DVD Corner

Ivan’s Childhood Blu-ray Review

As tough as it is to watch, “Ivan’s Childhood” is a powerful first feature film by Andrei Tarkovsky.

In Andrei Tarkovsky’s first feature film, the WWII set story revolves around a young teenage orphan named Ivan who works as a Soviet spy. Since he is inconspicuous, Ivan can get into small places undetected in order to retrieve information about the Germans. Also spliced in throughout the film are Ivan’s flashbacks (and dreams) about the childhood, life, and family that were taken away from him. Scenes/subplots with other main characters, such as military officers and even a nurse (Masha), also appear here and there.

Andrei Tarkovsky, the acclaimed arthouse director best known for films like “Andrei Rublev” and the original “Solaris,” has created a very simple, but powerful film with “Ivan’s Childhood.” While a bit too slow paced and less ambitious than his later work, ‘Childhood’ is one of his best in terms of sheer emotion. To say ‘Childhood’ is an utterly heartbreaking and moving work is an understatement. Through the haunting war torn landscapes and stomach churning revelations about his past, we see everything that Ivan has lost, endured, and adapted to. Ivan’s innocence (and childhood) has completely vanished and this child is forced to become a man in a man’s world. His life will never be the same again and his only comfort involves the dreams of his family and, perhaps, the notion that he might someday see them again. It’s a truly emotional and tragic film that isn’t about war, but rather about the effects of war.

Equally memorable here are virtually all of the visuals. Vadim Yusov’s haunting cinematography coupled with Andrei Tarkovsky’s vision adds up to many bleak and stunning landscapes from a swamp to eerie empty buildings.

Video/Audio:

The film, which is presented in 1.33:1 1080p, contains lush B&W cinematography that looks absolutely stunning in hi-def. Once again, Criterion does not disappoint here

The Russian LPCM 1.0 Mono track (with English subtitles) is surprisingly better than most Mono tracks out there. When it comes to a lot of classic film releases, the audio tracks are often imperfect and filled with pops and crackles. That is not the case here and it’s refreshing to say the least.

Extras:
* Another beautifully done booklet featuring an essay by film professor Dina Jordanova, an article by Andrei Tarkovsky himself titled “Between Two Films,” and a short poem by Andrei’s father Atseny.
* A part interview with actor Nikolai Blurlyaev. He talks about auditions, Tarkovsky, acting, the character of Van, etc.
* An interview with cinematographer Vadim Yusov in which he talks about cinematography, Tarkovsky, prep work, the dream sequences and more.
* “Life As A Dream”- Author/film expert Vida T. Johnson talks about foreign cinema of the late 50’s and 60’s, Tarkovsky, imagery and themes of “Ivan’s Childhood,” etc.

Summary: Andrei Tarkovsky has long been a Criterion Collection fan favorite and this is one of his best films. I would wholeheartedly recommend it to film buffs, but it’s certainly not for everyone.

February 5, 2013 - Posted by nicklyons1 | Blu-Ray review | Andrei Tarkovsky, Ivan's Childhood Blu-ray Review, Ivan's Childhood Criterion Blu-ray Review