I just got done viewing the Lagaan DVD from Columbia and here is my take on it. First of all in my opinion this DVD has the best quality sound from all Hindi DVDs. The picture quality is equal to the best Hindi DVDs if not better. Having said that I must say it is still a dissapointing effort for Columbia standards. Columbia have consistently made very good to excellent Region 1 DVDs and by that standard the Lagaan DVD is a poor effort. The fact that the DVD clearly shows lines and other flaws in the original film source is shamefull for a company like Columbia, specially considering that Lagaan is a contemporary film and therefore getting hold of a good pristine print for mastering would not be that difficult. Also the oversight (if it is an oversight) of not marking chapters for the songs, is a complete atrocity. Since they have not even marked the songs therefore mentioning the fact that there is no option to Select 'Play All Songs', is pointless. Even though I understand that Columbia may not be experienced and well versed with making DVDs for Hindi movies filled with songs. Still the concept of musicals is not totally alien to Hollywood and I am sure if Columbia were to make a DVD of Sound Of Music they would most certainly have made Chapter marks for the songs. Therefore there is no excuse for them not having done the same for Lagaan.

Anyhow, inspite of all the complaints I have with the Lagaan DVD, I still say and sincerely hope and wish, that Columbia produce all Hindi DVDs. Simply because as much as I may complain of their second grade treatment of this DVD, it is still, by far superior to almost every other Hindi DVD produced so far. Both in terms of Audio and Video. The other grouse I have with the DVD, is that the 'deleted scene' has not been incorporated into the film thru seamless branching. This grouse is furthermore highlighted by the fact that Aamir Khan had said that the deleted scenes would be added to the film when released on DVD since that is how he and the director had originally wanted to release the film.

To close, I suggest everyone of you go out and buy this DVD, not only becasue of the film or for a rare good Hindi DVD but also to help the sales of this DVD. Good sales of the Lagaan DVD might encourage Columbia to produce other Hindi DVDs and at the least to release Mission Kashmir. <-----Drooool

PS: The grainy and somewhat washed out colors in the DVD are exactly the way it was in the original screening of the film in the best cinema in Delhi. Also the jerky pan shots and random blurry images were also in the original film screening of the film in the theaters.



Edited By Sanjay on Jan. 22 2002 at 00:59

The lack of chapter stops for the songs is really disappointing. I don't know if I will buy it now, since I often skip to just watch the songs. Are the chapter stops at least close to the songs?

I understand your dissapointment regarding this, but don't let this deter you from buying this DVD. The sound is very good, most probably the best ever for a Hindi DVD. As for the Chapter stops for songs, the solution is not that difficult sicne the Chapter stops are all pretty close to the songs.

All you have to do is make a note of the Chapter stops corresponding to the songs and fastforward the few seconds to the song. The Chapter stops are placed very close to the begoining of the songs.

In fact I might as well list the chapters for each song:

1) Ghanan Ghana - Chapter 9
2) Mitwa - Chapter 17
3) Radha Kaise Na Jale - Chapter 23
4) O Rey Chori - Chapter 28
5) Chale Chalo - Chapter 31
6) O Paalanhaare - Chapter 43

Also if interested:
1) Lagaan...Once Upon A Time In India - Chapter 1
2) Waltz for a Romance - Chapter 24 and begining of 25

PS: Has anyone noticed that the songs are presented on the CD in the same order as they appear in the film.

I visited a local Blockbuster Video shop today, and saw a stack of LAGAAN DVDs & VHS copies ready to be displayed for tomarrow's release. I asked the clerk on how much it'll be sold for ($27.99), which isn't too bad compared to what other canadian retailers are selling it for. But than, i was also told that the film would only be out for rental and not for sale. Which pissed me off, because I was soooo loooking forward to getting it tomarrow. It was also ironic, because they knew what the retail price of the DVD was, yet they wouldn't have it on for sale. I don't see the theory behind that. Anyhow, i e-mailed Customer Serive Blockbuster Canada and complained on this matter.

:angry: :angry: :angry: :angry: :angry: :angry: :angry:

true true, I saw it for $34.99 at a store in square one.
Blockbuster has them for rental? wicked!!!!

Wait if u can, u can have a rental copy from blockbuster in a few weeks 3-4 or even less for around $14, as good as brand new!!

All Best Buy's have it! I got my copy like 2 weeks before it offically came out!

Wanna talk bout price gauging? HMV at BCE place in Downtown Toronto is selling the DVD for $42.99. That's $6 above MSRP I told em and the bastards said the S means Suggested. Duh? No sh*t. Haraamis!

I went down to my local blockbuster specially to see the dvd. It made me feel so happy seeing it displayed like that.

The bastards really! HMV and BCE have always been expensive...I will wait till Blockbuster has this title available for sale as a previewed DVD for $19.99 then I will buy. All the english dukan's will be selling this for a high price!

you should have challenged the store manager to settle the dispute over a cricket match! LOL

BTW I saw a Lagaan on DVD, it wasn’t my copy but borrowed of a friend and it is one of best Indian filmi dvds out there! i only hope the region 2 PAL is a two disc version with some notey extras. i can see why arsh was disappointed cos its not comparable to region 1 dvds but which indian dvd is? lagaan dvd is must for all collectors

I received the DVD few days ago and watched it today.
I've watched it with subtitles. (as i would have a choice... :where: )
At chapter 20 (The Empire's Concern) subtitles appear but I didnt hear a voice.
I havent seen the movie in the theater, but it appears to me that Amitabh's voice is missing at this point.
Can anybody second that?

there are two versions of Lagaan actually- one the international version where AB does not get to speak much and the India version where AB translates the english dialogues for our desi fans. pretty smart if you ask me...

ok, i got that. but why doesnt the subtitle appear when i turn it off ? it doesnt make any sense to me.
I'm lost...

Yes.. I remember that happening in theater too!!! I guess the subtitles are just done from the NFDC version.



Edited By congress on Jan. 24 2002 at 20:48