Kin-dza-dza! (Georgi Daneliya, 1986)

[jmj713]

Kin-dza-dza!

This is a realy obscure Russian sci-fi black comedy by a director unknown in the West, but I think it deserves much greater attention. To this end, I just stumpled upon this film on Google Video, fan-subtitled (not by me). If curious, please watch it here.

The film is really unique, in both Russian and even, perhaps, Western, cinema. It depicts a post-apocalyptic world which hasn't been lifted from another source, it's wholly its own. Criterion could take on a risk and save this film from obscurity. They'd be doing everyone a huge favor.

P.S.: I see there's more conversation about the film on imdb.com than there used to be and that's encouraging. I'm still hoping Criterion will bless us with a restored print of this important film.

[Person]

Bizarre film. Very enjoyable.

[jmj713]

I'm glad that there seems to be a lot more English-language information and discussion of this film than there was just a couple of years ago (judging by Google results). I was quite surprised actually to see a video podcast dedicated to the film. Sadly, still the only way to see it for those that don't speak Russian is online bootlegs.

[colinr0380]

Thanks for the link, and I should thank the podcasters who added the subtitles giving us the chance to see it. Hopefully this might inspire a DVD of it (although hopefully not a Ruscico 5.1 remixed one! )

On a related Russian sci-fi film note, I came across this animated version of Ray Bradbury's There Will Come Soft Rains short story yesterday. There is a link to the short story as well in the comments section. Be warned though, it is incredibly depressing!

[Kirkinson]

Ruscico's long-dormant page for this film has recently been updated with specs and even a price ($33) which seems to indicate that it'll be released soon. So who knows what will happen once the film has one of those Ruscico releases that other DVD labels love to port so much.

The Ruscico DVD looks to have an interview with Daneliya, soundtrack in both the original mono and a surround remix, and subtitles in English, Spanish, Italian, French, German, and Russian.

Worringly, however, it lists the aspect ratio as 16:9. I'm pretty sure the film is intended as 4:3, so I hope either the web site is wrong or I am.

[jmj713]

Kirkinson, thanks for the update. Hopefully the transfer will be fully restored. As far as the aspect ratio, it's a very confusing area in Soviet-era film. It could very well have been shown in theaters at around 1.85:1 but the currently available transfers are probably open-matte.

[petoluk]

Hi guys!

If you're interested, there's a graphical comparison of 2 current Russian editions of Kin-dza-dza! over at dvdfreak.bloudil.cz. There's also a Japanese release, but I've got no idea how it looks...

Regarding the upcoming RusCiCo release, 1 year ago I was in contact with the people there, and they told me they planned Kin-dza-dza! for June '06, so here's hoping they meant '07.

Peto

[jmj713]

Good comparison, thanks for the link. I have the Krupnyi Plan DVD (NTSC version), it's servicable, but I'm just dreaming what Criterion could do with this film (especially looking at their restoration of Ivan's Childhood).

[petoluk]

I gave up on this long time ago, but it seems they finally made it - RusCiCo's Kin-dza-dza! release is out!

Peto

[jmj713]

Wow, I totally forgot about this topic. It's been so long. I'm still holding out hope for a Criterion edition. I think is an amazing film and deserves much better.

I see that old comparison was updated with the new screenshots from Ruscico, but looks like they used the same old master. They may call it a restoration but it really is not. At least not anywhere near what Criterion could do. It's a very fuzzy and discolored picture.

Using photo-editing software I was able to tweak the screenshots a bit to where I think the look needs to be:

Ruscico (top) vs. Me (bottom)













A very rudimentary and quick job, but this film can't possibly be in such a horrible state that they can't do a proper restoration...

[perkizitore]

I would hope for a Second Run release (you can always dream for a Criterion), but in the US only Facets would handle it and with horrid results.

[jmj713]

This film begs a commentary at the very least.

[SadGeezer]

Alas still no Criterion edition. I'd have hoped they would have done one by now.
Also my original post of the film on Google has been taken down and is no longer available to view :(.
The only place I can see to by a legal copy of the film is Amazon.de for the Ruscico release.

PS. Thanks for the kind words above. Subbing the film was great fun (wife is Russian), she did the translation and I subbed it. When I first saw the film she had to translate it as we watched it, quite romantic :)

[Ashirg]

The film is now available subtitled on Youtube from Mosfilm's official channel - part 1 and part 2

[Kirkinson]

Animated remake opens on April 11 in Russia.

Not sure how I feel about this.

[petoluk]

Animated remake opens on April 11 in Russia.

Not sure how I feel about this.

Ehhhhh... I'm lost for words...

[jmj713]

Since Hard to Be a God is getting a US release, it got me thinking about Kin-Dza-Dza again and what a wonderful Criterion release it would make, introducing this gem to a wide audience. Not that these are very similar films, but both are pretty crazy sci-fi movies (in different ways). But I guess this would be even more out of left field than Jellyfish Eyes...