The Sacrifice - BLU-RAY

As a wealthy Swedish family celebrates the birthday of their patriarch Alexander (Erland Josephson, Cries and Whispers), news of the outbreak of World War III reaches their remote Baltic island - and the happy mood turns to horror. The family descends into a state of psychological devastation, brilliantly evoked by Tarkovsky's arresting palette of luminous greys washing over the bleak landscape around their home. (The film's masterful cinematography is by Sven Nykvist, Ingmar Bergman's longtime collaborator). For Alexander, a philosopher troubled about man's lack of spirituality, the prospect of certain extinction compels the ultimate sacrifice, and he enters into a Faustian bargain with God to save his loved ones from the fear which grips them. The director's last film, made as he was dying of cancer, The Sacrifice is Tarkovsky's personal statement, a profoundly moving, redemptive tragedy steeped in unforgettable imagery and heart-wrenching emotion.

Includes Immensee (1943)For Elisabeth (Kristina Söderbaum), the end of her relationship with gifted composer Reinhart (Carl Raddatz) would eventually lead her to a less-than-romantic marriage to the stable and wealthy Erich (Paul Klinger). What will it mean for Elisabeth and Erich when Reinhart returns after years away and makes clear his intention to reclaim her love? German melodrama also stars Carola Toelle, Lina Lossen, Max Gülstorff. 94 min. In German with English subtitles. C/Rtg NR The Great Sacrifice (1944)Terminally ill Äls Flodéen (Kristina Söderbaum) and married neighbor Albrecht Froben (Carl Raddatz) fall in love with one another, which does not escape the attention of Albrecht's wife Octavia (Irene von Meyendorff). But when Albrecht falls ill himself, Octavia begins dressing up like her husband and passing by the bedridden Äls' house in an effort to cheer her up. With Franz Schafheitlin, Ernst Stahl-Nachbaur, Otto Treßler. 96 min. In German with English subtitles. C/Rtg NR Standard; Soundtrack German; Subtitles English; audio commentary.

This foreboding and unforgettable tale of life on the brink of a potential nuclear disaster was the final work of director Andrei Tarkovsky and the winner of the Special Jury Prize at Cannes. As World War III appears imminent, the patriarch of a wealthy Swedish family makes a promise to God that he will give up everything-and everyone-he holds dear if the coming conflict can be averted. Erland Josephson, Susan Fleetwood, Allan Edwall star; cinematography by Sven Nykvist. 148 min. Widescreen; Soundtrack Swedish, English, French; Subtitles English; audio commentary; interview; theatrical trailers; documentary InchDirected by Andrei TarkovskyInch (1988). In Swedish, English, and French with English subtitles. Two-disc set.