Kin-Dza-Dza!

1986's KIN-DZA-DZA! is a true curiosity- a science-fiction film made in Soviet-era Russia with obvious comedic and satiric elements dealing with two strangers who find themselves in a strange world. Everyman Vladimir is sent out into the city streets by his wife to pick up a few things. He runs into a young man who is called "The Violinist" throughout the film as he is carrying a violin to a musician who had left it on a plane. He's been stopped by a crazy old man in the street who says he's from another planet and needs help talking some sense into him. The man shows them both an odd contraption, and when they reach out to examine it they suddenly find themselves zapped to the middle of a barren desert.

They're soon greeted by two men who land in a clunky-looking spaceship. At first they steal some of the items they're carrying and take off again, but come back when they see Vladimir light up a cigarette. It turns out that matches are very valuable here, and Vladimir promises them a large supply of them if they can help them get back home. It's explained that they are on the planet Plyuk, in the Galaxy Kin-Dza-Dza. The two Earthlings are pushed into wearing small bells that hang from their noses, as a sign of respect. It turns out there are many odd customs relating to one's socioeconomic status, such as the color of pants one wears and the way one sits down in front of a superior. A common word is "koo," which has many different meanings. We also learn that the planet has run dry from water, making that another scarce commodity, as a result of it being used to produce an energy source that proved not to be as useful. Much of it is used to be made back into water.

Getting home isn't a simple matter, and our two heroes are faced with many odd characters and situations. While this movie doesn't have a huge production budget, it does well with what it has in its odd shooting location. The most memorable visual is a colony of persons living on a rickety ferris wheel set up in the middle of the desert, with a number of attachments for living spaces. The flying ship in the movie appears to be both a full-sized unit that the actors can go inside, and also a miniature model with strings visible as it flies.

From an American perspective, it's clear that the narrative is poking a bit of fun at the politics of that era in Russia, something that it seemed its citizens did not always have the freedom to do. There's plenty of pure ridiculousness handled with a straight face- though it's clear that the planet Plyuk is even more twisted than Russia and the two main characters wish they had stayed there. All dialogue of course is spoken in Russian and the Blu-Ray includes optional English subtitles. The translations adds another layer of alienation; while it at least clues us in to what is being talked about, there are a few odd manners of speaking such as frequent use of the word "dear" when addressing others. It doesn't help matters that there are a number of nonsense words besides the aforementioned "koo", names given to societal ranks and technological items.

I found Kin-Dza-Dza! enjoyable, but also a bit confusing as was likely its intention. My one big criticism was that it runs a bit too long at 132 minutes, although theaters were supposed to include an intermission near the exact half-way point. The title card indicating this is retained on the disc. 

Vital Disc Stats: The Blu-Ray
The standard edition of this Deaf Crocodile release is packaged in a clear slipcover with a still from the movie printed on the inside of the cover sheet, and also includes a booklet with color photos and an essay by Justin Humphreys on the movie's satirical nature.

Kin-Dza-Dza! is transferred from the original camera negative in its intended 4x3 aspect ratio. The presentation is immaculate, possibly looking better than it did in its theatrical showings. The film elements are clean with no signs of wear, clean of any dirt or scratches. Details are sharp and clear also, perhaps a bit too much so as the limitations of effects shots such as as the strings on the flying ship are clearly visible. Color appears to be intentionally drab in the mostly-desert setting, with some welcome bright colors appearing later in the film as the journey progresses.

Despite the DTS-HD Master Audio logo on the back cover, the mono audio is actually encoded in pure uncompressed PCM 1-channel, although this will be output digitially as two channels which must then be Dolby Surround decoded back to the proper center. The sound is simplistic but works well for the material. Although it did not help me any bit in further understanding Russian, dialogue appeared to be clear and well-recorded. A quirky music score by Giya Kancheli enhances the film also, and is likely to stick with you after viewing.

The supplementary material is rather dry but shows the level of fandom this movie has. 

• Audio Commentary featuring Walter Chaw of Film Freak Central points out the elements of Soviet society that are being mocked in the film, as well as giving backgrounds on the cast and crew.
• Interview with Leo Gabridze Moderated by Dennis Bartok (HD 50 minutes) An online conversation with video and audio quality typical of that. Gabridze, the only participant on this disc directly involved with the movie, played "The Violinist" and is the son of the film's writer. He gives his memories (in English) of working on the film.
• Interview with Stephen R. Bissette Moderated by Dennis Bartok (HD 83 minutes) The film historian and Swamp Thing comic artist sits for an online interview about several elements of sci-fi and Soviet film and viewing is essentially like an outsider dropping in on their casual conversation for better or worse.
• Got a Match? On Vodka and Vinegar at the End of History (HD 16 minutes) This discussion features Ryan Verill of The Disc Connected and film professor Dr. Will Dodson. The title of this extra stems from one thing the Soviet censors forced the filmmakers to change- what was written as a bottle of vodka had to be changed to vinegar.
• New 2023 Restoration Trailer (HD 2 minutes) Unlisted on the cover is a shortfor this release from Deaf Crocodile, with quotes from fans.

Kin-Dza-Dza! is an essential addition to the collection of any fan of off-beat films. It demands repeat viewing in order to be fully appreciated. While it has been issued on disc in other countries before, this edition will be the most easily accessible to American audiences with an English translation. With a beautiful transfer, clean audio, and a nice selection of interesting extra features. Recommended