MUMBAI: Reliance Home Video and Games is all set to release the critically acclaimed and enchanting film ‘The Artist’ on home video. The recipient of five Academy Awards, including Best Picture, Best Actor, Best Director, Best Musical Score and Best Costume Design, the movie releases today on DVD and VCD in India.

Declared "a love letter to the movies" by The Los Angeles Times, The Artist is the recipient of three Golden Globe Awards -- more than any other picture -- including Best Comedy, Best Actor and Best Score. The film also took home the top prize for Achievement in Directing in a Theatrical Release from the Directors Guild of America, and Oscar Winning Best Actor (Jean Dujardin) won the Screen Actors Guild Award for Best Actor.

Uggie, the film's surprise breakout star and 10-year-old Jack Russell terrier, also took home the top honor from the first annual "Golden Collar Awards." Set in 1927, The Artist tells the story of film superstar George Valentin (Jean Dujardin) who is about to be banished from the movie business by the advent of talking pictures. With the introduction of "The Talkies," as movies with sound were known at their onset, came the abrupt end to the careers of many silent film stars, including George's screen persona, which soon falls into oblivion. For young, movie extra Peppy Miller (Bérénice Bejo), the sky's the limit, and major movie stardom awaits.

Starring Jean Dujardin (George Valentin) and Bérénice Bejo (Peppy Miller), The Artist also features dynamic performances by: John Goodman (Al Zimmer); James Cromwell (Clifton); Penelope Ann Miller (Doris); Malcolm McDowell (the Butler); and 10-year-old Uggie the dog, most recently featured in Water for Elephants, barking opposite Robert Pattinson. The film also includes an all-star lineup of filmmakers, including: writer/director Michel Hazanavicius; producer Thomas Langmann; director of photography Guillaume Schiffman; and production designer Laurence Bennett.

‘The Artist’ will be available on DVD & VCD. The DVD will be priced at Rs 599, VCD for Rs 299. These DVDs will be available across all major home entertainment stores in India.

Critics Comment

It would be accurate to describe The Artist as a modern cinematic experiment, If you love the movies, you’ll be helplessly captivated – Rajeev Masand, CNN IBN

Director Hazanavicius turns a courageous idea into textbook cinema – Avijit Ghosh - Times Of India

The Artist is an instant classic – Sukanya Verma - Rediff

'The Artist' is a wonderful throwback to a time when they knew how to tell stories - Shubhra Gupta – Indian Express

‘THE ARTIST’ Synopsis

Hollywood,1927. George Valentin (Jean Dujardin) is a silent movie superstar. The advent of the talkies will sound the death knell for his career and see him fall into oblivion. For young extra Peppy Miller (Bérénice Bejo), it seems the sky's the limit - major movie stardom awaits. The Artist tells the story of their interlinked destinies.