Monsoon Wedding Anamorphic Question
 

I was really looking forward to picking this up, but have now been informed that it is non-anamorphic. Does anyone know if the R2 PAL version is anamorphic? This could be my first PAL DVD if so. I've a Malata 520 on the way from HKFLIX for some R3 Korean films but it also does the PAL conversion. Thanks in advance for any help.

James

Monsoon Wedding IS anamorphic in the Region 2 release. (Why we got screwed here in Region 1 is anybody's guess since obviously an anamorphic version has been mastered.)

Thanks. I guess I'll order from Amazon UK.

James

Yea, I was thinking the same thing until I discovered that the R2 version is only 109 minutes, while the R1 is the full 114 minutes. Does anyone know if the cuts were minor?

The 109 minute PAL version versus the 114 minute NTSC version? Are you taking into account the 2% speed-up factor of PAL films? That would account for the time difference.

(Both versions are uncut as far as I know. Someone correct me if I'm wrong, please.)

whenever in doubt, use the excellent website for the BBFC

www.bbfc.co.uk

nothing was cut from the film, it's a PAL conversion thing.

I hope you are right!

besides the the occasional use of harsh language and psuedo underage sexual content, what would the BBFC object to??

Thanks, I have not seen the movie so did not know if there would be anything offensive. But after giving it some thought, of the few Hindi movies I've seen, they were all very clean. However, sometimes distributors cut movies.

Considering the MPAA gave this movie an R-rating here in the states and the BBFC awarded "Monsoon Wedding" the more lenient 15 certificate, it is apparent that the American censorboard (oops, I mean the MPAA) had more problems with this than the British Film censorboard.

Off the subject, have you seen "Bend it Like Beckham"?
http://us.imdb.com/Title?0286499
Missed this while I was in London last month, but am glad to hear that the Region 2 release is November 4th.
http://www.amazon.co.uk/exec/obidos/...733311-2139631

I have not seen that one yet, but I own East is East. It is in my stack of to be watched DVDs. I will probably pick up "Bend it Like Beckham" when it comes out on DVD. Thanks for the heads up.

I would assume you own the Region 2 edition of "East is East" since it has alot more supplementary material than the rather bare-bone (trailer only) Region 1 US release?

Actually, I don't as I picked up "East is East" in a trade and did not have a region free player then. I just got my Malata 520 about 4 weeks ago. But I am glad to know that there is a better addition out there. If I really like the movie, I may upgrade. I have been doing that a lot lately since I got my player.

Do you have any other recommendations for British movies? I just got Last Orders and Wonderland and own several of the British gangster and Criterion DVDs.

I can recommend both Region 1 and Region 2 British movies I have liked. I'll email you the list so as to not go off the original subject at hand.