David Lean returned to filmmaking after a 14-year absence to direct this award-winning adaptation of E.M. Forster's novel. Adela Quested (Judy Davis), a young and spirited Englishwoman, travels to India alongside the somewhat older Mrs. Moore (Peggy Ashcroft). Mrs. Moore's hope is that her son, an administrator in the British Raj, and Adela will wed. Once in India, the two women pay scant heed to the customs followed by English society. They even agree to accompany a "native"--the charming and educated Dr. Aziz (Victor Banerjee)--on a tour of the mystical, ancient Marabar Caves. But their innocent outing turns ugly when Adela emerges from the cave's darkness accusing Aziz of rape. British authorities eagerly pursue--even pressure--Adela to go to court. The truth, however, is not as clear as the bigoted colonial government believes it is.

"A Passage to India" was David Lean's last film.

Color by Technicolor, with Metrocolor prints.

Additional credit: Rak Yedekar (art director).

Academy Award Nominations: 11, including Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actress--Judy Davis, Best (Adapted) Screenplay. Academy Awards: 2, including Best Supporting Actress--Dame Peggy Ashcroft.

Excerpt: "I want to state what I believe to be a universal truth. The darker races are attracted to the fairer, but not vice versa."

"Even when the lady is less attractive than the gentleman?" --

Courtroom exchange between prosecuting attorney McBryde (Michael Culver) and defense attorney Amritrao (Roshan Seth) during the trial of Dr. Aziz for the attempted rape of Adela Quested.

Blu-ray Features:

Anamorphic Widescreen - 1.66
Audio:
Dolby Digital 5.1 - English, French
Subtitles - English, French, Spanish - Optional
Additional Release Material:
Featurettes - 1. Graphic And Picture Track (Blu-Ray Exclusive)
2. "E. M. Forster: Profile of an Author"
3. "An Epic Takes Shape"
4. "An Indian Affair"
5. "Only Connect: A Vision of India"
6. "Casing A Classic"
7. "David Lean: Shooting with the Master"
8. Reflections Of David Lean

Judy Davis: Australian Actress, BARTON FINK (1991)
Peggy Ashcroft: British Actress
James Fox: British Actor
Alec Guinness: British Actor, BRIDGE ON THE RIVER KWAI
Victor Banerjee: Indian Actor
Nigel Havers: British Actor
Clive Swift: British Film and TV actor, Keeping Up Appearances

David Lean: British Director/Producer/Editor, LAWRENCE OF ARABIA

"...Affecting scenes which Lean accomplishes with all his old panache..."
"...Very much a full theatrical meal....Remarkably faithful to the novel..."
"...Impeccably faithful, beautifully played....Magnificently crafted in the expected Lean manner and full of old-fashioned virtues..."