" a 41 min documentary. "The director responds to questions and statements from the entertainment press in this interview program made for Polish television. Kieslowski discusses The Decalogue, reveals his artistic process and ponders moral queries tossed to him by reporters." Copyright 1988
"Kieslowski:Known and Unknown" a 15 min documentary. "Colleagues and friends offer insights and observations about Kieslowski in this remembrance produced after the director's death. Among those interviewed are cast and crew members from The Decalogue, including actors Artur Barcis and Maria Pakulnis and cinematographer Piotr Sobocinski. Other members of the Polish film industry, including director Krzyszstof Zanussi, remark on his influence and contributions." Copyright 1998.
The set also comes with a booklet, which contains "An Introduction by Krzysztof Kieslowski", which is a reprint of the introduction from the published screenplay. Copyright 1991. There is also "Heaven: An Interview with Krzysztof Piesiewicz", in which Piesiewicz talks about the origins of the Decalaogue. It's an article, rather than a traditional Q&A. Copyright 2002.
Is it a good time for me to shed a tear for the first time in my life now?
~rouBgeruSm
Has anyone seen the 96 documentary "Krzysztof Kieslowski - I'm So-So..." ?
i may shed a few as well.....
August 19th is now my most highly anticipated day for releases.
The new Outkast album...
...and now this. I'll be in heaven. I finally finished going through the extra features on the Three Colors trilogy. They've reaffirmed for me my own approach to cinematic storytelling.
New OutKast album on August 19th????? Any more details??? Tis true, this will be a great day.
~rougerum
Well, you probably already know that it's a double disc...one featuring Dre, one featuring Big Boi. The title(s) have been released, but I forget what they are. And Norah Jones is one of several guests on Dre's half. That's about all I know...
I just saw Blue for the first time last night. Pretty stunning. It was introduction to Kieslowski.
K's vision and use of music in Blue is utterly original and, yet, so aware of film history (ie the iris shots of the notes as they are played on the soundtrack).
I love how Julie's POV almost is her composition. It defines and interrupts her experiences, as it does the audiences.
Queuing up the rest of the trilogy on Netflix........now.
You are in for some GOOOOOOOOOD movie watchin'
I just saw the trilogy last month. On first watch, Blue was my least favorite, on second, climbed to a tie for first. Go figure.
Can't wait for Decalogue this summer!!
Quote from: MeshI just saw Blue for the first time last night. Pretty stunning. It was introduction to Kieslowski.
K's vision and use of music in Blue is utterly original and, yet, so aware of film history (ie the iris shots of the notes as they are played on the soundtrack).
I love how Julie's POV almost is her composition. It defines and interrupts her experiences, as it does the audiences.
Queuing up the rest of the trilogy on Netflix........now.
You ain't seen nothing yet. I thought
Blue was stunning when I first saw it, but
Red is an absolutely beautiful movie. And it's got a pretty great story, too. :)
White, IMO, is the weak sister of the trio, but it's still good, too.
Quote from: Onomatopoeia
You ain't seen nothing yet. I thought Blue was stunning when I first saw it...
The amazing thing: Blue is stylistically stunning today, even though it's 10+ years old.
There's nothing like a director with 30 years experience at the top of his game. See: Ran.
Oh, I totally agree. Ran was made in 1985, and I first watched it three or four months ago on a crappy VHS, and the colors were just amazing. Best. Cinematography. Ever.
And now, I've got this limited edition set with Ran, Madadayo, and a documentary on Kurosawa, and I currently have no DVD player to watch them on (long story). :(
Quote from: The Gold TrumpetIs Ebert doing a regular commentary or just an introduction to the movie? The details didn't seem specific to what he was doing. Either way, since I missed out on the first set, this is major news for me because the art of Kieslowski has risen to a major importance for me.
I don't Kubrick wanted to be Kiewslowski. Kubrick was too much the adventuer in showing different worlds and visions along the lines of like Speilberg or Stone, but Kubrick identified that the approach to showing those worlds was in how Kieslowski presented them. Just action, and no underlining.
~rougerum
Regarding the Ebert thing, but first I don't want to sound like anti-ebert but, am I the only one who find this 'bonus' totally irrelevant? Obviously he might make an interesting one but I can think of at least a dozen other people who could introduce the viewer better than him, like Scorsese, Coppola, etc... At least (IMO) I would find a commentary by other director much more interesting since he knows what it takes to make flim.
About Kubrick, also think that he didn't want to be him or direct like him, what apparently he did say to Raphael is if he thought he could do something like Decalogue, and in fact Raphael wrote a series of short stories not necesarilly for SK but thinking of the possibility of him to direct them. I guess he hesitated about it for the long periods that took him to make one film let alone ten.
Here's a foreword that SK wrote to the Decalogue.
'I am always reluctant to single out some particular feature of the work of a major filmmaker because it tends inevitably to simplify and reduce the work. But in this book of screenplays by Krzysztof Kieslowski and his co-author, Krzysztof Piesiewicz, it should not be out of place to observe that they have the very rare ability to dramatize their ideas rather than just talking about them. By making their points through the dramatic action of the story they gain the added power of allowing the audience to discover what's really going on rather than being told. They do this with such dazzling skill, you never see the ideas coming and don't realize until much later how profoundly they have reached your heart.'
Stanley Kubrick
January 1991
Why not have Ebert introduce the movie? He's actually the main guy who has been spearheading the movement for the proper respect given to the movie and has actually taught classes on the film specifically. All that can be brought with the others is a better name recognition for interest among others. They have nothing to show they are better choices than Ebert in relation directly to this project.
Yes, Kubrick did have that idea with Raphael and I knew that. That's just one idea though and Kubrick had many others on the man and the film, but generally, he identified with his approach the most.
~rougerum
Quote from: The Gold TrumpetWhy not have Ebert introduce the movie? He's actually the main guy who has been spearheading the movement for the proper respect given to the movie and has actually taught classes on the film specifically. All that can be brought with the others is a better name recognition for interest among others. They have nothing to show they are better choices than Ebert in relation directly to this project.
~rougerum
I wasn't aware of that, then it could be very interesting what he has to say about it.
This is more a call out to Mac, more than anybody, but anyhoo...
when is Double Life Of Veronique coming to dvd???
Quote from: SoNowThenwhen is Double Life Of Veronique coming to dvd???
I haven't been able to find any info announcing that a DVD is even in the works.
that news is sad sad on one hand ('cause I have to wait to see it)
but okay good on the other hand ('cause I can't afford to buy it anyway)
Well, if this holds any optimism, many criterion followers believe if Kiewslowski ever touches the collection, this will be the film. And Kiewslowski is of major recommendation too.
~rougerum
Here's a really funny review of the Three Colors trilogy films and DVD extras. I don't happen to agree with it, but its entertaining nonetheless.
http://www.dvdfile.com/software/review/dvd-video_7/threecolors.html
some excerpts
The story of Blue can be told in one sentence: When a pretty French girl's husband and child die in a car accident, she gets really sad. That's it; that's the whole movie. There's nothing more to it than that. Oh wait, Kieslowski the filmmaker has a thousand different ways of showing us that she's sad, all of which involve her moping around and looking pouty while the movie's photography is doused in various shades of blue... Get it? Because she's feeling blue. So he makes everything look blue. Get it? Isn't that just so deep? Wow, Kieslowski must have been a genius to discover such revolutionary use of symbolism! And then when she's feeling especially sad, the music on the soundtrack (her husband was a composer and she hears his tune) swells up really loudly, and the picture fades to black, and then it fades right back in on the same shot. Innovative brilliance! Give this man his Oscar!
Perhaps the most interesting feature on this first disc is the Kieslowski student film "Concert of Wishes," a 16-minute black & white story about teens on a camping trip. We can watch Kieslowski develop his command of film language, while recognizing that even here he preferred to deal with stories that were bizarre, nonsensical, and very boring.
That's an awesome review!
I've never seen The Double Life Of Veronique -- I could rent it, but I have this thing now about waiting for the DVD version. In the meantime, I'm extremely excited about buying The Decalogue.
The new Decalogue dvds should be awesome. There's a piece about it in the NY Times.
I got the chance to see all three of his "Three Colors" films about 3-4 months ago. As soon as I was finished, I returned the trilogy to the friend that loaned it to me, and I promptly ordered my own copy off Amazon. It is 30.00 at their site, with free shipping.
Blue absolutely floored me. God damn that film is good.
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/B000083C5F/qid=1060702194/sr=8-1/ref=sr_8_1/104-4540019-8477532?v=glance&s=dvd&n=507846
Quote from: RaviHere's a really funny review of the Three Colors trilogy films and DVD extras. I don't happen to agree with it, but its entertaining nonetheless.
http://www.dvdfile.com/software/review/dvd-video_7/threecolors.html
some excerpts
The story of Blue can be told in one sentence: When a pretty French girl's husband and child die in a car accident, she gets really sad. That's it; that's the whole movie. There's nothing more to it than that. Oh wait, Kieslowski the filmmaker has a thousand different ways of showing us that she's sad, all of which involve her moping around and looking pouty while the movie's photography is doused in various shades of blue... Get it? Because she's feeling blue. So he makes everything look blue. Get it? Isn't that just so deep? Wow, Kieslowski must have been a genius to discover such revolutionary use of symbolism! And then when she's feeling especially sad, the music on the soundtrack (her husband was a composer and she hears his tune) swells up really loudly, and the picture fades to black, and then it fades right back in on the same shot. Innovative brilliance! Give this man his Oscar!
Perhaps the most interesting feature on this first disc is the Kieslowski student film "Concert of Wishes," a 16-minute black & white story about teens on a camping trip. We can watch Kieslowski develop his command of film language, while recognizing that even here he preferred to deal with stories that were bizarre, nonsensical, and very boring.
I'm glad a guy who loves films so much would write this review. He's definitely in the right job. He sure has some deep observations.
People who are not moved by the Trilogy have no heart, but a black coal-like rock in its place. A pox on them.
I purchased the Decalogue DVD set about a week ago. Great DVDs and really good extras too. I bought it extremely cheap ($70 CDN) and it was worth every penny. Definitely a must.
Anyone else buy it too? Thoughts?
I saw Double Life Of Veronique last night.
I must say, I'm supremely disappointed. It wasn't a bad movie; the shots were interesting, the music was wonderful, the sound design was ballsy, the acting was top notch, and there was nothing cheesy about the story. BUT -- I totally completely missed the point (because with a great director like Kieslowski I'll give the benefit of the doubt and figure it was my problem and not his). The whole movie just added up to zilch for me. I was going "doubles, yeah got that. Connected lives, yep, uh huh. Puppets and masters, yeah yeah, I see what he's jiving at"... but still, nothing.
So I'm hoping those that have seen it wanna discuss it a little bit.
Oh, closing note, Irene Jacob = sexy sexy sexy. Don't know why she deserved best actress at Cannes for this, though.
Quote from: SoNowThenI saw Double Life Of Veronique last night.
I must say, I'm supremely disappointed. It wasn't a bad movie; the shots were interesting, the music was wonderful, the sound design was ballsy, the acting was top notch, and there was nothing cheesy about the story. BUT -- I totally completely missed the point (because with a great director like Kieslowski I'll give the benefit of the doubt and figure it was my problem and not his). The whole movie just added up to zilch for me. I was going "doubles, yeah got that. Connected lives, yep, uh huh. Puppets and masters, yeah yeah, I see what he's jiving at"... but still, nothing.
So I'm hoping those that have seen it wanna discuss it a little bit.
Oh, closing note, Irene Jacob = sexy sexy sexy. Don't know why she deserved best actress at Cannes for this, though.
I had the same experience. Exactly.
So, is the Decalogue worth sitting through?
I am a huge, huge fan of Three Colors and was wondering what it's like and if I might as well blind buy it instead of renting. I think Kieslowski is amazing.
YES. But you don't have to (nor should you) sit through the whole thing at once. Watch one or two a night over several days. I think it's a much better work than Three Colors, actually...I'd go so far on good days as to call it one of the greatest cinematic works of all time.
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B0009UZGQY/103-9218011-5840664
That just makes me so fucking happy.
http://losangeles.craigslist.org/eve/156322156.html
The first two parts have already shown but that's no excuse not to go!
i saw The Double Life of Veronique at lacma. the print was shitty. i agree somewhat to the other assessments offered already, in that i don't think it's best film like so many will many i know will be quick to deem it as. it's still really good, though. Blue is my favorite film of kieslowski's.
Blind Chance made me want to slit my wrists. not quite as focused as the films he made later in his career--i'm basing this one the Three Colors Trilogy--but as passionate and inventive as you can expect him to be. the film's like a nice punch in the face from a good friend. check it out, it's a fantastic film. A Short Film About Love is beautiful.
So I'm looking to buy The Decalogue. Anyone have any thoughts on which DVD to buy (since none of them seem to be definitive) or on the chance of a new set coming out any time soon?
I checked DVDBeaver's analysis (http://www.dvdbeaver.com/film/DVDCompare2/decalogue.htm) and it seems either the expensive Polish set or the Korean Infinity release(there's also a cheaper "barebones" Korean set from Doremi also...same transfer?) would be the way to go for the time being. Is the R1 set fine enough? Should I just wait and see if a better DVD comes along?
A week or so ago I saw Double Life... for the first time. I though it was ok but it really didn't do anything for me. The criterion disc looks great though, love the colors throughout and the music to me was very haunting and Irene was fantastic. A couple days later I gave it another shot and it just clicked. I was able to piece the puzzle together and catch so many things I missed out the first time. I really love this film.
As for the criterion set, the extras on the two-discs really helped me appreciate the film more. Excellent commentary and the behind the scenes stuff was interesting. Can't wait to dive into my newly purchased Three Colors set to experience more Kieslowski.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7IR2XbHIQTs
Kieslowski asks people from different ages and backgrounds 3 questions (when were you born, who are you and what do you want/what is important to you). Candid and honest.
Holy living fuck NO (http://www.blu-ray.com/news/?id=16091)
Who the fuck was in charge of that decision? I'm going to watch the original in protest of this dumb project. (well, it won't be dumb, if it'll be wonderful but what are the odds?)
Krzysztof Kieslowski: Interviews (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1628462132?keywords=kieslowski%20interviews&qid=1456011043&ref_=sr_1_1&sr=8-1) to be published in March
(https://xixax.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi.imgur.com%2F6ByQEJM.jpg&hash=c2502f9ca418ee18c0b9f8184378cd6b2b2bdb0c)
mk2's Decalogue restoration
New 4K Restoration of Krzysztof Kieślowski's Masterwork Dekalog Heading to U.S. Theaters
via blu-ray.com
Janus Films has announced that the new restoration of Dekalog, Krzysztof Kieślowski's masterwork and one of the twentieth century's greatest achievements in visual storytelling, is heading back to U.S. theaters.
The complete 10-part epic, newly-restored on the occasion of the 20th anniversary of Kieślowski's death, will begin its U.S. theatrical run at the IFC Center in New York on September 2nd, Los Angeles on September 17th at Cinefamily, and will be accompanied by a national roll out to 20+ cities, followed by the Blu-ray release on September 27th.
Originally made for Polish television, Dekalog focuses on the residents of a housing complex in late-Communist Poland, whose lives become subtly intertwined as they face emotional dilemmas that are at once deeply personal and universally human. The series' ten hour-long films draw from the Ten Commandments for thematic inspiration and an overarching structure, and grapple deftly with complex moral and existential questions concerning life, death, love, hate, truth, and the passage of time. Shot by nine different cinematographers, written alongside longtime collaborator Krzysztof Piesiewicz, with stirring music by Zbigniew Preisner and compelling performances from established and unknown actors alike, Dekalog arrestingly explores the unknowable forces that shape our lives.
This new digital transfer of Dekalog was sourced from the 35mm original camera negatives provided by Telewizja Polska and stored at Filmoteka Narodow. When possible, the restoration of each episode was supervised and approved by its respective cinematographer.
Janus Films' trailer (https://vimeo.com/178495846) for the Dekalog restoration
Someone attended a Q&A with Kieslowski's DP Slawomir Idziak over the weekend and asked him a few questions about his process. Thread on the cinematography.com forums
here (http://www.cinematography.com/index.php?showtopic=72934).
Quote from: Sebastien Scandiuzzi
Hi Everyone,
Slawomir Idziak, one of my favorite DP's, is going to be in Seattle for the Polish Film Festival and I'm excited to be moderating his master class, 1PM Oct 15th at SIFF. I'm also lucky to introduce screenings of The Double Life of Veronique (Oct 14th, 8PM) and Gattaca (Oct 16th 5:50PM).
What would you like to ask him? Any particular scenes or techniques you'd like him to breakdown?
I obviously have my own: his use of filters; his work with Kieslowski, Zanussi, Wajda; working in Russian controlled Poland and after the 89 revolution and a few more. I'd love to hear from others I'm sure there are some great questions I haven't considered.
Quote from: David Mullen ASC
I'd love to hear how he got the wash of blue light that momentarily covers the frame in "Blue" when she hears music in her head - particularly when she is sitting in a chair at the hospital. And that shot of the doctor reflected in her eyeball...
Quote from: Sebastien Scandiuzzi
Wow. I definitely wasn't expecting to hear his solution to the scene in 'Blue' (the blue wash over Binoche)! I asked if he simply panned a gelled light to the right of camera but he said it wasn't getting the result he wanted so he decided to wrap the camera in blue gel and then open the back to flash the film!!! Amazing. Flashing isn't anything new but I've never heard of DP's wrapping the camera in gel. I suspect you knew it wasn't a gelled light...
He said the shot of the Dr reflected in the eyes of Binoche was a 200MM macro and the Dr was lit with a black wrapped 5K. He talked about his extensive collection (over 1000) found, bought and custom filters. He usually brings 500-600 with him in sets of 30 labeled alphabetically with a fliter 'map' for the AC so he can say "get me filter B 15" for his blue custom grad filter. Incidentally, he has a custom matte box with 6 slots so he can layer multiple filters and adjust them on all axis'. I asked if then filmed with a faster film stock because of the multiple filters but he said no, just the normal Eastmancolor but he said he couldn't remember the type of film.
I also wanted to know how he got the blurred effect in Double Life of Veronique (when Weronika dies and they cut to Veronique making love). He used a magnifying glass in front of the lens while holding the camera! Again, it's not an original technique but to do both at the same time was quite impressive. I was interesting to hear how much Kieslowski was against a lot of Idziak's ideas for Double; the cyan/yellow color filters, the lens effects and said he was constantly at odds with Kieslowski for each of their features together. Interesting not because of the disagreements but because of how strong willed and confident he had to be, which was a good reminder.
All in all it was a great night, very informative, relaxed and fun. I'll see if I can find out who filmed the discussion to post.
i've been stuck on episode 5 on Dekalog for two weeks now, because of its opening--
"The law should not imitate nature, the law should improve nature. People invented the law to govern their relationships. The law determined who we are and how we live. We either observe it, or break it. People are free; their freedom is limited only by the freedom of others. Punishment means revenge, in particular when it aims to harm, but it does not prevent crime. For whom does the law avenge? The innocent? Do the innocent make the rules?"
instead of finishing the episode i keep returning to the beginning and listening to this.
April 20, 2020
Cinema of Conflict: Four Films by Krzysztof Kieślowski on blu-ray from Arrow UK
(https://i.imgur.com/KsZjaWl.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/AXdatfl.jpg)
Few names are as synonymous with Polish cinema as that of Krzysztof Kieślowski, the renowned auteur responsible for the Dekalog and Three Colours trilogy. Prior to the fall of the Berlin Wall and his subsequent creative and critical success in France, Kieślowski plied his trade within the confines of the Eastern Bloc, capturing the realities of everyday life under Soviet rule. This collection gathers his four earliest narrative feature films, encapsulating the years 1976–1984.
In 1976's The Scar, a well-intentioned Party loyalist is charged with overseeing the construction of a new chemical plant in the face of fierce resistance and is forced to confront the conflict between his good intentions and local opposition.
In 1979's Camera Buff, a family man and amateur filmmaker experiences a dramatic change in fortunes when his newfound hobby opens up new horizons but also results in deep marital and philosophical conflicts.
Blind Chance, completed in 1981 and denied a release in its native Poland until 1987, presents three possible outcomes to a single, seemingly banal event – a young medical student running to catch a train – and, in the process, explores the relationship between chance and choice.
Finally, in 1984's No End, a recently bereaved translator juggles the conflicting demands of her work, caring for her son and her continued visions of her late husband, all against the backdrop of a Poland under the grip of martial law.
As socially conscious as Kieślowski's earlier documentary shorts, this quartet of films covers a tumultuous period in Polish and Eastern European history, shot with unflinching realism by a filmmaker of distinction.
i'm not sure what Kieslowski's reputation would be like from just that beginning section. that's right up to Dekalog, and i mean everything changes at Dekalog. which is your favorite of the Three Colors is a sacred movie question, and any moment is a good moment for one to mention liking The Double Life of Véronique