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WSR Detailed DVD Review
Namesake, The


Genre: Drama

Reviewed In Issue 127 (Jan 2008) Of Widescreen Review®

Stars:
Kal Penn, Tabu, Irrfan Khan, Jacinda Barrett & Zuleikha Robinson

WSR Review Scores
WSR Picture Rating: 3
DD Sound Rating: 3.5
DTS Sound Rating: NR
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Reference Systems
Critics' Composite Score: 4
Internet Links


Special Features
Special features include commentary from Director Mira Nair, three deletes scenes, the featurette The Anatomy of


 DVD General Information

(Studio/Distributor): 20th Century Fox Home Entertainment
(Catalog Number): 45608
(MPAA Rating): PG-13
(Rating Reason):

For sexuality/nudity a scene of drug use, some disturbing images and brief language
(Retail Price): $27.98
(DVD Type): Single Side, Dual Layer (DVD9)
(Widescreen Edition): Yes
(Full Screen Edition): No
(Anamorphic Widescreen): Yes
(Running Time In Minutes): 122
(Color Type): Color
(Chaptered/Scene Access): Yes
(Closed Captioned): Yes
(Regional Coding): 1
(Theatrical Year): 2006
(Theatrical Release): Yes
(Direct-To-Video Release): No
(DVD Release Date): 11/27/07
(THX® Digitally Mastered): No

 Credits Information

(Director): Mira Nair
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  DVD Picture Information

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  DVD Sound Information

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  WSR Narrative Review
Story Synopsis:
A newlywed couple in an arranged marriage moves from their native Calcutta to New York City in search of a better life. While Ashoke (Khan) and wife Ashima (Tabu) struggle to deal with life in New York, Ashima gives birth to a baby boy who the couple name Nikhil (Penn). The Namesake, Nikhil, becomes tired of his Indian name and insists on being called his pet name, Gogol, at all times. The parents must find a way to balance their age-old traditions with the demands of the modern western world. Based on the book by Jhumpa Lahiri. (Stacey Pendry)

DVD Picture:
The anamorphically enhanced 1.83:1 DVD can show fairly good detail at times, but it often looks soft and has a dated appearance, which actually matches the time period that this film portrays well. Black levels are acceptably deep, and contrast is balanced nicely. Colors are desaturated throughout, which also adds to the aged feel of the presentation. Edge enhancement can be noticed frequently, but pixel breakup is not much of a problem. (Danny Richelieu)

Soundtrack:
The Dolby