directed by
Hiroshi Teshigahara
Japan 1984
| Catalan architect Antonio Gaudí (1852–1926) designed some of the world's most astonishing buildings, interiors, and parks; Japanese director Hiroshi Teshigahara constructed some of the most aesthetically audacious films ever made. Here their artistry melds in a unique, enthralling cinematic experience. Less a documentary than a visual poem, Teshigahara's Antonio Gaudí takes viewers on a tour of Gaudí's truly spectacular architecture, including his massive, still-unfinished masterpiece, the Sagrada Familia cathedral in Barcelona. With camera work as bold and sensual as the curves of his subject's organic structures, Teshigahara immortalizes Gaudí on film. |
Theatrical Release: September 7th, 1985 - Toronto Film Festival
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DVD Comparison:
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mage Entertainment (Milestone Collection) - Region 0 - NTSC vs. Criterion (2-disc) - Region 1 - NTSCImage Entertainment - Region 0 - NTSC - LEFT vs. Criterion - Region 1 - NTSC RIGHT
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| Distribution | Image Entertainment - Region 0 - NTSC | Criterion Collection - Spine #425 - Region 1 - NTSC |
| Runtime | 1:11:54 | 1:12:18 |
| Video | 1.33:1
Original Aspect Ratio Average Bitrate: 7.32 mb/s NTSC 720x480 29.97 f/s |
1.33:1
Original Aspect Ratio Average Bitrate: 7.56 mb/s NTSC 720x480 29.97 f/s |
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NOTE: The Vertical axis represents the bits transferred per second. The Horizontal is the time in minutes. |
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| Audio | Japanese (Dolby Digital 2.0 Dolby) | Japanese (Dolby Digital 1.0) |
| Subtitles | English (burned - in) | English, none |
| Features |
Release Information: Edition Details: • none |
Release Information: Edition Details:
• New video interview with architect Arata Isozaki (13:07) |
| Comments: |
ADDITION: Criterion - Region 1- NTSC - March 08': Although both feature discs are single-layered the difference in the transfers are the greatest quality gap I have seen in a long while. At the writing of this review there are still 5 people selling the incredibly weak Image Entertainment DVD on Amazon Marketplace for $99 and higher. As we initially reported (below) the Image disc from 1999 is hazy, interlaced (see evident combing), extensive chroma and has burned-in subtitles. We can now tack onto those glaring faults that the image is sporadically cropped. The Criterion is pictureboxed (on all 4 sides - see our full description of 'pictureboxing' in our Kind Hearts and Coronets review). From my own personal experiences (and honeymoon photographs) I can assure you the Criterion colors are far more accurate for Gaudi's architecture including many pictures I have of the Sagrada Familia. On disc one, along with the feature is the original theatrical trailer. There is a second disc of supplements. First off Gaudí, Catalunya, 1959, is 20 minutes of silent 16mm footage from director Hiroshi Teshigahara's first trip to Spain with his father in 1959. Included are a visit to Salvador Dali's home in Port Lligat. There is a 13 minute 2006 recorded video interview with architect Arata Isozaki - best known for his design of the Los Angeles Museum of Contemporary Art (he also collaborated with Teshigahara on The Face of Another). From the BBC program Visions of Space: Antonio Gaudí is a one-hour documentary on the architect's life and work entitled 'God's Architect'. It is excellent. 'Monitor' is a 16 minute segment by Ken Russell focusing on Gaudí's architecture. Sculptures by Sofu—Vita, is a 17:18 film by Teshigahara on the sculpture of his father, Sofu Teshigahara made in 1963. Finally included in the package is a 38-page liner booklet featuring a new essay by art historian Dore Ashton, a reminiscence by Hiroshi Teshigahara, and Hiroshi and Sofu discussing their trip to the West. For anyone even remotely interested in architecture this Criterion DVD represents an essential purchase. I know fans of Teshigahara will be grateful for this Criterion release as the previous Image Entertainment DVD was such a disgrace. We whole-heartedly recommend this bountiful Criterion package! ****
ON THE IMAGE
ENTERTAINMENT DVD:
Well, as you can see there are lots of things wrong with this transfer.
Hazy, burned-in subtitles, chroma, interlaced... but although I am disappointed, I'm
so glad I have this DVD in my collection. I don't know of another DVD of
this film out by anyone. Hopefully someone will tell me. I can hope for
a far superior DVD one day, but there is no indication that it is coming
soon. I revisited this in preparing fro the upcoming Eureka Teshingahara
films on DVD -
The Face of Another +
Pitfall. I have been told they will
be spectacular. For this Image Entertainment disc I give
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DVD Menus
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Image Entertainment - Region 0 - NTSC - TOP vs. Criterion - Region 1 - NTSC BOTTOM
NOTE: Combing on Image Entertainment disc!
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Image Entertainment - Region 0 - NTSC - TOP vs. Criterion - Region 1 - NTSC BOTTOM
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| DVD Box Cover |
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| Distribution | Image Entertainment - Region 0 - NTSC | Criterion Collection - Spine #425 - Region 1 - NTSC |
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Gary Tooze
Mississauga, Ontario, CANADA |
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