Passage to India [DVD] [Region 1] [US Import] [NTSC]

This is a magnificent and exquisitely wrought film, well nuanced and faithful in its adaptation of E.M. Forster's classic novel of the same name. Director David Lean, who had previously directed such cinematic triumphs as "Bridge on the River Kwai" and "Lawrence of Arabia", outdid himself with this film, which was nominated for eleven Academy Awards and for which Peggy Ashcroft won an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress, as did Maurice Jarre for Best Score.

Set in 1928 colonial India, it is a story about racism and love. A headstrong and adventurous Englishwoman, Adela Quested (Judy Davis) travels to India to meet her fiance. She is accompanied on her journey by her fiance's elderly mother, Mrs. Moore (Peggy Ashcroft), a lovely and kindly woman who, upon reaching India, is appalled at the treatment of the native Indian populace by her own countrymen. She eventually makes the acquaintance of a very nice Indian man, Dr. Aziz (Victor Banerjee), who is surprised at being treated as a sentient human being by this Englishwoman. During a social occasion, in which the usual class boundaries were set aside, he again meets the delightful Mrs. Moore and is introduced to Adela Quested. Enthused by being treated as an equal, he gets carried away and invites them to be his guests on an excursion he can ill afford to a well known, but remote tourist spot, the Marabar caves.

It is a hot day and a long journey to these mysterious caves, and Dr. Aziz and Ms. Quested are thrown together more than they ordinarily would have been, setting the stage for a fateful and strange turn of events, one that would have great personal, as well as political, impact on the parties concerned. It is a collision of East and West and makes for a definitive statement about the nature of the relationship between the native Indian population and the British colonialists. It is a relationship that makes itself most manifest during the telling courtroom scenes, making it a film to be remembered.

This is a very well acted and compelling film, a sterling tribute to David Lean's directorial talents. In this, his last cinematic triumph, Lean leaves a legacy to be remembered, having exacted wonderful performances from the star studded cast, including James Fox, Alec Guinness, and Nigel Havers. Victor Banerjee is especially compelling as the put upon, well meaning Dr. Aziz, while Peggy Ashcroft gives a sensitive and well nuanced performance as the humane and soft hearted Mrs. Moore. Judy Davis is excellent as the conflicted Ms. Quested.

The DVD itself is first rate, offering crystal clear visuals that do justice to the breathtaking cinematography. Coupled with crisp sound, this DVD ensures one's viewing pleasure. It is one well worth having in one's collection.

This review is of the recently released Blu-ray version of Passage to India. Although the film Passage to India has been reviewed 18 times there has not been a single review of the version in high definition. I find this a little surprising because this classic film was simply crying out for the Blu-ray treatment. Is it worth upgrading to the new HD version? Without any hesitation the answer is a resounding `yes' and those yet to see the film you have a treat in store. Of all directors David Lean was the master perfectionist. His attention to detail was amazing and this can clearly be seen with the wonderful cinematography which is a feature of all his films and Passage to India in particular. High definition allows you to see the film as the Director intended - not the bland, semi-sharp picture that has appeared on network television over the years.

Cinema lovers are so lucky to be able to see this fabulous restoration. Sony has done a magnificent job in restoring David Lean's final masterpiece. The expression `they don't make them like this anymore' could have been written for this film. And please don't kid yourself that you have already seen the film on network television. Almost certainly you will have seen the unrestored version with indifferent picture quality and mediocre sound. Ideally, you should watch this film either through a projector or on the largest flat screen possible. The video quality is simply amazing, beautifully sharp picture throughout and wonderful vibrant colours all of which allows you to soak up the atmosphere which David Lean so carefully created. Some of the shots will leave you breathless!

This film is beautifully acted with an excellent story. What more could you want in a film? If all this was not enough there are a whole host of extras to accompany the film. After watching this film last night I was riveted to the screen with these in-depth supplements which included a profile of the author and interviews with David Lean and his production team. About half of these extras are in HD. I am also looking forward to re-watching the film with the `Beyond the Passage' trivia track which allows you to see the film with additional detail in a pop-up-track. This refurbishment has everything you want with a modern restoration - superb Dolby True HD soundtrack ad interactive picture-in-picture menu. Finally, I can confirm that the Blu-ray is multi-region.

A classic film offering a fantastic insight into the days of the British Raj. I recently purchased and watched the DVD. I had not seen the film for some time. Though made back in 1984, it has in no way dated. The acting is wonderful. The film is directed by David Lean with respect and love for India. He gently and perceptively explores the country's weird wonders and its vivid contrasts, not least the mystic character of its ancient civilisation and the callous racism of the Brits who ruled it - for too long. Peggy Ashcroft is supreme, warmly attempting to relate to India. Odd that Alec Guiness was selected to play the role of an Indian mystic - but he rises to the occasion with taste and impeccable style.