Ben-Hur [Fiftieth Anniversary] [2 Discs] [Blu-ray] [1959]

Ben-Hur (1959) is one of those films that you can watch over and over again. I personally was not familiar with Ben-Hur until a friend told me about it. I was familiar with Charlton Heston because he portrayed the role of Moses in The Ten Commandments (1956). Charlton Heston portryas the role of Judah Ben-Hur. Even though I read somewhere online that Ben-Hur is a fictional character (based on the novel by Lewis Wallace), the story takes place during the days of Jesus Christ. I do not want to spoil the film for those who have not seen it, but this film is definitely worth seeing. The acting is superb, the story is excellent, and the picture is beautiful. I would also like to add that the Miklos Rozsa's soundtrack/music is like nothing else. In my opinion, this film has one of the best soundtracks to listen to. Ben-Hur truly defines the definition of an Epic Movie. For a movie that was released in 1959, this film is very impressive (Nominated for 12 Oscars, and won 11). Even though it is 3 hours and 40 minutes, it is worth taking the time seeing this timeless epic. Transferred from the original film negative, the sound and picture quality on this Blu-Ray is excellent, and it is worth owning. I am glad that Best Buy still had this film available on Blu-Ray, delivering the film that was meant to be seen!

Another of my favorites. I have about 5 favorite, early Christian movies. All were on tape and I now have 3 on DVD. Good thing as I tend to watch them over and over. Young people today would do well to watch this classic. What a great way to see a story of Early Christians who had to suffer much at the hands of Ancient Rome. The arrogance of the Romans is quite profound. The fear of disease (in this case, leprosy), the abuse by the conquerers, yet the honor some of those same conquerers showed a Jew after he saves the life of an admiral is quite a contrast. The action of the chariot race, and the brutality the losers suffered when they couldn't get out of the way in time is horrifying. Even when Messala cheats by having iron blades installed on his chariot's wheels in order to destroy his opponents in the circus seems perfectly acceptable. What a different time and place! For those of you who must have some romance--it's there. For those of you who must have smut and filth, you'll be disappointed. This film is art, not trash.

What classic doesn't have an amazingly deep and pure plot behind it? For this generation, young people actually have to be forced in classes to watch old classics to ever actually watch them. With all the crazy special effects and amazingly good looking (with makeup, expensive gowns, fake tans, surgery, personal trainer) actors there's nothing visually "WOW!" about classical movies that would lure the youth into it. I am an example of this. We watched this in Latin class in high school twice a year for five years, and I enjoyed it every time. It's a quiet not overly dramatic, and innocently sweet masterpiece bringing to life the roman history we have been taught.

Epic movie making that still can't be matched today. The quality writing, music soundtrack & action sequences (chariot race), etc. all add up to make this a must have blue ray release. Charlton Heston will always be one of the greatest actors of his time and many actors today will never have the resume that he does. I bought this blue ray disc just for the collectibility of the special packaging and have not opened it, but I have the special edition box set which is absolutely fantastic. I think the set of discs included here are basically the same, so why pass up this value disc!!!

Great film. I especially loved the Directors and Heston commentary which was available on the disc. Hearing Heston discussing his iconic role was a real treat. Made me watch it through twice. One of the best films in history and makes the top of most "must-see-films" lists. The musical score is also a classic. They just don't make them like this anymore. The religious tone was infused but done in a way to support all levels of inquiry. Great film and a delight in all respects.

Ben-Hur has always been one of my favorites. Charlerton Heston is a Great actor. This movie combines the story of one man at the time Jesus was doing his ministry. I love when Jesus shows up in the movie, to help Ben-Hur . Brings tears to my eyes every time . And to own it on Blu Ray, is like watching it for the first time. If you buy Blu Ray, you need to add this movie to your collection. A must have.

Despite its running time, this is storytelling at its finest that knows how to entertain; as we follow Judah Ben-Hur's dramatic journey from Jerusalem to Rome and back again, the film just never lets up and immerses you completely. It's hard to imagine anything more cinematic, especially at the time: if ever there was an epic that was meant to be seen on the big screen it's Ben Hur.

This movie is absolutely fantastic on Blu-ray! The picture is just as detailed, if not more so, than anything released in the last few years. Everything about this movie is top-notch. The story, the acting, the cinematography, the score, and even the A/V quality are all superb. It's epic in every sense of the word. It was worth every penny!