Gandhi - DVD - (Special Edition)

steven_ber · Mar 16th, 2007, 05:00

The 25th Anniversary Special Edition Gandhi DVD is awesome; I just have to advise members to try to buy it.

It is a 2-disc set, it has many interviews about filming in India, about finding the right actors, it has digitally remastered picture and sound, archive footage.....

And lets not forget, the film itself.

But the best bit for me, the entire 3 hour film can also be played with the director's commentary, throughout the 3 hours Richard Attenborough explains all sorts of wonderful things about each bit of the film, almost as interesting as the film itself. (though best watched after you've seen the film)

I paid £12 in London, though it seems widely available on the Internet for US$20.

Read a review of the special edition DVD.

Gandhi DVD review.

PeakXV · Mar 16th, 2007, 05:25

Thanks Steve - it looks great. Attenborough's book "In search of Gandhi" (which was published coincidingly with the premiere of the film in 1982) is also highly recommended for fans of the movie. You can still find it lurking(cheap) in used books stores or for sale online.

steven_ber · Mar 16th, 2007, 05:30

Quote:

Originally Posted by PeakXV

Thanks Steve - it looks great. Attenborough's book "In search of Gandhi" (which was published coincidingly with the premiere of the film in 1982) is also highly recommended for fans of the movie. You can still find it lurking(cheap) in used books stores or for sale online.

I'll look out for the book.

The original Gandhi movie was over 4 hours long, but an hour was edited out as it was thought the movie would be too long at 4 hours.

Does anyone know if the bits that were edited out were ever put on a video/DVD, or where they could be found?

Shaktipalooza · Mar 16th, 2007, 05:56

The movie was playing on cable a couple of weeks ago. My wife, who had never seen it asked me why an Englishman was chosen to play the role of one of India's greatest historical figures.

I had to admit not having the slightest clue.

PeakXV · Mar 16th, 2007, 06:07

Quote:

Originally Posted by Shaktipalooza

The movie was playing on cable a couple of weeks ago. My wife, who had never seen it asked me why an Englishman was chosen to play the role of one of India's greatest historical figures.

I had to admit not having the slightest clue.

Wow - Because that's showbiz!

With 8 OSCARS & 5 BAFTA awards methinks they made the perfect choice.

PeakXV · Mar 16th, 2007, 06:13

Quote:

Originally Posted by steven_ber

I'll look out for the book.

The original Gandhi movie was over 4 hours long, but an hour was edited out as it was thought the movie would be too long at 4 hours.

Does anyone know if the bits that were edited out were ever put on a video/DVD, or where they could be found?

In Attenborough's book (In search of Gandhi - page 221) he states:

"We finished filming on Sunday, 10 May, on our 126th day. We had shot approximately three and a quarter hours of screen time at a daily average of one minute twenty-nine seconds, exposing five hundred and twenty-five thousand, one hundred and fifty feet of film stock."

Was that 4+ Hour statistic mentioned on the DVD?

steven_ber · Mar 16th, 2007, 06:15

Quote:

Originally Posted by Shaktipalooza

My wife, who had never seen it asked me why an Englishman was chosen to play the role of one of India's greatest historical figures.

The extra bits on the DVD speak at length about this, so I don't want to spoil it.

But basically, Ben Kingsley is half Indian.

Quote:

Originally Posted by PeakXV

Was that 4+ Hour statistic mentioned on the DVD?

Yes.

Shaktipalooza · Mar 16th, 2007, 06:29

Quote:

Originally Posted by steven_ber

The extra bits on the DVD speak at length about this, so I don't want to spoil it.

But basically, Ben Kingsley is half Indian.

Yes.

Well now. I really didn't have a clue. I think we'll have to get our hands on this DVD.

PeakXV · Mar 16th, 2007, 06:51

Alec Guinness was Attenborough's first and only choice to play Gandhi. Guinness had to convince him(Attenborough) that a younger Indian actor or actor of Indian origin would be a much wiser choice .... enter Krishna Bhanji(Ben Kingsley) .... and the rest as they say is history!

edwardseco · Mar 16th, 2007, 09:25

Great references to check out, gracias..

SteamBuff · Mar 16th, 2007, 16:26

Amazon (.co.uk) sell the DVD at 10.98 (New), even cheaper second-hand. Just ordered mine - Thanks Steven.

They only have second-hand copies of the original book available.

crvlvr · Mar 17th, 2007, 00:17

Quote:

Originally Posted by steven_ber

The extra bits on the DVD speak at length about this, so I don't want to spoil it.

But basically, Ben Kingsley is half Indian.

Apologies if I spoil it for anyone, as I don't know what is on the DVD.

I don't know why Ben was selected, but I suspect he auditioned well. IMHO, he did a great job, better than any Indian actor I can think off. Also, keep in mind that Gandhi spent his formative years in South Africa and UK, so it would have been important for an actor to play those parts of his life well (accent and all)

This is what I learned from his interview on Inside the Actors Studio. The film makers did not know that he had any Indian heritage. During his actiong career, he had gone through great lengths to cover it up, like changing his name from Krishna Bhanji, as he thought it wourk against him in getting roles. It was only when the Indian govt insisted that an Indian play the role (this was after he was cast for the part) and the filmmaker explained the situation to him that he revealed that he was half Indian.

fakeindian · Mar 17th, 2007, 01:42

Naseeruddin Shah was a serious contender, but ultimately Ben won the role.

I personally feel Ben has better resemblance of Gandhi and did an awesome job

PeakXV · Mar 14th, 2008, 23:43

The DVD's are indeed a real treat and not to be missed. I'm not sure what I paid for them online inclusive of shipping ... but it was far too little for the entertainment factor provided. Attenborough's commentary & anecdotes are fascinating. And his almost childlike-schoolboy enthusiasm in his voice, some 25 years on, is nothing but inspiring. There is a featurette on the second disk entitled "The Words of Mahatma Gandhi" and includes the incredibly beautiful yet haunting song from the end of the film - performed by Lakshmi Shankar. Perfect!

steven_ber · Mar 15th, 2008, 00:28

Quote:

Originally Posted by PeakXV

Attenborough's commentary & anecdotes are fascinating. And his almost childlike-schoolboy enthusiasm in his voice, some 25 years on, is nothing but inspiring.

So true, I wish I had time to watch it again this weekend.

Mar 16th, 2007, 05:00	#1
steven_ber Member Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: London, England. Posts: 8,586	Gandhi - DVD - (Special Edition) The 25th Anniversary Special Edition Gandhi DVD is awesome; I just have to advise members to try to buy it. It is a 2-disc set, it has many interviews about filming in India, about finding the right actors, it has digitally remastered picture and sound, archive footage..... And lets not forget, the film itself. But the best bit for me, the entire 3 hour film can also be played with the director's commentary, throughout the 3 hours Richard Attenborough explains all sorts of wonderful things about each bit of the film, almost as interesting as the film itself. (though best watched after you've seen the film) I paid £12 in London, though it seems widely available on the Internet for US$20. Read a review of the special edition DVD. Gandhi DVD review. __________________ . How to get helpful replies to your transport/Itinerary questions. Train information.

Mar 16th, 2007, 05:25	#2
PeakXV Naan.tering Nabob Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Abode of Glooscap Posts: 3,738	Thanks Steve - it looks great. Attenborough's book "In search of Gandhi" (which was published coincidingly with the premiere of the film in 1982) is also highly recommended for fans of the movie. You can still find it lurking(cheap) in used books stores or for sale online. __________________ We shall not cease from exploration and at the end of all our exploring will be to arrive where we started ...and know the place for the first time. T.S. Eliot Don't go to India ~ Pre-trip Warnings & Misconceptions?

Mar 16th, 2007, 05:56	#4
Shaktipalooza Maha Guru Member Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Portland Oregon USA Posts: 894	The movie was playing on cable a couple of weeks ago. My wife, who had never seen it asked me why an Englishman was chosen to play the role of one of India's greatest historical figures. I had to admit not having the slightest clue. __________________ IndiaGroove - Train finder now in beta! Pics from India 2006 Traditional Indian Dance

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Mar 16th, 2007, 06:51	#9
PeakXV Naan.tering Nabob Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Abode of Glooscap Posts: 3,738	Alec Guinness was Attenborough's first and only choice to play Gandhi. Guinness had to convince him(Attenborough) that a younger Indian actor or actor of Indian origin would be a much wiser choice .... enter Krishna Bhanji(Ben Kingsley) .... and the rest as they say is history!

Mar 16th, 2007, 09:25	#10
edwardseco Maha Guru Member Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: Land that shakes and bakes. Posts: 3,445	Great references to check out, gracias..

Mar 16th, 2007, 16:26	#11
SteamBuff Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Essex, Endland Posts: 370	Amazon (.co.uk) sell the DVD at 10.98 (New), even cheaper second-hand. Just ordered mine - Thanks Steven. They only have second-hand copies of the original book available.

Mar 17th, 2007, 01:42	#13
fakeindian Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: universe Posts: 12	Naseeruddin Shah was a serious contender, but ultimately Ben won the role. I personally feel Ben has better resemblance of Gandhi and did an awesome job

Mar 14th, 2008, 23:43	#14
PeakXV Naan.tering Nabob Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Abode of Glooscap Posts: 3,738	The DVD's are indeed a real treat and not to be missed. I'm not sure what I paid for them online inclusive of shipping ... but it was far too little for the entertainment factor provided. Attenborough's commentary & anecdotes are fascinating. And his almost childlike-schoolboy enthusiasm in his voice, some 25 years on, is nothing but inspiring. There is a featurette on the second disk entitled "The Words of Mahatma Gandhi" and includes the incredibly beautiful yet haunting song from the end of the film - performed by Lakshmi Shankar. Perfect!

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