A few words about... Ben-Hur

Robert Harris · 09-15-2005, 11:34 AM

Warner's new DVD of Ben-Hur is the finest representation of the film possible via current video technology.

A magnificent DVD of a magnificent film.

Might I humbly suggest to the studio that the very best place to purchase this DVD would be in the lobby of a theatre after experiencing Mr. Wyler's film in its 70mm glory.

There is not a doubt in my mind that audiences would fill the seats made available for limited release, hard ticket performances.

The silent version accompanied by Carl Davis' score is alone worth the price of admission.

Recommneded without reservation.

RAH

jim.vaccaro · 09-15-2005, 12:00 PM

There you have it.

If it's good enough for Mr. Harris, it's good enough for me.

DustinPizarro · 09-15-2005, 12:12 PM

I'm one of the unfortunate ones who never got to see this on the big screen. Maybe the studios will take Mr. Harris's suggestions for a limited release cause I would definitely wait in line for this one. I guess I'll have to settle for this new DVD.

ScottR · 09-15-2005, 12:31 PM

Thank you Mr. Harris....was waiting for that confirmation.

Robert Crawford · 09-15-2005, 12:39 PM

Thanks for confirming what I observed during my dvd viewing experience.

Crawdaddy

**HTF Ads**

Marko Berg · 09-15-2005, 12:44 PM

Thank you, Mr. Harris. I was going to buy the new release sooner or later regardless (I own the initial DVD release and while it's not a great presentation, I can live with it) but your recommendation has whetted my appetite to acquire the new release sooner rather than later.

Mark Anthony · 09-15-2005, 12:47 PM

Mr Harris, thank you for your valuable comments...

I seem to recall reading a few years back that the Ben-Hur original elements were in need of preservation/restoration.

Do you happen to know if any of that work has since taken place, or does this title look as good as it does thanks to digital wizardry rather than refurbishment of original elements?

There was also some scepticism about the quality of the sound re-mix and the adjustment of dialogue to the centre channel, to your ears does it sound like a job well done and any idea if it differs from the 5.1 track on the first dvd?

Regards

M

Robert Harris · 09-15-2005, 01:05 PM

To my ears, and especially for a home video environment, the audio is fine.

The original six track was designed to fill an area 50-70 feet wide, placing dialogue properly behind the actors on screen.

This is a bit different from most home theatres, the majority of those that I've seen being less than 40 feet in width.

Warner has done everything properly here. I especially like the clean-up done to the matte lines.

I've also noted that the entire image is presented, as can be seen from the slight reflective lines at the top and bottom of the frame, a natural part of any large format image, as light hit the edges of the camera aperture.

As a reference, see the frames at the Wide Screen Museum:

http://widescreenmuseum.com/widescreen/loa/loa3a.htm

I couldn't be happier with this release.

RAH

Mark Anthony · 09-15-2005, 01:09 PM

Glad to hear that the elements are now in great shape and that the sound gets the thumbs up!

Thanks once again for your time

M

DaViD Boulet · 09-15-2005, 01:33 PM

While I would have preferred a DVD release including the original multi-channel historic sound mix preserved in the 5.1 configuration (as Fox did with T.S.O.M), I agree that the current disc is spectacular.

On my 106" screen, this new DVD presentation shines and is one of the most authentic-looking "film like" DVD images I've have the priviledge to view. there is not hint of "digital glare" or "Processing" to mar the film-like grace of the image...the "bloom" of the film print is preserved as is the ultra-fine film-grain structure. It's just gorgeous. I really felt that I was seeing projected film...as close as the Standard-Definition DVD format is capable of delivering in the HT environment.

Can't wait to see this in the future in HD. Hopefully then WB will have the courtesy (respect) to also include the historic mix. Though RAH is right that not many of us have 40 foot wide screens...that doesn't mean that the "effect" of directional dialogue following the actors on-screen isn't worth preserving in the HT environment for those who choose to look *and* hear a film replicated as close to its original form as possible. In most front projection systems, the left/right speakers are either immediately to the left/right of the screen, or below, or behind...which maintains the character of "following the actors accross the screen" very nicely. Those with smaller video displays or with the left/right front mains placed much farther away from the screen may find the center-locked dialogue of the new mix more pleasing.

In any case...Great DVD and I look forward to the future Hi-def version *almost* as much as I look forward to seeing this film projected in a theatrical screening.

Agreed that selling the DVDs in the lobby is a great idea...

dave