Rating: 
Summary: Ben Hur----- DVD Bliss***********
Review: This film when it was released in 1959 saw it's studio MGM teetering on the edge of bankruptcy and the fact that this film cost in 1958 close to $15 Million dollars was most assuredly a make or break film for the studio.William Wyler the film's director, in order to make this film unique as if a running time close to four hours was not enough, filmed it in an aspect ratio of 2.76:1 using what was called MGM Camera 65, an Ultra Panavision process. This film was one of only two films that were filmed in that process which is the widest of processes used in film to date. Filmed utilizing 8000 extras, 300 sets, and over 100,000 costume changes this film epitomizes the word grand and released a few years after the Ten Commandments, it helped quench the public thirst for Biblical films. This new DVD release is presented in Dolby Digital 5.1 and the LFE channel(Low Frequency Effects) is apparent on two standout scenes, the Sea Battle scene, and the now infamous chariot scene which last close to 11 minutes. There are quite a few special features on this DVD release most of which appear on side two of this disc including a documentary, Ben Hur: The Making Of An Epic, which is just under an hour long. There was an open casting call for the lead role in this film and they have included on this DVD the original screen tests by Leslie Nielsen, and Cesare Danova which are interesting to see even though the quality of the audio and video are not up to the level of the film itself. Also included are storyboard art and posters as well as film biographies of the cast with pictures of them in character from the film. Overall this film is an incredible piece of work and presented in it's original aspect ratio with the enhanced sound combines to make an experience that should not be missed. This film on the small screen does lose a little bit of it's lustre especially if your television is under 27 inches in size but this film begs to be seen in it's broad presentation, so even if you would normally shy away from widescreen presentations, this is the only way to view this film in my honest opinion. On a rating scale of Bronze to Platinum...This film receives my highest rating.....Platinum!!!! Run don't walk to pick this DVD up!!!
Rating:
Summary: My absolute favorite movie!
Review: Oh, at last my number one movie on DVD. Great! Great! Great! I've seen Ben-Hur many, many, many times and I very touched every time. The movie have everything. Many greatings from Göteborg, Sweden.
Rating:
Summary: A Profound Christian Movie
Review: It's so wonderful that Wyler's HUR is a major Hollywood studio film that wasn't afraid to pull Christianity into a glorious cinematic spectacular. The reenactment of Christ dying on the cross near the end of the film is one of the most inspiring and beautifully filmed moments in the history of filmmaking. But more than that, the film has that wonderful "old" feel to it...the feel of the old classic movies. Full of romance and the awesome chariot race...evertying that GLADIATOR wanted to be. Hopefully, this film, if nothing else, will continue to influence more people to come to know Christ as King.
Rating:
Summary: A 12 oscar Epic!
Review: I first saw this epic in 1959 and it remains one of my favourite films. Wondefully produced and acted, the chariot race has never been surpassed. Even though it is a long film, it's never dull due to the fact that the stars themselves gave such good performances throughout. The final twenty minutes are very emotional, and the final scene when Ben-Hur sees his mother and sister cured must rank as one of the finest. It deserved its oscars and will never be beaten for style and quality.
Rating:
Summary: I'll cry if this one isn't coming in Europe too!
Review: At last here it is! Listen Warner Bros! I live in Europe and that is region 2, this disc is for region 1 only. For which reason? Do you want me to prevent me of buying this great epic? Are you afraid I'm buying this DVD and not going to the movie theater to see this movie? That was the reason for region coding hu. The last time I saw this movie was cramped on a TV and 5 years ago in a run down downtown movie theater. Their copy is awfull and there are always the same clicks and plops and the litlle lamb takes a jump and the next you see is one of the three kings leaving the scene. Again, what's the use of putting this gem on region 1? By the time it reaches region 2 I could be dead and I guess I'm going to miss all the extra's on this DVD. So now I've got the money to buy things, they don't want me too buy this. What's happening?
Rating:
Summary: Possibly one of the best movies ever!
Review: I would have to admit readily that it is hard to write about a movie of this epic proportion; however, I do agree with a previous review that one should forget Titanic. This movie, i.e., Ben-Hur VHS ~ Charlton Heston is much more worthy of its eleven Oscars. Charlton Heston is magnificent in his portrayal of the Jewish prince, Judah Ben-Hur. As I wrote, it is hard to give credit enough to such a remarkable movie; since words in themselves will not describe what a remarkable feat Wyler was able to accomplish. The chariot scene is mind bending with all the intensity and rivalry that I have ever seen before in a motion picture and the costumes are very realistic. Heston, rightly attained his Oscar for this performance and he shows the true qualities of an actor and person whom is larger then life itself. I would absolutely recommend this movie as I see this movie, i.e., Ben-Hur VHS ~ Charlton Heston as a landmark cinema that has been heavily copied but never equaled in its grandeur.
Rating:
Summary: Amazing
Review: This movie is really amazing! It's a huge movie. Nothing is done cheaply. Great acting and a gripping story backed up with loads of effects. Granted they are dated but all are very believable unlike Ten Commandments. I've been waiting for this DVD!
Rating:
Summary: The finest film yet made!
Review: Bloated acting, riveting storyline, faceless Jesus... it all adds up to my all-time favorite film! Charlton Heston flaunts his usual, overblown acting charisma in this "Tale of the Christ." His scenes with Stephen Boyd (who is an enthralling Messala) are cinematic perfection. My heart swells with giggling excitement as Judah Ben-Hur's fortunes sour, then sweeten again. This epic cannot be missed! Where is its theatrical re-release? Torrents of moviegoers would storm the theatre doors, I say!
Rating:
Summary: Epic among all epics
Review: This is the film that "Gladiator' owes much to. What makes 'Ben-Hur' so special is its sweeping personal drama. Sometimes Heston is a bit wooden, but light years above his charicature of Moses in 'The Ten Cammandments' The supporting cast is first rate and so is the music from one of hollywoods great composers, Miklos Rozsa. The cinematography is awsome in one of the widest ratios ever! But mostley it's Wyler's directing that keeps the film tight and moving. Not much fat here....and that chariot race would have been exciting and masterful in any decade.
Rating:
Summary: One thing everyone seems to miss.
Review: One thing that everyone seems to miss when writing a review about this movie, is the soundtrack! That music won awards, and no one even mentions it! In my opinion Miklos Rozsa was one of the greatest composers ever, and it grieves me that when talking about Ben-Hur people allways seem to say "Oh yes, Charlton Heston, he was SO great in that movie!" But then, "Miklos Rozsa? Who's he?" Anyway, I'm going to stop now. But I really do think that this is the best movie ever made, and I highly recomend you to see it.
| 
