Mississippi Masala opens on a decidedly downbeat note. An Indian family in Uganda, Africa, is ripped from a life of comfort and friends and expelled by Idi Amin in 1972. It's an emotional and heart-wrenching opening to what is ultimately a relatively engaging mix of romantic comedy, race-relations-study, and family dynamics.

After years of unrest following their expulsion, the family finds itself somewhat settled in Mississippi in the early 1990s. The little girl we saw in the beginning is now all grown up and, of course, gorgeous. Mina (Sarita Choudhury) is in her 20s now and is ready to embark on her own life, despite the hang-ups of her bitter father (Roshan Seth) about returning to Uganda, which will always be his home, through and through. When Mina meets a handsome black tradesman named Demetrius (Denzel Washington), beginning an interracial romantic entanglement, something of a scandal erupts.

The chemistry between the two leads is undeniably effective. Their quiet conversations and body language are spot on, and the actors lend just the right mix of urgency and passion. But the film starts to get lost in myriad subplots, as the father is consumed by Uganda and flashbacks, and Demetrius's family dynamic comes into play, and bickering abounds among the different ethnicities, and the fact is I wanted to focus on the most important thread of the story—that of the love between the lead characters.

Columbia Tri/Star presents Mississippi Masala in a striking anamorphic-widescreen transfer of the film's original 1.85:1 theatrical presentation. Many aspects of this presentation are exceptional—and they're the aspects that really matter. First of all, detail is terrific overall. Despite some scenes of softness—as well as the occasional insertion of weirdly high-contrast scenes, as if from different film elements altogether—this is a sharp-looking image that is quite satisfying. Second, the color palette is vibrant and rich, appropriate for a film that celebrates the cultural idiosyncracies and rituals and celebrations of two "colorful" ethnicities. I noticed no smearing. On the minus side, I noticed some distracting edge halos.

The disc's Dolby Digital 2.0 track is surprisingly full. Mississippi Masala isn't a film that demands a particularly dynamic soundtrack, but its dialog and music demand a certain depth a clarity—and this DVD delivers. Dialog is clear and accurate, and L. Subramaniam's score is pleasing and full. Surrounds are used for ambient effects and provide a subtle envelopment.

You get three Theatrical Trailers: End of the Affair, Legends of the Fall, and Solomon & Gaenor.

Rent this film for the admittedly fine work of Denzel Washington and Sarita Choudhury. The DVD's video and audio presentations are above average.