The Apu Trilogy (Criterion Collection)

Director Satyajit Ray's groundbreaking "Apu Trilogy" begins with the lyrical drama "Pather Panchali" (1955), in which the hardships of daily life for an Indian family are seen through the eyes of a young boy named Apu, who dreams with his sister of leaving their remote Bengal village to visit the big city. Subir Bannerjee, Karuna Bannerjee star; music by Ravi Shankar. "Aparajito" (1958) is the second installment of the acclaimed series, following Apu from childhood to adolescence, as tragedy tests his family and he wins the chance to go to college in Calcutta. Pinaki Sen Gupta, Smaran Ghosal, and Karuna Bannerjee star. "The World of Apu" (1959) changes dramatically in the moving finale, as Apu's dreams of becoming a writer are challenged when he is forced to curtail his studies due to a lack of funds, enters into an arranged marriage, and brings his wife to Calcutta. Soumitra Chatterjee, Sharmila Tagore star. 5 2/3 hrs. total on three discs. Standard; Soundtrack: Bengali; Subtitles: English; featurettes; more. In Bengali with English subtitles.