Always watch it in 4:3

I missed Naqoyqatsi in the cinema. When I finally got the DVD, I noticed the film was formatted as a widescreen film that fit the frame of the usual 16:9 TV. However, the images were all pulled out and stretched (circles became flat ovals and people looked too wide).

There are debates here regarding this. There are also explanations from the film-makers, available to read on various sites, regarding this dubious artistic decision.

Basically 80% of this film is made up of stock footage which is digitally treated in some way - appropriate, as ultimately the film is about technology. Most of this found footage was in 4:3 ratio - the same as traditional TV format.

Apparently, the decision was made to stretch the whole image to fit the wider aspect ratio of standard cinema formats. This is how it was shown in theatres and is presented on the DVD.

It is horrible to watch in that ratio.

Most times I would always advocate adhering to the artist/film-maker's wishes regarding their work. In this case I strongly believe they have been misguided (for whatever reasons - commercial or artistic).

Do yourself a favour and set your TV or player to screen the film in 4:3. Then, everything is in proportion and the images do not jar with your visual and aesthetic perceptions. Hopefully (particularly with repeated viewing) you will find as much to appreciate in this as in the first two Qatsi films - though admittedly, of a very different approach.