Product Description

CHRONOS - HD-DVD Digital Reference Series Edition

CHRONOS, the quintessential large format film, is now available on glorious, Hi Definition DVD.

A hallmark title in the canon of special venue film presentations, CHRONOS imparts a unique vision of our world -- the first non-verbal, non-fiction motion picture filmed in time-lapse photography. Presented as a visual symphony in seven movements, CHRONOS embarks on an unprecedented cinematic journey across the worlds of natural beauty and manmade monuments, as it explores the essence of time.

Special Features: - Filmmakers' Commentary -- Featuring the film's Director, Composer, and Production Manager - Behind The Scenes -- Share the adventures of the making of CHRONOS with the Filmmakers - Behind The Landscapes -- Presents detailed information about each location provided by Columbia Encyclopedia - Optional Subtitles -- Identifies each location in the film - Director's Shot List -- Shot by shot breakdown of the film - DVD-ROM Bonus -- Columbia Encyclopedia entries with hyperlinks open new avenues of exploration - Grand Prize Winner - International OMNIMAX® Film Festival - Re-mastered under the supervision of the original Filmmakers - Audio Remix optimized for Home Theater by Original Composer - Mastered in High Resolution 5.1 Digital Surround Sound

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #14245 in DVD
• Brand: Chronos
• Rating: NR (Not Rated)
• Aspect ratio: 1.78:1
• Formats: AC-3, Color, DTS Surround Sound
• Original language: English
• Number of discs: 1
• Dimensions: 1.00 pounds
• Running time: 43 minutes

Amazon.com
Taking the familiar conventions of time-lapse cinematography to a transcendent level of artistic achievement, filmmaker Ron Fricke circled the globe to make Chronos, a stunning 70-millimeter time-lapse tour of natural and man-made wonders. The entire film has the enhanced, hyper-realistic quality of a laser-etched photograph, and by using special cameras and motion-control photographic techniques, Fricke and his technically expert crew were able to create mesmerizing images guaranteed to spark any viewer's sense of awe and wonder. Accompanied by the hypnotic music of Michael Stearns, this visual journey takes the viewer on a tour of over 50 locations on nearly every continent of the world, including explorations of Paris, the Vatican, the Egyptian pyramids, the African veldt, and many more stunning vistas. The cumulative effect is the feeling that the world--from the busiest metropolis to the most serenely remote wilderness landscape--is dictated by "chronos," the rhythm of time to which all living things must submit. Like Koyaanisquatsi and Baraka, this is one of those eye-candy films that was conceived according to its specific theme, so it's not only a soothing visual experience but a thought-provoking study of our fascinating planet. --Jeff Shannon

Customer Reviews

A visual and aural treat!
Originally released as an IMAX film in the mid-80s, Chronos on DVD unfortunately can not match the power of the IMAX experience. But really; what TV can compete with a 5-story-high screen? I saw the film three times in IMAX and each time I saw something new and amazing. I couldn't wait to get this film on DVD. Any shortcomings the Chronos DVD has are related to the size and clarity of the image as displayed on a television, not the film's content. The images of earthly constructions both natural and man-made are drop-dead-gorgeous, and the music -- a nonstop electronic instrumental score -- is mesmerizing. At roughly 45 minutes in length, you'll not want it to end. The disc has a spare and clunky interface and no special features, but who cares? Chronos is a wonder that I find myself watching again and again.

Good, but not as good as Baraka...
For those who loved the Qatsi Trilogy and Baraka, this is a welcome addition to your collection. It's completely time-elapse cinematography which features some compelling locations, particularly the interior of the Vatican and the Pyramids at Giza. It's a little shorter in length than the other films I mentioned above, and in my opinion the music, with its eerie synthesized tones dates the film (circa 1984), but it's worth the very affordable price the disc is retailing for now. This special collector's edition DVD also includes some interesting interviews with the crew about their experiences during the making of the film, and the groundbreaking camera that was invented specifically for this project.
All in all, if you're a fan of Baraka and the Qatsi Trilogy or just time-elapse photography then you will certainly appreciate this early contribution to it's genre.

From Some of The Fathers of Wordless Narrative Film
Released in 1985, "Chronos" is a forty-minute long "visual-music journey". It is a Presentation of the Reuben H. Fleet Space Theater of San Diego, California and S.E.M. Lagode, Paris, France.

"Chronos" was filmed on location at over sixty sites around the globe. Images of significant natural beauty, architectural complexity, iconic historical sculpture and various panoramic cityscapes were captured on 70mm film using mostly slow motion and time lapse cinematography.

The wordless narrative structure of the work primarily attempts to convey feelings of reverence and appreciation for the breath-taking subject matter. In addition, it also suggests states of significant anxiety experienced as a consequence of the pace and complexity of modern urban life.

Electronic music, composed and performed by Michael Stearns, is thoroughly integrated with the considered, slowly paced editing of Alton Walpole and Ron Fricke. Image and sound interpenetrate one another to suggest and convey the eloquent wordless scenario, which was conceived by both Constantine and Genevieve Nicholas.

Having begun as cinematographer for director Godfrey Reggio's film "Koyaanisqatsi", we see with "Chronos" that Ron Fricke helped to sow the visual and conceptual seeds of wordless narrative film. This medium finally bore satisfying fruit with 1992's feature length work "Baraka". "Chronos", however, remains as essential viewing.

By this passionate evidence of Mr. Fricke's ongoing struggle, we see that their is, at last, some sign of harmonious life beyond the scenario of Godfrey Reggio's dire trilogy.