Gandhi 25th Anniversary Collector's Edition
June 2007 Reviewed by: Mischa Hayek Format: DVD	(all ratings out of 5): Overall Enjoyment Picture Quality Packaged Extras Sound Quality

Mohandas Gandhi, known affectionately in later life as Mahatma ("Great Soul") or Bapu ("Father"), was one of the greatest political and spiritual leaders of the late 19th century and first half of the 20th century. He is widely considered in India as the "Father of the Nation." Through his lifelong use of civil disobedience and complete adoption of non-violence even in the most extreme situations, he managed to galvanize a nation and drive out the ruling British, subsequently leading to the creation of modern day India and Pakistan.

Sir Richard Attenborough’s sprawling biopic, Gandhi, covers Gandhi’s life from the life-changing discrimination he experienced in South Africa and subsequent fight for Indian rights to his return to India as a hero. The film follows his lifelong battle against British tyranny, ending with his assassination in 1948. By Attenborough’s own account, from the time when he was first approached with the idea, it took him almost 20 years to make his masterpiece. And the results were extraordinary. Gandhi won eight Academy Awards -- more than any other British film ever -- including Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Actor for Ben Kingsley in the title role.

The 25th Anniversary Collector’s Edition of Gandhi, which is not yet available in either HD-DVD or Blu-ray, was remastered in high definition, and the film looks great. Colors are vibrant with good definition, but one can see some of the original flaws with the film. For instance, in one scene the viewer can discern what look like spots on the screen, either caused from dirt on the original camera lens or a defect in the film from which the DVD was mastered. Unfortunately, sound quality is disappointing for such an important film. Conversations sound just slightly muffled, and there is a noticeable lack of dynamics. And the sound is constrained with an almost complete absence of bass.

However, this disc is loaded with extra features definitely worthy of such a special release. On the first disc is the 190-minute widescreen film along with an optional introduction by director Sir Richard Attenborough as well as his audio commentary. On the second disc are the remaining features including original newsreel footage of Gandhi, interviews with Sir Richard Attenborough, Ben Kingsley and Geraldine James, specials on making the film in India, set design, as well as a feature on Gandhi’s funeral. There is enough here to satisfy the most ardent Gandhi admirer.

Audio is available in English, Spanish, and Portuguese and subtitles in English, Spanish, Portuguese, and Korean.

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