A film by Philip Gröning

THE DIRECTOR’S TWO-DISC SPECIAL EDITION

Nestled deep in the postcard-perfect French Alps, the Grande Chartreuse is considered one of the world’s most ascetic monasteries. In 1984, German filmmaker Philip Gröning wrote to the Carthusian order for permission to make a documentary about them. They said they would get back to him. Sixteen years later, they were ready. Gröning, sans crew or artificial lighting, lived in the monks’ quarters for six months—filming their daily prayers, tasks, rituals and rare outdoor excursions. This transcendent, closely observed film seeks to embody a monastery, rather than simply depict one—it has no score, no voiceover and no archival footage. What remains is stunningly elemental: time, space and light. One of the most mesmerizing and poetic chronicles of spirituality ever created, Into Great Silence dissolves the border between screen and audience with a total immersion into the hush of monastic life. More meditation than documentary, it’s a rare, transformative experience for all.

DISC ONE, THE FILM:
- Breathtaking 16:9 anamorphic transfer, created from hi-def elements
- U.S. theatrical trailer
- Optional English subtitles
- Dolby Digital 5.1 soundtrack

DISC TWO, SPECIAL FEATURES:
- Making-of dossier, with behind-the-scenes footage and handwritten notes from the monks
- Additional scenes, including a piece on the Carthusian’s world-famous Chartreuse liqueur
- Night Office: A 53-minute excerpt of the monks’ nightly ritual of psalms, lauds and matins
- The Carthusians: An informative guide to the history, rules, architecture, art and daily schedules of the monks and the monasteries
- Extensive photo and audio galleries
- Video statement by Cardinal Poupard, President of the Pontifical Council for Culture at the Vatican
- Also: Essays by the director on the film, its genesis and the Night Office

2006 | 162 minutes | Germany | Color | In minimal English subtitled French dialogue | 1.85:1 original aspect ratio

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