Last week on January 22nd, the Oscar-nominated documentary Pina was released on Blu-ray & DVD, as part of the Criterion Collection.  Directed by Wim Wenders and presented in 3D, the 2011 film is a tribute to the late German choreographer Pina Bausch, following a troupe of her dancers as they perform some of her most famous routines.

Filled with impressively performed sequences of interpretive dance and brief interviews with the performers, Pina is a visually mesmerizing film that plays as a celebration of expression through movement and a touching tribute to Pina Bausch.  The 3D Blu-ray brings the film to life in immersive detail as the outside scenes and the dances performed on a soaked stage seem to leap right off the screen.  This beautiful Criterion set comes highly recommended for fans of Pina.

The Blu-ray includes commentary with Wim Wenders, deleted scenes, behind the scenes footage and a “making of” featurette.  Also included is a nicely put together booklet featuring an essay by novelist Siri Hustvedt and a guide to the dances in the film

Pina is 103 minutes and rated PG.

-John C.