6.9 | / 10 |
Users | 0.0 | |
Reviewer | 3.5 | |
Overall | 3.5 |
Drama set in 1932 following the final years of British colonial rule in India.
Starring: Henry Lloyd-Hughes, Jemima West, Julie Walters, Craig Parkinson, Rick WardenDrama | 100% |
History | 9% |
Video codec: MPEG-4 AVC
Video resolution: 1080p
Aspect ratio: 1.78:1
Original aspect ratio: 1.78:1
English: DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0
English SDH
50GB Blu-ray Disc
Three-disc set (3 BDs)
Slipcover in original pressing
Region A (B, C untested)
Movie | 3.0 | |
Video | 4.0 | |
Audio | 3.0 | |
Extras | 3.0 | |
Overall | 3.5 |
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.
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.
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" 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.
(Still not reliable for this title)
2009
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1992
Intolerance / The Mother and the Law / The Fall of Babylon
1916
Novecento | Three-Disc Collector's Edition
1976
Limited Edition to 3000
1947
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1933
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