Himalaya Blu-ray Review

Kino-Lorber has outdone themselves with the Blu-ray video transfer of "Himalaya." Presented in 1080p/AVC-encoded format and retaining a 2.35:1 aspect ratio, the remastering work on this 35mm Cinemascope brings every detail to life with exceptional clarity. The natural grain patterns are intact, ensuring no excessive digital noise reduction, edge enhancement, or over-saturation mars the viewing experience. The transfer captures a vivid, almost three-dimensional quality reminiscent of 70mm IMAX, especially in the Tibet sections. The crispness reveals the intricate stitching of hand-sewn clothing and the weather-beaten faces of the actors, adding a remarkable layer of realism.

Colors are meticulously graded and balanced, with skies properly exposed despite the challenging full sun at high elevations, maintaining grounded black levels without appearing stylized. While there are a few fleeting softer shots, they are rare and do not detract from the overall sharpness and compelling depth of field in the mountainous landscapes. This finely tuned visual presentation allows viewers to fully appreciate the intricate details and natural textures, making it a phenomenal upgrade from any previous DVD versions. Fans of "Himalaya" will find this Blu-ray transfer an essential addition to their collection.

The Blu-ray release of "Himalaya" features a superb Tibetan DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 surround track that truly elevates the cinematic experience. At the heart of this mix is a rich and immersive score by French composer Bruno Coulais, seamlessly blending Tibetan elements such as the atonal chanting of Buddhist monks with traditional orchestral arrangements. This results in a sweeping and forceful musical score that envelops the listener, especially when played at elevated volume settings. The intricate soundfield is further enhanced by authentic environmental ambiances, with buzzards cawing from rear speakers, herds of yaks stampeding, and the relentless whipping of wind, all contributing to a highly dynamic auditory landscape.

The dialogue throughout is consistently clear and well-balanced, predominantly occupying the center channel, which ensures intelligibility even amid the dense and active soundscape accompanied by optional English subtitles. The detailed ambient noises—from birds crowing to the subtle rustle of nature—emit frequently from the surround channels, producing an impressively immersive atmosphere. Additionally, the audio track is impeccably clean, devoid of any pops, cracks, or hissing, which underscores the exceptional quality of this release. Overall, the audio presentation of "Himalaya" is pristine and compelling, providing an engaging and enveloping experience that brings the film’s mesmerizing landscapes and cultural elements to life.

The Blu-ray extras for "Himalaya" provide a comprehensive and insightful look into the film's creation, combining professional commentary with behind-the-scenes footage. Notable is the Audio Commentary featuring director Eric Valli and journalist Debra Kellner, offering a Q&A format that delves into Valli's nine-month filming experience in Tibet and the real-life stories inspiring the script. The Making of Himalaya gives an in-depth 27-minute overview of the production's challenges and triumphs in the mountains. Additionally, the Electronic Press Kit compiles behind-the-scenes featurettes and promotional clips, while various short SD clips provide glimpses into specific moments and characters on set.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary: Discussion of film-making process and inspiration.
• The Making of Himalaya: Documentary exploring on-location challenges.
• Electronic Press Kit: Behind-the-scenes features and promotional materials.
• TV Promo Trailer: Brief TV spot.
• Yaks on a Cliff: Scene-specific featurette.
• Karma Leads A Caravan: On-set footage.
• Tinle and Norbou: Character-focused clip.
• Karma Wangiel On Set: Behind-the-scenes footage.
• Theatrical Trailer: Original movie trailer.

Éric Valli's "Himalaya" is visually breathtaking, capturing the timeless essence of rural Tibet's Dolpa region. This narrative film, embedded in the tradition-rich lifestyle of villagers, doubles as a cultural documentarian piece, reflecting a way of life seemingly untouched for centuries. Dolpa's inhabitants mine salt, tend yak herds, and subsist on wheat, adhering to ancient rites and hand-sewn clothing. Valli, a seasoned National Geographic photographer and documentarian, brings an authentic touch by casting mainly local, non-professional actors and shooting in remote areas solely accessible by foot.

The story hinges on the power dynamics within the village, centering around Tinle (Thinien Lhondup), the aging chief whose succession plan is disrupted by his son Lhakpa's death. Tinle's suspicion of Lhakpa's best friend Karma (Gurgon Kyap) sets off a series of events highlighting generational clashes. With Karma poised to lead against astrological advice, Tinle embarks alongside his son's son Tsering and older tribe members on a perilous journey through the Demon's Path.

Despite its narrative simplicity, the film holds a fable-like allure, infused with a moral about the mirroring flaws of youthful rebelliousness and stubborn old age. This minimally dramatic approach allows the majestic Himalayan landscape to command attention. "Himalaya" stands out for its vivid cinematography in 2.35:1 Cinemascope ratio, which beautifully captures the rugged terrain and emphasizes the remote, inhospitable environment of Dolpa. The film excels as an immersive visual experience rather than an emotionally gripping story, making it a culturally enriching and visually stunning watch regardless of its straightforward plot.

Review of "Himalaya" Blu-ray

Éric Valli's "Himalaya" seamlessly melds a Tibetan fable with breathtaking National Geographic quality visuals, capturing a disappearing culture with unmatched authenticity. While the storyline may not captivate in terms of drama, the ethnological depth and stunning cinematography significantly compensate. The Blu-ray release by Kino-Lorber is technically impressive, boasting a remarkable high-definition transfer and an impeccable lossless audio track. This package is enhanced by a suite of informative special features that elevate the overall viewing experience.

The film's brilliance lies in its visual storytelling. The landscapes are not merely backdrops but crucial elements of the narrative, providing a vivid, immersive experience of a tough yet beautiful way of life. The video and audio presentations on this Blu-ray are outstanding, making every frame a visual feast. Additional materials include a decent making-of featurette and an informative commentary track that provide further insight into the film's production and cultural context.

In conclusion, "Himalaya" on Blu-ray is a must-have for those interested in unique cultures and exceptional filmmaking. Despite its serene narrative pace, the film's visual and technical excellence create a compelling viewing experience. This Blu-ray comes highly recommended for its cultural significance and stunning visual presentation.