The print used for this was obviously not pristine. It is contrasty, it is overly bright, and much dust and grit are on the print. There are a few motion artifacts, compression artifacts (resulting in slight pixellation), and some video noise in the darker areas. Color saturation is fairly good, although there is a little bleeding, and edge enhancement is slight but unnecessary nonetheless. I am assuming that the original aspect ratio was 2.35:1. It is presented here at about 1.66:1. Aside from the cropping, the frame hasn't been matted enough on the top and bottom; nearly every splice can be seen at the bottom of the frame. The picture wavered horizontally at times, vertically at times, and the the top of the frame below could even be seen at times! I have yet to see a Pyramid disc that is up to the standards of DEI or EVP.
Sound
The 2-channel Dolby Digital track is sufficient for this film. I couldn't hear any stereo separation, and the packaging only indicates "2 channel Dolby Digital" so I will assume it is mono. The sound fairs a little better than the video. Instruments and voices are clear with very little distortion.
Menu and Extras
Static menu with the song "Annamalai, Annamalai" playing in the background. Navigation is easy. Features, and I use the term in the broadest sense, include cast listing, song menu, and scene selection. Not exactly a cornucopia of extras, but most Indian DVDs are lacking in this department so it isn't really a huge complaint, although the movie isn't that good to begin with to pay $20 and have no extras. Interviews would have been nice.
Overall
This disc is only for the die hard fans of "Annamalai." The video presentation certainly not up to par with other discs. It is obvious just how little Pyramid cared. I hope that EVP's Tamil discs are better.
