From Sergei Paradjanov (The Legend Of Suram Fortess, Shadows Of Forgotten Ancestors, The Colour of Pemegranates), one of the most acclaimed and experimental directors of the Soviet cinema, comes Ashik Kerib (Ashug-Karibi, 1988), a 19th century romantic tale evocatively brought to life.

Lermontov's famous fable tells of Ashik Kerib, the wandering minstrel who is trying to earn enough money to marry the girl he loves. But when the father of his beloved spurns him, Ashik is foced to roam the land for 1,001 nights. In recounting the story, Paradjanov boldly dispenses with conventional storytelling decives. Ashik Kerib is a series of glorious tableaux, exquisitely composed, choreographed and photographed. In addition, Paradjanov combines intertitles with images of early Russian artwork, which are then overlaid with a haunting blend of traditional and contemporary musical forms.

Ashik Kerib was Paradjanov's last completed feature film, and it was dedicated to Andrei Tarkovsky, the director's close personal friend, who had died just two years earlier. Stylistically stunning, it is a unique and unforgettable cinematic experience.

Ahik Kerib will be released on UK DVD on 24th November by Artificial Eye at the RRP of £19.99 (although check out Play.com for a serious pre-release discount on this). We don't have info on picture, sound and extras as yet but will update when we do.