Rating: 
Summary: Moving and thought-provoking
Review: "Koyaanisqatsi" has held up well over the years since I first saw it at the cinema. Its images were almost all as powerful via this DVD as I remember them having been 20 years ago. Those that have worn a little thin--notably the transition from a satellite view of a city to an extreme close-up of a computer chip--have done so because they have been so often imitated and repeated since "Koyaanisqatsi" was first seen. I found "Powaqqatsi" less riveting on this first viewing than "Koyaanisqatsi," but noticed that it resonated longer in my mind and provoked more thought and conversation later. Its images and ideas have remained with me for weeks now. The "Qatsi" films are unique works, neither documentary nor entertainment in the strict sense of either term. Nor are they mere visual social commentaries. The music of Philip Glass, the amazing, often context-less cinematography, the editing, and the philosophical underpinnings that drive the enterprise, all combine in a work that defies categorization but can't fail to stir the viewer. The DVDs each contain a commentary section featuring writer-directory Godfrey Reggio and composer Glass. The commentaries provide some concreteness in the vast abstraction of the work, but I made the mistake of watching the "Powaqqatsi" commentary before seeing the film, and it diminished the film's impact. I recommend savoring the films themselves at least once before going to the commentaries.
Rating: 
Summary: Fantastic Movies - Widescreen Lunacy
Review: Finally, the first two movies of the Qatsi-Trilogy are available on DVD. Since the movies are an individually different experience (hypnotic and mind-boggling for one, dull and boring for others) I won't try to explain the content.
The DVD Version is 16:9 enhanced which is, in fact, a mutilation of the original 4:3 picture. The cover states "as seen in theaters", but I have seen it in theaters many times and never saw it vertically chopped like this. Essential parts of the picture are missing, all this just to please people, who like
their 16:9 TV-screens filled. What is the point in omitting vertical information just to enhance the resolution of the cropped picture? You can see in almost every frame that there is something wrong, not fitting quite well. This is simply because the camerapeople certainly filmed most of the footage in 4:3, not with modern widescreen-lunacy in mind. I don't really enjoy the DVD's, I rather put in the VHS copy of Koyaanisqatsi made from Laserdisc or the german DVD-version of Powaqqatsi, which is in the correct non-cropped aspect ratio. 16:9 enhancement is fine when done on widescreen movies, but not this time.
5 stars for the movies, 2 stars for the DVD's.
Rating: 
Summary: Yes, get the 2- pack!
Review: The first film, "Koyaanisqatsi," is superior, but the second film, "Powaqqatsi," has many visually stimulating moments as well. "Koyaanisqatsi" was a landmark film when it was first released, using time-lapse photography and other trick-cinematography to show the world in a new way. There are many provocative moments, my personal favorites being shots of landscapes and night-time city-scapes accelerated. The final shot of a rocket exploding is simply visceral to the point of being haunting. I can still see the swirling, fiery image days afterward. Now, for the second film. "Powaqqatsi" has some amazing shots, as well, but it lacks the first film's unique originality, using many of the same techniques from the first film but with fewer jarring sequences. However, the score to the second film is what really carries it to the end. The music, in my humble opinion, is more memorable and gives a sense of worldly ambience. Indeed, I loved the score so much that directly after watching "Powaqqatsi" I went on-line and purchased the CD. As a combination, these two films are engrossing, dated here and there, annoying at times, but overall, emotionally moving. What sold me on the 2-pack is the fact it's only a couple of bucks more for both. To me, it was worth it. It's like I got the second film as a rental that I never have to return. Adios.
Rating:
Summary: A Masterpiece
Review: The only shortcoming of the masterpiece epic "Koyaanisqatsi" on DVD is technical: the tape-to-DVD transfer is quite noisy: it's evident in some shots and colors where the shimmering "noise" detracts slightly from the visuals. Nevertheless this is a groundbreaking film, and seeing it 21 years after its cinematic release, yah it blows me (and anyone else who sees it)away. So hey GR howzaboot a complete remastering, on par with the excellent soundtrack remaster? This film deserves nothing less. One of the top 5 films of all time.
Rating:
Summary: A life of its own on so many levels...
Review: 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.
Rating:
Summary: A Cinematic Masterpiece......Experience "Qatsi"(Life)!...
Review: This review refers to "Koyaanisqatsi" and "Powaqqatsi" (2-Pack) DVDs(MGM).... You'll want to make sure that when you watch these films, you will not have any interuptions. You will not even be able to tear yourself away from a minute of these moving and mind stimulating events. So turn of the cell phone, pagers and make sure the kids are tucked safely away! "Koyannisqatsi" and "Powaqqatsi" are the first and second in the "Qatsi" trilogy. A combination of great talents working together as one bring to film the most visually and musically stunning experience. "Qatsi" is the Hopi word for life. In "Koyaanisqatsi", Director Godfrey Reggio, Composer Phillip Glass and Cinematographer Ron Fricke combine their brillance for "Life Out of Balance". From the beauty of Nature to the world of modern technology, the images are set to music in a documentary that needs no words. In "Powaqqatsi" we find "Life In Transformation". Once again Reggio and Glass collaborate this time with photographers Graham Berry and Leonida Zourdoumis for yet another mesmerizng experience. Images of cultures from underdeveloped countries, and their ancient ways, toiling to make a life, set to Glass' genius will have you hypnotized. I suggest watching the first one, and taking time to absorb it and watching the second later on. These are films to be discussed, as each person may take something different away with them. And each time you view it, the experience may be differnt for you. The DVD's do justice to these wonderful pieces of art. The pictures in widescreen are crystal clear, colors vibrant and gorgeous. The sound is in Dolby Dig 5.1, and with the music being the dialouge for these films, adds greatly to the whole experience. There are trailers for the trilogy (I am eagerly awaiting the release of "Naqoyqatsi - Life as War" to DVD), and some insightful commentary by the filmakers. This commentary is in the form of a featurette, not viewed during the film. Putting them together in this two-pack was a great idea, and the price is right for these cinematic treats. Go for it..and enjoy...Laurie
Rating:
Summary: Breathtaking journey...
Review: After reading a few reviews, I'm a bit confused, but I enjoy this 1.85:1 LBX because Ron Fricke's photography is all-consuming. I, too, saw this in theatres ("Koy", had to wait for "Pow" on DVD). The best thing about these DVD's is the side-shows, namely, the documentary interviews with Reggio & Glass. The films are riveting, and speak for themselves. One important thing Reggio said in the interview is not to ask why you're watching these films, but to relax and let them take you in. Reggio had an idea, and ran with it. "Koy" was mostly centered in the American West, and, to me, basically said that what God has created is still there but man's already changing his ideas about how to make it better. Reggio also said that "Pow" takes place in the Southern Hemisphere, though most of the locations were Egypt, Nepal, Hong Kong, etc. The most stunning thing about this second film is the joy of life that surrounds these "backward" cultures. Who's to say what's "backward"? The important lesson is that technology could destroy eons of precious culture that exists simply because man hasn't been around to screw it up. Indeed, the photography in "Pow" (by Graham Berry & Leonidas Zourdoumis) seems to focus on brilliant colors and has less of the fast-forward stuff used in "Koy" by Fricke (suggesting that these are more relaxed cultures). The photography in both is exquisite, as is the music of Philip Glass (though it was more computer generated in "Koy", and a bit repetitive). My biggest argument with the DVD would be that I've been interested in some of the locations, and a commentary track would've been appreciated. These are films of great importance and influence. Reggio's first idea was sponsored by Coppola, long a fan of independent ideas. The second was by Coppola and Lucas, and I noticed that Soderbergh is mentioned as co-producer of the third, "Naqoyqatsi", as yet unreleased. Since "Koy", I've noticed the Reggio/Fricke influence in many of the commercials on TV. (Yes, I watch TV!).I like these films; they're thought-provoking and, somehow, visualize ugliness in the most beautiful way. Let them take you away.
Rating:
Summary: A Masterpiece
Review: The only shortcoming of the masterpiece epic "Koyaanisqatsi" on DVD is technical: the tape-to-DVD transfer is quite noisy: it's evident in some shots and colors where the shimmering "noise" detracts slightly from the visuals. Nevertheless this is a groundbreaking film, and seeing it 21 years after its cinematic release, yah it blows me (and anyone else who sees it)away. So hey GR howzaboot a complete remastering, on par with the excellent soundtrack remaster? This film deserves nothing less. One of the top 5 films of all time.
Rating:
Summary: Astounding
Review: This film is one of few that has used this form of media to it's full potential. The combination of images and music presented in a fashion that allows the view to extrapolate meaning (rather than have meaning thrust upon them) is both refreshing and thought-provoking. This trilogy is a true artistic masterpiece.
Rating:
Summary: Life distilled into a shot of on-screen espresso
Review: After viewing Naqoyqatsi at SA's NPR CinemaTuesday event, I had to watch the first of the Qatsi trilogy to help me understand why I never forgot the haunting vision. Perhaps, I thought, being an idealistic second year Philosophy major made me believe something that wasn't really there: Life distilled into a shot of on-screen espresso.
No. Twenty years later and the film is still relevant. The wonderful cinematography and soundtrack combine in a synergistic dance that forces the viewer to contemplate their existence among the mighty forces of man and nature.
Powaqqatsi is no different. The cinematography and soundtrack offer a stunning experience for the viewer to contemplate man's struggle with himself.
This DVD set should be a welcome addition for people who experienced Koyaanisqatsi and Powaqqatsi on the big screen. YMMV when you consider the experience in a movie theater vs. home theater. For my experience, I had a 16 x 9 TV, and a very high-end sound system, a perfect pairing for recreating those feelings from 20 years ago.
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