Back in May, after Google searching, I found a Blu Ray cover labelled as DEi-Eros. I don't think whether its a real one, but the cover was really cool and as good as a genuine cover.

The cover said that it had a handful of extras on a separate disc.

The aspect ratio on the cover was 1.85 (I think most of the features were the same as that of the so-called BEI DVD.)

There's the cover ...

As I told you that it may not be a real BRD, sadly, it isn't indeed!

But it looks terrific!!

Hi all,

I'm thinking of buying the DVD of Sholay, which is the best one to go for? I don't think the BluRay has been released yet.

I've read something about 'Director's Cut', what does it mean?

DEI - short version
Eros/B4U - extended version - has this got extra bits added onto it?

Do both films have different endings? Is the DEI version cut?

Also, I've found on Ebay that Pan DVD has now released this DVD. Is it any good and which ending does this have?

Many thanks.

You must go for the Carlotta version which is available on amazon.fr (the french website)
Its presented in its original aspect ratio. Good! DEi is tad better but cropped


Originally, sholay had an ending which wasn't approved by the censor board. So they re-shot another ending. The re-shot one is available on all DVDs except the B4U version (known as the Director's cut)


Correct! Not only does the B4U version have an alternate ending, but also a few extra scenes which were rejected by the Censor board.

DEi is the theatrical cut. Eros/B4U is the director's cut (has an alternate ending and extra scenes)
However, DEi is much better in terms of quality.


Its 'Pen'
Its pretty bad, in my opinion!
Its better than Ultra and B4U but worse than Carlotta. and DEi

It also had the Theatrical cut (same as DEi, Ultra and Carlotta)

Its not recommended!

I believe you've heard about Sholay's 3D conversion. Probably we may have a Blu Ray disc released soon

Thank you so much, Rags!

If the B4U/Eros version has all extra bits, why would you recommend the Carlotta version?

Should I buy both DVDs:

Carlotta - for picture quality and full ratio
B4U/Eros - for all the extra uncut bits

I'm assuming the Eros DVDs that are on Ebay (excluding DEI) are all the B4U versions? Should I go ahead an buy one of these for the uncut version?

I really appreciate your help.

Kind regards,
Riz

You're welcome!

I'd recommend the Carlotta version as it is the best in terms of quality.
But for a collector I'd recommend the B4U version. Its bad quality, but the extra bits are very much worth it

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Can't be 100% sure whether the Eros ones on eBay are DEi or B4U. Just contact the seller and ask him/her which brand he is selling.

Eros may be available as Eros-DEi, so make sure whether its Eros-B4U or not, from the seller.

Yes! You may go for Eros-B4U if you want those extra scenes. It is worth it!

Quality is best at Carlotta. But unfortunately' its not the uncut version

So if you want, you may buy both.

Here's a link to the comparison between DEi and B4U from our DVD reviews section which was archived. The section above isn't available any longer

http://archive.is/qTW5B

I really appreciate your advice, thanks so much.

I'll buy both the Carlotta version and the B4U version, can't wait to check them out!

That link is really useful, it's a shame that DEI cut such a massive part of the frame. I look forward to watching it all on the Carlotta version.

My best wishes to you always!

You're most welcome!

There are numerous stories behind 'Sholay' and its aspect ratio.

Some sources say that it was shot in 35 mm full screen and the top and bottom portions were masked for 70mm

DEi cannot be blamed for the top and bottom picture missing. But yes! For cropping the sides, SHAME on them

Carlotta has the side potions retained, but, as it is sourced from the 70mm cropped one, it has less picture on the top and bottom. Carlotta too mustn't be blamed for the missing pictue on the top-bottom.

It good news that the Carlotta Anamorphically enhanced for widescreen TVs.

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A few sources also make mention of two cameras being used for the shooting. One was the standard 35mm one, while the other was a wide camera (maybe 70mm)

I'm not sure about that. Other zulmies help you with this mystery

Good luck with your shopping and give us your feedback

Riz, the good news is that the Carlotta is a 2 disc edition
There are extras on the 2nd disc

The Carlotta version only has mono sound - if that is important to you. In fact the sound quality for Carlotta is very very flat and for me it spoils the mood of the film. Also the Pal speed-up bugs the heck out of me (as it does with many Indian DVDs).

There is a cleaned up version of the Carlotta DVD available to download. NTSC to Pal - converted properly and cleaner audio and color corrected picture. I haven't actually ever gone to the bother of downloading it but I have heard it is a good compromise between the various versions (with it's own inherent issues).

http://memsaabstory.com/2010/11/07/sholay-1975/

I own the Carlotta, EROS and DEI DVDs but not the Pen. Waiting for the blu-ray.

Thanks Muz for your advice too.

What does 'PAL speed up' mean? Thanks.

Visit this page
viewtopic.php?f=1&t=10382

When DVDs are encoded to PAL, the run 4% faster as compared to NTSC encoded DVDs. I can't explain further

The above kinds of DVDs (PAL) are default progressive. That is, no film frmes mix. Only crystal clear images are formed unlike DVDs converted from PAL to NTSC which alsp run 4% faster, cause frames to mix. Hence blurry and fuzzy images are formed. These DVDs are interlaced.

Rana saheb has more knowledge. He can tell you

Thanks buddy for the definition, but I have to admit that I don't understand it.

Can we please change the words to what's nice and what's not nice.

Also, can we rename 'Director's Cut' to 'Director's Extended Version'??

Lol!!

Haha! You may call it 'Director's Extended Version'

Actually, PAL has a better resolution than NTSC (If NTSC resolution is 702x480, PAL resolution would be 720x480. Rana saheb can tell accurately)

But PAL DVDs are faster and have higher pitch which I dislike
If you are concerned about resolution, you'll like PAL. If you want normal pitch and speed, you'll like NTSC. (I prefer NTSC) High pitch in DVDs really annoys me. To hell with the resolution!

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Taking DEi Sholay, for instance, has a running length of 198 minutes approx. But Carlotta is 190 mins (i.e., 4% faster)

I like DEi's Sholay more than Carlotta as the DEi is NTSC

However, since Carlotta has extras and is anamorphic, I recommend it

Mind you, B4U-Eros too has the normal speed as it is an NTSC DVD (204 mins with NO speedup )

I hope you get what I mean

Ragz, that is why you understand it, because you're young!

Ah, you mean like pitch in audio (the speed).

Thanks so much for your patience and explanations.