Ben-Hur

Still stunning, 50 years on.

There's very little to say about William Wyler's 1959 epic "Ben-Hur" that hasn't already been said many times before. Working with a truly amazing cast and crew, "Ben-Hur" was a watershed moment in cinema history, and was rightfully awarded with 11 Oscars for the effort.

"Ben-Hur" was the first 'personal epic' -- a film shot with enormous, opulent sets and a cast of thousands to fill it, yet at its core, it's still a deeply personal story of broken friendship, vengeance, and ultimately redemption. With Miklos Rozsa's vibrant musical score, period accurate sets and costumes, and one of the most stunning action sequences ever put to film, "Ben-Hur" pulls out all the stops, and stands far above the other biblical and sword-and-sandal epics of the late '50s/early '60s. Movies like this are why 65mm film and anamorphic lenses were invented -- every shot is framed to make maximum use of the incredible 2.76:1 aspect ratio.

This is one DVD that should definitely be in everybody's collection.

3 out of 3 people found this review helpful.

Not as epic as it is made out to be

This film has great cinematography, acting, writing, and when its scarce action scenes arise, they are very engrossing. However, for such a long romp through Roman Judea politics, they don't arise enough to break the monatany. I believe that this film earned every Oscar it won and then some. My only problem is that with films like The Lord of the Rings, Star Wars, The Pianist, even Monty Python and the Holy Grail it's very difficult to brand this with the title of epic. I suppose that you could throw it into the Citizen Kane category in that you hear alot of hype, and you understand why it's so great, but when it comes right down to it, it's not very interesting. Now one might say, " Oh you just can't appreciate it, because you were spawned into a generation that grows up on Star Wars, and Lord of the Rings, so you're not accustomed to intellectual masterpieces." That may be so but my Top ten films of all time list wouldn't show it.

1 out of 4 people found this review helpful.

TIMELESS: BEN-HUR IS STILL A GREAT FILM

This film stands the test of time. It is as relevant now as it was when it was made. Despite the advances made in special effects, all of the action sequences are thoroughly believable. More importantly, the acting, sets, and music combine to make one feel as if one is traveling alongside Judah. Esther is the most believable character, but seeing Charleton Heston at his best is an eye opener. It is easy to see why he was chosen for so many Large roles (and his physique is also of heroic proportions, even by today's standards, and he surely must have embarrassed a few other box office heroes of the time.).

Must see classic film

I would highly recommend this film to anyone who enjoys historical, epic films, films with a religious overtone (although this film doesn't bludgeon you over the head) or are a fan of Charlton Heston in particular. This is a film that I can watch over and over.

A must see classic

I really wanted to see this movie, because I've seen clips of the chariot race so many times. Well, the chariot race did not disappoint. Neither did the rest of the movie. Along with the intense human drama, BEN HUR also stands out with the best of the action movies! And this was made decades ago without the technology of today.

Screenwriter, Karl Tunberg, wrote a movie that tugs at al of our emotions. Director, William Wyler, gives a a film with great acting, story telling production design and, of course, the great chariot race.

Charlton Heston, Stephen Boyd, Jack Hawkins and Haya Harareet are just as impressive .

Ben Hur-Glorious Block Buster Movie

I saw this movie as a child with my mother when it was first released. Charlton Heston is truly a warrior god. Stephen Boyd is just a hottie in this movie. The symbolism with the Crucifixion of Jesus Christ is awe-inspiring and thought-provoking. I watched it on television with my son when he was young and gave it to him for Easter. I love this movie. The Chariot scenes are fabulous! One of the best Movies of all time.

Ben Hur - One of the great epic movies of all time!

A well researched script and wonderfully filmed movie takes the viewer back to the time of Rome and Christ. Certainly the best film of it's kind and stands the test of time!

Ben-Hur "The Gladiator" of its time

This movie has so many good qualities. Great acting, scenery, plot, and music! Charles Heston gives a great performance! It's a long one, but well worth it if you like movies with a 1st century CE theme.

Ben-Hur Story

I have to say that no 2, 3, or 4 star would fit this excellent movie. If you do not know the history of Ben of course, 2 or 3 stars will be given. 5 stars and more in my list is given. It is the most Best true and biblical story given. Go Get It.

Ben-Hur Remains the Gold Standard

Ben-Hur is very possibly the best epic film in the history of motion pictures. In addition to the spectacular sets, outstanding widescreen photography and glorious music, the story is compelling and the acting superb. Very definitely the gold standard by which to judge other films of the epic genre.

Don't believe the hype!

Maybe I missed something, but this movie wasn't worth what seemed like an eternity of my time. Those are hours of my life that cannot be replaced. The climax of the movie.... a chariot scene......OOOOOOOOh, Ahhhhhhhhh, Snooooooze. Maybe I've been a little spoiled by todays movies, but I will never again watch a movie made before 1974.

0 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

Simply the GREATEST

You won't find top actors doing these dangerous stunts today, most current actors want big money and to hell with acting. Heston and Boyd do a excellent job as child-hood friends that become bitter rivals. The movie does very well in DVD, sea battles, the great race, love interests, etc. make this a must have for any movie buff

The Most Exciting Scene Ever Filmed

The reason I'm writing this review today is that I just watched Ben Hur, for the hundredth time, on cable TV last night and was reminded once again that the most exciting film sequence ever made is in this movie: the chariot race between Judah Ben Hur and Messalah. No CPG in those days; it was all done live action and is thrilling. I love the movie every time I see it and recommend it to everyone to watch.

GREATEST MOVIE EVER MADE

BEN HUR IS SIMPLY THE GREATEST MOVIE EVER MADE. IT HAS THE BEST DIRECTING ,GREAT ACTING, FANTASTIC SOUNDTRACK, BEAUTIFUL COSTUMES,SPECTACULAR SCENES GREAT STORY AN EPIC DONE WITH REVERENCE AND HUMAN FEELINGS

simply the greatest movie of all time!!!!

i've been a Charlton heston fan for as long as i can remember, I love him....ben hur is just the biggest gift he could have ever given to the world...........

No text was provided for this review.

No text was provided for this review.

No text was provided for this review.

No text was provided for this review.

No text was provided for this review.