Rating: 
Summary: A Masterpiece
Review: "Lawrence of Arabia," one of the most compelling character studies ever captured on film, is the story of T.E. Lawrence, the eccentric British officer who united the bedouin tribes of Arabia against the Turks in World War I. The story unfolds in the haunting beauty of the vast, harsh, and unforgiving deserts of the Middle East. Maurice Jarre, through eloquent musical composition, gives voice to both the man and the desert. Lawrence was a man conflicted by personal ambition and a romantic image of the Arab cause. Jarre's crisp, syncopated musical rhythms vividly portray the exotic Arabian culture that so appealed to Lawrence. The majestic moments of the score, however, are reserved for the desert. Jarre's sweeping orchestrations blend with David Lean's expansive visual images to evoke the raw, physical power of the desert. This unforgettable synergy of sight and sound is perhaps the finest ever recorded on film. The music on this CD is not presented in the exact sequence in which it appeared in the movie. It is of small consequence. I have collected soundtracks from numerous motion pictures over the past 40 years. This is one of the finest musical scores in my collection.
Rating:
Summary: "When God Made You a Fool, He Gave You a Fool's Face"
Review: The line I always remembered best, from David Lean's "Lawrence of Arabia", is said neither by nor to the eponymous Lawrence played by Peter O'Toole. No, it's Anthony Quinn to Anthony Quayle, only two of the remarkable cast assembled for this desert epic tale. Who else is in this film? Besides O'Toole, Quinn, and Quayle, try Omar Sharif, Jose Ferrer, Claude Rains, Jack Hawkins, Alec Guinness, and Arthur Kennedy. How can you miss with a cast like that? Dead on perfect, every actor. The audience is left by and large to decide for themselves whether Lawrence was a mystic, a fanatic, a rogue, a meglomaniac, or anything else that comes to mind. We see his start, from an obscure British army officer merely delivering a message to Prince Faisal to a commander of an arab army sweeping the Turkish Empire back as World War I rages in the Middle East as well. Here's a movie that really is a feast for the eyes, as nearly every few minutes there's an incredible shot of desert caravans or looting armies or a triumphant Lawrence ego-tripping out as he parades atop a derailed train. "Lawrence of Arabia" made the careers of both O'Toole and Sharif, and deservedly so. If you haven't yet seen this granddaddy of all epics, hoist yourself onto a camel and hunt it down.
Rating: 
Summary: 1962's LONE PICTURE
Review: WERE THERE NO OTHER MOTION PICTURES MADE IN 1962? HOW ON EARTH THIS WON BEST PICTURE IS BEYOND ME. WHAT WAS RUNNER-UP "WATCHING PAINT DRY"? THIS MOVIE WAS TERRIBLE AND SHOULD NEVER BE LISTED WITH THE CLASSICS! DO NOT BUY THIS MOVIE.
Rating:
Summary: The Greatest Film Ever
Review: I am of the unwavering opinion that this film has no equal either before or since it was released. The Wizard of Oz, Citizen Kane, Casablanca, On the Waterfront, Singin' in the Rain, and The Godfathers all come in fighting for second place after LAwrence of Arabia. Regarding the numerous DVD editions, I prefer the cloth-covered Columbia Tri Star release. The image quality is excellent (if not quite the superbit), but the film's division per disc occurs at the more natural intermission point, it has subtitles in some seven languages, and it has a nice bit of extras which are interesting enough (lacking on the single disc edition as well as the superbit).
Rating:
Summary: "He was the most extraordinary man I ever knew."
Review: A sweeping, grand classic film spectacle is now available in a radiant new 2.2:1 DVD package. One of the last movies shot in Super Panasonic 70mm, 1962's "Lawrence of Arabia" is at once director David Lean's cinematic wedding of trenchant theater and stunning visuals. T.E. Lawrence was a young World War I British soldier. Sent to deliver a message to King Feisal, he organizes various Arab tribes against the invading Turkish army. Sir Alec Guinness made 6 films under British director David Lean(including Guinness' first movie role). The finest of these is 1957's "Bridge on the River Kwai". It's huge success prompted Lean and producer Sam Spiegel to try again. They did. 5 years later, "Lawrence of Arabia" premiered in London. And, in 1965, Lean released "Dr. Zhivago". Curiously, all three films featured Alec Guinness, and all three addressed a character's human descent into madness. "Lawrence of Arabia" stars Peter O'Toole, Anthony Quinn, Jack Hawkins, Jose Ferrer, Claude Rains, and the enigmatic newcomer Omar Sharif. But the real stars are the rich, red shimmering sand dunes of Jourdan, Morocco, and Spain. Toss in an unequaled muscial score by Maurice Jarre. The "Lawrence of Arabia" 2-disc DVD contains 4 featurettes, 3 trailers, and a marvelous documentary that interviews the late director, the star, and several cast members. Full-color scenes of Lean advising the actors on location is fascinating. No women. No sex. No CGI. Just brilliant, sweeping cinema splendor, captured quite intact from a bygone age....
Rating:
Summary: A film for those who seek shear enlightenment
Review: A classic 1962 historical tale somewhat annotated and revitalized to further dramatic depth. David Lean directs a World War I advanture of a young British serving officer who's powerfull will and persuasive talent that managed to liberate the tribes of Arabia from the conquered Turkish Empire. Spectacular war scenarios and acting by the finest stars of the era. David Lean continues with his majestic knack for historical recreations this being Lean's best movie ever created beyond his other works from the 40's and 50's: (Oliver Twist, Great Expectations, The Bridge on the River Kwai).
Best picture of the year 1962, along with best film editing. Oscar winning cinematography done with a rare 144mm camera filter giving the viewer ultimatly crystal clarity and resolution. Oscar winning soundtrack for best original score. Includes famous actors such as Alec Guiness as Prince Fiscal, Claude Rains as Mr. Dryden the French Ambassador Anthany Quinn as Auda Abu Tai (Hawetatte tribal council leader). Omar Shariff as Sherif Ali (Harith tribal council leader). Arthur Kennedy as Jackson Betley the aclaimed journalist who made T.E. Lawrence known to the world. Jack Hawkins as General Allemby the British commanding pragmatist. And lastly Peter O'tool as Thomas Edward Lawrence who marked his major proffesional film debue as the precise physical replica of the original Lawrence.
One of many peoples favorite films of all time ranking #5 on American Film Industry's top 100 movies. Overall an enchanting film for those who can enjoy a 214 minute film spectacle.
Rating:
Summary: One of the greatest movies ever
Review: David Lean's epic masterpiece on the tale of Col. T.E. Lawrence of Arabia is an outstanding masterpiece. It is difficult to reproduce a movie of such proportion now. Consider the actors: Peter O'Toole, Alec Guiness, Omar Sheriff, Anthony Quinn, Claude Rains, Jack Hawkins, all of whom give great performances. Most important was the cinematography, filmed in Morocco and Jordon for almost 2 years, which is breathtaking especially the desert scenes starting from the first point when they show the desert at sunrise. Also commendable is the music by Maurice Jarre, which goes beautifully with the picture. Most important is the screenplay by Robert Bolt that beats all movies that I can recall. The movie is about an insignificant person who becomes a great person, raises the Arabs to unite in the first World War and revolt against the Turks and capture Damascus. Though he believes he could be anything, he realizes the limits of his abilities. In the end, when General Allenby realizes that Lawrence has outlived his purpose, he says, "By the way, you have been promoted Colonel now". Lawrence, "Yes, why"? Prince Faisal, "Take the honor Colonel, be a little kind. There is nothing here for a warrior. Young men make wars and the virtues of war are the virtues of young men, courage and hope for the future. Then, old men make peace, and the vices of peace are the vices of old men, mistrust and caution. It must be so." General Allenby to Lawrence, "Godspeed then." After this, when Lawrence leaves and they squabble over who should keep what part of Damascus. Prince Faisal, "But El Aurens is a double edged sword. We are both equally glad to be rid of him, are we not?" Gen. Allenby, "I thought I was a hard man Sir." Prince Faisal, "You are merely a general, I must be a king." Col. Brighton leaves in disgust over this. It is so sad that movies nowadays place less importance on the quality of the screenplay. I cannot think of a single director who can put together something like this which transcends time. The AFI rates this movie #5. It could easily beat "Gone with the Wind" and the "Godfather" for its depth. The only issue with this movie is that it does not have any romance and there are no women in the movie, which may rule out a large group of people from enjoying the movie. Otherwise, it is a timeless masterpiece. A lot of the present day movies that have made it big such as "Titanic" pale in any category beside this movie. I would urge any person starting a collection to start with this movie and any person interested in directing, photography, acting or screenplay to start with this movie. They do not come better than this.
Rating:
Summary: Arabian Winner
Review: Lawrence Of Arabia is one of the biggest and grandest films ever made. Director David Lean crafted a stunning epic that tells the tale of World War I British soldier T.E. Lawrence. Lawrence joined the various desert tribes of Arabia against the Turks and the desert battle scenes are breathtaking. Peter O'Toole is amazing as Lawrence in what would be a star-making turn for him. Omar Shariff, Anthony Quinn and Alec Guinness provide strong support, but this is Mr. Lean's film through and through. His direction provides sweeping shots of the desert vistas and gives the film its big look, but he also allows the story to flow and we really get inside the complicated head of Lawrence and see his psychological foibles. The film is beautifully transferred to DVD and it brings justice to the film that had previously suffered on video transfers. The movie was a major success as it swept through the 1962 Oscars winning Best Picture and Best Director, but Mr. O'Toole lost out on what would be the first of his of his seven unsuccessful Best Actor nominations.
Rating:
Summary: Still terrific after all these years!
Review: David Lean's "Lawrence of Arabia," starring Peter O'Toole as T.E. Lawrence, is a masterpiece of movie making and surely deserving of its "Best Picture" award in 1962. As fine and gifted an actor as O'Toole has been throughout his distinguished career, his portrayal of Lawrence was truly magnificent and flawless. From "Lawrence" to "Becket" to "The Lion in Winter" and "Goodbye, Mr. Chips," and other wonderful performances - which earned him an honorary Academy Award in 2002 for his "remarkable talents [that] have provided cinema history with some of its most memorable characters" - his performance as Lawrence still stands out. The DVD contains extra footage detailing the difficulties and Herculean effort required over two and a half years, in brutal heat that reached 135 degrees; however, the end result is Hollywood at its finest, perhaps unequaled by recent movie making. Steven Spielberg, among others, extols the movie's virtues. For those interested in the pure beauty of its photography, unaided by today's computer-assisted "everything," "Lawrence" is moving making at its best. Lean was a taskmaster, but the results speak for themselves and will endure long after today's films are forgotten. It is a classic.
Rating:
Summary: Any Reviews For This Particular CD?
Review: I was looking for reviews for this particular CD and all I see are reviews for the DVD. Oh, well. I didn't rate this CD with a single star--Amazon forced me to put something there. Again with the "oh, well."
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