Andrei Rublev (The Criterion Collection) [Blu-ray]

Andrei Tarkovsky's second full length feature and first independent production Andrei Rublev (1966) was a masterpiece of world cinema. I think this film is on the same level as Seven Samurai, it is an epic film that draws many different styles such as comedy and drama, and themes such as the irrepressible need to create together in long sitting. The opening and closing sequences in particular are memorable. In the opening prologue sequence we get the story of myth of the first man to fly-a Russian peasant who created a crude hot air balloon. Tarkovsky uses birdseye camera shots, crane shots, tracking shots, and punctuates the crash with a freeze frame followed by a slow motion depiction of a horse rolling on its back. It a very striking opening.The closing epilogue see the director switch to color to present the audience with the aged but still impressive, details of several of Andrei Rublev's actual icon paintings. The rest of the film is divided into eight chapters that take place in the 15th century which looks at a turbulent period of strife among rival princes and Tartar invasions. Many of these feature the famous icon painter Andrei Rublev, but some chapters do not feature him. The first chapter is notable for the depiction of the jester as a critic of the church and government and is imprisoned for his impudence. The final chapter is also one of the highlights of the film in the depiction of the construction of a massive bell for the Grand Prince by Boriska (Nicolai Burlyayev who starred in Tarkovsky's earlier film Ivan's Childhood), the young son of the the bell maker who share an understanding of being artisans who have doubts about their creative powers. All in all this film was very much worthy of the Criterion treatment with: new 2K digital restoration of the director’s preferred 185-minute cut, with uncompressed monaural soundtrack, new 2K digital transfer of the original 205-minute version of the film, The Passion According to Andrei . Steamroller and Violin, Tarkovsky’s 1961 student thesis film, The Three Andreis, a 1966 documentary about the writing of the film’s script, On the Set of “Andrei Rublev,” a 1966 documentary about the making of the film, new interviews with actor Nikolai Burlyaev and cinematographer Vadim Yusov by filmmakers Seán Martin and Louise Milne, new interview with film scholar Robert Bird, selected-scene commentary from 1998 featuring film scholar Vlada Petric, new video essay by filmmaker Daniel Raim, new English subtitle translation, and an essay by critic J. Hoberman.

Perhaps Tarkovsky’s best film, and perhaps the best Blu-ray version, until we get a 4K release this stands as an essential cinephile purchase, it is so much better than the previous Criterion dvd release. Thoroughly recommended!

Brilliant filmmaking. Immersive in medieval Russia. Gorgeous black and white photography with a but of color at the end. Yes, very slow and artsy but get in the right mood and you'll enjoy it. Huge set pieces, episodic.

One of the all time great films.

I don't say this often: this is a movie that has to be seen on a big screen in a cinema. Given that such is impossible over 99% of the time, this Blu-Ray offering is the best you can do. Consider this: it's a film called ANDREI RUBLEV that has little to do with the historical figure of Andrei Rublev. There are many scenes in which he is completely—or almost completely—absent. That really doesn't matter. It's a movie that paints a portrait of the Middle Ages in Russia. It includes the foolhardy endeavors of man to fly, the diabolic attempts of woman to embrace the numinous, and the ambition of a young man to cast a bell. Somewhere in the mix is the story of a monk who merely wants to change the color palette of Orthodox iconography. That monk is Rublev. The ending is glorious, if you are lucky enough to see it on a big screen. Otherwise, it will make you bow in shame at the inadequacy of your home theatre, no matter how much you have splurged on it. Still and all, don't think of missing this. Even if you have a DVD of this movie, go immediately and throw it away. Buy the Blu-Ray. (Plays beautifully in Region 1; forget the Cyrillic lettering on the box.) This is the most crucial Tarkovsky to see in high definition, but you still owe it to yourself to acquire any other of his films available in hi-def.

One really understands the movie better after watching the special features on the making of the movie. Then I went back and saw the movie again and understood it much better.

This is a film I've been waiting for on Blu-ray for a long time, and it didn't disappoint. The bonus features are extensive, too. The restoration is exactly what you'd expect from Criterion. If you're a fan of Andrei Rublev, do not hesitate to grab one of these before they drift away. I will note that the 205 minute version is not fully restored, and it contains a lot of scratches and aging. However, it is better than what we've had before, and I personally do not mind aging defects as long as the picture still looks filmic and detailed. In this case, the 205 is beautiful even with the crackling of an aged negative. If this version were the only one available, I would be satisfied. However, the 183 minute version, preferred by Tarkovsky, is the one they restored immaculately, and it is just stunning. A few soft shots here and there, but nothing jarring the spell of the beautiful presentation. Access this transfer's trailer on YouTube or here at Amazon under its product description if you want to get the idea.

fast shipping and all in good condition even with the actual context ! and about the movie itself, is a masterpiece, i was astonishing by the second film of Tarkovsky, even i will say... for me is better than Stalker or Solaris.... The bad about this version is the "poster-book", why???? why no just the normal booklet.... i dont get it