Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #10460 in DVD
• Released on: 2003-10-13
• Rating: Exempt
• Aspect ratio: 1.33:1
• Number of discs: 5
• Formats: Box set, PAL
• Original language: Hindi
• Subtitled in: English
• Number of discs: 5
• Running time: 900 minutes

DVD Description
This 15-hour digitally re-mastered, abridged version of Mahabharat, the epic Indian television series (which originally ran for over 60 hours), is available in a five-disc digi-pack that includes an eight-page booklet containing a glossary of the many characters and an overview of the series by Professor Fitzgerald of the University of Tennessee.

Described as "the greatest epic of all time", the Mahabharat television series is based upon the epic verse of the same name written by Rishi Ved Vynasa, an ancient Himalayan mystic, philosopher and thinker. It is a great historic story of sibling rivalry interwoven with Hinduism and the mythological history of India and the most cherished of all Indian classics. It contains complex sub-stories of philosophy, divinity, adventure, bravery and betrayal and is also one of the world’s most significant treatises on karma, reincarnation and yoga.

The story is brought graphically, vividly and spectacularly to television by B.R. Chopra, one of India’s most eminent film directors who produced and directed it with Ravi Chopra. For fans of the series, this new DVD release offers an unmissable opportunity to become re-acquainted with the various characters and main story lines. For those yet to experience Mahabharat, the series offers a most exciting, colourful and enlightening introduction to Indian culture, philosophy and mythology.

Synopsis
India's greatest epic story, MAHABHARAT, was written some 5000 years ago by mystic Vyasadeva, of the Himalayas and concerns five brothers and their battle to sustain their rightful place as rulers of a huge kingdom. The wonderful adventures of the brothers involves war with their Kingdom-hungry cousins; exile; spiritual illumination; an incarnation of Krishna; and the complete Bhagavad-Gita. The complete story was produced for Indian television by Ravi and B R Chopra, adapted to an epic, action-packed and magical 94 episode series, and released in both full and abridged form.

Customer Reviews

Good but not brilliant.
For those that watched Mahabharat on TV this is a welcomed edition. The story is portrayed in an excellent manner. I have really enjoyed watching this. The only deterrant is that the picture quality isn't as good as what might be expected for a DVD. But I would buy this anyway!

Magnificent Mahabharata!
After many years of searching for the elusive Mahabharata Box Set, it was really a miracle to find it here on one of my random searches for it. If prospective buyers are concerned about the quality of this box set, my advice is- DON'T BE! It is the same series as aired on BBC 2 in 1990/91 and though it has been condensed to 15 hours (from 60 hours) this is ideal because it keeps the plot flowing without any unnecessary scenes that may cause confusion. There are English subtitles for those, like myself, who find it difficult to understand Hindi.

For those of you who may have missed the 1990/91 airing, this version of the Mahabharata is certainly the best I have ever seen. The actors are brilliant and I have trouble imagining that they are modern day actors and not living in the time of the Mahabharata itself. The producers have stayed true to the story and kept alive the spirit of the great epic. The graphics are the only aspect of the DVD that I don't rate with 110% but for the time (1990-91) that this was filmed in you can't expect it to be a Hollywood Action thriller either.

The Mahabharata DVD Box-Set is a lifelong treasure, its quality will never wither, and in the light of the developments in the 21st Century, sometimes you need to sit down and watch a great epic like the Mahabharata to put life in perspective.

Manages to convey its spiritual message.
Ive just reviewed Jesus of Nazareth, Ten Commandments and The Message. Why not go for the lengthiest epic ever. Longer than the Iliad and Odyssey combined. The battle between the Pandava and the Kauravas reads out like a battle of super heroes a bit like X Men 3. However, ths is not Marvel comics we're talking about; it's a tale relating to the battle between Absolute Duty (Dharam) and Greed. (typified by the Kaurava Prince Duryodhan). THis epic broke Indian viewership records and despite some tacky visual effects manages to convey its spiritual message.