Slumdog Millionaire Blu-ray Review
Score: 70
from 2 reviewers
Review Date:
'Slumdog Millionaire' excels on Blu-ray with superb visuals/audio, inspiring audiences with its hopeful narrative.
Disc Release Date
DTS-HD MA
Video: 70
Blu-ray honors 'Slumdog Millionaire's' gritty yet picturesque style with a high-quality transfer that respects its cinematic vision, from moody visuals to vibrant clarity.
Audio: 75
Slumdog Millionaire's 5.1 DTS-HD MA track impresses with its lively, award-winning mix of sound effects and A.R. Rahman's score, offering an immersive experience of Mumbai's essence.
Extra: 51
Slumdog Millionaire's DVD extras dazzle with Boyle & Patel's insightful commentary, making-of featurettes, meaningful deleted scenes, and unique cultural tidbits, though some commentaries may lack depth.
Movie: 86
'Slumdog Millionaire,' a cinematic fairy tale, overcame odds from near obscurity to worldwide acclaim and Oscars, showcasing resilience and love amidst Mumbai's slums.
Video: 70
Slumdog Millionaire," an unconventional masterpiece, graces the Blu-ray platform with its cinematic splendor fully intact, benefiting from a high bitrate AVC MPEG-4 1080p encode that consistently respects director Danny Boyle's and cinematographer Anthony Dod Mantle’s visionary approach. Despite the inherent challenge posed by the film’s use of varied camera types and film stocks, the transfer impressively mirrors the movie's gritty yet picturesque portrayal of Mumbai's slums, with its moody, almost monochromatic visual narrative highlighted by a predominantly brownish color palette. The film’s original theatrical aspect ratio of 2.35:1 is preserved, ensuring that viewers experience the film's ground-breaking style and award-winning cinematography as intended. This is more than just a visual feast; it's a testament to Fox's dedication to faithfully translating Boyle's distinct cinematic vision to home viewers.
The presentation oscillates between crisp, highly detailed scenes showcasing vibrant colors, palpable textures, and enhanced depth of field, and those intentionally filled with grain to echo the film’s raw realism. Despite the high contrast occasionally leading to blooming and a handful of scenes where video noise and detail break-up in long shots are noticeable, such moments hardly diminish the overall quality of the transfer. Moreover, the strong black levels and detailed dark scenes add a compelling depth to Boyle's relentless portrayal of slum life. Notably, the transfer is free from digital processing distractions like edge sharpening and excessive digital noise reduction, maintaining the film's intended aesthetic without compromise.
True to its roots, "Slumdog Millionaire" on Blu-ray remains a visually striking piece that blurs the lines between gritty realism and vivid romanticism. It delivers an experience that is at once immersive and authentic, plunging viewers into the heart of Mumbai with remarkable clarity. Whether it's your first journey into its richly layered world or you’re revisiting, the Blu-ray’s video presentation stands as a sterling example of how to handle complex source material with both technical expertise and respect for the filmmaker’s original vision.
Audio: 75
The audio presentation of "Slumdog Millionaire" on Blu-ray is impressively engaging, featuring a dynamic 5.1 DTS-HD Master Audio track that masterfully blends English and Hindi dialogues amidst the vivid soundscape of Mumbai's slums. This track, awarded for its distinctive sound design, meticulously captures the essence of the film’s varied settings - from its energetic streets to the intense moments of Jamal's life challenges. The surround effects are especially notable for their ability to envelop the listener, crafting an immersive experience that enhances the film's realism with carefully exaggerated sonic details.
Integrating seamlessly into this rich audio tapestry is A.R. Rahman's Academy Award-winning score, which stands out as a highlight. Its eclectic Indian tunes, both raucous and rhythmically compelling, add a profound layer of authenticity and emotion to the narrative, beautifully exploiting all 5.1 channels to create a resounding presence that truly showcases the soundstage’s capabilities. Meanwhile, dialogue remains crisp and clear, notwithstanding some challenges posed by the cast's thick accents which may require occasional adjustments by the listener.
Yet, what sets this audio track apart is its exceptional balance between powerful, in-your-face moments and subtle nuances. The bustling ambiance of Mumbai is brought to life with an almost constant use of surrounds, providing a vivid backdrop that immediately draws viewers in. This careful blend of sounds, from the thunderous to the delicate, achieves a highly realistic and immersive auditory experience. Whether it's the palpable tension of quieter scenes or the energetic pulse of Rahman's score during the film’s climax, this Blu-ray’s audio presentation delivers reference quality sound that both tests and satisfies the capabilities of one's home audio setup, making "Slumdog Millionaire" an even more involving and immediate cinematic experience.
Extras: 51
The 'Slumdog Millionaire' Blu-ray extras offer a substantial look into the making of the film and its cultural backdrop, led by the engaging audio commentary with Director Danny Boyle and actor Dev Patel. This feature is a standout, providing insightful behind-the-scenes anecdotes and demonstrating Boyle's infectious enthusiasm for the project. Alongside, the comprehensive selection of deleted scenes enriches the narrative context, although they don't alter the storyline significantly. The 'Slumdog Dreams' documentary and an array of other creative content, including music videos and a short film, add depth to the package, though the second audio commentary with producer Christian Colson and writer Simon Beaufoy falls short of expectations, lacking the vibrancy found in Boyle's discussion. Overall, these extras encapsulate the spirit and challenges of filming in India, while delving into the creative process behind this acclaimed movie.
Extras included in this disc:
- Feature Length Audio Commentary with Director Danny Boyle and Actor Dev Patel: A detailed look into the making of the film with anecdotes from Mumbai.
- Feature Length Audio Commentary with Producer Christian Colson and Writer Simon Beaufoy: Insights from the production perspective, though less engaging.
- Slumdog Dreams: Danny Boyle & The Making of Slumdog Millionaire: A documentary featuring extensive comments and behind-the-scenes footage.
- Deleted Scenes: Additional scenes offering more narrative context.
- From Script To Screen: Toilet Scene: A focused look at the adaptation of one specific scene from script to screen.
- Indian Short Film – Manjha: A short film inclusion that adds cultural depth.
- Bombay Liquid Dance Music Video: A music video capturing daily life in Mumbai.
Movie: 86
Slumdog Millionaire," directed by Danny Boyle and winning eight Oscars, including Best Picture, captivates audiences worldwide with its heart-wrenching yet uplifting narrative. This film, dodging a direct-to-DVD release, showcases the life of Jamal Malik (Dev Patel), a young man from the slums of Mumbai who finds himself on the cusp of winning India's version of "Who Wants to Be a Millionaire." Jamal's journey is not merely about the pursuit of wealth; it is a poignant exploration of love, perseverance, and the indomitable spirit of humanity faced with adversity.
As Jamal navigates through the quiz show, every question inadvertently ties back to his harsh upbringing alongside his brother, Salim (Madhur Mittal), and his enduring love for Latika (Freida Pinto). This seamless weaving of Jamal's past with his present captures the essence of a young man whose life experiences prepare him in the most unlikely ways for the show's challenging questions. The narrative cleverly intertwines themes of destiny, love, and resilience, all set against the vibrant and tumultuous backdrop of Mumbai—a character in its own right, depicted with stark realism and beauty.
Despite the film’s fairy-tale-like ascent in Hollywood, "Slumdog Millionaire" resonates deeply due to its authentic portrayal of dire poverty juxtaposed with the undying hope of its protagonists. The performances by Dev Patel, Madhur Mittal, and Freida Pinto—as well as the remarkable depiction by child actors—add depth to this textured story. Danny Boyle's direction brilliantly marries the gritty realities of life in Mumbai with the fantastical elements of Jamal's quest. While some aspects, like the fudging of the game show's rules for dramatic effect, may raise eyebrows, they are minor compared to the overall impact of the film. "Slumdog Millionaire" remains a testament to cinema's power to inspire, highlighting the resilience required to surmount insurmountable odds.
Total: 70
The Blu-ray presentation of "Slumdog Millionaire" elevates the viewing experience of this universally acclaimed film, ensuring that both aficionados and first-time viewers are treated to the best possible visual and auditory quality. Directed by Danny Boyle, known for his craft in bringing unique stories to the screen, "Slumdog Millionaire" is no exception, presenting a rich tapestry of human emotions and experiences against the backdrop of India. This Blu-ray release captures the essence and visual flair of the movie with an impeccable video transfer that honors the film's vibrant, heavily stylized cinematography. The audio experience is equally impressive, featuring a dynamic 5.1 DTS HD-Master Audio track that immaculately presents the film's blend of Hindi and English dialogues, alongside its engaging soundtrack.
Technical aspects aside, the Blu-ray edition comes with a set of supplements that, while not vast, add considerable value to the overall package. These extras are engaging and enhance one’s appreciation of the filmmaking process and the creative decisions behind this heart-warming story. The combination of outstanding video quality, superlative audio presentation, and meaningful extras make this release a must-have for home theater enthusiasts seeking to experience the feel-good story of "Slumdog Millionaire" in unparalleled quality.
In conclusion, the Blu-ray release of "Slumdog Millionaire" stands out as an exemplary model of how to bring cinematic masterpieces into our living rooms. With its faithful visual transfer and stellar audio track, it not only preserves but enhances the original theatrical experience. Coupled with insightful supplements, this release warrants high recommendation, representing a perfect marriage of content and quality that will delight both fans and newcomers alike. It’s a vivid reminder of the power of storytelling and technical excellence converging in one memorable home-viewing experience.
Blu-ray.com review by Ben WilliamsRead review here
Video: 90
Regardless, the film's unique landscapes and industrial locations take on a picturesque quality that becomes more and more visually appealing as the film unfolds, in spite of its desolate nature....
Audio: 90
As the film flashes between scenes of Jamal's childhood, incarceration and game show appearance, the soundtrack echoes the aural signature of each locale, creating a swirling surround experience that never...
Extras: 70
The track is almost as enjoyable as the film itself, with both participants going into great depth regarding filming in Mumbai, as well as the camaraderie between the film's various cast members....
Movie: 100
It's a horrible existence that serves as fuel for the characters to break free of the oppression that they've experienced since birth....
Total: 90
Director Danny Boyle has made a career out of crafting unique movies that, despite not having much in common with one another, manage to focus on the human experience regardless of the setting....
High-Def Digest review by David KraussRead review here
Video: 90
But depending on Boyle's camera choices, many crisp scenes also contain shots that exhibit plenty of grain, and the effect can be a bit jarring....
Audio: 100
This is a track that will really show off your audio equipment, and make this fine motion picture more immediate, involving, and exciting....
Extras: 40
He talks about breaking down the barriers that might prevent western audiences from embracing the film, the warmth of the Indian people, working with the child actors, filming at the Taj Mahal, and some...
Movie: 80
While Boyle's warm-hearted study of two orphaned brothers and the girl who comes between them is still far from perfect, it remains a cohesive, involving, and beautifully realized portrait of devotion,...
Total: 80
A favorite of critics and audiences alike, 'Slumdog Millionaire' will now also thrill home theater enthusiasts with its impressive video transfer and reference quality audio....
Director: Danny Boyle, Loveleen Tandan
Actors: Dev Patel, Freida Pinto, Saurabh Shukla
PlotAn eighteen-year-old orphan from the slums of Mumbai has the chance of a lifetime when he appears on the Indian version of "Who Wants to be a Millionaire?". As the show progresses, he defies expectations by answering question after question correctly. His remarkable performance catches not only the nation’s eye but also the dubious attention of the show’s host and the authorities. Arrested on suspicion of cheating, the young man must explain how someone with his background could possibly know the answers to such challenging questions.
Through a series of flashbacks, his life story unfolds, revealing how his experiences growing up in the slums provided him with the unlikely answers to the show’s questions. Each question inadvertently relates to a key moment in his past, encompassing his harsh upbringing, encounters with local gangs, struggles to survive, and the lost love that has driven much of his life's actions. The intertwining of his past and present illustrates the power of resilience and knowledge gained through real-life experience.
Writers: Simon Beaufoy, Vikas Swarup
Release Date: 25 Dec 2008
Runtime: 120 min
Rating: R
Country: United Kingdom, France, United States
Language: English, Hindi, French, German