Rating summary

Movie		3.0
Video		4.0
Audio		3.0
Extras		3.0
Overall		3.5

Indian Summers Blu-ray Movie Review

Reviewed by Brian Orndorf October 23, 2015

In its tireless quest to find a suitable replacement for “Downton Abbey” (now entering its final season), British television comes up with “Indian Summers,” which touches on a similar situation of class divide and familial disruption. It’s simplistic to dismiss the program for its similarities to the Julian Fellowes juggernaut, but it’s hard to ignore how carefully the show walks in established footprints (also mirroring 1984’s “The Jewel in the Crown”). Fans of historical dramas will likely find much to love about this ten-episode overview of the waning days of British rule in India, but there’s also another, more soap opera-esque side to the program that’s not nearly as appealing as the production would like to think.

It’s a mass of characters colliding in “Indian Summers,” but the story is truly about two families, one British and one Indian, that experience a unique time in colonial days, navigating tempers, prejudice, violence, sex, and political power to keep community spirit alive in the 1930s. The road map of betrayals is set from the first episode, with the production diving in without much in the way of introductions, leaving the heavy lifting to the cast. Performances are acceptable for this style of reserved melodrama, but “Indian Summers” gives the impression of storytelling indulgence, attempting to launch a massive arc of countrywide tensions that’s not particularly gripping from the outset.

Indian Summers Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

Color is a primary force in the AVC encoded image (1.78:1 aspect ratio) presentation, with terrific hues found around interiors and exteriors, while the main title sequence adds its own sense of intensity. Greenery is lush and costumes are varied, while skintones remain natural. Detail is generally good for the HD-shot series, capturing depth of reaction and age, while distances are open for inspection, establishing remote locations. Set decoration is also easily surveyed. Delineation has a few trouble spots, with some solidification. Contrast also loses integrity periodically. A mild amount of banding is detected.

Indian Summers Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

The 2.0 DTS-HD MA sound mix is problematic, offering a slightly dulled quality that doesn't service the drama to satisfaction. While nothing is lost, with dialogue exchanges remaining easy to follow, a lack of crispness and power is noticed. Scoring is supportive but rarely defined on its own, implemented more for mood than emotional direction. Atmospherics are pleasing, with agreeable crowd presence and exterior activity with wildlife and weather.

Indian Summers Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

• Behind the Scenes (67:38, HD) is an extensive look at the creation of "Indian Summers," highlighting its working parts. Interviews with cast and crew (conducted on-set) dominate, exploring characterization, visual authenticity, and thematic reach. Anecdotes are few and the conversations are highly rehearsed, but the featurette does provide a deeper understanding of intent. Unfortunately, show clips tend to dominate the viewing experience, but some true BTS moments remain.

Indian Summers Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

"Indian Summers" is handsomely mounted, with convincing location work and period details. And actress Julie Walters adds some needed impulsive energy to the mix, keeping her fellow performers alert. Familiarity isn't an unpardonable sin, but fatigue felt in the opening episodes doesn't necessarily invite deeper dramatic inspection. "Indian Summers" certainly isn't lazy, but it does feel redundant.