Why So Blu?

The Alejandro Jodorowsky Collection (Blu-ray Review)

One of the most polarizing and impressive filmmakers in all of history is the one Alejandro Jodorowsky. A true artist of the form, his films have proven they have plenty to say and then some. And over the years they evolve, unlock new ideas and grow. To a majority, the reaction is probably to be repulsed by it or turn to their watching partner and say “What the f*ck did I just watch?” No, these aren’t something to watch on a first date, or second, or third or maybe even after marriage. But, if you allow them in and start to see the forest for the trees, there’s a deeper mental exorcise and philosophical enrichment when studying his work. Three of his earlies works and one of his latest are included in this new The Alejandro Jodorowsky Collection arriving on September 18th. Those include Fando y Lis, El Topo, The Holy Mountain and Psychomagic, A Healing Art. All received 4K restorations and new bonus materials (Sans Psychomagic). This set comes packaged with plenty of goodies and is available now.

Fando Y Lis

The film follows Fando (Sergio Klainer) and his paraplegic girlfriend Lis (Diana Mariscal) through a barren, postapocalyptic wasteland in search of the mythical city of Tar, a place where one will know the true nature of eternity, and reach enlightenment.

To take in Fando y Lis, you need to first just know the film is basically a couples’ quest to find a Utopia. That’s the throughline for the film which is a bit wild in its narrative structure, jumps around and itself ponders weird ideals and visual metaphors for the world at large. Said visuals can be pretty gross, shocking and offensive. That’s by design. Its the flavor with which the story is told. And if you’re just starting out on Jodorowsky and finding THIS a bit much; be warned. Fando y Lis is his tamest film included in the set.

In order to enjoy this film, moreso than the others, you have to allow it in. You have to experience Fando y Lis. That shock, that repulsion, that gag reflex you’re experience, that’s the film working. Your mind spinning it’s wheel is the goal of the film. Thinking about what you saw after the credits finish, attempting to figure it out. Wondering what it means to Jodorowsky or to yourself. That’s the intension. Its not bad, its not terribly done, it just may not be your cup of tea. But, Fando y Lis accomplishes everything it sets out to do. It has things to say. Profound things. And at the end of the day, its quite memorable as it is interesting and out there.

El Topo

A black-clad gunfighter (Alejandro Jodorowsky) embarks on a symbolic quest in an Old West version of Sodom and Gomorrah.

Perhaps the most accessible or traditional narrative followed her in the set comes with El Topo. However, don’t mistake it for being a simple, meat and potatoes western. This a film with a grim, realistic ugliness and a deep quest to find one’s self. The character of El Topo is on a bit of a ruthless quest for knowledge. One by one he goes through a series of masters, learning from them and killing them. He’s desperate to not only be at the top of the chain in the world, but to find what lies behind that. Its a singular, selfish mission but one out of any person’s own curiosity. Easily mistaken for a dark hero, every action is done merely as a way to progress one’s self. The film does an interesting thing in flipping the tables on this while also dealing with the sins of the past.

Visually this one is pretty stunning in gruesome fashion. Right from the jump, the massacred town that El Topo wanders through is unforgettable. Jodorowsky uses this film to explore the horrors of violence, showcasing its ugliest assets, both gory and aggressive. There are many things in this film that aren’t going to sit well with today’s (Hell, even the 1970s’) audiences. The opening act features a constant nude child as a character. And he’s naked because, I don’t know the hell why. Its uncomfortable, but thus is Jodorowsky. In addition there is a rape in the film done by our protagonist. These are all done as a means to unlock a reaction or a feeling by Jodorowsky and in his own eyes to show how terrible they are and not to relish or celebrate them. Take that as you will, its still a bit uncomfortable.

The Holy Mountain

A Mexican master (Alexandro Jodorowsky) leads a Christ figure (Horacio Salinas) and other disciples to a mountain of immortal wise men.

The Holy Mountain is an avante garde masterpiece, coming together in thematics, ideals, character, sound and visuals. Again, its not an easy watch, but still one rich in flavor that’ll spark your mind and leave you with visions you won’t soon forget. The film also features a score that’ll find itself at home under your skin. Overall a positive mission, everything here in the film is untrustworthy, sketchy and grimy. Its weird, its gross, its eye-popping – Its Jodorowsky.

Jodorowsky’s other quest movie in this set has an art department that is just on absolute fire. The sets, costuming and art on display in the film are absolutely phenomenal. Majority of the film, if held in still frame, would equal having a fantastic painting to display in your home or art gallery. If you’re a photography person, even if you don’t understand a lick of what this film is about, you’ll have an appreciation for its look and sound design. Again, Jodorowsky’s work is on another level when it comes to evoking feeling. And this film in particular is very inspirational to filmmakers. Take one look at Rob Zombie’s The Lords of Salem and you’ll see he’s a big fan of this film himself.

Psychomagic, A Healing Art

Psychomagic, A Healing Art  is an intimate exploration of the visionary director’s theory of trauma therapy. Jodorowsky’s unique concept of healing uses performance art as a vehicle to counter deep, debilitating psychic suffering with literal “acts of confrontation” in real world applications. Drawing from a life-long study of philosophy, psychology, ethnology, and world religions, from Freud to Shamans, from Kabbalah to Gurdjieff and everything in between, Jodorowsky works directly with people in pain who are eager to face, resolve and transcend their personal dilemmas through the use of radical performative art therapy. The  film illuminates the Maestro’s vision with themes evident since the start of his career, while contemporaneously breaking the wall between reality and performance. His healing concepts extend beyond the individual to the global, offering humanity a collective catharsis to a higher consciousness.  “The world is ill, we need to make therapy pictures,” said Jodorowsky of his work. “If art is not a medicine for society, it’s a poison.”

I kind of just want to ad the gif of someone pointing up and the word “THIS” popping up. What we have here is a full on self-empowering 104 minutes of Jodorowsky and his Psychomagic. A healing and spiritual process of his that he explored with his film The Holy Mountain. Watching the process of this treatment in action is just as wild and eye-opening as any of his films. We watch as Jodorowsky visits with many a person big or small, common or artist, as he inflicts his knowledge and practice on them in a myriad of fashions. During this we also visit moments and analysis from Jodorowsky on how the practice was displayed and explored within some of the film he made, including clips and scenes from them. Jodorowsky is a confident man and one of conviction for his beliefs. Its just that those beliefs are ones that I feel he wholly conjured up himself and I find now different than that of L. Ron Hubbard and Scientology. Expect, this one isn’t afraid to showcase what goes on behind closed doors and how physical it and wild it is.

Video

Fando y Lis

• Encoding: MPEG-4 AVC
• Resolution: 1080p
• Aspect Ratio: 1.33:1
• Layers: BD-50
• Clarity/Detail:  Fando y Lis is an intentionally washed out black and white film, but this new transfer really opens up its clarity with a good sharp as can be image. Details and textures come abound and really work for a beautiful imagery and enhance some of the more portrait-like moments in the film. Inside the booklet that comes with this set you will find the following information about the restoration and transfer for the film:

Fando y Liswas restored in 4K resolution and is presented in its original aspect ratio of 1.33:1 with mono audio. The original 35mm camera negative and sections of a dupe negative element were scanned in 4K resolution at OCN Digital Labs, CT. The film was graded and restored at Silver Salt Restoration, London. The original mono mix was remastered from the optical negatives at Deluxe Audio Services, Hollywood. Review screenings for approval were carried out at Eclair Labs, Paris.

• Depth: There is some good spacing here and the scale is felt in exteriors far and wide and claustrophobic interiors narrow. Movements are cinematic and smooth with no distortions abound
• Black Levels: Blacks are deep here, close to natural with good shading and enhancing of texture. No crushing witnessed.
• Color Reproduction:  N/A
• Flesh Tones: Skin tones are very white with some slight gray to the tones. Facial features and textures are great in close ups and pretty solid further back.
• Noise/Artifacts: Clean

El Topo

• Encoding: MPEG-4 AVC
• Resolution: 1080p
• Aspect Ratio: 1.85:1, 1:37:1
• Layers: BD-50
• Clarity/Detail:  El Topo has beautiful restoration that looks like the most clean and pristine spaghetti western ever made. However, yes, I know its a “burrito western”. Its sharp and really flourishes in the aesthetic Jodorowsky is going for with bold but not so vibrant coloring. Inside the booklet that comes with this set you will find the following information about the restoration and transfer for the film:

El Topo was restored in 4K resolution and both Spanish and English versions are presented in 1.85:1 and 1.33:1 aspect ratios with 5.1, stereo and mono Spanish audio, and English mono audio*. The original 35mm camera negative and intermediary elements were scanned in 4K resolution at OCN Digital Labs, CT. The film was graded and restored at Silver Salt Restoration, London. The audio mixes were remastered from the optical negatives at Deluxe Audio Services, Hollywood. Review screenings for approval were carried out at Eclair Labs, Paris.

• Depth: Its a very open film within a lot of desert lands, but still manages to achieve some scale and nice pushback in the appropriate areas. Movements are cinematic, natural and smooth without ever finding distorted interference in rapid movements or action sequences.
• Black Levels: Blacks are deep, flirting with natural appearances and carry a little heavier grain in the shadows or darker moments. Textures, patterns and the like still come through fine and discernible on clothing and surfaces. No crushing witnessed.
• Color Reproduction:  Colors have a really varying presence, with a terrific saturation and contract on display. They almost look like fresh cavern paintings in areas like the blood water or art or buildings. natural colors are a beautiful and bold worn look.
• Flesh Tones: Skin tones are natural and a slight warm edge and have consistency throughout the duration. Facial features and texture is more apparent in close ups, but further pulled back shots do impress in areas.
• Noise/Artifacts: Clean

The Holy Mountain

• Encoding: MPEG-4 AVC
• Resolution: 1080p
• Aspect Ratio: 2.35:1
• Layers: BD-50
• Clarity/Detail:  The Holy Mountain is a beautifully photographed film and that translates very well into this image. The very psychadelic imagery appears crisp, well detailed and textured with wonderful color saturation and black levels. Inside the booklet that comes with this set you will find the following information about the restoration and transfer for the film:

The Holy Mountain was resetored in 4K resolution and is presented in its original aspect ratio of 2.35:1 with 5.1, stereo and mono audio*. The original 35mm 2-perf Techniscope camera negative was scanned in 4K resolution at OCN Digital Labs, CT. The film was graded and restored at Silver Salt Restoration, London. The audio mixes were remastered from the original optical negatives at Deluxe Audio Services, Hollywood. Review screenings for approval were carried out at Eclair Labs, Paris.

• Depth: The film feels very open with good foreground/background relations. Things feel big and distance. Especially the tower climb and tunnel sequence. Character movements are cinematic and natural with no distortions present.
• Black Levels: Blacks are deep and flirt with being natural. Minimal information is lost in the sea of darkness if any at all. No crushing present.
• Color Reproduction:  This film flirts with very beautiful colors that are crisp and contrast well in this image with the more “regular” stuff surround it. Many a scene will just pop with beauty.
• Flesh Tones: Skin tones are natural and consistent form start to finish. Facial features and textures prove stronger the closer the image is, but the medium shots impress as well.
• Noise/Artifacts: Clean

Psychomagic, A Healing Art

• Encoding: MPEG-4 AVC
• Resolution: 1080p
• Aspect Ratio: 1.85:1
• Layers: BD-50
• Clarity/Detail:  Being just a couple years old, this one naturally looks very good. It appears to be shot digitally, but the film itself features plenty of archival and alternate footage. For all the new stuff, its quite vivid with great detail. The older stuff looks restored to the best it can be and has a nice filmic quality to it. Inside the booklet that comes with this set you will find the following information about the restoration and transfer for the film:

Psychomagic, A Healing Art has been delivered to Arrow Films in High Definition and is presented in its original aspect ratio of 1.78:1  with 5.1 audio.

• Depth: Pretty good depth of field here in all arenas of video quality. Movements are natural and fluid with no real issues of distortion issues.
• Black Levels: Blacks are deep and able to contain plenty of information with a minimal loss of detail. Its a rather bright film so most of it is left to fabric and surfaces. No crushing witnessed.
• Color Reproduction:  Coloring is quite vivid
• Flesh Tones: Skin tones are natural and consistent from start to finish. Facial features and textures are plenty readily apparent from most distances.
• Noise/Artifacts: Clean. There are a numerous bunch of sources used in this, but any issues there may be would be inherent in those materials, not the transfer.

Audio

Fando y Lis

• Format(s): Spanish 1.0 Mono LPCM
• Subtitles: English, Spanish, French
• Dynamics: Fando y Lis comes with a one channel mono track that sounds genuine of its age, but as if it was more fresh and new. Sure, there is some character to whereever it came from, but altogether it works given what you are taking in.
• Height: N/A
• Low-Frequency Extension: N/A
• Surround Sound Presentation: N/A
• Dialogue Reproduction: Vocals have a bit of an analog his to them, but it plays more of a base than a distortion for good, audible exchanges.

El Topo

• Format(s): Spanish 1.0 Mono DTS-HD mA, Spanish 5.1 DTS-HD MA
• Subtitles: English, Spanish, French
• Dynamics: El Topo both has a mono option and a 5.1. The 5.1 is a nice mix that plays around with its atmospherics while showcasing a solid balance and environment building. There are some really good moments that makes a deceptively thinner track feel very full and alive.
• Height: N/A
• Low-Frequency Extension: Mostly we get the lower end effects from the score and soundscapes. Some gunfire and flames work to get a nice little rumble.
• Surround Sound Presentation: There are some good use of environmental sounds to track in the rear for the film, but a lot of this winds up in front. The score likes to swoop into all channels, most of the action is right to left and left to right up front.
• Dialogue Reproduction: Vocals come with a slight analog hiss underscoring, but they are plenty audible during any given scenario.

The Holy Mountain

• Format(s): English 2.0 Mono LPCM, English 5.1 DTS-HD MA
• Subtitles: English, Spanish, French
• Dynamics: You’re given both original mono and a 5.1 option to listen to. The 5.1 is an engaging mix, really relishing in the score encapsulating your viewing area. Haunting and eerie ambiance also take a forefront to spook around with you. Overall, this is a nice layered and balanced mix that has fun without going overboard.
• Height: N/A
• Low-Frequency Extension: A lot of the lower frequency notable occurrences come from the score. There are some points where a natural sound effect features a nice jolt.
• Surround Sound Presentation: The score plays around with the rear channels and really provides an unsettling feeling as it encompasses the room. Ambient noise to fill out an area or haunt do well behind. Most of the physical action lies in the 3 channels up front.
• Dialogue Reproduction: Vocals are clear with a little analog hiss as a base.

Psychomagic, A Healing Art

• Format(s): Spanish 5.1 DTS-HD MA
• Subtitles: English, Spanish, French
• Dynamics: Psychomagic is pretty much a documentary or educational video. There aren’t any real extravagant uses for it to be 5.1, but it does manage a solid balance of elements for a nice experience.
• Height: N/A
• Low-Frequency Extension: Nothing of note other than the subwoofer chiming in where a natural sound or music may need a slight bump.
• Surround Sound Presentation: As mentioned prior, this one may have well been a 2.0 track as the rear channel don’t do much to add to any intensity or room fulfilling experience.
• Dialogue Reproduction: Vocals are clear and crisp.

Extras

The Alejandro Jodorowsky Collection is a 4-Blu-ray, 2-CD set. The CDs are the soundtrack/scores for El Topo and The Holy Mountain. Each amaray case features reversible cover art featuring original poster artwork. Inside Fando y Lis, you will find 6 postcards with dual sided lobby card style art. The set also comes with a thick booklet that includes essays, technical information and stills. There is also a dual sided poster that is one side El Topo and one side The Holy Mountain. All of this is housed in a nice hard slip box.

Fando y Lis

Audio Commentary

• By Alejandro Jodorowsky

Jodorowsky Remembers Fando y Lis (HD, 10:31) – A 2019 interview with Alejandro Jodorowsky. “In order to make movies, I needed to have something to say…to change the world if I could.” Jodorowsky recalls how he came to love and want to make movies, which touches on his friendship with Marcel Marceau. He also goes over his thoughts, themes and subjects of his first film.

An Introduction to Fando y Lis by Richard Pena (HD, 8:54) – A newly filmed introduction with Richard Pena, Professor of Film Studies at Columbia University.  Pena provides a nicely accessible and well rounded introduction and look at all the themes as well as context for the film.

La Cravate (HD, 21:20) – Jodorowsky’s compellingly surreal 1957 adaptation of Thomas Mann’s “The Transposed Heads”.

La Constellation Jodorowsky (HD, 1:26:36) – Louis Mouchet’s feature-length documentary featuring interviews with Jean “Moebius” Giraud and Peter Gabriel.

Re-Release Trailer (HD, 1:17)

Image Galleries (HD)

• Behind The Scenes
• Posters

El Topo

Audio Commentary

• By Alejandro Jodorowsky

English Dub Version – Only available to watch in the 1.37:1 aspect ratio.

Jodorowsky Remembers El Topo (HD, 12:56) – A 2019 interview with AlejaJndro Jodorowsky.  “I was searching for who I was. And that was the story of El Topo.” He touches on the response about violence in his films. Jodorowsky passionately says he never makes violence to love violence, but to show how awful it is. Poking particularly at Spider-Man and other comic book movies, he claims they are the ones who romanticize violence.

An Introduction to El Topo by Richard Pena (HD, 9:31) – A newly filmed introduction with Richard Pena, Professor of Film Studies at Columbia University. Again, this guy gives a terrific overview and background analysis over the film that broke through for Jodorowsky internationally.

A Conversation with The Son of El Topo (HD, 19:26) – A newly filmed extensive interview with Brontis Jodorowsky, who stars in El Topo. “I really consciously met my father when I was 6 years old.” He’s the naked boy in the first act of the film. Brontis gives us an overview of his relationship with his father and his work on El Topo as well as experience with his other films.

The Father of Midnight Movies (HD, 6:58) – An archival interview with Jodorowsky, filmed in 2007.

Original Trailer (HD, 4:16)

Image Galleries (HD)

• Production Stills
• Posters
• Press Materials and Reviews
• Original Script

The Holy Mountain

Audio Commentary

• By Alejandro Jodorowsky

Jodorowsky Remembers The Holy Mountain (HD, 14:07) – A 2019 interview with Alejandro Jodorowsky. “I was free with everything on The Holy Mountain. Made by a completely free mind.”  He boasts about this movie taking 30 years for people to understand. And he’s proud of that. In this interview he touches on his casting process.

An Introduction to The Holy Mountain by Richard Pena (HD, 10:51) – A newly filmed introduction with Richard Pena, Professor of Film studies at Columbia University. Again, he gives a stellar overview of what you are about to see or have just watched.

Pablo Leder: Jodorowsky’s Right Hand Man (HD, 20:25) – Jodorowsky’s personal assistant remembers acting in El Topo and The Holy Mountain and his time he spent with the director.

The A to Z of The Holy Mountain (HD, 28:38) – A new video essay by writer Ben Cobb. Literally this guy goes through the alphabet with A standing for something and embellishing on how it affects the film. Beginning with George Harrison being considered for the thief in the film.

Deleted Scenes (HD, 5:39) – Featuring commentary by Jodorowsky.

Outtakes (HD, 25:04) – Newly discovered extended footage of unused film material transferred from the original archival elements.

The Tarot (HD, 7:52) – A short film in which Jodorowsky explains the secrets of the cards.

Original Trailer (HD, 2:41) 

Animated Script Gallery (HD, 4:06)

Image Galleries (HD)

• Production Stills
• Posters
• Set Panels
• Awards
• Panels and Ephemera

Psychomagic, A Healing Art

Trailer (HD, 1:49)

Summary

The Alejandro Jodorowsky Collection is an impressive collection of some of the finest achievements in avante garde cinema the world has ever seen. No, the films aren’t for everyone and even those who indeed appreciate them probably enjoy more of a discussion surrounding them than constant rewatching. Nonetheless, they all feature terrific video and audio transfers. The bonus features are top notch and plenty thorough. Lastly, the bells and whistles in the form of the packaging, soundtracks, posters, cards an book really make this a complete and worthwhile experience.

This is a paid Amazon Associates link