Thanks to the german private television channel 3SAT, that they aired this movie in Germany in mid 90s.
This is a movie that one can´t buy in a shop. I was lucky to videotape it. But then lend it to a buddy and he sits on the tape for over 5 years now. If you get the chance to see it, go for it.
I wonder, how trurly english translator re-expressed such rich, blurry and twisted Zulawski's dialogues and monologues. His movies are an example, how simple things can be said in most non-simple way. Anyway thanx to anyone, who's interrested with spreading a movie, which is unavailable in director's native country Poland. I'm the lucky one, who owns it via TV-aired recorded both VHS and DVD. I've watch it for more than 10 times, and it's one of the most unforgettable movie experiences ever.
I also feel very privileged to have this movie on DVD. it is a transfer from my VHS (a friend accidentally recorded it when it was originally broadcast on 3sat tv). I believe this was the only time it has ever been shown on tv. it is a masterpiece! I love it and have probably seen it more times than any other film. The Orwochrome colours, the magnificent camerawork and the mixture of polish rock and orchestral music, give it a unique atmosphere of it own. I have even tried to license this movie myself from Kadr for DVD release, but it seems zulawski is still (sadly) set against it. Well, at least I have it, even if the quality is not 100%. This film is a fascinating visual journey with utterly intense images that will really give you something to think about. It is intellectual sci-fi though and so not to everyones taste, but if you appreciate deep, dark, mind-twisting sci-fi films, this is the one for you. It takes the viewer far beyond the usual Hollywood Star Wars or 5th Element type sci-fi films. I guarantee you will watch it again and again.
i have just seen it in cinema! i see that u r from munich - its quite near poland and maybe some day youll track a showing. its worth a voyage ;) observe programmes of film festivals etc - there is nothing like cinema experience, especially with this movie!
Polart released a copy on dvd featuring english subtitles. I'm sure the there is quite a bit lost in translation being that the subs are a bit broken and I'm sure could have been phrased better. Otherwise a great release for a film that is not easily accessible.
I have found a few copies of the DVD on Ebay from a seller called steelheadenterprises. I read the specifications for the disc, and it showed that it did include English subtitles. The same copy is also available on amazon.com.