1 / 5The Big City (Criterion Collection) DVD
The Big City from the Criterion Collection is a two-disc DVD of Satyajit Ray’s drama set in 1950s Calcutta. It follows Arati as she takes a job to help support her family, bringing questions of work, family and women’s identity into a story rooted in everyday life.
At a glance
- A character-driven drama about a woman entering paid work to help support her family.
- Set in mid-1950s Calcutta, with attention to working-class daily life.
- Black-and-white, full-screen presentation with English subtitles, according to the listing.
Pros and cons
Pros
- The family and workplace storyline offers a focused way into Ray’s depiction of changing roles for women.
- Two discs are listed for this DVD edition.
Technical specifications
12 specifications| Genre | Drama |
|---|---|
| Director | Satyajit Ray |
| Cast | Anil Chatterjee, Jaya Bhaduri, Madhabi Mukherjee |
| Runtime | 2 hours and 15 minutes |
| Rating | NR (Not Rated) |
| Release date | August 20, 2013 |
| Format | Black & White, Full Screen, Multiple Formats, NTSC, Subtitled |
|---|---|
| Subtitles | English |
| Number of discs | 2 |
| Studio | Criterion Collection |
| Dimensions listed | 0.7 x 7.5 x 5.4 inches; 5.92 ounces |
|---|
| Model number | 27173699 |
|---|
What to know before buying
- The listing describes the presentation as black and white, full screen, NTSC and subtitled. Buyers should confirm that DVD playback and presentation meet their needs.
Who is it for?
A good fit for
- Viewers interested in Satyajit Ray’s films and Indian cinema.
- Collectors seeking this Criterion Collection DVD edition.
- Those drawn to dramas about family responsibilities, work and women’s changing roles.
Less suited to
- Viewers looking specifically for a color or widescreen presentation.
- Buyers seeking a Blu-ray or 4K edition rather than DVD.
Customer reviews on Amazon
- 5 stars
84% 84% - 4 stars
7% 7% - 3 stars
0% 0% - 2 stars
0% 0% - 1 star
9% 9%
Customer feedback praises the picture quality, including a favorable mention of the film’s depiction of late-1950s Calcutta, while reactions to the story are mixed. For buyers considering this black-and-white, full-screen DVD, the positive picture comments may be relevant, but they do not establish a uniform experience, and story appeal may depend on taste.
Positive themes
- Customers praise the picture quality and the depiction of late-1950s Calcutta.
Mixed feedback
- Customer reactions to the story are mixed.
Frequently asked questions
What is The Big City about?
Set in mid-1950s Calcutta, it follows Arati as she takes a job to help support her family, despite her husband’s initial protests.
What presentation details does the listing give?
It lists a black-and-white, full-screen NTSC DVD with subtitles. English is specified as the subtitle language.
How long is the film?
The listed runtime is 2 hours and 15 minutes.
How many discs are included?
The listing specifies 2 discs.
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