Ben-Hur [1959] [DVD] [Dual Disc Format]*

Ben Hur is, quite simply, a lesson in filmmaking. Once you take a step back its hard to believe that, what is arguably one of the top ten greatest motion pictures of all time was produced over 50-years ago, and twelve-million dollars was breaking the bank of MGM. Yet it remains as epic as what it surely must have been when it was first released, and perhaps most prevalent, is even more inspiring than what can expect today from any release. This is sad, for it demonstrates that no matter how much computer power you can pack into a room, or how monstrous a budget the studio and producer are willing to settle, neither technology nor money can conjure up epic craftsmanship. It is clearly a sign that something has gone wrong when we can today fail so miserably with more resources than anyone could even need.

This is where Ben Hur strikes hot - the amount of heart that was put in to every single aspect of the production. The whole reason MGM were willing to spend so much when they were already in trouble was to create the "modern masterpiece", the film to which others could be judged beside. This testament holds true even now. When you watch the famous chariot race scene, you are completely aware that just about every Health and Safety procedure we know today is completely abandoned. So crucifying are some of the stunts and moves as thrown riders are dodging and trampled by horses that you can't help but gasp and cringe.

Equally, Heston's inspiring performance cannot help but bring a tear to the eyes of anyone watching as he is reunited with mother and sister at the end of the film, following the sacrifices of 'Jesus'. I'm far from a religious man, but it says a lot when a film can so artistically portray the wonders of biblical adventure, and make it worthy to sweep '11' Academy Awards.

The restoration for this Blu-ray is another achievement on its own, given the apparent state of the original negatives. It was an 8K scan (currently the highest resolution possible) on the original 65mm film, which itself is already a leap up from regular 35mm film stock. Aside from some very minor 'streak' issues now and again (which are barely noticeable to the untrained eye), it is a revitalisation to which others should be judged by. It is breathtaking. Natural grain is readily intact, and appears very filmic as it doesn't have the 'floaty' or smudged look that many studios compromise when cleaning up their films. The film shows absolutely no signs of digital enhancement or tampering in the cause of clean up. Detail is simply amazing for a film this old; I would say it easily surpasses any 'modern' film I've seen on Blu-ray. What I'm most intrigued by is how much of that detail fills the backgrounds, for you can see so far into the distance and everything is still defined. Even the colours have a natural Technicolor glow and show no signs over over-saturation which, again, can happen in some film restorations.

Of course, since the film has such a wide aspect ratio (2.76:1) you will certainly need at least a 32" TV to start appreciating the detail and scale of this movie. I'm pretty envious of those fortunate enough to have projectors/plasma displays!

Ben Hur's soundtrack also plays a major contribution to the enjoyment of the film, so fans will be pleased that this also has an excellent new reproduction. It sounds absolutely marvellous for its day, so you won't be afraid of cranking it up in all its uncompressed glory. Its like having an orchestra in your room.

Included are a modest variety of bonus features that do a great job of outlining the films production; the best being one dedicated to Charlton Heston's own diary, as narrated by his son, daughter, wife and many other people whom were a part of his life. This is a very fascinating documentary that, at almost one and a half hours long, cottons rare home film footage (16mm), pictures and accounts of his life.

The film is spread across 2 x Blu-ray discs, with a third being dedicated to the extras to ensure maximum quality of the film.

Less is probably more when reviewing a film like Ben Hur, as it has been documented so much already. All the customer needs to know with this release is that it represents ridiculously good value for money; you're getting one of the best films ever made, a restoration that has surely set a new standard and some excellent quality bonus features. Don't forget the posh slip-cover too!

Warner Bros.have gone and done it again.You know the story by now so let's just focus on this gorgeous 4 disc presentation.
The print has got to be seen to be believed,crisp sharp,colourful everything this classic deserves.
And what of the extras? WOW!!! First of all you get two documentaries-one from 1994 which was on the 2001 edition but the one made in 2005 is so impressive.
The best extra ever in this reviewers opinion has go to be disc 3 which features the entire 1925 silent version with a new score by Sir Carl Davis.
What more could you ask for? Superb,worth every penny.

This film has long been a favourite of mine. While this is epic moviemaking on the grand scale, it has some wonderful intimate moments that help to make it all the more memorable. Director William Wyler knew exactly what he wanted from his cast. Charlton Heston was never better as the eponymous hero and Stephen Boyd is equally compelling as the villain, Messala. The script is near-perfect and only stumbles occasionally it's hard to believe that a condemned galley slave would be allowed to enter a Roman General's bedroom unaccompanied )but the dialogue for the most part is excellent.

For a film that is over 50 years old, the special effects hold up very well and the action sequences - especially the famous chariot race - are more realistic than anything you can see in today's clinical digital age.

This new, magnificently-restored Blu-ray presentation ensures that the film is now seen at its very best making the viewing pleasure greater than ever. But be sure to view it on a large screen where you can fully appreciate the excellence of this newly restored master.

In its de-luxe version, this three-disc set is nicely-packaged in a sturdy box containing two hardback books. One devoted to the press coverage of the film and the second a reproduction of Charlton Heston's personal day-to-day diary of the many months he spent making Ben-Hur. The main feature is spread across two discs - to ensure an optimum bitrate for maximum visual and audio clarity. I think you'll agree that "Ben-Hur" has never looked or sounded as good as it does here.

Special Features include two documentaries, one new - "Charlton Heston's Journey through Ben-Hur" introduced and narrated by his son, Fraser C. Heston and illustrated by original 16 mm home movies shot by Mrs. Charlton Heston. The second is the previously-released "Ben-Hur. The Epic That Changed Cinema." Alongside these are various screen tests and excerpts from the 1960 Academy Awards plus the 1925 silent version with an excellent music score from Carl Davis which may not be as grand as the monumental 1959 Miklos Rosza score - but it's pretty good all the same.
All of these "extras" except for the first documentary were featured on the previous 4-disc DVD edition of "Ben-Hur"
and this brings me to my one disappointment with this release. The absence of the wonderful 58-minute "The Making of Ben-Hur" narrated by Christopher Plummer that was such a highlight of the previous edition. Clearly, this would have called for a fourth disc - but if Paramount can do a six-disc Blu-ray of Cecil B. De Mille's "The Ten Commandments" which has much better packaging than this release ), why couldn't Warners have gone the extra mile and given us the whole enchilada ?

This package,however, is still worth adding to any collection. But if, like me, you treasure "The Making of Ben-Hur" you'd better hang on to your old DVD issue as an adjunct to this package.