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The Color of Pomegranates (1969)
The Color of Pomegranates (1969) poster
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4.1

The Color of Pomegranates (1969)

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Drama, History • 1h 20m

Overview

The life of the revered 18th-century Armenian poet and musician Sayat-Nova. Portraying events in the life of the artist from childhood up to his death, the movie addresses in particular his relationships with women, including his muse. The production tells Sayat-Nova's dramatic story by using both his poems and largely still camerawork, creating a work hailed as revolutionary by Mikhail Vartanov.

Best English-Friendly Release

Best Video Release

Second Sight, but Ritrovata yellow across all BDs

Format

1080p Blu-ray

TSPDT

2026: #185
2025: #180
2024: #178
2023: #174
2022: #174

Criterion Forum

Review

Picture: 7, Audio: 5, Extras: 8

Length

80 mins

Type

Movie

Alternative Titles

Red Pomegranate

Last Updated

2 years ago

Contributors

-

Best English-Friendly Release
Best Video Release

Second Sight, but Ritrovata yellow across all BDs

Format
1080p Blu-ray
Featured Lists
TSPDT
2026: #185
2025: #180
2024: #178
2023: #174
2022: #174
Criterion Forum
Review

Picture: 7, Audio: 5, Extras: 8

Length
80 mins
Type
Movie
Alternative Titles
Red Pomegranate
Last Updated
2 years ago
Contributors

-

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Best Audio:

1992 MGM LaserDisc [ML102699], but still a bit overly noise-managed.

1984 CBS/Fox Hi-Fi VHS maybe better?

Best English-Friendly:

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Best Video:

Criterion 4K Blu-ray > Capelight/Kino Lorber which has heavy noise reduction and opening snare hit is missing, Capelight is slightly better encoded than Kino Lorber

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International Cut: Old 2007 Europe Blu-ray

Upcoming Release:

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Best Video:

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International Cut: Old 2007 Europe Blu-ray

Best Audio:

1999 WB DVD

Additional Info:

No Blu-ray or DVD release has presented the movie in its original theatrical aspect ratio of 1.85:1 for the US cut or 1.66:1 for the International cut.

The packaging on the back of the 4K Blu-ray incorrectly states it as 1.85:1 when the movie is actually 1.78:1 as is the original Blu-ray

Best English-Friendly:

US Cut: WB 4K Blu-ray

International Cut: Old 2007 Europe Blu-ray

Upcoming Release:

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Best Video:

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International Cut: Old 2007 Europe Blu-ray

Best Audio:

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Additional Info:

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The packaging on the back of the 4K Blu-ray incorrectly states it as 1.85:1 when the movie is actually 1.78:1 as is the original Blu-ray

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Best Video:

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Workprint: WB 30th Anniversary Blu-ray Set for a better AVC encode

Best Audio:

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Workprint: WB 30th Anniversary Blu-ray Set DTS-HD MA 5.1

2007 Final Cut remix: Blu-ray Dolby TrueHD 5.1

Additional Info:

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Best English-Friendly:

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Other Cuts: WB Blu-ray

Workprint: WB 30th Anniversary Blu-ray Set for a better AVC encode

Best Video:

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Other Cuts: WB Blu-ray

Workprint: WB 30th Anniversary Blu-ray Set for a better AVC encode

Best Audio:

1982 Theatrical Mix: Embassy Video releases, HD-DVD for the 70mm 6-track mix

International Cut Dolby Stereo: Criterion Collection LaserDisc, HD-DVD for the 70mm 6-track mix

1992 Director's Cut Dolby Stereo: WB CAV LaserDisc 2.0 PCM-best fidelity of any mix, HD-DVD for the 70mm 6-track mix

Workprint: WB 30th Anniversary Blu-ray Set DTS-HD MA 5.1

2007 Final Cut remix: Blu-ray Dolby TrueHD 5.1

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Best Audio:

1988/1990 WB Hi-Fi VHS, crystal clear, albeit with some distortion in louder areas

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Additional Info:

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Additional Info:

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The Color of Pomegranates (1969) backdrop