‘Slumdog Millionaire’ Review (Blu-Ray)

The Academy and Golden Globe award-winning feature “Slumdog Millionaire” has come home to Blu-Ray and DVD.

From start to finish, “Slumdog Millionaire” is exhilarating. After leaving behind the streets of Mumbai to become a simple tea server, Jamal Malik (dev Patel) finds himself one question away from instant wealth on India’s version of “Who Wants to be a Millionaire?” But, the story of a street urchin, or slumdog, from the unloving streets of Mumbai is far from your typical rags to riches tale. Beneath the surface, this is an intense story of love, family and country.

Jamal must battle with the demons of his world to be with the woman he loves. Unfortunately, his main two obstacles are a brother who cares more about money than his own brother’s happiness and a world that creates extreme socio-economic barriers. How can a boy from the streets succeed where scholars have failed? Boyle takes you on a journey back into Jamal’s past as you uncover a character who is deeply tormented by the love he cannot have.

Stunningly filmed, and brilliantly directed by Danny Boyle, “Slumdog Millionaire” is one movie that deserves a place in your home movie library. As you journey backwards in time to learn the truth about Jamal, you will be exposed to some of the atrocities children suffer through in the Mumbai. Orphaned children are viewed as more of commodities than people to some. Each day is a struggle to survive and outlive the poverty around you.

When Director Danny Boyle initially read the script, he asked if this was a true story. After learning that it wasn’t, he simply said, “Well it should be.” Just watch the first fifteen minutes and you will agree. The story is powerful in its simplicity.

Dev Patel creates a character that you will immediately sympathize with. His expressions and well-paced dialogue makes him an on-screen character that demands to be followed. Freida Pinto only has a few short scenes in “Slumdog Millionaire” as Jamal’s love interest, Latika. In those brief moments, Pinto paints a relationship that is both real and honest.

The rich visuals and warm colors of “Slumdog Millionaire” come alive in the Blu-Ray release. The strong golden-yellow skies pop-out to transport you right into the heart of India’s streets.

The Blu-Ray release is packed with several special features, including the exclusive short film “Manjha.” You will also be privy to a behind-the-scenes look at the infamous toilette scene, which is a key moment in establishing both the character of Jamal and Mumbai.

Special Features:
- Making of Slumdog Millionaire Featurette with Golden Globe winning Director Danny Boyle
- 12 Deleted Scenes
- Behind the Scenes of the “Toilet Scene”
- Exclusive Short Film – Manjha
- “Bombay Liquid Dance” Music Video
- Audio Commentary with Director Danny Boyle and Actor Dev Patel

Disc Two:
- Digital copy of Slumdog Millionaire for Portable Media Players