Customer Reviews

Like Stars on Earth (Two Disc DVD + CD)

5 star:		(30)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

In 2007, director Aamir Khan ("Earth", "Ghulam", "Ishq", "Rangeela" and a long list of other popular films) and writer/creative director Amole Gupte began work on "Taare Zameen Par" (Like Stars on Earth). After its screening in theaters, the film received was critically acclaimed, amassed several awards but most importantly raised awareness of dyslexia in India but also around the world.

Now this remarkable film is available on DVD in the US from Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment with a special 3-disc set which includes a bonus DVD with special features and the original soundtrack for the film. Plus two postcards featuring the two award winning artwork from the film.

"Like Stars on Earth" revolves around an 8-year-old boy named Ishaan Awashthi (played by Darsheel Safary), a boy who is repeating his third-grade. A child who is imaginative and also creative but once he sees words or mathematical problems, they are backwards. But because of this, it affects his young life and teachers including his family look at him as disobedient and always causing problems.

Unfortunate for Ishaan, things continue to get worse and worse and it comes to the point that his parents, especially his father has had enough of his disobedience and sends him off to boarding school.

Young Ishaan doesn't understand why his parents did this and now a young boy without a family continues in boarding school and yet again, the teachers and students don't understand what his problem is. That is until a new art teacher named Ram Shankar Nikumbh arrives and having worked with children with disabilities, he is drawn to Ishaan because he is depressed and often scolded and feels the need to help him.

Seeing Ishaan as a little boy who's spirit has been crushed by the adults and people around him, Ram discovers something special about the boy and now, more than anything, wants to help him before its too late.

VIDEO & AUDIO:

"Like Stars on Earth" is a beautiful film presented in Widescreen (2:35:1 - enhanced for 16×9 televisions). Capturing various areas of India but also inclusion of breathtaking scenes. One thing that helped is Khan's commitment to perfection, from the scenery and the shots that he wanted, together with cinematographer M. Sethuraaman, they managed to capture many pieces of scenes that show the emotional side of Ishaan but also capturing the many children at the school and the various surroundings. Vibrant colors matches its artistic presentation. Picture quality is very well done as you can expect from a Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment release.

As for audio, the film is presented in Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround Sound, English and Hind Language tracks. I watched the film with both audio and first, the English dub is terrific. Although not explained, I'm guessing that the talent re-recorded the dialogue in English and these are not dubbed English tracks that sound Western. Fantastic English dubbing and one of the best dub jobs I've seen on a live action film that remained true to the original film. Ff course, the Hindi track is well-done and dialogue is clear and understandable on both audio tracks. Also, the music is very nice and clear as well. Audio is mostly front and center channel driven but I preferred to watch the film with stereo on all channels for a more immersive soundtrack.

Subtitles are in English and Hindi.

I really hope that Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment considers releasing this film on Blu-ray because it sports beautiful visuals and audio. It's one of those films that you definitely want to see in HD.

SPECIAL FEATURES:

"Like Stars on Earth" comes with the following special features. Included are:

DVD DISC 1:

DVD disc 1 contains the film but you have the option to watch the film with an isolated music score.

DVD DISC 2:

* Panel Discussion on Children - (43:05) Director Aamir Khan hosts a panel on dyslexia featuring Masarrat Khan (a clinical psychologist and member of the Maharashtra Dyslexia Association), Dr. Vrajesh Udani (pediatric neurologist), Dr. Harish Shetty (psychiatrist) and Medha Lotlekar (educationist and teacher). A featurette with Aamir Khan raising awareness of dyslexia in India.
* Deleted scenes - (20:15) A total of seven deleted scenes: Loo bully, Ishaan watches TV, Ishaan cries, high jump, family at restaurant, Nikumbh's house, Ranjeet bullies Ishaan. Featuring an introduction by director/actor Aamir Khan for each deleted scene and explaining why the scene was cut.
* Making of - (1:02:51) An intriguing featurette on the making of "Like Stars on Earth". How the film came to be, working with the young Darsheel Safary and how he was cast, filming of certain scenes and filming at the boarding school, creation of the paintings, the music and more.
* Promo - (8:38) Featuring a total of six song promos and six dialogue promos for the film.
* Trailers - (4:11) Featuring the teaser trailer and the original theatrical trailer.
* Stills Menu - Featuring six photo galleries which people can cycle through using their remote control.

DISC 3: Taare Zameen Par (Like Stars on Earth) - The Original Soundtrack

DURATION: 49:58

1. Ishaan's Theme (A)
2. Thrown to the Dogs
3. Bully Fight/Ishaan's Theme (B)/Ishaan's Theme (A)
4. Gola Painting
5. Mission Impossible
6. Absent Note Discovered
7. Nightmare
8. Ishaan Sinks
9. Children's Theme
10. Melancholy Sunset
11. Nikumbh's Theme
12. Nikumbh Meets Parents
13. Everybody Wants a Topper
14. Mother Watches Home Video
15. Nikumbh Talks to Ishaan
16. Ishaan Makes Boat Plane
17. Nikumbh Ishaan Montage
18. Solomen's Island
19. Ishaan Gets Read for Art Mela
20. Where is Ishaan?
21. Ishaan Wins
22. Last Day of School

JUDGMENT CALL:

Fantastic! And definitely an easy, deserving pick for one of the best DVD releases in the US for a foreign film for 2010.

Before watching this film, I was intrigued that Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment picked up an Indian film for release but I'm glad they did. "Like Stars on Earth" is a wonderful film that is just heartwarming and captivating that I really enjoyed the message of how children with dyslexia can grow up to become talented individuals. People such as Albert Einstein, Leonardo Da Vinci and even Walt Disney himself were among people who grew up with dyslexia during a time when people didn't know what it was and I would assume, like Ishaan's character, had challenges in early childhood that probably were heartbreaking.

The fact that the film has changed things and risen awareness in India is wonderful but most importantly, for US viewers, I think it also drives home the fact that any child who has some sort of disability, it's not the end. With help, these children can grow up to be talented individuals.

It's a shame that the film was not selected for consideration for an Academy Award for "Best Foreign Film" and part of the reason is that the film is quite long at 165 minutes and that it has a lot of musical content. And I applaud director Aamir Khan for not cutting up the film just to achieve an award. There is a reason why this film is long and it's a story arc to show Ishaan being misunderstood, to Ishaan being separated from his family and attending boarding school and the final arc in which his teacher notices his special talent and tries to help him overcome dyslexia. As for the music, what kind of Indian film would this be without the music. Music is important to this film and even those little bits of pieces of scenes included in the music is important and yes, although the music is featured in longer duration and not short pieces, it would be very difficult to cut out.

As for the DVD release, I applaud Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment for releasing the film with the DVD and bonus DVD but also the inclusion of the musical soundtrack. In the past, when it came to foreign films, this was seen as a positive for those releasing Japanese movie, anime or video game soundtracks and it only fostered the growth in the US and internationally. I want to see more of this from Walt Disney and the film features beautiful music from Shankar Mahadevan, Loy Mendonsa, Ehsaan Noorani and more.

For parents who are interested in purchasing the film. It is worth it and I watched it along with my six-year-old. There is scenes of violence but it is integral to the film to show how the character of Ishaan is seen different not just by his teachers and family but also other kids. Because he has been told that he's wrong all the time and has this disability, his spirit has been crushed and although he doesn't react and doesn't speak that much, the kids pick on him and there is a scene where he does get hurt, he leaves school but its important to watch and explain things to your kids about those scenes. This happens earlier on in the film but trust me, there is a great reward once you reach the end of the film.

The film is truly heartwarming, inspiring and I admit it made me shed a couple of tears. Overall, "Like stars on Earth" is a fantastic release and definitely is highly recommended! A+

I am only two weeks shy of turning 59, but I have to say this is one of the best movies I have ever seen. This story of a child shunned by his teachers, his own father, his peers, as someone who is lazy and does not apply himself to the way of success is happening in India, but could be happenning anywhere in the modern world.

He has trouble with reading and writing as letters seem dancing in front of his eyes. Everyone blames him for not concentrating and trying harder instead of even considering he may be suffering from dyslexia.

I am not going to say more about him because I do not want to spoil the story of this beautiful film.

The film is bilingual, Hindi and English. I am quite concerned that Amazon is listing English as the only language for this release. Surely there is enough room on a 3-DVD set for two tracks, the original and the English dub! That is an absolute must, a condition without which I have no intention of buying it.

Even though I do not speak Hindi, the use of the two languages intertwined so freely adds to the charm and beauty of this movie. I could follow the story quite well even if I did not understand the Hindi words. The acting and the cinematography were so good that understanding the Hindi words was not necessary.

Please, Disney, do not insult our intelligence by butchering this masterpiece!

I don't believe I have seen a quality movie such as this from Bollywood. Maybe Salam Bombay.

I am getting to know this Amir Khan dude. WoW! freaking amazing work.

This ain't your typical bollywood fare...and neither is this a pseudo "intellectual" garbage from West Bengal. I mean, no offense.. I like those eye candy movies from Bollywood. But this was absolutely shockingly good.

Now, I am sitting here googling to find out who those players are... particularly the kid. I was endeared to this kid in about 2 minutes. Yup, it took me no more than 2 minutes to identify with him and take him in (Darsheel Safary as Ishaan Awasthi).

Amir Khan..Bravo!

This is one of the best movies I have ever seen. Being a father of two children, this movie opens your eyes & changes your attitude towards children. At times, we as parents, fail to understand our own children & instead of helping them, we tend to ignore their capabilities & limitations. This movie portrays that same failure.

Though this movie tackles the subject of a dyslexic child, I personally feel that the message can apply to any child. Every child is different. It is important to understand every child differently and recognize his or her weakness and talent. That is so well picturized in this movie.

The movie goes on to show that there is so much pressure on the little children to do well in all aspects of life. That pressure can bury the child's own desire to do something different.

I would really recommend this movie for every parent. Not just parents but to everyone. This movie should be shown in all schools across India & abroad. As parents and teachers, it is important for us to help children by understanding them & not by pressuring them to perform well.

Great masterpiece by Aamir Khan. I'm a little disappointed that the movie is coming on DVD so late after the original was released last year (2008).

There seems to be some concern that this release of, Like Stars On Earth is dubbed in English only. This DVD release includes both English and Hindi language tracks and by choice is either dubbed in English, subtitled in English with the original Hindi language, or watch without any subtitling or dubbing in the original Hindi language. Disney appears to have covered every listening choice possible between the English and Hindi languages... Enjoy this wonderful movie.

This film is BRILLIANT. It is the most beautiful, touching film I have ever seen. My family and I have seen it in the theaters five times. This film is truly an experience. It stays with you for days. The music is hauntingly beautiful. Everyone should see this film.

As with all the reviewers here, I found this film amazing. Darsheel Safary will steal your heart as Ishaan. It is definitely one of those films where everything comes together. I cannot recommend it highly enough. For those of you concerned about Disney presenting this DVD, don't worry. this DVD is in Hindi and English. However, you do have the choice of an English audio track (songs still in Hindi), and subtitles are available in English, and in English for the deaf and hard-of-hearing. There's also a commentary track by director Aamir Khan, so you have a lot of choices in how you want to watch it. It comes with a special features disc, and the soundtrack. Do yourself a favor and see this film.

I am 70 and have watched about 2500 films in my life, many several times, and this is one of the two or three best. I had a learning center for children
with dyslexia and ADHD for over 30 years, and have worked with many children like Ishaan depicted in the film.
This is an amazing and accurate depiction of what many dyslexic children go through in school and at home, while at the same time the film manages to be
riveting and entertaining all the while. There are beautiful animated sequences, and extensive musical numbers with choreography, as well as one of the
most beautiful soundtracks complementing much of the film. The acting by all the children and Aamir Khan, who also directs, is superb, and Ishaan, played
by Darsheel Saraya, is so real and believable, it is hard to realize he is acting. The DVD says the film was nominated for 12 awards, and won 11, including
Best Actor for Darsheel, deservedly. Every parent, teacher, and educator should watch this film, hopefully over and over. It is truly a masterpiece. I
have purchased about 10 copies over the past 2 months to give to others who would benefit from seeing this wonderful film.

The other reviewers did such a good job, I can't possibly say it better. I watched this film tonight with my husband and 2 kids (ages 12 and 11). The film has many special effects and music that can keep kids their age interested. We were all glued, even though a few parts were kind of long (the film is almost 3 hours in length). The music is beautiful, just perhaps a bit too much of it (not too much for me; just for the kids and my husband who are used to 1.5 hours max). However, the story and how well it is portrayed far outweigh any possible criticism.

Personal connection: My son was exhibiting signs of possible dyslexia in about the 2nd and 3rd grade, but I could not get the school to test him. The only legitimate tester I could find was about 200 miles away, and expensive. Once the school convinced me he didn't have it, I didn't push the testing. The school struggled with him, but overall, they did a pretty good job of bringing him up to speed (sort of). After we watched the film, I asked my son if he recognized any of Ishaan's (the main character) problems. He replied, "oh yeah: the spelling problems, the backwards letters, the handwriting, the attention, the hard time tying things..." (He doesn't remember it, but he was also slower to pick up reading.) If my 12-year-old can recognize signs of dyslexia in himself, surely the school should have.

I had some other good discussions with my children after watching it - in particular, what they thought of how much power the mother had to change anything, and what they think she would have done if she could drive or had her own car, or had more say in how the family handled the issues.

An important film, and I highly recommend it to all educators (and future educators), parents (ALL of them), and children from the age of about 10 up. I say children too because they can often be the cruelest to a struggling classmate, and they need to know. The main character is so likeable that unless a child is already a bully, she'll come around to sympathize. (Oh, and if you're a mother, bring a box of tissue.)

I was touched by this movie, having a son with dyslexia myself. It is great to see movies from non-mainstream countries, the movie shows very well the everyday life of upper class (and some glimpses of destinies of other classes) in India. I found it at times a bit too "rosy" and too predictable, with some over-acting but I guess this is ok if the target public includes children. Too bad the movie isn't available with subtitles or sound track in languages other than English and Hindi so that children not mastering these two languages could also benefit from it.