The Film
Gandhi's message of peaceful resistance is as relevant today as it was when his life was cut short following Indian independence in 1947. Richard Attenborough's epic film biography, which won an Academy Award for Best Picture (1982), chronicles Monhandas Gandhi's life as he sought to obtain first equal rights for his people, and later independence for his country. While it fails to show his early life, and instead begins with a life changing experience, it offers a message of peace and understanding that many could heed.
The Picture
Director Attenborough evokes the style of David Lean with sweeping vistas and vast openness, while still focusing on the human character. The Blu-ray brings out the colors of the scenery, which pop with incredible vividness. However, there is a bit of graininess to the transfer, and the 2.35:1 presentation has a dated quality. This hardly detracts from the overall experience, and though the film retains its powerful visuals this isn't the best looking film on Blu-ray.
The Sound
The Dolby TrueHD 5.1 soundtrack provides crystal clear audio, which is important given that this film is extremely dialog heavy and with far from clear accents in parts. Likewise, as Sir Ben Kingsley's performance is about being understated, the audio captures those nuances perfectly. However, the few sequences of intense action -- such as the massacre at Amritsar -- lack any significant intensity from the audio. Other, more subtle audio cues, such as ambient environmental sounds, are there to help you enter the world of Gandhi.
The Extras
This 25th Anniversary edition provides plenty of extras, including commentary and an introduction by director Attenborough, along with a picture-in-graphics exclusive for Blu-ray. The second disc of this package offers several bonus features, including vintage newsreel footage and background on the making of the film, as well as insight into the real person. Much of this now seems very dated, but where the film may help introduce you to the man who was Gandhi, the extras will help you understand him all the better.
Final Thoughts
Biographies have become a dime a dozen, and in the past decade a number of historical characters have been brought to life on film. And while there have been the good mixed with the bad, Gandhi is one that endures the test of time, and helps provide insight to a complex person who set out to change the world, and for good and bad succeeded in doing just that.
Where to Buy
Product Details
| Overall | |
|---|---|
| Video | |
| Audio | |
| Movie | |
| Extras |
