This first work of The Qatsi Trilogy wordlessly surveys the rapidly changing environments of the Northern Hemisphere, in an astonishing collage created by the director, cinematographer Ron Fricke, and composer Philip Glass. It shuttles viewers from one jaw-dropping vision to the next, moving from images of untouched nature to others depicting human beings' increasing dependence on technology.

Notes

Originally released as a documentary in 1983.

Issued as part of 3-disc box set The Qatsi Trilogy with: Powaqqatsi; Naqoyqatsi.

Special features: new, restored digital transfer, approved by director Godfrey Reggio ; Essence of life, an interview program with Reggio and composer Philip Glass on Koyaanisqatsi ; new interview with cinematographer Ron Fricke ; television spots and a new interview with Reggio relating to his 1970s multimedia privacy campaign in New Mexico ; early demo version of Koyaanisqatsi with a partial scratch soundtrack featuring poet Allen Ginsberg, along with a new introduction by Reggio ; new interview with Reggio about the film's original visual concept, with behind-the-scenes footage ; trailer.