Yesterday, the world got its first glimpse at the latest film from legendary director Martin Scorsese, “The Irishman.” And whenever a new film from a great director receives a trailer, it gets film fans reminiscing about their favorite works. In the case of Scorsese, there’s quite a few to choose from, including the oft-overlooked “Kundun.”
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Well, thanks to Kino Lorber, “Kundun” is getting the spotlight later this year when it finally hits Blu-ray, loaded with extras. The two-disc Blu-ray release will feature long-form interviews with Scorsese, composer Philip Glass, and screenwriter Melissa Mathison, as well as a feature-length documentary about the making of the film. Also of note, the film will feature an audio commentary with historian and critic Peter Tonguette.
After its release, “Kundun” found itself nominated for 4 Oscars including noms for Roger Deakins (Cinematography) and Glass (Score). While not on the same level in pop culture as “Goodfellas,” “Taxi Driver,” or “Raging Bull,” Scorsese’s biopic about Tibet’s 14th Dalai Lama is well worth the time of any film fan and especially those with an appreciation for the director.
“Kundun” will arrive on Blu-ray on October 29.
Here’s the synopsis:
From Martin Scorsese, the legendary director of Taxi Driver, Raging Bull and Goodfellas! Praised as one of the best films of 1997, Kundun received 4 Oscar® nominations for Art Direction-Set Decoration (Dante Ferretti and Francesca Lo Schiavo), Cinematography (Roger Deakins), Costume Design (Dante Ferretti) and Score (Philip Glass). It’s the incredible true story of one of the world’s most fascinating leaders—Tibet’s 14th Dalai Lama—and his daring struggle to rule a nation at one of the most challenging times in its history. Powerfully told, deeply spiritual and visually elegant, the film chronicles the life of the young Dalai Lama as he matures in both age and learning. Greeted with both controversy and acclaim upon its release, Kundun is often considered the second film in an unofficial trilogy about crises of faith from director Scorsese, positioned between 1988’s The Last Temptation of Christ and 2016’s Silence.
The special features include:
BD Special Features:
• Audio Commentary by Film Historian and Critic Peter Tonguette
• Interview with Director Martin Scorsese (32:20)
• Interview with Composer Philip Glass (43:38)
• Interview with Screenwriter Melissa Mathison (36:40)
• IN SEARCH OF KUNDUN with Martin Scorsese – Documentary (85:00)
• Interview with IN SEARCH OF KUNDUN Director Michael Henry Wilson (53:36)
• Compassion in Exile – Documentary (62:00)
• EPK Extras with Cast and Crew (38:52)
• Limited Edition Booklet Essay by Filmmaker Zade Constantine
• Theatrical Trailer
DVD Special Features:
• Audio Commentary by Film Historian and Critic Peter Tonguette
• Interview with Director Martin Scorsese (32:20)
• EPK Extras with Cast and Crew (38:52)
• Theatrical Trailer