The King of Kings - Criterion Collection (1927)

With this silent-era spectacle, Cecil B. DeMille cemented his reputation as the master of the biblical epic. DeMille tells the story of Christ's life and Passion with great attention to historical accuracy, along the way paying homage to the religious illustrations of Da Vinci and Doré, and, in a modern flourish, restaging Christ's resurrection in luminous Technicolor. In time for Christmas, Criterion will present fully restored editions of both versions of this glorious spectacle in a heavenly two-disc set: the original 155-minute silent version from 1927 - never before available on home video - and the 1931 release, re-cut by DeMille to 112 minutes. The DVD edition will also include new Dolby Digital 5.1 scores by composers Donald Sosin (1927 version) and Timothy J. Tikker (1931 version); the original score for the 1931 release by Hugo Riesenfeld; behind-the-scenes footage from the making of the film; cast portraits, production and costume sketches, a stills gallery of production photos and promotional material; the original illustrated program and press book featuring photographs from the film's gala premiere; and more.

Great adptation

This version of the Christ is wonderful. Perfect casting for Jeffrey Hunter. His clear blue eyes are amazing. I recommend this movie to anyone who wants to understand more about the life of Christ and his crucifixion. April 23, 2008

"King of Kings" -- A Uniquely Inspiring Film for Christians

Some years ago I purchased the 1928 version on VHS. It had, I thought, a superior music and effects soundtrack. This version's background music, to me, somehow did not match the drama unfolding on the screen, especially during the crucifixion and earthquake scenes. Some of the added sound effects, where necessary, were badly out of sync with the picture. You can always tune out the sound, since there was none in 1928. The longer 1927 version, also in this set, contained a few scenes which were justifiably cut from the 1928 release version. They just didn't work. The picture quality in these two DVDs is far better than that of my old VHS version. Some of the color scenes contained significantly more flicker, though, than was apparent in the black and white scenes. The graphics used to explain some scenes, I thought, were done more artistically in the original DeMille production. Having said all that, I still believe that this set is well worth having, especially in any Christian household, and will make a magnificent gift. The set also includes a very useful booklet containing many interesting facts about DeMille, the actors and how the original film was conceived and produced. This, in itself, adds significant value for those who are interested in film history. The depiction of Jesus by H.B. Warner is incredible, inspirational and unforgettable! No one else has or will ever come close to this portrayal of Christ on the screen. April 23, 2008

A BASIC OVERVIEW OF THE DVDS AND OPINIONS OF THE PRESENTATIONS

Disc 1 the uncut version. Running time 2 hours 36 minutes. Soundtrack options: No sound at all or a soundtrack created by silent film composer Donald Sosin. Bonus features are known in this set as "supplements" Mostly written information. Disc 2 running time roughly 1 hour 52 minutes. Soundtrack options; 1928 re-release composed by Hugo Riesenfeld or a 2004 organ soundtrack written and performed by Timothy J. Tikker. Supplements include written material and a 13 min behind the scenes of the actual filming of the movie. Although Don Sosin does a respectable job composing the score for Disc 1, It's Hugo Riesenfelds 1928 score on disc 2 that truly captures the heart and wonderment of this movie. I wish there was some way his soundtrack could have been incorperated into the uncut version. I personally found Tim Tikker's organ score to be a droning bore. It spent more time sounding like a chrurch organist warming up before church sevice starts. There is hardly any variation between scenes of intensity and scenes of tenderness. Speaking of tenderness. The scene that really chokes me up is where a cute little girl says to Jesus "Mark saith Thou canst mend broken legs!" I won't tell you what he does, but to see Jesus rely on ingenuity instead of devine intervention shows how beautifully human as well as devine he may have been. Why Tim Tikker was commisioned to write a score is anybody's guess. It's music like his that makes silent films hard to watch. Although it's quite a treat to see the behind the scenes filming, especially for a film made in the mid 1920s, there is no sound at all and no narrative that tells you who's who in the suits. You can opt to watch this supplement at double speed and not miss a thing. A beautiful film to see a great DVD to own. April 3, 2008

DeMille's finest

As an artist, Cecil B. DeMille is often accused of crassness and crudity wrapped up in a moral tale. If "The King of Kings" isn't his biggest film, it's certainly his most reverent and honest as a filmmaker.

The casting works well, once you realize that this is essentially the whole of Hollywood putting on a Passion Play (DeMille aims high for accuracy in his films, though not necessarily Realism). H.B. Warner gives the performance of a lifetime as Jesus, played with restraint and subtlety. The supporting cast is filled with notable names, particularly Joseph Schildkraut as Judas, a standout performance. Viewers familiar with the history of silent film will recognize many if not most of the supporting and bit roles; virtually all are played by actors of some recognition.

Purists may decry the opening scene, with Mary Magdalene and her chariot pulled by zebras, shot in Technicolor no less. To be fair to DeMille, this is one of the few indulgences he allows himself in this film, which-given its subject matter-is a model of restraint, especially in comparison with his other biblical epics.

The cinematography, by J. Peverell Marley, is glistening black-and-white at its best. The Criterion DVD transfer is particularly good in this regard, with excellent contrast. The DVD provides two versions: the original 1927 "roadshow" edition, running 155 minutes with Technicolor scenes, and featuring an original score (viewers also have the option to listen to a newly-composed score on another audio track), and the 1928 general release version running 112 minutes. "The King of Kings" was once (and, according to some sources, still is) a staple of church film screenings, and was at one time estimated to be the film seen by more people than any other. This DVD does this excellent film justice.
February 26, 2008

Renaissance Art Come to Life

This great film was released EIGHTY years ago, during an era which our current society has all but forgotten. That only adds to the mystique of "King of Kings"--which one could almost imagine was somehow filmed in Biblical times, so remote and rarified is its visual quality.

In viewing the Criterion set, I was continually awed by the way in which DeMille evokes the visual style of classic religious art ---it's as if you are witnessing the work of Da Vinci, Raphael, Tintoretto and Gustave Dore come to life on screen. (Rudolf Schildkraut as Caiphas has the uncanny appearance of one of Rembrandt's self-portraits right there on your TV screen!)

Once we are past the incredibly cheesy opening scene with Mary Magdalene and her Nubian zebras--that is, once the film gets into its black and white glory, De Mille composes almost every shot to reflect the majesty and reverence of the the great art work that we have always associated with the events of Christ's life. DeMille arranges his actors and extras within each shot--especially during the "Way of the Cross" scenes, with a marvelous sense of DEPTH--all I can do is marvel at the visual texture of each shot, with the crowds of onlookers creating a succession of artfully arranged living tableaux.

The scenes of crucifixion and its aftermath are awe-inspiring and chilling---truly a Dante-ish Inferno of mayhem on film! The shots of HB Warner (having expired) on the cross in near darkness---with wind-blown leaves and lightning flashes---are breathtaking. The 1928 soundtrack including a chorus of voices during these scenes---screaming, wailing, moaning along with the action on the screen (especially during the remarkably effective earthquake scenes), and this is an essential element of viewing the film I think. In fact, it's really too bad that the 1928 orchestral/choral soundtrack only exists for the shortened (112-minute) version, because the sound of this score is so evocative of the era in which the film was made. You can't beat the final two minutes of the film, as Jesus leaves his disciples in the Last Supper room in a radiant glow--to the lovely strains of "Abide With Me", and then appears over a modern skyline to a full orchestra/choral rendering of "Rock of Ages"; that's what religion USED to feel like. The new score for the complete film is serviceable---all synthesized, though rarely is it distracting
(a few incredibly cheezy synthesized cymbal crashes make me cringe). Of course, one MUST see the entire, full-length film....in which case the new synthesized score is your only choice.

A word about the cast: check them out on IMDB---you'd be amazed at how many of the actors had impressive credentials throughout the silent era and beyond, and yet whom are totally forgotten to us today. The actors who played the parts of Pontius Pilate and the Roman Centurion, for instance, are very impressive indeed---and their career background is fascinating. (There's something very cool about "Hopalong Cassidy" [Bill Boyd] stepping in to help "Old Man Gower" [HB Warner] carry his cross). Of course, Joseph Schildkraut, looking every bit the matinee idol as Judas, was a very distinguished actor--check his Oscar-winning performance as Dreyfuss in 1937's "Life of Emile Zola" for starters---or his 2 Twilight Zone appearances in 1961/62.

It's a pity that so much of our great film heritage has been lost forever---which is why it's all the more important for Criterion and other companies to continue to preserve it---especially the masterpieces like DeMille's "King of Kings."


PS---Included as bonus material is a substantial amount of behind-the scenes shots made during filming, which apparently DeMille did as a matter of course. What a treasure---practically worth the cost of this set alone! April 23, 2007

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