Gandhi Blu-ray Review

The video presentation of "Gandhi" on Blu-ray delivers a respectable 1080p/AVC MPEG-4 transfer that maintains the film's original aesthetic with a widescreen 2.35:1 ratio. The transfer showcases a very good quality image that, while not striking in its clarity or depth compared to more modern films or even some older classics, offers a clean, natural look with deep blacks and, in certain scenes, vibrant colors. This visual quality pays homage to its 1980s Eastmancolor origins, presenting lovely skin tones and lush greens while avoiding digital artifacts and excessive edge enhancement. The softness of the picture, as noted by viewers, hints at a faithful preservation of the original cinematography, complete with its inherent graininess during title sequences—an intentional artifact from the film's original production techniques.

Notably, the cinematic work by Billy Williams is both commended for its framing and critiqued for the gentle strobing and softness indicative of aged source material, despite the film’s nine Academy Awards including Best Cinematography. The Blu-ray format does justice to the intricate details of costumes and settings, such as the plaid fabric of Martin Sheen's cap and the distinct lines on the British magistrate's face. The crowd scenes, particularly during the Dharasana Saltworks protest, benefit from a high definition that allows individual faces to emerge from what could easily have been a blur in lower resolutions. However, some scenes reveal the limitations of makeup and prosthetics used to age characters, an aspect made more apparent by the increased resolution but somewhat mitigated by the overall softness chosen by Williams.

In summary, while "Gandhi" on Blu-ray may not meet the pinnacle of reference quality sought by contemporary audiences accustomed to flawless digital presentations, it provides an above-average visual experience that respects and preserves the film’s historical authenticity and artistic integrity. The video quality straddles the line between preserving the film's original character and showcasing the potential of high-definition transfer, making it a commendable albeit slightly flawed restoration that admirers of cinematic history will appreciate.

The audio presentation of "Gandhi" on Blu Ray, delivered through an English Dolby TrueHD 5.1 surround track, leans heavily into its dialogue-driven narrative, firmly placing the emphasis on clarity and articulation appropriate for a film of its conversational nature. While Ravi Shankar's evocative score and George Fenton's orchestral compositions occasionally bring the main stereo channels and front speakers to life with rich, midrange sounds, the overall audio experience reveals certain limitations inherent to the original recordings. High-frequency details, especially in Shankar's sitar strings, are notably subdued, reflecting the recording techniques of the early '80s. This results in a presentation that, while clear within its midrange, lacks the vividness and dynamic range expected in modern high-definition tracks. Furthermore, the treble is somewhat underrepresented, affecting the crispness and liveliness of the score as well as environmental sounds.

In scenes dense with crowd noises, explosions, or gunfire, the audio track struggles to maintain fidelity, often sounding boxed-in or hollow—illustrative of the challenges in capturing and reproducing the complexity of these soundscapes with the finesse offered by more contemporary audio tracks. Voices occasionally suffer from this boxiness as well, though they generally retain good clarity and natural timbre. Despite these issues, the audio rarely leverages the potential of the surround channels or the LFE (low-frequency effects) channel to enhance the aural landscape, leading to missed opportunities for immersive sound. The resulting mix, therefore, might not impress those with a keen ear for audio detail or serve as a demonstration piece for a high-end home theater setup. Nonetheless, for the majority of viewers, these audio shortcomings are unlikely to detract significantly from the enjoyment of this cinematic masterpiece, indicating that while the audio component does not rise to the occasion, it also does not substantially hinder the overall viewing experience.

The extras on the Blu-ray edition of "Gandhi" offer a comprehensive yet nuanced exploration of both the film's creation and the historical figure it portrays. Despite the limited information on disc 2, the available content across the two discs includes an insightful director's commentary by Lord Attenborough, providing valuable behind-the-scenes perspectives and personal anecdotes which make it a treasure for cinephiles and historians alike. Additionally, the "Introduction by Lord Attenborough" and "Gandhi's Legacy: A Picture-in-Graphics Track" add depth to the viewing experience, although the documentary features leave viewers wanting more detailed exploration into Gandhi's life and influence. The Blu-ray edition balances previously produced material with new content, ensuring a rich viewing experience that, while comprehensive regarding the film's production, suggests further exploration into Gandhi's writings and biography for those seeking a deeper historical understanding.

Extras included in this disc:

• Introduction by Lord Attenborough: A brief introduction to the film.
• Director's Commentary: Attenborough shares insights and anecdotes from the production.
• Gandhi's Legacy: A Picture-in-Graphics Track: An interactive feature charting Gandhi's progress.
• Vintage Newsreel Footage: Historical context related to Gandhi's era.
• Sir Ben Kingsley Talks about Gandhi: The actor shares his experiences of playing Gandhi.
• In Search of Gandhi: Exploration of Gandhi’s impact and legacy.
• Reflections on Ben: Discussion on Ben Kingsley's portrayal of Gandhi.
• Madeleine Slade: An Englishwoman Abroad: Focus on a significant figure in Gandhi’s life.
• The Funeral: Coverage of Gandhi’s funeral.
• Looking Back: Retrospective views on the film.
• Shooting an Epic in India: Insights into the challenges and achievements of filming in India.
• Designing Gandhi: Overview of the design aspects of the film.
• From the Director's Chair: Attenborough’s personal experiences directing the film.
• The Words of Mahatma Gandhi: Selected writings and quotes from Gandhi.
• The Making of Gandhi Photo Montage: A visual compilation documenting the making of the film.

Richard Attenborough's "Gandhi," commemorated on Blu-ray, presents an epic narrative enshrined in India's profound history through the lens of Mohandas Gandhi's life, depicted with a memorable performance by Ben Kingsley. Enhancing this cinematic journey, the 1080p AVC/MPEG-4 transfer adheres closely to the visual fidelity of original Eastmancolour prints, offering a natural depiction of Indian landscapes and nuanced portrayal of characters' complexions. Complemented by an English Dolby TrueHD 5.1 surround sound track, the audio predominantly emphasizes dialogue while adeptly utilizing stereo channels for musical scores and ambient sounds in crowded scenes. Lord Attenborough's inclusion of a directorial commentary further enriches the viewing experience, offering deep insights into the film's production facets that cinephiles will find invaluable.

The film navigates the extensive breadth of Gandhi's adult life, commencing with his early anti-apartheid endeavours in South Africa, transcending to his pivotal role in India’s quest for independence, and culminating with his philosophical contributions towards nonviolent resistance. Kingsley’s portrayal resonates with authenticity, capturing Gandhi's spirit of humility and determination, which garnered him an Academy Award for Best Actor. Through meticulous production, underpinned by Attenborough's passionate direction and Stuart Craig’s Oscar-winning art and set design, "Gandhi" emerges as not merely a biopic but an elaborate canvas illustrating the struggle for freedom and unity against colonial dominion.

Released in honor of its 25th anniversary, the Blu-ray edition significantly surpasses preceding formats in both visual and auditory quality, ensuring a definitive viewing experience. Although it doesn't achieve reference grade by contemporary standards, its enhancements are commendable and central to appreciating the film's detailed storytelling and grand scale. This portrayal not only highlights Gandhi's enduring legacy but also underscores the enduring impact of cinema as a medium capable of conveying powerful messages of peace and resilience across generations.

The Blu-ray release of Attenborough's Gandhi offers a resplendent review of the film's monumental impact, technical finesse, and its powerful narrative, led by a riveting performance from Ben Kingsley. Kingsley's portrayal of the Mahatma, born Krishna Bhanji to a family of mixed heritage, adds layers of authenticity and emotional depth, connecting on a personal, philosophical, and spiritual level with Gandhi. The film's production values shine through in this release, accentuating its epic scope and the visually stunning rendering that have stood the test of time. Gandhi reiterates the power of idealism translated into action, while acknowledging the complex realities of such philosophical stances in fraught times, especially highlighted in conversations around nonviolence during World War II.

Rewatching Gandhi in high definition allows for a nuanced exploration of its historical context and the intriguing dichotomy between idealism and practical application. The Blu-ray presentation does raise certain concerns regarding minor video and audio issues but remains an indispensable addition to any collection. The film not only encapsulates the life of a man who changed the course of history through non-violence but also provokes thought about the implications of such ideals in the face of real-world adversities. It intelligently navigates through Gandhi's philosophies, their implementation, and their lasting impact on India and the world.

In conclusion, despite its few technical shortcomings, the Blu-ray presentation of Gandhi is a compelling must-have, enriching your library with a piece that beautifully combines outstanding cinematic quality with profound historical and philosophical inquiry. This edition provides a fresh perspective on Gandhi's life and legacy, offering an engaging experience that resonates well beyond its runtime.