This is the first from the EVP released DVD's which DEI has released. Ppl should have high hopes from DEI after the release of this DVD. Before I start with the review I would like to state a few changes which have been made by DEI vis-a-vis Cover design.

The cover of this DVD looks glossy and sharp, compared to all its previous releases. ( I think they have finally used a Laser Color printer for printing the images). Secondly the Chapters sheet on the inside also is sleek and glossy..which is a marked change from their previous releases. Finally , they have used a new technique for the DVD support system, with flaps on the top and the bottom, unlike the standard central insert. The plastic cover is also glossy ! With this intro here I start with the review !
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Film Title :- An Evening in Paris

Produced and Directed by :- Shakti Samanta

Year of Release :- 1967

Music Director :- Shanker Jaikishen

Major Stars :- Shammi Kapoor, Sharmila Tagore, Pran, Rajendranath & Ameeta

Progressive or Interlaced source ? :- Progressive source used

DVD Film Format :- NTSC

DVD Film aspect Ratio :- OAR 4:3

DVD audio specs :- Dolby Digital Mono (Panned to 2 channels)

Film Synopsis :- This is a film abt Deepa (Sharmila Tagore) who leaves India and comes to Paris to get away from her failed love affairs, as all her lovers were primarily interested in her wealth. In Paris she happens to meet Sam aka Shyam ( Shammi Kapoor) and mistakes him to be a wealthy Frenchman ( sic! Desi Chicas after Gorey Log ). They fall in love only to separate when Deepa discovers about his true identity. Sam is upset that his actions have hurt her and rushes to apologize to her, only to find that she has changed........!
Shot on location in 2 continents (Europe and North America), this film has its moments ( if you happen to be a Shammi Kapoor fan). However this film also revealed the Sex Appeal of Sharmila Tagore ( wearing skimpy outfits ). However this film is remembered till todate for its memorable scores, composed by Shanker-Jaikishen. An interesting aspect of this film happens to be the lack of Lata Mangeshkar in a lead singer role. This was because, she was boycotting SJ to express her displeasure for making her sing the song "Main karoon ram mujhe Buddha Mil Gaya" from the film Sangam !. Thus this film is highlighted by the voices of Md. Rafi, Asha Bhonsle & Sharda (Sinha).

DVD Video :- This film is nearly 40 years old and I must say DEI has done a commendable job is preserving the original nature of the film. Speckles and grains are practically absent from the film. However the film does have its fair share or wear and tear, but this is expected from such an old film. Color contrast is excellent and dark scenes have been well contrasted. The major drawback happens to be serious motion artifacts which are evident from fast moving scenes. A fluctuating bit rate of 5-7 Mbps Rating - 7.5/10

DVD Audio :- Audio is presented in a DD 2 channel format, but this is infact a single channel which has been panned into 2 channels ( fixed bit rate of 224 KBPs). This does not achieve anything significant, but it must be mentioned that the audio is clear without any distortions (read hissing from some of DEI's previous efforts like Agar Tum Na Hote etc.) Rating - 7.0/10

DVD Design & Extras :- This DVD has subtitles in English and this is a major improvement from the version which was released by EVP. Otherwise practically all the other features present in the EVP disc have been used in this DISC also :- original film trailor, Play all songs. Rating :- 8.0 ( This rating is only reflective of the qualitative aspects presented above)

Overall Rating 8.0/10

My verdict would be a thumbs up for this DVD, for the sheer pleasure of enjoying the songs and admiring the vivacious Sharmila Tagore. I sincerely hope DEI does a commendable job with their future titles released previously under the EVP banner.

Screenshots
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Thanks sknath for the review. I will get this DVD ASAP.

If I remember correctly, you had given some screen captures from this movie contained in EVP songs DVD. EVP songs DVD had excellent print and it seems so is in this DEI DVD, may be even a bit better.

SK, it will be nice if you could capture the same shots that you did in EVP songs DVD and then give a screen shot comparison (like in EROS-DEI vs EROS B4U thread last year).

Rana

Here you Go rana...that should do it !

http://www.zulm.net/forum/showthread.php?threadid=2364

Wow, that was quick sknath.
DEI definitely has better colors. For the picture quality, I would like to see comparison comments from others.

Thanks.

Rana



Edited By rana on April 02 2002 at 12:46

Thanks for the review,
I think it is a must buy after this better DEI transfer.



Edited By ganti on April 02 2002 at 13:14

Dei not only get thumbs up for the transfer, but my toes are up as well. THANK YOU!

DEI has done it again. Kudos to DEI for an excellent transfer and for vibrant colour and picture. I take back some of the negative comments I made about them in regards to Bees Saal Baad(boy, that really was a baaaaaaaaaaad dvd).