Andrei Rublev (Criterion Collection) (DVD)

Set against the historic background of medieval Russia, a talented painter struggles to find hope in the midst of horrifying brutality. Immediately suppressed by the Soviets in 1966, this epic masterpiece is a sweeping medieval tale of Russia's greatest icon painter. Too experimental, to frightening, to violent and to politically complicated to be released officially, Andrei Rublev existed only in shortened, censored versions until the Criterion Collection created this complete 205-minute director's cut special edition. Directed by Andrei Tarkovsky (Solaris). Russian with optional English subtitles. Includes screen-specific audio essays by film professor Vlada Petric over select scenes, plus a rare interview with Tarkovsky and a general essay on Tarkovsky's work.