Review of Shaheed

Introduction

A sweeping biographical account of the life and times of Sardar Bhagat Singh (Manoj Kumar), during the British Raj in India. He rose along with millions of Indians who wanted one thing - Independence. How their sacrifice and bravery had delivered our freedom from slavery forms an account shown in this film.

This film is a reminder of how important freedom is, and how it was achived through sacrifice. While the world found that out with the event of World War Two dealing with Hitler, India had to deal with illegal rule for many decades facing similar curelty from the British Army (Ironic isn`t it).

Now presented on DVD for the first time, in its original uncut format and fully restored by DEI (Digital Entertainment Inc.) will the disc fully satisfy us DVDphiles?

Video

The DVD is presented in its original aspect ratio of 1.33:1, a fullscreen picture. Cropping is therefore not an issue as it is presented in the director`s original vision. This DVD is the first ever for DEI to be a film shot completely in black and white. Can they handle the extremeness of black and white just as they can handle vibrant colours?

Of course they can and not only that but the film is truly represent in the director`s original vision. Many video companies dim the overall contrast of the picture when the film was orignally shot with harsh lighting effect to enhance the whole mood. Remembering an interview, the director stated that the film, which could have been done on colour, was decided to be shot in these extreme conditions so that the hidden themes could be played upon the audience subconscious.

Thankfully the contrast is restored as per the director`s vision and what we get here, for the first time at home, is the real way one should view this movie. While the contrast is harsh, the dark levels are very much detailed with many shades and reveal much information which is very easy to the eye.

With only minor wear and tear in the form of dust particles that doesn`t interrupt or spoil viewing. There are no signs of any compressed artefacts but the film does have limited grain in some scenes due to age of the 35mm print. But the grain is never disruptive and actually increases viewing pleasure delivering to us a rough life of India before independence.

Sharpness also makes quite an impact on the eye as many items are revealed in glorious detail and in neat resolution. Limited shimmering and moiré effect can be detected but are limited and won`t disrupted viewing.

Audio

The sound on this DVD is presented in its original format of mono in the form of a 2ch mono Dolby Digital track. Here the sound is fine and audible and makes perfect company while viewing the visual. The only sound distortion founded on this DVD is some light hissing which is the result of the damage founded on the original source. But the dialogues and music score is still very clear to hear and no other distortion can be detected.

Features

Apart from nice menu desings and English subtitles no other extras are present on this disc.

Conclusion

A biographical Indian epic, directed by S. Ram Sharma and ghost directed by Manoj Kumar, which still touches many people presently. The picture covers some of the principal events in Sardar Bhagat Singh life and tidies it up with some fictional accounts too.

Manoj Kumar, who plays the Sardar Bhagat Singh, looks the part, has a fine, presence, and conveys shrewdness as well. His performance is rather impressive. The rest of the cast also are wonderful and really do place you in that spot of time.

Set designs and costume designs also help the fact that the film does really place you in the times of the British Raj before independence. Commendations should go to the people who must have worked real hard to make this possible.

With a patriotic timeless song `Aye Watan` and a screenplay that indulges you from start to finish, this can be described as a great movie, but so rich in flavor, nuance, and the sheer expressiveness of film that it offers great satisfaction. Nothing much more need be said.

Another classic, that was hard to find in local video stores, is now for the first time widely available on DVD with a wonderful picture presentation and fine sound for a film well over thirty years old.