Ben-Hur: Ultimate Collector's Edition (1959)

The phrase "as big as Ben-Hur" is an informal, often comical, way to say something is huge, extravagant, or a monumental production. It refers to the epic scale of the 1959 film Ben-Hur, specifically its massive sets, huge number of actors, and elaborate chariot race scene, which was the most expensive and elaborate action sequence of its time. Yes, 'Ben-Hur' is definitely BIG in every sense of the word. For me, 'Ben-Hur' represents what true cinema is really all about. I saw this movie on the big screen with my father and I was held spellbound for over 3 hours. From the opening credits, and the amazing music of Miklos Rozsa, to the rolling of the final credits, I jumped into this movie and became part of Ben-Hur's incredible journey that was filled with great highs and great lows. It was one of movie's greatest villains, Messala (Stephen Boyd), who originally upset the life of noble Jewish Prince Ben-Hur (Charlton Heston), who lives happily with his family in palatial surroundings. Ben-Hur is a gentle man who is highly respected by all in the community. Enter Messala, an ambitious Roman commander who wants to impress Emperor Ceasar by bringing law and order to the rebellious Judea and crushing all dissent. Of course, Ben-Hur is not happy about this and takes umbrage when Messala suggests that he (Ben-Hur) should betray his people and hand over the names of all troublemakers to the Roman authorities. This sets the two main protagonists on course for a showdown which will reach its climax at the great circus in Jerusalem where Ben-Hur and Messala will compete against each other in a chariot race to the death. When you watch 'Ben-Hur' it as if you are watching reality unfold before your very eyes. These are not 2-dimensional characters up there on the screen but real human beings expressing powerful emotions. Heston and Boyd are amazing in the lead roles, but other actors (and the characters they play) are just as amazing. Of particular note is Haya Harareet who plays Ben-Hur's love interest 'Ester'. It is painful watching Ester try and fall in love with Ben-Hur, a man who has no time for love after being betrayed by his boyhood friend Messala. It is revenge that drives Ben-Hur and he will not rest (or find time for love) until he has vanquised Messala. Sadly, Israeli actress Harareet passed away on 3 February 2021 at her home in Marlow, Buckinghamshire, England, at age 89 from natural causes. At the time of her death, she was the last surviving credited cast member of 'Ben-Hur'. There are other great performances from Jack Hawkins, Hugh Griffith, Martha Scott, Cathy O'Donnell, Sam Jaffe, Finlay Currie, and Frank Thring. All of these actors bring so much energy and emotion to their their respective roles that by the end of the movie you could claim to 'know' them personally. Cathy O'Donnell, for example, who had starred in director William Wyler's earlier 1946 film 'The Best Years of Our Lives', brings such a tenderness and fragility to her role as Ben-Hur's sister that one cannot help but reach for the tissue box whenever she appears on screen. Likewise with Martha Scott, who plays Ben-Hur's ailing mother. The glue that holds all of these great actors together and makes 'Ben-Hur' such an organic movie, whereby all the parts complement the whole, is director William Wyler. Wyler was a genius and pefectionist. He was obsessed with retakes and ensuring that he got it right. When Charlton Heston quizzed the director about the supposed shortcomings of his performance in 'Ben-Hur', Wyler simply told Heston to "Be better!" No wonder Wyler ended up with the nickname "40-take Wyler". But his perfectionism paid off, with the actors and actresses who had starred in his films winning 14 Oscars, including Bette Davis in 'Jezebel' (1938), Olivia de Havilland in 'The Heiress' (1949); Audrey Hepburn in her debut film 'Roman Holiday' (1953); Charlton Heston in 'Ben-Hur' (1959); and Barbra Streisand in her debut film, 'Funny Girl' (1968). As director Wyler picked up 12 Academy Awards, which is a record. 'Ben-Hur' is a big film and it will have a big impact on your emotions. It is definitely a roller coaster ride and an enthralling movie experience. If you haven't seen it, then get comfy on your sofa this weekend, head over to Amazon Prime, and enjoy "The Entertainment Experience of a Lifetime".

Well here it is.... The greatest epic of all time. This almost perfect movie is given the 4k treatment and it's a stunner. This 1959 master piece was nominated for 12 oscars and wins 11. A record that would stand until Titanic in 1997. We all know the story of Judah Ben Hur (Heston) and his former boyhood friend Messala (Boyd). To watch this story play out is just prue cinema magic. Everything about this film is flawless and the 4k treatment is stunning beyond words. The colours Pop and the sound pumps out Mikos Roza brilliant score. I repeat if you ever wonder if 4k is worth the upgrade this is the discs that will leave you in no doubt. This film is quite simply the greatest epic movie ever made. No questions. Add to your collection now.

Today the news told of the death of Charlton Heston. I have owned this set for some time and have waited for the right opportunity to watch the main feature - today seemed to be that day. In tribute I watched the 1959 version of Ben-Hur that is on this DVD set. The 1959 version we all know is spread over two discs, and is presented in a 2.76 aspect ratio which is very wide. Visually it is mostly excellent, with great clarity and vibrancy lending an intimacy and opulence (or oppression) to scenes that compels the viewer. Colour, light and shadow are used to great effect and most scenes have a detail and depth to them that is rare, especially so for a film nearly 50 years old. As I understand it from the extras disc, the camera system used was brand new at the time, utilising a 65mm film that was about four times the size of conventional film. Alas there are some flaws, although they can be forgiven when so much is so good. The most glaring flaw is I believe a product of the DVD encoding process, where solid reds such as the Roman cloaks are jaggedly framed against high contrast backgrounds and the body of red colour is rendered unsightly. This is evident mostly in medium and close shots and at times it is so artificial looking that the cloaks appear as if they are CGI additions. Fortunately the film is so detailed and intricate it is no burden to look elsewhere to avoid occasional visual offence. I've seen this in other discs also (the bar scene in Glengarry Glen Ross with the solid red background comes to mind). That or my DVD player is showing its age. The audio is in Dolby 5.1 and is excellent throughout. The surround channels even get a bit of a workout in some scenes, adding further to the film. The 1925 version is included on it's own disc. I watched this a few weeks ago and found it a reasonably compelling film. The story is the same, but details differ. This is apparent in the slightly different trajectory of the characters' developments, which seems to take the momentum out of some scenes. I was surprised to see the sea battle and the chariot race in there, and I was even more surprised at how good they were. Particular mention goes to the use of primitive monochrome colours used in some scenes. The sound accompaniment was a little overwhelming for me, as it never lets up. I prefer the 1959 version in every way, but it still stands up as a good film and a great extra in this set. The remaining disc is full of extras, which will probably tell you everything you might ever want to know about the two films. I found the screen tests most interesting. I must mention that there is a commentary for the 1959 version by Charlton Heston and T. G. Hatcher (film historian) that I look forward to listening to in the future. If I've learnt anything from Charlton Heston, it is to never break a stare and never blink, just let the look convey the scene. He does that a lot as Ben-Hur. Charlton Heston is gone now, but we can hold the stare and let the eyes glaze. That is enough to convey the loss. This is most definitely one of the greatest films made and this DVD set is superb. Aside from a few forgivable flaws the film as presented here is excellent and most highly recommended.

I bought this on blu ray not long ago now I got it on 4k brilliant picture and sound quality with Charlton Heston Stephen Boyd and Jack Hawkins and brilliant supporting cast the acting is world class,it’s well cast produced and directed Ben hur deserved it’s 11 Oscar’s

Incredible 4K picture and great audio track. Highly recommended.

Very nice steel book and 4k absolutely Brilliant and Atmos Sound very happy With my purshese

Elegantissima la confezione, grandissima la qualità del blu ray, un'oggetto cult...Compratelo!!! fantastico il copione personale di Heston, ricchissimi i contributi speciali.

100 % OK Goede verzending en besteld item beantwoorde volledig aan de beschrijving van de verkoper ( uiterst tevreden ) :-):-):-)

Great looking film, if you are looking for the best version on blue ray.....this is it

Glad to have the DVD's of this great movie. Something we watch every Easter or Christmas in our family. Spiritual.

When I first saw Ben-Hur on VHS, I remember being wowed by the spectacle. When it was released on DVD, I was still wowed, but also disappointed with the faded colour palate which made it seem like a lesser epic in comparison to Lawrence of Arabia and Bridge on the River Kwai. Well, it is faded no more! This blu-ray presentation is in a word spectacular. The colours are full and vivid and detail is ever-present. This movie looks so good on blu-ray my entire opinion of the film itself has been raised. I've seen some pretty great video quality from blu-ray restorations of classic films, but Ben-Hur may just be the best of them all.