The Ten Commandments Blu-ray Review

Paramount's Blu-ray release of "The Ten Commandments" is nothing short of spectacular, showcasing a 6K digital restoration supervised by Ron Smith and leveraging the VistaVision 35mm process for an astonishing High Definition presentation. Presented in 1080p AVC/MPEG-4 and framed in a 1.78:1 aspect ratio, the level of detail is exceptional. From the intricately woven patterns of Egyptian robes to the sunburnt texture of Hebrew slaves' skin, every facet is vividly rendered. The rich, bold colors such as deep blues and crimson reds truly pop, making the ornate Egyptian costumes and varied earthen tones particularly vibrant. Flesh tones appear lifelike and natural. The film is largely free from noise, with only minimal grain that adds a pleasing cinematic texture. The superb contrast and deep, stable blacks contribute to a picture quality that belies the film's age.

The dual-disc format ensures optimal quality, with Disc One running 2:15:48 and Disc Two at 1:35:49, taking full advantage of the additional space to provide breathing room for the intricate visuals. Whether it’s the texture of the old straw basket used to carry baby Moses or the fine details in Pharaoh's palace stones, the clarity, dimension, and visual depth are unwavering. However, this enhanced resolution also accentuates the dated special effects, such as the visible demarcation lines in composite shots and cel animation sequences like the burning bush and the parting of the Red Sea. While these effects reflect the film's era, they slightly detract from its otherwise impeccable restoration.

Overall, Paramount's meticulous clean-up effort is evident; there are no signs of dirt, dust, or print damage. This Blu-ray serves as a definitive showcase of what high-definition restoration can achieve for classic cinema, seamlessly blending stunning visuals with historical authenticity to offer an unparalleled viewing experience for aficionados and casual viewers alike.

The DTS-HD MA 5.1 surround mix in the Blu-ray release of "The Ten Commandments" showcases a highly effective audio presentation, considering the film's original 1956 mono recording. The wide front soundstage excellently handles directional dialogue, effectively placing characters across the screen. Notably, the subwoofer provides an impressively deep rumble during key scenes, such as the Hebrew slaves pushing a massive stone and the hoof beats of Pharaoh's army. Elmer Bernstein’s score is given prominence, especially with trumpet fanfares in the main stereo pair, accentuating the film's epic scope. However, the voice of God is surprisingly subdued, lacking the expected fullness and boom during pivotal scenes such as the Burning Bush encounter.

Despite its age, the soundtrack breathes new life into the film's score and dialogue through accurate and clear reproduction. The opening musical overture, mainly utilizing the front channels, benefits from subtle back-channel support and a modest low-end accompaniment that adds significant weight. The dialogue, primarily centered in the front and center channels, maintains exceptional clarity throughout. Directionality is handled proficiently as characters traverse off-screen, enhancing the immersive experience. Surrounds are employed sparingly but effectively, enhancing specific effects like gusting winds and pounding hail during the plagues. Although some high-end noise is occasionally present during shouts, the overall audio presentation is noteworthy for its clarity and detail.

Paramount’s DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track doesn’t aim to compete with modern soundtracks but serves the film remarkably well. While it may not reach the absolute majesty of the video presentation, it provides an engaging and wonderfully nostalgic listening environment. Longtime fans will appreciate the nuanced boost in overall audio quality, delivering a robust and immersive auditory experience that complements Cecil B. DeMille’s cinematic masterpiece.

The extra features on "The Ten Commandments" Blu-ray offer an engaging and comprehensive dive into both the 1956 epic and its 1923 predecessor. Katherine Orrison's knowledgeable and enthusiastic audio commentary spans both discs, delivering invaluable insights about the film's production, special effects, and the intricacies of Cecil B. DeMille's directorial style. The inclusion of vintage newsreels, multiple trailers, and various photo galleries provides a nostalgic look back at the film's historical and cinematic significance. The extras are well-curated, offering fans detailed behind-the-scenes content that enriches the viewing experience.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary: Expert insights by Katherine Orrison on the 1956 film.
• Newsreel: The Ten Commandments - Premiere in New York: Vintage footage from the film's premiere.
• Trailers: Promotional materials from 1956, 1966, and 1989.
• 1923 film The Ten Commandments: The original film by DeMille, featuring optional commentary.
• Hand-Tinted Footage of the Exodus and Parting of the Red Sea Sequence: Clips using the Handschiegl Color Process.
• Two-Color Technicolor Segment: Colorized segments from the 1923 version.
• Photo Galleries: Assorted images from both the 1956 and 1923 films.

Cecil B. DeMille's "The Ten Commandments" is an enduring classic of cinematic history, newly available in a pristine 1080p AVC/MPEG-4 transfer on Blu-ray. This meticulously restored version is framed in the widescreen 1.85:1 ratio, bringing a remarkable clarity and richness to the Technicolor visuals that were groundbreaking when first released in 1956. The impeccable restoration brings out vivid colors and incredible detail, though it also reveals the limitations of mid-20th-century special effects. The DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 surround track excellently preserves Elmer Bernstein’s timeless score while delivering deep, resonant sound effects, and directionally crisp dialogue.

DeMille's epic tale of Moses, portrayed powerfully by Charlton Heston, remains a compelling mix of grand storytelling and historical drama. Filmed on location in Egypt and the Sinai, and featuring imposing sets that evoke the grandeur of ancient civilizations, the film masterfully combines visual spectacle with narrative depth. Yul Brynner’s role as Ramses provides a formidable counterpart to Heston, making their scenes profoundly engaging. The film's thematic exploration of freedom versus tyranny is enhanced by its use of dramatic tension and character development. DeMille himself opens the film with a poignant question about the nature of freedom, setting up the philosophical groundwork for the ensuing story.

The vast crowd scenes, which employed thousands of extras, stand out as particularly impressive compared to modern CG methods, underscoring the monumental scale of this production. This Blu-ray edition breathes new life into these awe-inspiring visuals, making the exodus of the Israelites more impactful than ever. Additionally, insightful commentary by author Katherine Orrison and supplemental materials such as a newsreel clip of the premiere and trailers provide valuable context and enrich the viewing experience. For both ardent fans and new audiences, this Blu-ray release of "The Ten Commandments" offers an unparalleled opportunity to experience a pivotal work in film history with renewed vibrancy and depth.

"The Ten Commandments" Blu-ray release exemplifies epic filmmaking with its timeless story of faith, strength, and freedom adapted from the Bible. Cecil B. DeMille’s extraordinary direction and masterful set design and costuming turn this film into an enduring classic. Paramount's special edition Blu-ray profoundly respects the film’s legacy by delivering a visually dazzling and thematically profound experience. The impeccable transfer ensures that both the picture quality and audio are exceptional, given the film's age and the inherent limitations of its special effects. This release is a genuine homage to Hollywood's Golden Age, breathing new life into one of its most venerated masterpieces.

Beyond technical mastery, the Blu-ray set offers unique packaging and substantial value-added material. The collection includes exclusive features designed for the ardent fans of the film, making it as engaging to explore as it is to watch. Despite its bulky packaging, the intricate details like stone tablet disc housings, trinkets, and booklets make unboxing an event in itself. These thoughtful additions contribute significantly to the overall experience, transforming what could have been a mere product into a cherished collector's item. The limited availability of just 100,000 copies further underscores its value and appeal to collectors.

In conclusion, "The Ten Commandments" on Blu-ray not only preserves the grandeur of DeMille’s final epic film but enhances it with meticulous attention to detail in both audio-visual quality and physical presentation. This special edition release is a must-have for collectors and film enthusiasts alike, offering an enriched viewing experience that honors the original work while providing abundant supplementary content. It comes highly recommended for anyone looking to delve deeply into the cinematic magic of one of Hollywood’s most enduring masterpieces.