Ben-Hur [3 Disk Edition] [Blu-ray] [1959] [Region Free]

Ben Hur is, quite simply, a lesson in filmmaking. Once you take a step back its hard to believe that, what is arguably one of the top ten greatest motion pictures of all time was produced over 50-years ago, and twelve-million dollars was breaking the bank of MGM. Yet it remains as epic as what it surely must have been when it was first released, and perhaps most prevalent, is even more inspiring than what can expect today from any release. This is sad, for it demonstrates that no matter how much computer power you can pack into a room, or how monstrous a budget the studio and producer are willing to settle, neither technology nor money can conjure up epic craftsmanship. It is clearly a sign that something has gone wrong when we can today fail so miserably with more resources than anyone could even need.This is where Ben Hur strikes hot - the amount of heart that was put in to every single aspect of the production. The whole reason MGM were willing to spend so much when they were already in trouble was to create the "modern masterpiece", the film to which others could be judged beside. This testament holds true even now. When you watch the famous chariot race scene, you are completely aware that just about every Health and Safety procedure we know today is completely abandoned. So crucifying are some of the stunts and moves as thrown riders are dodging and trampled by horses that you can't help but gasp and cringe.Equally, Heston's inspiring performance cannot help but bring a tear to the eyes of anyone watching as he is reunited with mother and sister at the end of the film, following the sacrifices of 'Jesus'. I'm far from a religious man, but it says a lot when a film can so artistically portray the wonders of biblical adventure, and make it worthy to sweep '11' Academy Awards.The restoration for this Blu-ray is another achievement on its own, given the apparent state of the original negatives. It was an 8K scan (currently the highest resolution possible) on the original 65mm film, which itself is already a leap up from regular 35mm film stock. Aside from some very minor 'streak' issues now and again (which are barely noticeable to the untrained eye), it is a revitalisation to which others should be judged by. It is breathtaking. Natural grain is readily intact, and appears very filmic as it doesn't have the 'floaty' or smudged look that many studios compromise when cleaning up their films. The film shows absolutely no signs of digital enhancement or tampering in the cause of clean up. Detail is simply amazing for a film this old; I would say it easily surpasses any 'modern' film I've seen on Blu-ray. What I'm most intrigued by is how much of that detail fills the backgrounds, for you can see so far into the distance and everything is still defined. Even the colours have a natural Technicolor glow and show no signs over over-saturation which, again, can happen in some film restorations.Of course, since the film has such a wide aspect ratio (2.76:1) you will certainly need at least a 32" TV to start appreciating the detail and scale of this movie. I'm pretty envious of those fortunate enough to have projectors/plasma displays!Ben Hur's soundtrack also plays a major contribution to the enjoyment of the film, so fans will be pleased that this also has an excellent new reproduction. It sounds absolutely marvellous for its day, so you won't be afraid of cranking it up in all its uncompressed glory. Its like having an orchestra in your room.Included are a modest variety of bonus features that do a great job of outlining the films production; the best being one dedicated to Charlton Heston's own diary, as narrated by his son, daughter, wife and many other people whom were a part of his life. This is a very fascinating documentary that, at almost one and a half hours long, cottons rare home film footage (16mm), pictures and accounts of his life.The film is spread across 2 x Blu-ray discs, with a third being dedicated to the extras to ensure maximum quality of the film.Less is probably more when reviewing a film like Ben Hur, as it has been documented so much already. All the customer needs to know with this release is that it represents ridiculously good value for money; you're getting one of the best films ever made, a restoration that has surely set a new standard and some excellent quality bonus features. Don't forget the posh slip-cover too!

I first saw Ben Hur shortly after its initial release in 1959 and went on to see it at the cinema at least six or seven times more. It is my favourite film ever, and I believe the best depiction of the christian story, woven into a fictional tale. It is amazing that with all the high tech tricks available today, I think little could have been done to improve this film - albeit some scenes could have been shot more cheaply. When Ben Hur came out on Video I purchased a copy and subsequently on DVD. However, I recently purchased a Sony Vaio laptop which has Bluray and 3D and enables 3D simulation from any HD disc. I was therefore very interested to see the latest edition of Ben Hur in BluRay. At first I was skeptical as to whether, at the price, it was going to be a substantial improvement. However, other people's reviews were impressive, so I sent for a copy. I am living in Poland at this time and it cost an additional £4.50 to have it sent. I am pleased to say it was worth every penny. The sound, colour and sharpness are excellent. It was like seeing it at the cinema again. I must have now seen this film countless times and really I have only been able to find two things in it to criticise, and these are personal views. Firstly I believe that Ben Hur's mother and sister should have kept their faces covered until after they were miraculously healed. When the prison jailer sees them as lepers he is horrified, as is the Roman soldier, yet when we see them, there are just the odd few spots and blemishes. Not realistic. Since it was not appropriate to make them look horrific, best to keep them covered. Secondly, I feel that Pontius Pilate looks more like an Arab than a senior Roman Official. Not how I would have cast him. However, it is amazing that after so many times of seeing the film I can only find two things to say about it that do not somehow sit right with me.This completely new edition - going back to the original material - makes a HUGE improvement in the enjoyment of the film - also for those younger folk who were not around when it was first released. I would thoroughly recommend it. There is also a disc included with additional material which is not HD but may be of interest to some.