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| Ben Hur | 
 enlarge | Category: Movie
Buy New: $9.99
Avg. Customer Rating:  328 reviews
Sales Rank: 10591
Media: Video On Demand
Running Time: 144
ASIN: B000GT3RKU
Theatrical Release Date: October 7, 1927
Release Date: November 8, 2008 (New: Last 30 Days)
Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days
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| Customer Reviews:
 The Zenith of Biblical Epics July 3, 2008
2 out of 2 found this review helpful
First time I saw this film was on the big screen during it's 10th anniversary re-release in 1969 when I was 12. Couldn't take my eyes off it! It has everything a 12 year old kid wants in a film: action, adventure, visual splendor and even an emotional story that you can learn something from.
We all know the story about two childhood friends, one Jew, the other a Roman, caught up in the turbulent times of Roman imperialism only to be split apart as adults due to their own ideology and becoming bitter enemies. The full title suggests A Tale of the Christ, which is not necesssarily true. The Christ figure serves more as metaphoric backdrop, referencing Jesus' teachings of brotherhood and it's impact on a common man, Juda Ben Hur.
This is what seperates Ben Hur from most other Biblical epics. It carries a highly emotional human drama despite all the visual splendor. Lessons on humility and redemption are delivered with a sledgehammer.
The film was a make-or-break gamble for MGM, who was on the verge of bankruptsy at the time due to the increasing popularity of television. No expense was spared by producer Sam Zimbalist bringing in two time Academy Award winning director William Wyler along with several writers like Gor Vidal and a $10 million dollar budget. With the odds against MGM, the film still ended up being one of the most successful films in history bringing in a record 11 Academy Awards, a record that was held for almost 40 years until Cameron's Titanic tied it.
This DVD set does the film justice for many reasons. First and foremost is the restoration of the film itself. Great care was taken to bring more vibrancy to the picture quality. Previous prints had some color desaturation due to age and poor handling. The most noticable was during the famous chariot race where a tint of yellow was clearly visible on the right side of the screen. That and the usual grain and other artifacts have been eliminated bringing us the best picture this film has had since it's release. As for the sound, it's pretty much the same as the previous DVD release done in 2003, I really don't think there's much improvement that can be made given the technology at the time. But it still sounds great, especially during the crucifixation scene when the thunder really thunders giving your sub-woofer a real workout.
The extras are plentiful highlighted by the inclusion of the original 1925 silent version which that in itself looks great in terms of production, storytelling and restoration of the film as well. Other extras include the previously released documentary narrated by Christopher Plummer (love his voice!) and a new documentary focusing on the impact the film made on contemporary filmmakers. We get interviews with Ridely Scott, who did the heavily Ben Hur influenced Gladiator, and good old George Lucas on the inspiration the film had on Star Wars. Funny thing is, when I first saw The Phantom Menace, I instantly knew Georgie boy modeled the pod race after Ben's chariot race! And I was right! Other extras include some screen tests by other actors (like Detective Frank Drebin auditioning for the role of Masala!), production stills and the like.
All in all, this a great package to have of one of Hollywood's most legendary classic epics. If you love action, adventure, romance and raw emotional storytelling, this is it.
The very definition of epic July 2, 2008
This movie is long, and those weaned on MTV might find it overly long. However, the story takes you away to another world, the story arc interweaving a revenge epic with the Christian tale. The wonderful thing about it is that the Jesus story is not forced and interweaves naturally with the plot. Charlton Heston is at his best here, and this movie would count among the best ten ever made.
A Legendary Film June 25, 2008
"Ben-Hur" ranks amongst the true giants of cinema and for good reason. The term epic can barely describe the feel of this film. First of all, the acting is good and Heston did an excellent job as the title character. I must say though that Jack Hawkin's relentless Roman Consul may have been the most memorable character. This film just has so much; the nativity, a grueling galley scene, a naval battle, a Roman triumph, a spectacular chariot race, and Christ's crucifixion. The chariot race has itself become the stuff of legend and must rank as one of the best stunt/action scenes ever put on film. Christ's passion is well done as well with the healing of Ben-Hur's mother and sister. Personally, I thought the book did a better job at those though the film's chariot race likely surpasses that in the book. The film has a number of historical errors, but they don't detract from its artistic merit. There is some violence so parents may want to be cautious about very young children seeing the movie. Overall, I heartily recommend this film.
Ben Hur June 7, 2008
1 out of 2 found this review helpful
Ben-HurThis movie is becoming an older classic movie these past years! Charleston Heston,,,was perfect for the role! I recall first seeing this movie when it came out as a child;and waited in long lines with folks in happy anticipation or wonderment!
It is very worth viewing !! ;and highly recommend it to all! A true classic one needs to have in their home collections!!
A movie spectacle par excellence June 7, 2008
1 out of 1 found this review helpful
This is a wonderful movie containing everything. The acting is wonderful. The adoption of Ben Hur by the Roman patrician which saved him from slavery,the miracles of Jesus, the lavish sets with the never-excelled chariot races between Stephen Boyd and Charlton Heston all combine to promise a fine few hours of entertainment. Hollywood can no longer afford to make movies like this. If you have never seen this, buy it!
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