(aka "Prapancha Pash" or "Schicksalswurfel" or "Throw of the Dice")
directed by Franz Osten
United Kingdom/India/Germany 1929
Inspired by the gambling episode in the ancient Hindu
epic The Mahabharata, this rare classic of Indian silent
cinema tells of two kings who share a passion for
reckless gambling, and for the same woman. |
Theatrical Release: August 16th, 1929
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DVD Review: BFI - Region 2 - PAL
DVD Box Cover |
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Distribution |
BFI Region 2 - PAL |
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Runtime | 1:13:31 | |
Video |
4:3 Original Aspect Ratio |
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NOTE: The Vertical axis represents the bits transferred per second. The Horizontal is the time in minutes. |
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Audio | Silent (Dolby Digital 2.0) | |
Subtitles | English, None | |
Features |
Release Information: Studio: BFI Aspect Ratio:
Edition Details: Chapters 10 |
Comments |
Here we have another outstanding release from the BFI of a film that might normally escape the radar of even the most dedicated cinephile here in the West. As the description from their website states, the film concerns the exploits of two princess, both in love with the same woman and both addicted to gambling. While I won't give too much away, the film avoids the clichés of a simplistic morality tale and instead creates a hybrid melodrama, action, and romance. The image on the disc looks astounding for a film that's now 80 years old. There are fine levels of grain and few scratches or other distortions.
The audio is crystal clear in Dolby Digital 2.0 and has a brand new score by Nitin Sawhney that uses traditional Indian music to great effect. The intertitle cards are in English, so there are no subtitles for the film itself (although the interview with Sawhney does have optional English subtitle), but since the film is a co-production between the UK, Germany, and India, I have no idea whether they are the original ones that accompanied the film. Finally, the disc comes with the sort of insightful booklet that we'd expect from the folks at BFI. It's wonderful to have this film on DVD and the disc is certainly recommended. Thanks for the work, BFI! |
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DVD Box Cover |
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CLICK to order from: |
Distribution |
BFI Region 2 - PAL |