Sneak Prevue Mailbag: You have questions ... we have answers

By TERRY R. CASSREINO

In today’s edition of the Sneak Prevue Mailbag, I answer a question about Peter Jackson’s extended version of “The Lord of the Rings” trilogy, which was recently released in high definition on Blu-ray disc.

I also talk a little about two worn-out film franchises that have seen better days: “Star Wars” and “Indiana Jones.” Let’s hope both film series remain dormant for the rest of their lives.

Every week I dig deep into the Sneak Prevue Mailbag and answer a handful of reader questions. As always, feel free to drop me a question. Write me at editor@sneakprevue.info.

Mr. Cassreino: Now that Peter Jackson is filming “The Hobbit,” Warner Bros. just released ‘The Lord of the Rings” trilogy on high-definition Blu-ray disc in what is labeled an “extended cut.” The three films are each significantly longer than the versions that originally played in theaters. Which version do you recommend: The theatrical cut or the extended director’s cut? – Sidney in Lexington

‘Lagaan’: Unlike anything you’ve ever seen in American film

LAGAAN (2001)

By TERRY R. CASSREINO

About a half hour into the four-hour epic “Lagaan,” the cast suddenly breaks into the first of several spirited, infectious, hook-laden musical production numbers filled with great singing and choreography.

But this isn’t Hollywood. It’s Bollywood. “Lagaan: Once Upon a Time in India” is a typical, Hindi-language melodramatic film, the type that will pack thousands of movie goers into air conditioned cinemas across India.

And it’s all incredibly enjoyable.

“Lagaan,” an Oscar-nominated drama, is set in Victorian period of India’s colonial British rule. The film is about a small village whose residents are struggling with a severe drought and also with oppressive, unfair taxes levied by the evil ruling British authorities.

Like most Hindi films, “Lagaan” includes many conventions common to Bollywood films; They feature popular Indian stars, melodramatic stories, over-the-top acting, clearly defined good and bad characters and lavishly staged musical numbers.