Chronos Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray presentation of "Chronos" offers an impressive 1080p transfer that was meticulously created from the original 65mm negatives under director Ron Fricke's supervision. This transfer reveals exceptional clarity and depth, especially in far-away shots where fine object detail becomes more pronounced. The remastered Blu-ray display surpasses its previous 1080i HD DVD counterpart, providing a smoother and more film-like appearance while maintaining sharpness. The film's color palette is equally compelling, with deep azure blues of desert skies, rusty terracotta hues of canyon walls, and the vibrant gilded interiors of the Vatican standing out particularly well.

However, the transfer is not without its issues, mainly due to the film's age and the inherent nature of the original materials. Grain is notably present throughout the film and can be mildly distracting against solid colors or grand vistas. Minor print wear and tear, such as white specks and occasional dirt spots, are evident but not overwhelming. Additionally, brightness flickering is noticeable in certain time-lapse sequences, a result of the photographic techniques rather than the transfer quality. Despite these minor flaws, black levels remain deep, preserving shadow details consistently.

Overall, while "Chronos" may not achieve the gold-standard quality of films like "Baraka," it remains a visually compelling Blu-ray presentation. The transfer showcases excellent consistency in grayscale, making it a marked improvement over its previous HD DVD release. The image stability and enhanced detail ensure an enriched viewing experience on larger displays, making this version a worthy addition for enthusiasts of high-definition film transfers.

The audio presentation of "Chronos" on Blu-ray excels through its use of a DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 surround track, significantly enhanced with a 96kHz/24-bit quality. Michael Stearns' synthesizer-heavy score dominates the auditory experience, creating an immersive soundscape free from dialogue, narration, or natural ambient sounds. The synthesizer pads and subtle arpeggios command attention, delivering an engaging presence in all six channels. Martial drum rhythms resonate convincingly from the rear speakers, while modulated classical elements enrich the soundspace. However, the mix occasionally feels cluttered as sweeping synth lines and bell-like tollings converge.

Despite mixed opinions on Stearns' dated, though unique score, its technical execution impresses notably. The high end is consistently clean and the dynamic range, very bright, complements the electronic instrumentation. Low bass frequencies, supported by Stearns' custom instrument "The Beam," provide a robust and satisfying LFE presence. The soundfield is enveloping, effectively engaging even those using current Blu-ray hardware limitations, demonstrating remarkable resilience in audio quality at 1.5mbps core DTS track. The back channels contribute to a grand, wall-of-sound effect that is both immersive and wonderfully overpowering when played through a quality speaker setup.

The Blu-ray edition of "Chronos" delivers an engaging package of extras that expands upon the visual experience of the film with insightful commentary and interactive features. The commentary track is particularly noteworthy, featuring director Ron Fricke, composer Michael Stearns, and production manager Alton Walpole. This track offers abundant production details, technical insights, and entertaining anecdotes, such as filming challenges in remote locations and making practical lighting effects. For deeper context during the film, the Annotations and Locations features provide scene-specific information and geographical positioning. While these extras do not delve deeply into Fricke's thematic choices, they add valuable background to the cinematic experience. Fans should note that some extras from the standard DVD are missing, but the high-definition exclusive content compensates for these omissions.

Extras included in this disc:

• Commentary with Director Ron Fricke, Composer Michael Stearns, and Production Manager Alton Walpole: Insightful production details and entertaining anecdotes.
• Annotations: On-screen text providing additional information about each location.
• Locations: Globe overlay showing the geographical context of each scene.

Ron Fricke's "Chronos", a hallmark title in time-lapse photography, offers an extraordinary cinematic journey that examines the essence of time itself. Emerging as Fricke's directorial debut, the film bridges natural and manmade worlds through stunning visuals captured at 1.5 frames per second. Chronos offers a visual symphony across seven movements, juxtaposing the sublime beauty of nature with humanity's grand yet ultimately transient monuments. Iconic locations like the American Southwest, Mont-Saint-Michel, and Stonehenge serve as backdrops that illustrate the fleeting, transitory nature of life and Earth.

The exemplary time-lapse cinematography highlights both the imposing permanence yet inevitable decay of human endeavors. Michelangelo's statue of David stands motionless amidst relentless activity at New York's Grand Central Station, while the serene Sainte Chapelle contrasts sharply with Paris's bustling riverboats. Fricke also contrasts steel skyscrapers and Vatican interiors with eroded ruins and decaying castles, underscoring that everything eventually succumbs to time. Despite technical and financial constraints during production, Fricke has succeeded in creating a visually breathtaking spectacle that marries image and sound seamlessly.

Chronos may not carry the social urgency or cohesive narrative found in Fricke's later works like "Baraka" or Reggio's "Koyaanisqatsi", but its beauty lies in its open-endedness. The film forgoes overt messages, allowing viewers to derive their own interpretations from the montage of natural and architectural magnificence. The soundtrack, while less reminiscent of Philip Glass and more akin to Yanni on acid, complements the visual feast perfectly. Although only 40 minutes long, this time-lapse cinematographic gem poignantly underscores that time is all we have, making every fleeting moment a precious glimpse into the temporal nature of our existence.

"Chronos" remains a unique and compelling entry in the canon of non-narrative cinema, masterfully directed by Ron Fricke. While it may lack the deep emotional resonance of its successor "Baraka," "Chronos" offers an often-stunning visual exploration of the intersection of time and humanity. This film is a must-watch for fans of travel documentaries and those who appreciate meditative, thought-provoking cinema.

The Blu-ray release of "Chronos" by Koch noticeably improves upon its prior HD DVD edition. The visual transfer is more refined, showcasing Fricke’s meticulous cinematography in stunning clarity. The audio upgrade to full-blown DTS HD Lossless Master audio further enhances the immersive experience, providing a richer and more dynamic soundscape. These technical enhancements elevate "Chronos" into an even more impressive IMAX experience, rendering it captivating and soothing, albeit not necessarily mainstream.

In conclusion, while "Chronos" may not cater to all tastes, its unique approach and breathtaking visuals make it worth experiencing in high definition. The Blu-ray edition's superior audio and visual quality amplify the film's impact, solidifying its place as a noteworthy piece for enthusiasts of non-narrative cinema. Be sure to watch out for Ron Fricke's sequel to "Baraka," "Samsara," which promises to continue this legacy of visually stunning filmmaking. Recommended.