Land of the Pharaohs Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray release of "Land of the Pharaohs" astounds with its meticulously handled video presentation, rendered using a high-quality transfer sourced from a state-of-the-art 4K scan of the original camera negative. This restoration effort elevates it significantly above prior home video editions, utilizing the ultra-wide 2.55:1 CinemaScope format to enhance the grand scale visual experience coveted by its director, Howard Hawks. Shot on 35mm Eastman color film, the use of WarnerColor is distinct, emphasizing a harmonious palette of earth tones, browns, and vibrant hues like fiery reds and deep blues that captivate the eye against the desert landscape. The imagery is remarkably sharp in both its sweeping vistas and intimate close-ups.

While the pristine restoration is largely successful, a few artifacts inherent in the original material and age persist—occasional softness in focus during optical dissolves and slightly unresolved black levels during some shadow-heavy scenes. However, these minor imperfections do little to detract from what is otherwise a rich visual feast. Fine details such as the texture of pyramid stones, decorative etchings on treasures, and sand wisp patterns imbue the digital transfer with a surprisingly tactile sense of authenticity.

Maintaining excellent clarity and contrast throughout, the Blu-ray transfer celebrates the impressive cinematography by Lee Garmes and Russell Harlan, whilst preserving a natural grain that complements the film's celluloid roots. Rich blacks, well-defined whites, and an extensive array of colors reinforce the film’s epic narrative, creating an engaging viewing experience. No signs of physical degradation are present—aligned with Warner Archive's reputation for delivering clean and purist-friendly transfers. Fans awaiting this release will be pleased by the substantial upgrade in visual quality and should not hesitate to make it part of their collection.

Warner Archive's audio presentation of Land of the Pharaohs delivers an exceptional DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 mix, derived from the original four-track magnetic stereo print. This represents a significant enhancement over previous Dolby 2.0 surround mixes, unleashing a crisp, dynamic soundstage well-suited for the film's epic scope. Dialogue, although at times stiffly delivered, remains clear and intelligible, contributing to an immersive audio environment. The surround activity, while sporadic, is thoughtfully implemented, complementing critical scenes such as the echoing interiors and the massive crowds with an expansive auditory presence.

Dimitri Tiomkin’s score is a true standout in this mix, benefiting from excellent fidelity and tonal depth that enhance its majestic quality. Sonic details, such as the rumbling of rocks or the delicate hissing of a snake, are distinctly captured and demonstrate superb clarity. The bass frequencies provide necessary weight that adds impact to the score and sound effects alike. While there is limited surround channel activity, the stereo separation across the front channels effectively supports the wide CinemaScope visuals, creating an engaging listening experience.

Overall, this DTS-HD presentation delivers on nearly all fronts expected of a widescreen epic's soundscape. Absent are distractions from age-related artifacts like hiss or pops, allowing the intricacies of the score and effects to shine. While an internal echo effect within tomb scenes might have enhanced the impression of scale, the existing mix does ample justice to the grandiosity of Land of the Pharaohs, ensuring that both the music and pivotal sound effects are presented with remarkable clarity and impact. Optional English (SDH) subtitles are available for the main feature but not for additional content.

The Blu-ray extras for "Land of the Pharaohs" offer a mixed but valuable collection, primarily showcasing an audio commentary by the late filmmaker Peter Bogdanovich. This commentary, originally from the 2007 DVD release, involves insightful excerpts from archival interviews with director Howard Hawks. While presented in standard definition due to technical syncing constraints, Bogdanovich's commentary is enriched with anecdotes on Hawks' filmmaking process, his engineering interests taking precedence over human drama, and comparisons to other directors like Cecil B. DeMille. However, the commentary suffers from repetitiveness and occasional voids, though Hawks’ firsthand accounts remain compelling. Unfortunately, the classic Looney Tunes short "Sahara Hare," initially advertised as part of the extras, is missing from this release, likely due to space limitations caused by the inclusion of the standard definition print.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary: Bogdanovich discusses Howard Hawks’ filmmaking perspective with archival interview excerpts.
• Theatrical Trailer: Original film preview highlighting its epic spectacle.

Land of the Pharaohs, a 1955 historical epic directed by Howard Hawks, ambitiously attempts to recreate the grandeur of ancient Egypt through a spectacular production that flaunts vast desert landscapes and an expansive cast of thousands. Utilizing the ultra-wide 2.55:1 Cinemascope format, Hawks delivers visually sweeping scenes without the assistance of CGI. The film revolves around Pharaoh Khufu's (Jack Hawkins) obsession to build an impenetrable tomb for his wealth, visually portraying the Herculean efforts of armies of slaves under the searing Egyptian sun. The intricate design of the pyramid, masterminded by the enslaved architect Vashtar (James Robertson Justice), unfolds amid stunning location cinematography, which harks back to a bygone era of epic filmmaking.

Despite its dazzling production accomplishments and Hawks' meticulous attention to detail, the film falters under a cumbersome narrative and lackluster characters. The script, co-written by literary giant William Faulkner among others, struggles with its uneven tone and wooden dialogue, showing faltering narrative depth despite notable historical accuracy in the depiction of pyramid construction. Jack Hawkins portrays Khufu with imposing authority but seldom matures beyond a singular dimension, while Joan Collins, as the manipulative Princess Nellifer, injects vitality into her scenes with a performance that is both fierce and seductive. However, the portrayal often veers into camp territory, overshadowing the intended dramatic gravitas.

While Land of the Pharaohs was commercially unsuccessful upon release, it has since attracted cult status, partly due to its inclusion by Warner Bros. in their Cult Camp Classics series. Its historical significance and technical feats have warranted reconsideration from film aficionados; most notably, Martin Scorsese praises it as a personal favorite for its lavish spectacle. Though not the pinnacle of Hawks’ illustrious career, Land of the Pharaohs stands as a testament to old Hollywood’s capacity for an opulent yet flawed cinematic experience that offers entertainment through its sheer visual immensity.

"Land of the Pharaohs," directed by Howard Hawks, is a lavish cinematic spectacle that indulges viewers with its grand visuals while offering a story that, although arguably shallow and preposterous, delivers pure entertainment value. This 1955 film diverges from other historical epics by focusing on the imaginative portrayal of how monuments might have been built rather than providing historical accuracy. The narrative is secondary, allowing the towering sets, costumes, and cinematography to take center stage, creating an experience of pure visual dazzle, now beautifully enhanced in Warner Archive's striking Blu-ray presentation.

The highlight of this Blu-ray is its extraordinary video and audio restoration, setting a new benchmark for grand-scale vintage films. The new 4K scan from the original camera negative ensures that every frame bursts with color and clarity, while the remastered 5.1 audio track amplifies the film's dramatic score and sound effects. While it lacks comprehensive bonus features, the Blu-ray compensates by revitalizing every opulent detail with remarkable fidelity, promising fans a slice of cinematic history in its finest form.

In conclusion, while not historically accurate or narratively robust, "Land of the Pharaohs" is a masterpiece of spectacle, showcasing the heights of 1950s Hollywood production capabilities. As a Blu-ray release, it offers fans a nostalgia-tinged indulgence with unrivaled audio-visual quality. Anyone with an affinity for classic epics or Howard Hawks' unique directorial touch will find this release firmly worth their collection. Highly recommended for established enthusiasts drawn to its exuberant style and unparalleled presentation.