Kundun Blu-ray Movie

Rating summary

Movie		4.5
Video		4.0
Audio		4.0
Extras		5.0
Overall		4.5

Kundun Blu-ray Movie Review

An underrated gem from Scorsese. A release jam-packed to the brim with extras.

Nominated for 4 Academy Awards including costume design, original score, art-direction, and cinematography, Martin Scorsese's Kundun is a remarkable cinematic achievement with heart and grace in every frame. The second-chapter in Scorsese's Spiritual Trilogy (which began with 1988's The Last Temptation of Christ and concludes with 2016's Silence), Kundun is a thought-provoking exploration of the Dalai Lama from youth to adulthood.

A philosophical and spiritual odyssey which follows the journey of the young Dalai Lama as he becomes leader of the Tibetan people, Kundun is one of the most complex films by Scorsese. Discovered as a mere child, the 14th Dalai Lama is considered to be the reincarnation of the 13th Dalai Lama. The film explores his journey from childhood to his time as a young man (as he faces the changing times in Tibet as Chinese occupation interferes in the people's freedom and ultimately their religious beliefs).

The leader of a nation and an inspiration to the entire world.

Contributing to Kundun as both production designer and costume designer, Dante Ferretti (a frequent collaborator of Scorsese who also worked on Shutter Island, The Age of Innocence, and Silence), the film has a remarkable aesthetic which showcases Tibet and its people with a feeling of authenticity in both areas of the production. The music score composed by Philip Glass (The Illusionist, The Hours) is equally rewarding and its apparent that a great deal of care and attention was given by the composer to how the music would be best suited to the material. Then there's the spectacular cinematography by the great Roger Deakins (Blade Runner 2049, Skyfall, Sicario) to mesmerize audiences from start to finish.

Featuring a screenplay by Melissa Mathison (E.T., The B.F.G.), Kundun is an exemplary showcase of philosophical, spiritual, and historical significance. The heart of the film can be felt in Mathison's script. The exploration of the Dalai Lama and his own spiritual journey makes the film significantly more rewarding to behold. As the story unfolds, audiences experience events through the eyes of the Dalai Lama. There is clear compassion in the storytelling that viewers will be able to relate to. This is an important film which examines one of the world's most significant figures and Mathison's adaptation of events is remarkable to behold.

Martin Scorsese (Goodfellas, Casino, The Aviator) is one of the world's most gifted filmmakers. It's no surprise that Kundun demonstrates his keen sensibilities: his knack for rhythm, storytelling, and epic visuals that enrich one's appreciation of the world. The film is a majestic work of art. There are so many scenes throughout the film where the visuals are so enriching and rewarding that one feels transported completely by Scorsese's flair for art. During a superb sequence showcasing Tibetan dance, Scorsese films every frame with such careful attention to detail that one is entirely pulled into the filmmaking with ease. As Scorsese follows the journey of the Dalai Lama, audiences are brought along for an epic experience that fulfills the mind and senses. Kundun is a fantastic film and one that deserves a new life on home media.

Kundun Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

Kundun has at last arrived on Blu-ray in North America from distributor Kino Lorber. The film has received a strong 1080p MPEG-4 AVC encoded high definition presentation. It is presented in the original theatrical aspect ratio of 2.35:1 widescreen. The film looks lovely and has some downright breathtaking cinematography which shines much more brightly with this naturally filmic scan of the film. While the film has not received a new 4K restoration (which I would love to see happen for the film at some point), the release is still an enormously impressive presentation which retains the great cinematographic style of the film with ease.

Color reproduction appears exceptional and detail is left intact on the release. There are no traces of egregious DNR on the scan. Wide shots are especially a beauty to see as the canvas Scorsese creates has so much remarkable imagery on display and the HD presentation showcases the artistry of the filmmaking well. There are a few minor specks of dirt on the print but nothing too distracting or noticeable. The print is largely clean and free from print damage or other distracting ailments.

Kundun Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

The release includes two audio options: English DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 and DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0. The beauty of the track is the exceptional score composed by Philip Glass. The music creates a wide canvas that beautifully transports viewers to Tibet and the journey of the Dalai Lama. The lossless sound quality does an exceptional job at reproducing the dialogue. The film has a minimalistic surround sound design when the sound effects are taken into consideration but the score is opened up and adds much to the aural experience. The surround track excels at reproducing the crisp highs in the audio and this is where the track shines most brightly. The low-end sounds minimal in comparison and this merely seems to reflect the sound design itself. An impressive track that works wonders. Optional English subtitles are provided.

Kundun Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

Kundun features an enormous assortment of extremely extensive supplemental features which should whet the appetite of any diehard Scorsese fans. Unlike the barebones DVD or laserdisc releases that were available, Kino has assembled an impressive two-disc special edition for the film that has over five hours of supplements (and that's not even taking the commentary track into consideration of the enormous run-time). The release also includes a seven-page printed booklet featuring an essay about Kundun by filmmaker Zade Constantine.

Disc One Supplements:

Audio Commentary featuring film historian and critic Peter Tonguette

Disc Two Supplements:

Interview with Director Martin Scorsese (SD, 32:20) is a highly absorbing and informative extra with the auteur director delving into his views on the project and what drew him to telling the story of the Dalai Lama. The always passionate filmmaker is one of the most easily listenable directors around (and if I could ever have a conversation with an A-List filmmaker, Scorsese would be towards the top of that list). The interview features Scorsese delving into his views on the screenplay and why he felt that Kundun was an important story to tell. An essential interview for fans of the filmmaker.

Interview with Composer Philip Glass (SD, 43:38) features the outstanding musician delving into his involvement in the project and what he brought to the table with his unique approach to the material. Providing viewers with engaging insights into his thought-process behind composing the film, Glass explains what style and approach he felt was best suited for the material. He delves into what it was like collaborating with Scorsese and what he took away from the project as well (and the important message of the Dalai Lama and what that means to him).

Interview with Screenwriter Melissa Mathison (SD, 36:40) is a must-see interview with the great screenwriter (who penned the brilliant E.T. script for Steven Spielberg). Mathison delves into what inspired her to tell this story and explains the course of the project's development (and when she convinced Scorsese to come on board to direct). There are some remarkable insights and her undeniable charm and wit is on full display with this interview (which any screenwriters or aspiring screenwriters should consider mandatory-viewing).

In Search of Kundun Documentary (SD, 85:00) featuring Martin Scorsese behind the scenes as he developed the film and shaped it into the spiritual exploration that it is. The documentary has some fantastic behind-the-scenes footage showing Scorsese hard at work during the filming and even highlights him working with cast and crew to set the stage for the production. This is a truly exceptional documentary which gives a lot of insight into the process of a brilliant director.

Interview with In Search of Kundun Director Michael Henry Wilson (SD, 53:36) is a must-see after viewing the feature-length documentary about the film's production. The documentary filmmaker explores his views on the project and why he felt it needed such a comprehensive behind-the-scenes look at its development.

Compassion in Exile Documentary (SD, 62:00) is arguably the best supplement included on the release. The feature is all about the Dalai Lama and his personal journey. The film explores the historical significance of the Dalai Lama and what it meant to Tibet for him to become exiled. Throughout the entire piece, the film offers direct interview footage with the Dalai Lama himself discussing the plight of Tibet and his spiritual views. Though this documentary is not directly about Kundun as a film, it's a spiritual brother of the film and a must-see inclusion.

EPK Extras with cast and crew (SD, 38:52) is less in-depth than the feature-length behind the scenes documentary but it does have some excellent footage which can't be seen on any of the other extras on the release. It's certainly worth a look for fans who want to get the full supplemental experience this terrific release presents.

Kundun Theatrical Trailer (SD, 2:37)

Kundun Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

Right as Martin Scorsese is disappointing home media enthusiasts with the Netflix-only release of The Irishman (which should receive a Blu-ray release in the future if one wants to see the film in the best quality and with true ownership), Kundun arrives on the format for the first time and the release is a stunner with an excellent presentation and an enormous selection of supplemental features that will entertain viewers will hours of in-depth behind-the-scenes footage and engaging interviews.

Kundun is an underrated gem from one of cinema's most gifted artists. The film explores the life and journey of the Dalai Lama. There is a beautiful majesty to it which showcases the high artistry of Scorsese in every frame of the film. This is a wonderful Blu-ray release which deserve high accolades (and props to Kino Lorber) and which should have a spot in every cinema-lovers library of films. Highly recommended.