Andrei Rublev (1966) in Color — Starring Anatoliy Solonitsyn & Ivan Lapikov

Andrei Rublev (1966) — Buy This Classic in Color

Buy Andrei Rublev (1966) in color — originally titled Андрей Рублёв, this monumental Russian classic film by Andrei Tarkovsky has been professionally restored and colorized in HD. Set in medieval Russia, the film follows the life and spiritual journey of the legendary 15th-century icon painter Andrei Rublev. Now available as an instant, DRM-free digital download. Experience Tarkovsky’s masterpiece — в цвете (in color) — like never before.

Plot Summary

Andrei Rublev unfolds across eight interconnected episodes set in 15th-century Russia, spanning the years 1400 to 1423. The film opens with a daring prologue in which a man attempts flight in a primitive hot-air balloon over the Russian countryside, setting the stage for a sweeping meditation on creativity, faith, and suffering. The monk and icon painter Andrei Rublev, played by Anatoliy Solonitsyn, travels through a Russia torn apart by feudal warfare, Tatar invasions, and political treachery.

Along his journey, Rublev encounters a series of characters who challenge and shape his understanding of art and humanity. His fellow monk Kirill, played by Ivan Lapikov and consumed by jealousy and ambition, abandons the monastery after failing to attract the recognition he craves. Theophanus the Greek, portrayed by Nikolai Sergeyev, is a renowned master painter who becomes Rublev’s mentor but holds a deeply cynical view of mankind. Through episodes of pagan celebration, brutal violence, famine, and the blinding of stonemasons by a jealous prince, Rublev witnesses the full spectrum of human cruelty and grace.

The film reaches its emotional climax in the final chapter, “The Bell,” in which a young boy named Boriska, played by Nikolay Burlyaev, claims knowledge of his late father’s secret for casting great bells. Leading a massive workforce, the boy stakes his life on creating a perfect bell for the Grand Duke. When the bell finally rings true, Rublev breaks his long self-imposed vow of silence to comfort the weeping, exhausted boy, recognizing in Boriska’s artistic courage a mirror of his own calling. The film concludes with a stunning color sequence showcasing Rublev’s actual surviving icons, connecting centuries of Russian artistry in one transcendent moment.

Cast & Crew

• Starring: Anatoliy Solonitsyn, Ivan Lapikov, Nikolay Grinko, Nikolai Sergeyev, Irma Raush, Nikolay Burlyaev, Yuriy Nazarov, Yuriy Nikulin, Rolan Bykov, Nikolay Grabbe
• Director: Andrei Tarkovsky
• Runtime: 183 minutes
• Year: 1966
• Country: Soviet Union
• Language: Russian
• IMDb Rating: 8.0/10
• Rated: R

Why Buy This Classic in Color?

Andrei Tarkovsky’s Andrei Rublev is widely regarded as one of the greatest films ever made and a towering achievement in world cinema. Originally filmed in black and white with a brief color epilogue showcasing the real Rublev’s icons, this colorized version brings the harsh beauty of medieval Russia to vivid, breathtaking life. The rolling steppes, crumbling churches, muddy villages, and golden firelight are rendered in carefully restored hues that deepen the film’s powerful atmosphere without compromising Tarkovsky’s artistic vision.

This classic film has been professionally restored and colorized frame by frame to the highest standard. Every detail — from the rough textures of monks’ robes to the glow of molten bronze in the bell-casting sequence — is enhanced with period-accurate color grading. The colorization adds a new dimension to the epic Tatar raid, the haunting pagan ritual by the river, and the transcendent final montage of Rublev’s painted icons.

Buy now for an instant, secure digital download with no DRM restrictions. Own a piece of cinematic history and experience Tarkovsky’s profound meditation on art, suffering, and faith in a way that feels entirely fresh. Compatible with all devices that support MP4 playback.

Historical Significance

Completed in 1966, Andrei Rublev was immediately suppressed by Soviet censors who found its unflinching portrayal of violence and religious devotion politically inconvenient. The film was not shown publicly in the Soviet Union until 1971, and only reached international audiences after a screening at the 1969 Cannes Film Festival, where it won the FIPRESCI Prize. Since then it has been consistently ranked among the greatest films in the history of cinema by critics, filmmakers, and audiences worldwide.

The film is a profound exploration of the role of the artist in an oppressive society, set against the turbulent backdrop of Russia’s medieval period. Tarkovsky blends historical drama with philosophical inquiry, asking whether art can redeem human suffering. The real Andrei Rublev is best known for the icon of the Holy Trinity, one of the most celebrated works of Russian art, and the film ultimately affirms the enduring power of creative expression even in the darkest of times. Daniil Chornyy, played by Nikolay Grinko, serves as Rublev’s loyal companion throughout, grounding the narrative in human warmth amid the surrounding chaos.

Technical Details

• Original Format: Black and White (1966)
• Colorized: Frame-by-frame HD restoration
• Resolution: HD 720p
• File Format: MP4 / MKV
• Running Time: 183 minutes
• Language: Russian (with English subtitles)
• Delivery: Instant download link on-screen and sent to your email upon purchase.
• Price: €15.00
• License: Personal, non-commercial use

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Movie-Specific Questions

Q: Is this the full 183-minute version of the film?
Yes, this is the complete director’s cut of Andrei Rublev at its full 183-minute runtime, as Tarkovsky intended. Some earlier releases were shortened, but this is the definitive version.

Q: Why was Andrei Rublev banned in the Soviet Union?
Soviet authorities objected to the film’s graphic violence, its sympathetic portrayal of religious faith, and its implicit criticism of state oppression of artistic freedom. The censors delayed public release for five years after the film was completed.

This classic movie is also available in colour for international audiences.

Digital Download Questions

Q: Is this the original film with added color?
Yes, this is the original black and white film professionally colorized frame-by-frame for authentic, vibrant visuals. The original color epilogue sequence showcasing Rublev’s real icons is preserved as Tarkovsky intended.

Q: Are English subtitles included?
Yes, the film includes English subtitles for all Russian dialogue, ensuring full accessibility for international audiences.

Q: What devices can I watch this on?
Any device that supports MP4 playback, including Smart TVs, Windows/macOS computers, and iOS/Android devices.

Q: Is the download DRM-free?
Yes, this digital download is completely DRM-free for your personal use.

Q: How and when will I receive my download?
You will receive a secure download link on the confirmation page immediately after purchase. A copy of the link will also be sent to your email address.

Related Colorized Classics

• Ivan’s Childhood (1962)
• London After Midnight (1927) Minoru Production
• Alexander Nevsky (1938)
• The Seventh Seal (1957)
• Rashomon (1950)