Indian Hill Railways [DVD]

I purchased a copy of this wonderful documentary about the Indian Hill Railway and those who depend on it's existence as a Christmas present for my sister. I have watched this documentary several times and never cease to be enchanted by it's gentle story featuring so many who rely on the timeless quality of the Hill Railway system. Several stories are intertwined featuring the various hardships and aspirations of those whose lives are centred around this railway particularly Darjeeling. When we British finally granted independence to the Indian sub continent in 1947 the government of India retained so many of the infrastructures of the old British Raj including the management of it's railways. Many have since criticised this country's imperial past but no nation has more reason to thank us for the indelible legacy bequeathed to their amazing country. This is the art of documentary at it's very best. Breath taking cinematography augmented by a wonderful and sympathetic commentary from one of our country's finest character actors Bernard Hill. I urge you to buy this gem for your collection today.

These three hour long programmes are fantastic. Each one is about a different Indian Hill Railway and about the characters connected with each individual railway line. These also give an amazing insight into the Indian way of life and how family is such an important part of their lives - the railway being family too. In the final of the three you will 'meet' an old man (I think he was over 90) who still worked at one station, an amazing character who puts so many of us to shame. These films show a side of normal Indian life that gets forgotten far too often, the joy of life lived to the full, but without the materialistic needs that we, in Britain today take as normal. Watching these programmes is certainly very humbling. You will watch these three programmes over and over and each time you will be highly entertained. For me, this is one of the best DVD sets I own and have already watched them many times. Television programmes at their very best.

Recently got this DVD along with 2 others (which were great) however my DVD players cannot play this one due to the Region Code restrictions - which is PAL 4 for Australia.This DVD is PAL 2 only I think. Unfortunately my DVD players are a few years old and the product information guide for them indicates they were manufactured for use in Asia/Australia & NZ region, hence the problem. This isn't a complaint but for your information only, the 2 other DVD's in my order were OK to play as they are PAL 2 + 4 If I buy any more DVD's from the UK they will need to be PAL 4.If products are not compatible to my Region Code how will I know that at the Orders stage ?? Probably not until I've paid up and received the product which means I have to return the product to you at my cost.

What a fantastic dvd this is.As a lover of steam trains that was my initial reason for buying this but the history and lives of the local communities around these railways make this essential viewing.Split into three hour long episodes each covering a different railway.The first episode covers the Darjeeling Himalayan railway,the second is the Nilgiri mountain railway and the third The Kalka-Shimla railway.There are brilliant insights into the lives of the station masters,porters and people who rely on these trains.As a side note its a shame that uk train workers do not have the same pride in their work as the workers have on these lines.For a fraction of the wages.Can you imagine a porter in the uk lugging a wardrobe or two heavy gas bottles 2KM up a hill for 50p.The pace of life is so slower than the rat race here in the uk.Hopefully money permitting I will get to travel on one of these trains one day.One of the best documentaries I have seen.Buy it now.

This DVD contains three sixty minute films:The darjeeling Himalayer Railway, The Nilgiri Mountain Railway and The Kalka-Shimla Railway. Whilst a must see for train lovers, it is also beautiful and deeply human, giving an insight into the local villages, the train users and the staff of the railway. It shows the pride that people have in their railways and the important part that the railway plays in the Indian culture. This is definately a good buy and is professionally presented and edited.

Finally a set of short episodes on the quaint, hill railways run by the Indian Railways. The presentation is usually spot on and made fun watching. I live in a part of India that is very close to the Shimla hills and have personally travelled on this route several times. After watching this DVD I made it a point to locate Station Master Sanjay Gera's house and seek out his family. The beauty of these short films can only be appreciated on a large TV - preferably above 46 inches. I made it a point to take this DVD to a Sony Centre and watch the entire DVD on a Sony 55 inch LED display. If you are interested in trains, love nature and travelling, look no further - this DVD is a must for you. The only grouse I have, is that this set is not available on Blu ray, which would have further enhanced the beauty of the Indian Hill Railways! Go for it.

The BBC's trio of programmes on the mountain railways of India. A little gem! If you love railways and everything that goes with them, you will like this although if you are a steam - buff you are in for a slight disappointment as there are not many engines out there now...but the ones they show are well worth the look. If all you want to see is engines then you might get a feeling of "not enough". If you are not driven by all things railway...this is still an excellent look at life in the mountains and how these little railways continue to influence the lives of the people they serve.

The programme is fabulous. However, the transfer is of only average quality. Still worth watching at this price.

These three BBC-documentaries of 2010 about Indian Hill Railways show the historic small Railways of Darjeeling, Kalka to Shimla and to Ootacamandalam (Ooty), with beautiful pictures of the trains and the landscape, as well as the People who live and work along the track. A lively story.