The King of Kings - Criterion Collection

Buy This Item The King of Kings - Criterion Collection by Criterion  Available from Amazon  $35.99  on 11-17-2008     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. Reader Reviews 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.

The King of Kings - Criterion Collection Available from Amazon Price: $35.99 Updated on 11-17-2008.

SPONSORED LINKS