Russian Ark

There is a genius to this experimental and utterly surreal historical epic that has nothing to do with the fact that it was shot in one uninterrupted, mind-boggling 93-minute take that passes dreamlike through three centuries of Russia's royal past. In fact, you'll soon forget the gimmick as writer-director Aleksandr Sokurov turns you, the viewer, into the main character--a traveler (or is he a ghost?) set adrift in time inside the breathtakingly grand Hermitage Museum of St. Petersburg, the former Winter Palace of the czars. Guided by an eccentric, 19th century French stranger (Sergei Dreiden) who is similarly limboed in time, the viewer witnesses incredibly tangible moments of history--some random, some pivotal--while passing through the opulent halls and ballrooms of the vast palace, populated with hundreds upon hundreds of lavishly costumed extras. Yes, the logistical feats of this movie are unprecedented, but what makes Russian Ark so vivid and spellbinding is Sokurov's ability to draw us deeply into the vibrant worlds he conjures up without any of the usual cinematic sleights of hand. Highly recommended. Editor's Choice. [Note: DVD extras include audio commentary by producer Jens Meuer, the 43-minute making-of documentary “In One Breath,” Elfi Mikesch's 47-minute film Mon Paradis, Der Winterpalast (The Winter Palace), six minutes of crew interviews, filmographies, weblinks, and a trailer. Bottom line: a fine extras package for an extraordinary film.] (R. Blackwelder)[DVD/Blu-ray Review—Nov. 19, 2013—Kino Lorber, 99 min., in Russian w/English subtitles, not rated, DVD: $29.95, Blu-ray: $34.95—Making its latest appearance on DVD and debut on Blu-ray, 2002's Russian Ark sports a great transfer and 2.0 stereo sound. Extras include the 2003 “making-of” featurette “In One Breath” (43 min.), and a trailer. Bottom line: a welcome Blu-ray debut for this contemporary foreign classic.]