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Amazon.co.uk Review
The Robe was designed by 20th Century-Fox to show off the wonders of CinemaScope, and taken simply as a vehicle for widescreen photography the movie is undeniably a visual treat. Perhaps the clumsy early 'Scope cameras were partly to blame, but from any other perspective--plot, dialogue and acting--The Robe is a flat, overly reverential and turgid piece of film making. Richard Burton is the Roman Centurion on duty at Christ's crucifixion who bets on and wins Jesus' robe, then spends the rest of the movie agonising about becoming a Christian. Victor Mature is his sanctimonious slave Demetrius. So confident were the producers of box-office success that they commissioned the sequel, Demetrius and the Gladiators, even before The Robe had been released. --Mark Walker
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
43 of 45 people found the following review helpful
Format:DVD
I rate this film 5 star for its content, drama and the original shooting and production. However, beware some copies of this DVD since at least one version of the transcription from film to DVD has severe faults on the sound track, with pronounced WOW and FLUTTER in some sections which goes on for some while. This entirely spoils the drama and the film for me. I am still trying to find a copy without this defect, so far unsuccessfully.
When so much was spent on this production as the very first in the new format at that time of Cinemascope, with multi-channel stereo sound, it is totally amazing that Fox could allow this gross error in the transcription of this film to DVD. Viewing this DVD in the two copies which I have purchased so far and sent back as faulty, is like going to a run-down cinema where the projectionist is an amateur bungler, and is using a worn and tired copy of a film on the circuit with a worn-out projector which is on the point of expiry and collapse! It spoils the whole experience. The film copy used for the only transcript which I have found so far also is clearly a well-used worn one, with damage to the film emulsion and resulting scratches and flashes on screen.
This film was so good, with such good acting and drama that it really deserves more respect from the people at Fox who got this transcription completely wrong. They just don't seem to be able to make films on this sort of scale or quality any more.
Try to get a good copy of a proper transcript to DVD if one exists. Then watch this with your family. It is a real family film and one which clutches at your heart strings, unless you are the sort of person with no heart at all.
When so much was spent on this production as the very first in the new format at that time of Cinemascope, with multi-channel stereo sound, it is totally amazing that Fox could allow this gross error in the transcription of this film to DVD. Viewing this DVD in the two copies which I have purchased so far and sent back as faulty, is like going to a run-down cinema where the projectionist is an amateur bungler, and is using a worn and tired copy of a film on the circuit with a worn-out projector which is on the point of expiry and collapse! It spoils the whole experience. The film copy used for the only transcript which I have found so far also is clearly a well-used worn one, with damage to the film emulsion and resulting scratches and flashes on screen.
This film was so good, with such good acting and drama that it really deserves more respect from the people at Fox who got this transcription completely wrong. They just don't seem to be able to make films on this sort of scale or quality any more.
Try to get a good copy of a proper transcript to DVD if one exists. Then watch this with your family. It is a real family film and one which clutches at your heart strings, unless you are the sort of person with no heart at all.
16 of 17 people found the following review helpful
Format:VHS Tape
A marvelous epic melodrama, with portions that are emotionally stirring,and with two exceedingly attractive stars, this film ranks high in the"sword and sandals" genre.
This is prime-time Richard Burton, at age27, heavenly to look at and even better to listen to; his crispenunciation makes the English language shine, and though some of hisscenes are a little "over the top", he carries them off with charismaticpresence. Jean Simmons is exquisite as Diana, the woman who has lovedMarcellus (Burton) since childhood, and their screen romance has a raredepth and spark.
Other notable performances come from Victor Mature asDemetrius the slave, with a mute but moving scene at Christ's crucifixion,and Michael Rennie is grand as Peter. Jay Robinson is wonderfully rottenas the vicious Caligula.
I always like a good fight sequence, and there is a brilliantlychoreographed one between Marcellus and a centurion. It is the kind ofswordplay great Shakespearean actors have perfected, and it is a delightto watch.
Directed by Henry Koster, it has an exceptional score byAlfred Newman, and vibrant Technicolor cinematography by Leon Shamroy. Ilike the way the night scenes have a deep blue glow to them, and thecostumes are wonderful. Oscars went to Best Art Direction/Set Design(color) and Best Costume design (color). It was also nominated for BestPicture, Best Actor, and Best Cinematography (color), and was the firstfilm to be released in CinemaScope.
I saw this film many years ago, and had thought it a little silly, but wehave both aged well; I can now watch it repeatedly, and appreciate thedepictions of courage, and the beauty and humanity of it. Total runningtime is 2 hours and 13 minutes.
This is prime-time Richard Burton, at age27, heavenly to look at and even better to listen to; his crispenunciation makes the English language shine, and though some of hisscenes are a little "over the top", he carries them off with charismaticpresence. Jean Simmons is exquisite as Diana, the woman who has lovedMarcellus (Burton) since childhood, and their screen romance has a raredepth and spark.
Other notable performances come from Victor Mature asDemetrius the slave, with a mute but moving scene at Christ's crucifixion,and Michael Rennie is grand as Peter. Jay Robinson is wonderfully rottenas the vicious Caligula.
I always like a good fight sequence, and there is a brilliantlychoreographed one between Marcellus and a centurion. It is the kind ofswordplay great Shakespearean actors have perfected, and it is a delightto watch.
Directed by Henry Koster, it has an exceptional score byAlfred Newman, and vibrant Technicolor cinematography by Leon Shamroy. Ilike the way the night scenes have a deep blue glow to them, and thecostumes are wonderful. Oscars went to Best Art Direction/Set Design(color) and Best Costume design (color). It was also nominated for BestPicture, Best Actor, and Best Cinematography (color), and was the firstfilm to be released in CinemaScope.
I saw this film many years ago, and had thought it a little silly, but wehave both aged well; I can now watch it repeatedly, and appreciate thedepictions of courage, and the beauty and humanity of it. Total runningtime is 2 hours and 13 minutes.
3 of 3 people found the following review helpful
Format:Blu-ray
This is the first picture ever made in Cinemascope where the screen is twice as wide as it is tall. After being given the Blu-Ray treatment, and remastering there are some spectacular scenes in this film yet we also concede that many scenes were made on the film stage that should have been in the natural world. The background music does not seem to suffer from this problem. Be sure to notice Diana's theme.
The story starts out in the 18th year of our Emperor Tiberius (Ernest Thesiger.) Marcellus Gallio (Richard Burton) after snubbing Caligula is sent to an outpost from whom few have returned. There he is given the minor task of dispatching the King of the Jews in a cross manner. After the deed is done, Marcellus wins Jesus' robe and a dice game. Due to stormy weather, he places the robe upon his head. He has an instant negative reaction. Is this some strange form of sorcery? Or just plain guilt? Only time and the unfolding of the story shall tell. We shall take the journey together.
The movie based on a story by Lloyd C. Douglas, though not quite historically correct, is of choices and circumstances. The problems or their time is still the problems of our time so it is easy to relate.
"And by the gods you shall go. Both of you. Into your kingdom.", "They are going to meet their king" Caligula (Jay Robinson)
The Blu-ray DVD has a commentary by film composer David Newman (son of Alfred Newman) and film historians Jon Burlingame, July Kirgo and Nick Redman that is worth listening to. Blu-ray has been out for quite some time so there normally is nothing exceptional about remastering old films. In this case however the original Cinemascope and exceptional sound. Still you can see that they did not have a handle on Cinemascope for another year or so.
The Robe
The story starts out in the 18th year of our Emperor Tiberius (Ernest Thesiger.) Marcellus Gallio (Richard Burton) after snubbing Caligula is sent to an outpost from whom few have returned. There he is given the minor task of dispatching the King of the Jews in a cross manner. After the deed is done, Marcellus wins Jesus' robe and a dice game. Due to stormy weather, he places the robe upon his head. He has an instant negative reaction. Is this some strange form of sorcery? Or just plain guilt? Only time and the unfolding of the story shall tell. We shall take the journey together.
The movie based on a story by Lloyd C. Douglas, though not quite historically correct, is of choices and circumstances. The problems or their time is still the problems of our time so it is easy to relate.
"And by the gods you shall go. Both of you. Into your kingdom.", "They are going to meet their king" Caligula (Jay Robinson)
The Blu-ray DVD has a commentary by film composer David Newman (son of Alfred Newman) and film historians Jon Burlingame, July Kirgo and Nick Redman that is worth listening to. Blu-ray has been out for quite some time so there normally is nothing exceptional about remastering old films. In this case however the original Cinemascope and exceptional sound. Still you can see that they did not have a handle on Cinemascope for another year or so.
The Robe
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
Robe
If you want good viewing whash this move. I was very grateful to Amizan for sending it me very good
Published 3 months ago by Wilfred
viewers concept
I saw this original production when I was quite young thought it was excellent;there are one or two things which I would like to correct as I have done a fair bit of research on... Read more
Published 9 months ago by mark anthony
A must see!!
Excellent Epic, great acting, bright and colourful sets and costumes, gives you a great feel of the atmosphere post Jesus (Yeshua's) crucifixtion and the conversion of Marcellus. Read more
Published 13 months ago by C. Thorpe
The Robe DVD
It is an interesting watch to compare with the book, however it is not a patch on the book. I would strongly recommend reading the book rather than watching this film.
Published 21 months ago by Drpjp2001
the robe dvd
an excellent old classic of very good quality at value for money price very quick delivery
Published 23 months ago by Jack Pittam
5 Star Film - 0 Start for Blu-Ray (unless live in the USA)
Really good film shame about this Blu-Ray will not play in Europe as it's region locked! Many film classic on Blu-Ray's that are "US Import" listed work fine as not region locked. Read more
Published 23 months ago by James Chastney
A good film
I had forgotten a lot of this film, and also the poverty of Victor Mature's acting skills. a good film never the less.
Published on 29 April 2010 by Gilbo
Worth seeing...once in a very long while
I caught a glimpse of Peter Jackson's King Kong on telly the other night and that more up to date blockbuster perfectly exemplifies what new movies lack and which films like The... Read more
Published on 3 April 2010 by Philoctetes
A very acceptable interpretation
I read the book 'The Robe' by Lloyd C. Douglas a few years ago and considered it one of the best novels I have ever read. Read more
Published on 18 July 2009 by Linda Spray
Pure Brilliance
I can only say one word.. Brilliant.
I found this screen version pretty much true to the book.
The only downside is that I found the sound a bit muffled and had to turn... Read more
I found this screen version pretty much true to the book.
The only downside is that I found the sound a bit muffled and had to turn... Read more
Published on 28 Jun 2009 by A. Midgley
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