BEN-HUR: A TALE OF THE CHRIST (1925) -- What is the best home video version? (1 Viewer)

[Michael1]

Hi, all, I was a little surprised when I just checked and found that, apparently, the 1925 BEN-HUR is not available on Blu-Ray, so I'm wondering if you all can offer opinions on what is the best version available on DVD. Thanks!

 

[richardburton84]

Hi, all, I was a little surprised when I just checked and found that, apparently, the 1925 BEN-HUR is not available on Blu-Ray, so I'm wondering if you all can offer opinions on what is the best version available on DVD. Thanks!

While it’s only in standard definition, the best version of the 1925 Ben-Hur at present is included as an extra on the Blu-Ray of the 1959 version.

 

[Lord Dalek]

The 1925 Ben-Hur IS on blu-ray but as a standard definition supplement on the three disc editions of 1959. The likelihood of an HD version is pretty dim as the last restoration was done over 30 years ago on SD Video in the PAL Standard by Thames Television and no work has been done since.

 

[Ed Lachmann]

I have high hopes that WB will get around to it soon especially after their gorgeous blu-ray reimagining of the Kevin Brownlow restoration of Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse, with lush new tinting, which is real treat for the eyes. I so hope the sales are good! Perhaps with the future 4K re-issue of the '59 version?

 

[Robert Harris]

There is no quality version.

 

[Mark-P]

I dunno. When is the next significant anniversary?

 

[richardburton84]

I dunno. When is the next significant anniversary?

If we use the year listed above (some people cite this version as being released in 1926), this year would technically be the next significant anniversary since it would mark the film’s centennial. However, I’m a little disheartened by Mr. Harris’s report that there’s no quality version of the film, though given the variety of elements used for the Photoplay restoration, an updated restoration would probably be problematic at best.

 

[Robert Harris]

If we use the year listed above (some people cite this version as being released in 1926), this year would technically be the next significant anniversary since it would mark the film’s centennial. However, I’m a little disheartened by Mr. Harris’s report that there’s no quality version of the film, though given the variety of elements used for the Photoplay restoration, an updated restoration would probably be problematic at best.

I don’t mean to confuse the issue. Photoplay gathered some great elements. It’s the video that’s problematic.

 

[Michael1]

Thanks, all. I have a Blu-Ray double bill of the 1959 BEN-HUR and THE TEN COMMANDMENTS, but maybe I should buy separately the edition of the '59 BEN-HUR that has the 1925 version as a bonus, even if it is only standard def. I will still keep hoping for a new restoration of the '25 version and that it will be issued on Blu-Ray as a stand-alone. I would think that, with modern technology, an excellent restoration could be done from whatever the best elements are that survive.

 

[Dick]

The 1925 Ben-Hur IS on blu-ray but as a standard definition supplement on the three disc editions of 1959. The likelihood of an HD version is pretty dim as the last restoration was done over 30 years ago on SD Video in the PAL Standard by Thames Television and no work has been done since.

Too bad. I actually prefer the silent to the '59 epic. The sea battle, for one, looks much more believable. The studio tank and miniatures used by Wyler have never cut it for me.

 

[Garysb]

Error Please delete post.

 

[compson]

TCM shows Ben-Hur (1925) at midnight EDT tonight.