Although I didn't find this as encompassing a film - I was reminded a lot of Jancso's The Red and the White with the camera shooting from behind characters - following them around. As well as the scattered and often unexpected violence and I enjoyed the contrast of the landscapes (reminding me somewhat of Antonioni). This is interesting and thought-provoking cinema. 

Quality of the Second Run DVD is actually excellent - anamorphic, dual-layered and progressive. Detail is far superior to Second Run's other film by Jancso; The Red and the White. This is a very good transfer probably akin to the French version found in THIS boxset. Both have this as widescreen although IMdb states it as being 1.33 (which is probably incorrect). There is very little intrusive digital noise.

The flat audio is fairly consistent although does have some weaknesses due to being monaural and the limited manner in which it was shot. There are excellent optional English subtitles supporting the Hungarian audio. Supplements include Jancsó’s renowned, but rarely-seen, 50 minute documentary Message of Stones (A kövek üzenete) from that the series of the same name. There is also a very good 16-page liner notes booklet, with many black and white photos, featuring a reprint of Penelope Houston’s Sight & Sound article on Miklós Jancsó from 1969.

This is a historical film with a heavy emphasis on the character conflicts, moral introspections and inner most personal impressions. If you get the opportunity to see it - it will probably remain quite memorable for you and on that note we highly recommend this Second Run DVD!

Gary W. Tooze