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Visions of Light: The Art of Cinematography
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Aspect Ratio: 1.33:1
Audience Rating: NR (Not Rated)
Binding: DVD
DVD Layers: 1
DVD Sides: 1
EAN: 9786305836858
Format: Black & White, Closed-captioned, Color, DVD-Video, NTSC
ISBN: 630583685X
Label: Image Entertainment
Languages: English (Original Language), Dolby Digital 2.0 Stereo
Manufacturer: Image Entertainment
Number Of Items: 1
Picture Format: Academy Ratio
Publisher: Image Entertainment
Release Date: May 09, 2000
Running Time: 92 minutes
Studio: Image Entertainment
Theatrical Release Date: February 24, 1993
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Editorial Review:
Visions of Light is not just for film buffs. In fact, if the presentation of the Oscar for Best Cinematography is your cue to take a bathroom break from the Academy Awards, then this exhilarating documentary will help you see movies in a whole new light. Named Best Documentary by the National Society of Film Critics as well as several film-critic associations, Visions of Light traces the history and illuminates the art of cinematography. It profiles the cameramen who pioneered the visual language of cinema (such as D.W. Griffith's cameraman Billy Bitzer and Gregg Toland, who shot Orson Welles's Citizen Kane), as well as the masters they influenced, among them Néstor Alemendros (Days of Heaven), Vilmos Zsigmond (McCabe and Mrs. Miller), and Gordon Willis, the affectionately nicknamed "Prince of Darkness" who shot the Godfather films.
From Birth of a Nation to Blade Runner, from Gone with the Wind to GoodFellas, this feast for the eyes spans nearly a century with sequences from more than 125 movies made immortal by the artful use of light and shadow to realize the director's vision. William Fraker, who shot Rosemary's Baby, recalls filming the scene in which Ruth Gordon's sinister character is seen in a bedroom talking on the phone at the far end of a corridor. Director Roman Polanski suggested that Fraker move his camera so her body would be concealed by a door and audiences could only see her back. Fraker remembers later watching this scene in theaters and seeing the audiences shift in their seats trying to peek around the door. --Donald Liebenson
Experience the dazzling story of cinematography as seen through the lenses of the world's greatest filmmakers and captured in classic scenes from over 125 immortal movies. Discover Gordon Willis's secrets of lighting Marlon Brando in "The Godfather" and Greg Toland's contributions to "Citizen Kane." Hear William Fraker on filming "Rosemary's Baby," Vittorio Storaro on his use of color and light in "Apocalypse Now" and much, much more. From black and white to Technicolor, silent to "talkie," glittering Hollywood musical to film noir and art film to blockbuster, this critically acclaimed masterpiece presents movies in a new and unforgettable light!
Customer Reviews
Average Rating: 
Rating:  - I like!
Visions of Light provided me with a well-explained history of cinematography in Hollywood, starting with the old days (early 1900s) to film noir (Hollywood in the 40s) to the present time. However, I have to admit that I expected a more dynamic discussion about cinematography---a more "passionate" lesson on what makes good cinematography and its artistry. Also, it ends with films of the 60s or 70s...It doesn't go all the way to today's films.
Nonetheless, I like it for what it teaches, ... Read More
Rating:  - Visions of LIght?.......Yes!
This is a must have for serious students and lovers of cinematography. It covers the history and major developments of motion picture photography along with many main contributors to the art. Once you see it you'll tell all your friends about it and so on...it's that good.
Rating: - Nice
I liked this dvd. It shows the history and techniques of cinematography.
feel free to visit http://myspace.com/chapmanphotography
Rating: - Illusions of Reality
A remarkably informative and comprehensive review of the history of film and the talented people who have driven the development of cinematography, elevating it to an art form. Critical examples from film archives, enlightening interviews with directors, actors and other professionals, and thoughtful consideration of the importance of lighting. scriptwriting and other aspects of producing a successful finished product which can universally inspire and move people make this a necessary reference for any ... Read More
Rating:  - Some interesting clips...
I'm tempted to give this video a 4-star rating, but it seems that when it really begins to shine, it ends. Though there's a lot of information on this video, it covers more "recent" (60s, 70s) movies pretty fast. An update to this video (a second volume, perhaps) would be most welcome to those of us who are interested in less historical examples of cinematic lighting. If you can get your hands on a used copy, it's worth taking a look at--but don't expect a lot (and try not to buy it new, unless you're ... Read More
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