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Summary: The epic of all epics
Review: Lawrence of Arabia is truly one of the greatest movies ever made. David Lean's epic tale follows T.E. Lawrence, a British officer sent to Arabia, who organizes the Arabian tribes to fight for their freedom against the Turks. This film has to be seen in widescreen to be fully appreciated. The grandiose scenes of the Arabian desert are spectacular, especially on this DVD. The performances in this movie are perfect. The all-star cast is led by Peter O'Toole as Lawrence with some other huge names backing him up. Also joining him are Alec Guiness, Omar Shariff, Anthony Quinn, Anthony Quayle, Jack Hawkins, Jose Ferrer, Claude Rains, and Arthur Kennedy. All of them are very good with Shariff and Quinn the best as rival leaders who join together thanks to O'Toole's Lawrence. The 2-disc set is well worth the price. Plenty of worthwhile extras as well as the widescreen presentation. Also check out the movie soundtrack, it should not be missed. A true epic that should not be missed by movie fans.
Rating:
Summary: An Amazing Film
Review: Arguably, one of the greatest films ever made. Steven Spielberg may have been right when he said that the scene of Omar Sharif riding in from the horizon, wth a mirage to his right was the greatest scene ever filmed. In addition to being great entertainment, Lawrence of Arabia is a reasonably accurate (by Hollywood standards) recounting of history. Based on T.E. Lawrence's "Seven Pillars of Wisdom," (the unabridged version is 850 pages), watching this movie gives you a sense and understanding of history that is rarely found in a non-documentary film. The film took 285 days of on-location shooting. In today's dollars, it could be a $200 milion plus film. Though this film was made 40 years ago, it only shows its age in one way. Unlike most of today's movies which ask little work on the part of the viewer, "Lawrence of Arabia" is most appreciated when the viewer puts some effort into the movie: you should follow the nuances of the dialogue very carefully, and most important, consult a map of the Mid-East periodically. With each viewing, you will expand your perspective of the movie. In that sense, I liken "Lawrence" to the Godfather trilogy - each time you watch the movie, you appreciate the craftsmanship of the movie even more. The DVD has helpful extra features including a DVD-ROM collection of maps. Enjoy !
Rating:
Summary: The greatest epic film
Review: As Stephen Spielberg says in his interview on this disc, they will never make another movie like it. It took two years to film, involved thousands of extras and even the construction of an entire city. This is the version to own, even though the movie is split across two discs compared to the new one-disc edition. The reason it was split it to allow for the highest sound and picture quality available. The movie was restored by legendary film preservationist Richard Harris and this is probably as good a transfer as can be done for the DVD .... It comes with a documentary and the aforementioned Spielberg interview. Not that those are necessary. This is the greatest epic film not just because of the sheer manpower involved in making it but also because of a subtle and magnificent script by playwright Robert Bolt, legendary performances by young Peter O'Toole and Omar Sharif, and mind-blowing direction by David Lean. It ranked #5 in the AFI (American Film Institute) poll. I would rank it #1.
Rating:
Summary: My Favorite Film
Review: This is the first and last time Peter O'Toole and Omar Sharif would really shine on film. (They are both among my favorite actors)....This film is beautifully shot. It is an exquisite film and the actors, scenery and music are spectacular. There was some chemistry between O'Toole and Sharif that was never again created by each in any other film...i love this film and could literally watch it everyday. When it first came out at the theaters i saw it 14 times...it is as breathtaking today as it was then.
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Summary: Peter O'Toole is Really Fabulous
Review: Peter O'Toole is so wonderful in this epic drama involving a man who takes over a group of Arabs and teaches them how to fight for what they want, not for England but for Arabia. His acting shows a man who is narcissitic but also extremely just. He is conceited but in a good way. He wants to lead the Arabs to freedom in their country but he tends to come across almost Godly in his leadership. He loses control in war, taking on a primitive need to kill and to be victorious. It is a struggle his compassion and justness and his thirst for blood and superiority. He has to be in the limelight and believes that he is blessed to overcome all obstacles. It is a spectacle to watch Lawrence of Arabia, because of this performance and I hope you can see what I mean and relate. Lisa Nary
Rating: 
Summary: Disappointing Digital Transfer Ruins An American Classic
Review: Lawrence of Arabia is the thinking man's epic, a brilliant adaptation of the life of an English patriot and the Arab revolt captured brilliantly by director David Lean. Peter O'Toole is marvelous. Alec Guinness superb. Omar Shariff, enigmatic and compelling. This film really represents a high point in 60's American cinema and film in general.
That Columbia Home Video chose to restore the film to its original length and Technicolor glory back in the 1980's is commendable. That they mucked up the DVD transfer is irreprehensive.
Although color fidelity is stunning, edge enhancement, aliasing and shimmering fine details plague this transfer throughout. It's frustrating to try and indulge in a story when the whole background surrounding the characters is in a constant state of motion. There are many scenes free from these annoying problems but just as many ravaged by them.
Extras, a documentary, featurette, trailers and more are ample but presented with a considerable degree of edge enhancement as well. Also, the collector's keep case has trouble closing. Overall, this two disc set could have been a much more stirring visual experience. What a shame!
Rating:
Summary: Greatest Movie Ever Made
Review: Although it's a long movie, and although the dvd lacks a DTS track, this is without doubt one of the greatest movies ever made. The American Film Institute rates it as #5. In my opinion however, I believe it to be #1 better than the Godfather, or Casablanca, even better than Citizen Kane(#1), which I love greatly, but not as much. The characters' performances are extremely powerful; the views, breathtaking; the story, involving and impressive. All in all this is a wonderful movie to own. No collection should be without it. Don't forget a nice bit of special features, like "making of" docs and interviews.
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Summary: My favorite David Lean picture.
Review: "Lawrence Of Arabia" is easily one of the best movies ever made. It's my favorite David Lean picture. The movie is based on a true story about T.E. Lawrence (Peter O'Toole, Oscar-nominated), a British officer, who wanted to get a job as an observer with Prince Feisal (Alec Guinness), the leader of the Arab army. Lawrence led the Arabs against the Turks during World War I from 1915-18. The movie is so damn long, but I saw all parts of it and it was great. "Lawrence Of Arabia" is the winner of 7 Academy Awards including Best Picture and Best Director (David Lean). I have this movie on the Limited Edition 2-Disc DVD and I am happy to own it.
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Summary: Outstanding Best Picture Winner of 1962.
Review: "Lawrence Of Arabia" is an Outstanding Best Picture Winner of 1962. I am glad that David Lean won an Oscar for Best Director here. Peter O'Toole (Oscar-nominated) stars as T.E. Lawrence, a British officer, who wanted to get a job as an observer with Prince Feisal (Alec Guinness), the leader of the Arab army. Lawrence led the Arab armies against the Turks in the Middle East during World War I from 1915-18. Omar Sharif plays very well in his Oscar-nominated role as Sherif Ali Ibn El Kharish. "Lawrence Of Arabia" is easily one of the best movies ever made. And if you haven't seen it, you should, unless if it is long to you, but see it anyway. I have this movie on the Limited Edition 2-Disc DVD and I highly recommend it.
Rating:
Summary: Don't get sand in your eyes!
Review: You wouldn't want to miss any of this classic. Especially if you have a DVD player and can watch it in widescreen format.
This is easily one of the most beautiful films ever made. The scenes are photographed spectacularly. David Lean had the eye of an artist, and it shows in his films. The desert is a major character in the film and it is both beautiful and hellish. The acting is top-notch throughout. Peter O'Toole's breakthrough performance as T.E. Lawrence is something to behold, and he's in almost every scene. He goes from the gumpy-frumpy, cartographer Lieutenant in the English army to a legendary Arab military leader who helped free the Arabs land from the Turks during WWI. The supporting cast includes a number of actors who were stars and soon-to-be stars, including Claude Rains, Anthony Quinn, Omar Sharif, and Jose Ferrer. Also significant is the almost total lack of females in the film. We briefly see a few nurses and the silhouettes of some Bedouin women, but no central female characters. The music also plays a large part in the experience. The score by Maurice Jarre is grand and perfect for the film. And it all sounds great in updated Dolby Digital audio.
The word that best describes this film has to be spectacular. The cinematography. The acting. The story. The score. It was originally released in 1962. Sometimes the age is obvious in films like this, but Lawrence holds up so well, it has to be considered timeless. It's awesome to watch and a must-have for film lovers. The extras include a good hour+ documentary.
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