Sacrifice

As a Tarkovsky fan I watched the Sacrifice in all formats possible, starting with the Russian big screen premiere back in 1986 and up to the last Bluray version of this movie that was released a few years back by Kino International. It never crossed my mind that there could be a 4K version of it. I found it here, on Amazon while browsing for some dog biscuits. Don't ask me why.In all honesty, I was very skeptical about the 4K remaster. Here is the reason. The movie was shot back in the 80s on garden variety Eastman Kodak film. In an effort for a viewer to enjoy a real, genuine 4K movie on their TV it has to have gone through a chain of expensive technical components that simply were not available back in those ancient times. First, it has to be shot in 4K, then edited and mastered in that resolution, then it has to be transferred a media (a disk for example) in the same format. I am not even touching the media player and the TV topics here. So, the benefits of a 4K remaster are minimal , at best. But still, Tarkovsky only shot 7 films and each one of them is rarely re-released, so I decided to buy the 4K remaster.From now on I will have to get fairly technical because some of the future buyers may be interested in this information. I know I would be. The movie is slightly sharper, vivid, with more vivid and life-like colors, especially during brightly lit takes. The first 20 minutes especially. How much better does it look? Of course, nowhere near the recent 4K blockbuster releases. But it looks 15%-20% better than the last BD version of it (by Kino International, Remastered 2 disk version, which is also for sale here on Amazon).If you are a Tarkosvsky fan like me, if you can recite every line in all of his movies and know all of the scenes by heart, you have to buy this 4K version even if you already have the Kino International 2 disk rematered Bluray. But not just for the slight improvement in picture quality. The main benefits of this 4K restoration are two fold:1. Audio Commentary by Layla Alexander-Garrett – Tarkovksy's translator from the set of The Sacrifice.2. Interview with Michal Leszczylowski (HD, 32 min) – The co-editor of The Sacrifice and the director of Directed by Andrei Tarkovsky.I found both extra features simply mesmerizing, and I have read Tarkovsky's diary in its entirety. What they (Layla and Michal) talked about I didnt even know. If you are a fan of this cinema genius then you have to get this version for that reason alone.Now to the defects of it. They are not that bad, that is why I am giving it five big stars.First, even though this is a 4K version, my 4K TV only showed it in 1080p. I am not complaining. Even if it was showing in 4K, ince the original movie was shot on 30mm Kodak film it still would have looked the same. But still, if the disk says 4K it should be 4K and not less. My player was an Xbox One S, but it is perfectly capable of playing 4K and HDR in stunning resolution and colors.Second, the soundtrack is still in mono. Remastering a mono soundtrack to a stereo version isn't that expensive. These days a simple software can do that, no need to hire actors to do that. I am not asking for an 11 channel Atmos surround soundtrack, but simple stereo would have been fantastic.In any case, out of all versions I have seen (big screen, VHS, DVD, BD) this is the best version. But do me a favor and watch it like I did, first the movie, then the movie again with the audio commentary, then the Michal's interview.

This is a very powerful heart wrenching film. With every viewing there’s a deeper experience. This was the director’s last film. He died of cancer shortly after. I wish he was still around making great soul searching films.

Pretty good movie than I thought. Kind of an unbelievable plot, but it was well acted. Madsen gave a better than expected performance in this movie. Not much on action, but it was still a pretty good movie.

The movie is beautifully designed ; but the story jumps back and forth

Well packaged, good quality.

The legendary Tarkovsky late period

see above

I have this movie both on VHS & DVD & I must tell you it is darn good...I don't know what these other viewers are complaining for, because this movie follows true to the book on these actually killings...I personally love Michael Madsen & this movie just goes to show you that he can play any role given to him...A must buy for any Michael Madsen fan & even if your not, it's still a GREAT MOVIE:0)...

One time '80s action director Mark L. Lester traded in his penchant for big budget studio fare for a slew of direct to video wonders that tipped the scales with stories that ranged from stupid to banal - but thankfully, never once failed to entertain. This 2000 effort features everyone's favorite lazy action hero Michael Madsen in another one of his mumbling lines to the camera, whilst boffing chicks and blowing away bad guys type role that he once excelled in...Here, old 'Mads' plays convicted bank robber Tyler 'Iceman' Pierce - a no nonsense badass who learns that his teenage daughter has been the victim of famed serial murderer 'The Sweetwater Killer'. Obviously not taking this news too well, he escapes and begins a movie-length search in an effort to put an end to his lecherous rampage... Along the way, Tyler is constantly pursued by relentless FBI type Agent Gottfried (Bokeem Woodbine) who himself is determined to bring our over-sized leather jacket wearing hero to justice - but not before he gets to bump uglies with call girl with a heart Naomi (Jamie Luner) whilst running around the forest for what feels like 20 minutes of the running time, sweating profusely and shooting anyone that looks like may have a badge. However, 'cunning twist fans' (try saying that fast whilst drunk) - the movie suddenly switches gears by ditching its central premise of a revenge/serial killer motif into something else altogether, which depending on your mood (or alcohol intake) may be a welcome move or not. I'll be honest, for me it wasn't.Mark L. Lester has produced a number of genre gems back in the day: Both 'Class of 1984' and '99' still bring a smile to my grizzled chops and I'm forever in love with his signature actioner 'Commando'. 'Sacrifice' sits in what I refer to as the third phase of his career and forms a satisfying, if trashy entry sitting alongside 'Blowback' (no, its not a porno), 'Hitman's Run' and 'The Base' as dumb but highly efficient actioners that deliver grindhouse style delights on minimal dime. Although, the weakest of this set - 'Sacrifice' is still a crazily entertaining time with a dumb screenplay by Randall Frakes (based on a novel by Mitchell Smith) and expert direction from Lester. Sadly, Madsen isn't the most charismatic of leads and acts as though he's solely there due to a paycheck being dangled infront of him, which admittedly does slow proceedings down. However, as the film has enough silly direct to video nonsense to fry whatever beer infused brain cells you have left - you can forgive those shortcomings. Luckily, the rest of the cast are game and this low budget venture benefits from a rain swept Autumnal vibe expertly lit by cinematographer Robert Steadman that accentuates the horror elements quite well...Lionsgate's US Region 1 DVD release sports a fine transfer with great audio. All in all, this one isn't gonna rock anyone's world or convert newbies to the alter of Mark L. Lester: But as a generic horror/action mash up it does the trick. Sure its dumb, yeah its 90 minutes of your life you won't get back - but hey, don't take it too seriously. Pop open the Doritos, sink back a six-pack and let a marginally annoyed middle aged guy who looks as bored as you do when shopping at Ikea take the strain. It ain't no sacrifice!

The product arrived a week later than expected; it must be due to lack of availability. I doubt this is in very high demand, except for dedicated Tarkovsky fans. 4K restoration contains 2 discs: Disc #1 is the 4k restored movie, Disc #2 is VHS quality 'Making of' video (100minutes!). It also has a booklet that includes Tarkovsky's diary/memo days before his passing.I've watched half of the movie so far. The outside scenery is clear and pleasing while looking soft. Inside close up low light shots are misty but I trust this is as best as I can expect. Otherwise, the movie looks clean and free from blemishes.The scene where Erland pleads for god's mercy was touching; it is as though he is pleading to the person watching the movie. Ending is sumptuous and the timing of the collapse is . . . IMPECABLE. All done in real time, using real sets, WOW.

This is one of master Tarkovsky's last films. Its heavily inspired by the deep psychological study films of Ingmar Bergman. In fact its shot by bergman's latter day cinematographer and takes place in Sweden thus is in Swedish language. I think tarkovsky tries a little too hard here. But it is still a somewhat interesting study of one's decent into madness/mental obsessive illness. It has a bit of iconic imagery but overall is too heavy handed for the average art film buff. The film restoration/digital transfer is quite excellent thus making this a must have for tarkovsky fans.

Mark Lester (“Commando”, “Classe 1999”), regista ruvido e senza fronzoli, dirige un giovane Michael Madsen in una storia di vendetta politicamente scorretta e per questo discretamente gustosa. Trattasi di un TV-movie, quindi con un budget risicato e molti interpreti minori del cinema americano, tra cui Joshua “Josh” Leonard, interprete del cult movie “The Blair Witch Project”.