The most significant discovery for any enthusiast searching for a high-quality version of this film is that it has been given the "gold standard" of home video releases. The Criterion Collection has released a director-approved . This is the definitive version to own.
| Feature | Legit Blu-ray Derivative | Fake (DVD Upscale) | |---------|------------------------|--------------------| | Resolution | Native 1280×720 or 1920×1080 | 720×480 or 720×576 stretched | | Aspect ratio | 1.66:1 or 1.85:1 (black bars) | Cropped or distorted | | Film grain | Present, organic | Blocky, absent, or frozen noise | | Details in dark scenes | Visible texture | Crushed blacks, banding | | Audio | AAC 192kbps+ or AC3 384kbps | Low-bitrate MP3 (128kbps) | | File size (90 min) | 2.5 GB – 5 GB | < 1.5 GB | The most significant discovery for any enthusiast searching
Salaam Bombay! was shot entirely on location using a documentary-style approach. Nair cast actual street children rather than professional actors, capturing the chaotic energy of Mumbai's Red Light district. | Feature | Legit Blu-ray Derivative | Fake
Salaam Bombay! (1988): A Masterpiece Restored in 720p BluRay Salaam Bombay