Ben-Hur (1959)

Ben-Hur scooped an unprecedented 11 Academy Awards® in 1959 and, unlike some later rivals, richly deserved every single one. This is epic filmmaking on a scale that had not been seen before and is unlikely ever to be seen again. But it's not just running time or a cast of thousands that makes an epic, it's the subject matter, and here the subject--Prince Judah Ben-Hur (Charlton Heston) and his estrangement from old Roman pal Messala (Stephen Boyd)--is rich, detailed, and sensitively handled. Director William Wyler, who had been a junior assistant on MGM's original silent version back in 1925, never sacrifices the human focus of the story in favor of spectacle, and is aided immeasurably by Miklos Rozsa's majestic musical score, arguably the greatest ever written for a Hollywood picture. At four hours it's a long haul (especially given some of the portentous dialogue), but all in all, Ben-Hur is a great movie, best seen on the biggest screen possible. --Mark Walker Amazon.com essential video

Great

Ben-Hur (1959) was a great movie Starring: Charlton Heston is hands down a timeless epic. This legendary film is an incredible piece of work. The movie covers the crucifixion of Jesus in a beautiful way.
If you are interested in the hope that God can only bring in this day and age I suggest you read a great book entitled "The Enlightenment, What God Told Me After One Million Prayers: A Message for Everyone," by John H. Eagan. It brought me to tears. It's great and deals with Jesus' Passion. I think if you liked this movie you will love this book. January 8, 2009

A Tale That You Will Not Forget! The Second Greatest Film in History!

There are tales that have been told and this is a tale that will stay with you long after you have seen it! It is an epic spectacle in film making. This particular DVD set gives you the full background of this film including the feature version and it also includes the silent version of 1925 that is glorious. This version of 1959 is the second greatest film ever made coming a close second to 'The Ten Commandments.' William Wyler has wrenched his full emotions while making this film and the magic has been brought out alive on the screen also principally through the majestic score of Miklos Rozsa. In fact, this score even eclipses the super effort of Elmer Bernstein for the Ten Commandments. The theme of Christ and the individual themes of Judah Ben Hur, Messala and the suffering leprosiac mother/sister are excellent examples of background scoring. Charlton Heston scores in a big way once again in the principal role of Judah Ben Hur. Stephen Boyd as Messala is stunning and is as forceful as Heston. They are ably supported by Jack Hawkins as Quintus Arrius. This is a Tale of the Christ with Christ shown only in the background. This is done in a masterful way. The crucifixion, the storm succeeding it, the Sermon on the Mount, Christ helping Judah with water and the reverse during the climb to Golgotha are very subtly captured with mesmerising music by Rozsa. If you feel films are a document of a director's expression, then this is one jewel to be treasured. Lew Wallace's novel has been given a crown with this screenplay. This is Wyler's best effort. This DVD set is a Collectors' item that I will cherish eternally. December 26, 2008

one of the greatest stunts in film!

The story of a prominent and wealthy Jewish family, whose feud with a Roman friend nearly destroys them. An extremely emotional story against the backdrop of the birth and crucifixion of Jesus Christ is one of the greatest epics ever filmed. The chariot race is one of the most impressive and longest action pieces I've ever seen! That sequence alone takes the film out of the realm of greatness into an outstanding piece of visual cinema! November 9, 2008

The Best.

Whenever you hear the phrase "of epic proportions", you think of Ben-Hur. Everything about it is epic, from the soundtrack, to the sets, to the costumes to the excellent acting from every single character. Bottom line, it is by far the greatest movie ever made. I won't say any more because I don't want to ruin it for anyone who has not yet seen this wonderful masterpiece. October 30, 2008

The essence of well-done cinema

The very definition of an epic film. Grand, sweeping, yet intelligent, touching and intricate. Exquisite acting performances by Heston and Boyd; lush sets; impressive music. A timeless classic. October 10, 2008

More reviews at Amazon.com ...