Advantages: The Classic Hollywood epic.
Disadvantages: Can drag in places.

...This 1959 definitive version of Ben Hur, the tale of a jew and his fight against the tyranny of the Roman empire, is one of Hollyoods grandest spectacles. Charlton Heston is perfectly cast in the central role - all snarling teeth (he does appear to have more teeth than most people) and rippling biceps, and the climactic chariot race is every bit as violent and realistic as similar scenes in Ridley Scott's Gladiator. The type of movie that does require to be watched in it's original full widescreen, otherwise you will miss much of the breathtaking compositions. Also a classic 'historical epic' score by Miklos Rosza - the king of epic composers - helps things along nicely.... Read review

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Advantages: enjoyable, good story line, easy to follow
Disadvantages: Very long,

...Ben Hur, you must have seen it, after all it is on every Christmas , and Easter and just about every other occassion the TV companies think they can get away with it. If you have several hours to spare then it is worth watching once, maybe twice. It's one of those films that once seen you can take it or leave it. For its time the special effects and stunt work were pretty cutting edge but nothing by todays standards. I'd like to see a re-make. Starring Charlton Heston at his best this film is deffinately up in the annuls of film classics but it does get a bit boring when it is shown again and again.... Read review

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Advantages: 4-disc Collector's Box Set includes fully-restored 1925 Silent Version with Carl Davis Score
Disadvantages: The Chariot Race, originally set at Antioch, was moved inconceivably to Jerusalem in 1959 version

...in English/ French *Subtitles in English/ French/ Italian/ Dutch/ Spanish/ German/ Romanian/ Bulgarian *Behind The Scenes Documentary "Ben Hur ~ The Making of an Epic" (approx 58min) Based on interviews with 12 people who either: worked on the film; or were related to crew, plus film historian Rudy Behlmer; put together into 20 chapters including credits. This traces the history of "Ben Hur" from book, through stage plays, Celluloid Art, and films. Narration was by Christopher Plummer; © 1993 [note: Watching this on a rental 2-sided disc is what inspired me to ask my son to purchase the collector's edition for me as a Christmas present, so I'd have the complete 1925 film as well.] *On-The-Set Photo Gallery [10 pictures] *Screen Tests of the final and near final cast *Trailer Four~Disc Collector's Edition ~ Presentation Pack... Read review

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Disadvantages:

...I can't believe this overblown, overwrought three-hour snorefest gets so much acclaim. It may have looked great back in 1959, and I must admit that the chariot race still looks pretty impressive, but it's just a single bright spot in the otherwise unmemorable film. The story itself is quite majestic and epic, but unfortunately brought down by the laughably dated visuals, sluggish pace and terrible acting. Charlton Heston, in particular, gives one of the most wooden performances I've ever seen, to the point where his "menacing" stares and bared teeth brought unintentional giggles on my part. Overall, Ben-Hur is a film that just doesn't stand the test of time.... Read review

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Advantages: Great original soundtrack
Disadvantages: Can become boring if listened to too much

...- portrays the emotional struggle to get to the place where Ben is now - gives a sense of completion after the epic journey throughout the film. Conclusion Overall, I would give would this product a 3.5 star rating (although I can't so it'll have to be 3) - not as good of POTC or LOTR or HP but still worth buying for £10; well done Trevor Rabin!... Read review

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Advantages: Great drama, superb performances, the chariot race
Disadvantages: Drags a lot in the last 15 minutes

...Think of Ben Hur, and what comes to your mind first? Obviously the legendary 15 minute chariot race scene? Or on a closer level, the sea battle scene? Or the crucifixion of Christ? Well obviously Ben Hur is all these, but on a higher level its even more. Ben Hur is a classic, because its one of the rare species in Hollywood, a costume drama, with drama. Too often many costume dramas or period epics in Hollywood, tend to focus on the spectacle and the grandeur, that they lose track of the real story, the characters, the conflict and the irony, that after some time one feels they are watching a History Channel documentary, rather than a movie. Its to the credit of director William Wyler, that he strikes a fine balance between the epic sweep of the movie and the human drama and this is what makes Ben Hur one of my favorite movies. Judah... Read review

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Advantages: A great visual movie with some great performances
Disadvantages: Maybe a little too long

...Charlton Heston stars as the Price of Judea, Ben Hur, who confronts the conquering Romans and is forced into slavery. Working as a gallery slave, he saves the life of a Roman Nobleman and is adopted by him. He becomes a respected citizen and a famed charioteer. In imperial Rome, he has a famous chariot race with Messala and rescues his family from slavery. After encountering Jesus, he converts to christianity. Ben Hur is an all time classic of epic proportions, combining revenge, compassion, excitement, bitterness and forgiveness all in one inspiring tale of humanity. Thousands of people worked on Ben Hur to make it a visual masterpiece and a superb movie. The story is excellent, keeping you enthralled all the way through, surprising you in many places and exciting you often. The Chariot Race is perhaps one of the best action... Read review

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Advantages: Python
Disadvantages: The ending

...Makes Ben Hur look like an Epic. They said it. King Arthur and his knights embark on their God given quest to find a big golden cup. The knights should the land and are confronted by such foes as a man eating rabbit, the Black Knight, a big scary monster and the promise of oral sex. Ground breaking special effects, a huge cast and a production budget to rival any toilet cleaner ad, make this a must see. The only down side to this film is that the ending is very weak but on the whole is a bloody good film.... Read review

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Advantages: Makes you think and has clever twists.
Disadvantages: Perhaps too complex.

...a few times, but I liked the concept very much of mind erasure and the possibility that it could actually happen. The film lasts 118 minutes, is directed by Jonn Woo and had I spent more than the £3.00 on Ebay, I think that I would have been a little disappointed with the film as a whole. Released by Paramount and rated as 13, I believe that this would be a hard film for anyone as young as this label suggests. Weak points : a few unbelieveable moments and a little disappointment, although compared to other films which are claimed as epics and cost me twice as much, it wasn't a bad movie. It's a movie that got some pretty bad write ups when it was released, although as I say, it compared well to movies that cost a lot more. 7/10 three star out of a possible five. Not a complete waste of time, although I do believe that the interweaving... Read review

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Advantages: The soundtrack and the acting
Disadvantages: None

...I first saw this film when I was about 10 and have re watched it many times since. I guess my main attraction to it was the opening sequence, as it was filmed on the sands at St Andrews ( a view familiar to any golf fanatics out there) not far from where I grew up. The film itself follows the interlinked tales of some of England's best athletes on their quest for glory in the 1924 Olympic Games (both personally and for their country). Winning 4 Academy Awards, (Best Picture, Best Screenplay, Best Score and Best Costume Design), Chariots of Fire is the inspiring true story of Harold Abrahams and Eric Liddell as part of an Olympic team that won Britain one of its most reknowned sporting victories. Ben Cross and Nigel Havers had their first major movie roles in this debut feature for director Hugh Hudson. Producer David Puttnam, a Brit... Read review

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