7.8 | / 10 |
Users | 3.5 | |
Reviewer | 4.0 | |
Overall | 4.0 |
The film set in Mumbai, revolves around a mistaken delivery by the Dabbawalas (lunchbox service) of Mumbai, which leads to a relationship between an about to retire, Saajan, also a lonely widower and an unhappy housewife, Ila as they start exchanging notes through the daily lunchbox.
Starring: Irrfan Khan, Nimrat Kaur, Nawazuddin Siddiqui, Denzil Smith, Lillete DubeyForeign | 100% |
Romance | 23% |
Drama | 11% |
Video codec: MPEG-4 AVC
Video resolution: 1080p
Aspect ratio: 2.39:1
Original aspect ratio: 2.39:1
Hindi: DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1
English, English SDH, French
50GB Blu-ray Disc
Two-disc set (1 BD, 1 DVD)
DVD copy
Region A (C untested)
Movie | 5.0 | |
Video | 4.5 | |
Audio | 4.5 | |
Extras | 1.5 | |
Overall | 4.0 |
The Lunchbox isn't about food. Writer/Director Ritesh Batra's film focuses on the chance "meeting" of two strangers, people living at different points in their lives, brought together by a shared understanding of life's challenges that is facilitated by a pinch of fate in the greater recipe of life. It's a beautifully simple film with a story facilitated by superbly developed characters wading waist-deep in life, she an ignored housewife trying to rekindle her marriage and he a widower leading a lonely existence that seems only propelled by the movement of time rather than a push towards a goal or a reason to go on. The effortlessly simple exteriors are further shaped by the significantly more complex, but relatable, interiors that are fleshed out through the written words between unseen soul mates of sorts. The film's expert craftsmanship and precision acting allow the audience to literally feel the narrative build and the characters grow, a rarity in cinema but something accomplished with ease here. The audience will come to know, understand, and care for the characters as their written relationship grows to explore their lives, their pains, their hopes, and their growing bond not in the physical but rather in the emotional realm. This is one of 2013's finest films.
What's this?
The Lunchbox features a 1080p transfer sourced from a digital shoot. The film exhibits some classic signs of digital, including mild flatness and a noticeably glossy surface. Nevertheless, the picture appears immaculate. It's naturally sharp and clean, precise and very well detailed across the board. From well worn surfaces around Ila's kitchen and across Saajan's office to the everyday wear on the outer lunch container, the variety of surfaces and objects seen within the film offer the sort of visually articulate accuracies that make Blu-ray a gem of a home theater delivery service. More precise textures on well-pressed attire and complex facial features are also strongly realized in every scene. Colors more than satisfy, appearing vibrant and accurate without coming across as loud or over-exaggerated. There's a beautiful balance to the many varieties of colors seen across the film's primary locations, with special recognition reserved for a more colorful wardrobe selection worn by Shaikh later in the film. Flesh tones never appear to betray natural shades, and black levels are firm despite a few shots appearing slightly out of order towards a paler appearance. Despite a few very minor reservations, this rates as another beautiful presentation all around from Sony.
The Lunchbox delivers a deliciously active and balanced DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 lossless soundtrack. The Hindi presentation (optional subtitle selections are included, with "English" defaulted to the "on" position) excels in every area. Dialogue is the primary component and plays clearly and accurately from the front-center, whether open communication or overlaid letter reading. The track does feature some music that enjoys a crisp, robust, even delivery and spacing. Much of the track enjoys active, well-spaced, and immersive support environmental sound effects. Whether busses rumbling about, driving rain drenching the stage over the opening titles, general office din, or something as simple as a spinning overhead fan, the track frequently brings its environments to life with plenty of space-filling and place-defining elements. This is a terrific soundtrack all around.
The Lunchbox contains an audio commentary track and the film's theatrical trailer. A DVD copy is included in the case.
The Lunchbox is a beautiful film, grounded in its outward simplicity but brought to life by its gloriously deep characters and tight yet accessible narrative structure. It's supported by a terrifically balanced and detailed script, faultless performances from the trio of lead characters, and wonderfully simplistic yet highly effective direction. This is a film -- and a life -- lover's film, a feel-good yet down-deep and emotionally detailed masterpiece that's one of the 2013's best films and a disappointing snub from Oscar contention. Sony's Blu-ray release of The Lunchbox features fantastic video and strong, active audio. The absence of a wider supplemental section is disappointing, but based on the film alone and the supportive video and audio qualities, this is hands-down one of the better releases of 2014 so far. The Lunchbox earns my highest recommendation.
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