The Ten Commandments 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray Review

This 4K UHD release of "The Ten Commandments" represents a zenith in home video presentation, arising from meticulous restoration efforts by Paramount. Employing a 6K scan of the original VistaVision negative as its foundation, this version showcases an unparalleled video quality that maintains the film's classic aesthetic while embracing modern technological advancements. Details are astonishingly vivid, with textures in costumes and landscapes presented with remarkable clarity. The VistaVision format, which allows for a broader image due to horizontal 35mm film feeding, combined with Paramount's dedication to over 150 hours of color work and cleanup, brings forth an image that's both sharp and devoid of digital anomalies.

The HDR and Dolby Vision grading enrich the visual experience with deep, inky blacks and luminous whites, creating an image with spectacular contrast and dimensionality. Colors are vibrant yet natural, with a particular emphasis on the lustrous golds and blues of Egyptian décor, hearty earth tones, and the dynamic reds and oranges during iconic moments such as Moses' encounter with the burning bush. Such visual fidelity ensures that textures, from the grandeur of Egyptian garments to the humble slave attires, are rendered with a lifelike sharpness that almost transcends the screen's limitations.

Despite the inherent challenges in enhancing older films for the 4K format, Paramount's restoration strikes a delicate balance between preserving the film’s original aesthetics and embracing the depth and clarity afforded by modern video technology. Special effects, while certainly dated by today's standards, are treated with respect, maintaining their historical significance without undue alteration. This respect for authenticity extends to the film grain, ensuring a presentation that feels true to its cinematic roots. "The Ten Commandments" on 4K UHD is not just an upgrade over previous editions; it's a definitive viewing experience that sets a high bar for the treatment of classic films in the digital age.

The 4K UHD Blu-ray edition of "The Ten Commandments" retains the English DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track, initially remastered for the 2010 Blu-ray release, across its subsequent releases, including the 2020 digibook edition and the 2011 limited edition gift set. This consistency in audio quality ensures that Elmer Bernstein’s score is delivered with remarkable fidelity, presenting a lush and dynamic auditory experience. The audio mix predominantly focuses on the front channels, emphasizing clarity in dialogue and a well-balanced integration with the score. Despite the film’s age, this mix offers a clean and engaging listening experience, with solid bass and clean highs that surpass many other films from the monaural era.

Although some may long for a Dolby Atmos or DTS:X mix to elevate scenes with added depth and immersive sound, this release does not include such formats, relying instead on the established 5.1 surround mix. This choice maintains a front-oriented soundscape with fine stereo separation, preserving the original sound design's integrity while providing an enveloping experience during key moments. The mix’s attention to detail is evident, from the nuanced ambience in crowd scenes to the strategic layering of the film's iconic score and effects, assuring that the audio remains true to its original majestic and epic scope.

Furthermore, the meticulous remastering effort by Chris Johnston at Pacific Ocean Imaging underscores the care taken to enhance the film's historic soundtrack. While bass may be somewhat restrained due to the original recording conditions, important scenes like the parting of the Red Sea still receive impactful treatment through the subwoofer channel. Optional subtitles and dub options in German and French offer accessibility, despite some language and subtitle variations compared to previous releases. This audio presentation thus stands as a testament to preserving and celebrating the film's auditory legacy without compromising on quality or historical authenticity.

The 4K UHD Blu-ray release of "The Ten Commandments" offers a marginal upgrade in terms of extras, primarily benefiting from the inclusion of Katherine Orrison's informative and engaging audio commentary available on both the 4K and Blu-ray discs. This commentary provides an extensive dive into the film's production process, offering fans a wealth of behind-the-scenes insights. However, beyond the commendable audio commentary, additional extras are sparse, limited to newsreel footage and theatrical trailers found on the accompanying Blu-ray discs. Disappointingly, this release omits the original 1923 version and associated extras, a noteworthy absence for collectors. Paramount does ship this release with a digital copy code and a slipcover featuring artwork from the film. The lack of comprehensive new special features makes this set less appealing for those who already own previous Blu-ray versions, but the digital copy redemption in UHD quality and the replay value of Orrison's commentary may provide some consolation.

Extras included in this disc:

Audio Commentary by Katherine Orrison: Offers an in-depth look into the making of Cecil B. DeMille's epic from conception to release.

Newsreel: The Ten Commandments - Premiere in New York: Features original newsreel footage of the film's premiere.

Theatrical Trailers: Includes three trailers; a "making-of" from 1956, and re-release trailers from 1966 and 1989.

Cecil B. DeMille’s "The Ten Commandments," a herald of Hollywood's golden era, remains an indelible cinematic titan known for its awe-inspiring scale and commitment to storytelling. Filmed in the vast deserts of Egypt and the Sinai, utilizing one of the largest sets ever constructed for a motion picture, DeMille's masterpiece brings the biblical tale of Moses (played by Charlton Heston) to life with unparalleled grandeur. The film meticulously charts Moses's journey from his royal upbringing in Egypt to his destiny leading the Hebrews out of enslavement, all the while being a visual feast of Technicolor extravagance. Despite its release in 1956, "The Ten Commandments" garnered seven Academy Award nominations, showcasing its monumental achievement in production, acting, and special effects— which, although dated by today’s standards, remain a testimony to the creativity of the period.

Paramount’s dedication to preserving this monumental piece of cinematic history is evident in its 4K UHD release. Transforming DeMille's vision with a 2160p/Dolby Vision video presentation, the restoration breathes new life into this iconic film, allowing both old fans and new audiences to experience its splendor in unprecedented clarity. The spectacular scenes—a visual hallmark of DeMille’s direction—are rendered with striking detail, enhancing the immersive experience of the epic storytelling and the magnificent performances helmed by an all-star cast including Charlton Heston and Yul Brynner. This recent upgrade highlights Paramount's commitment to film preservation, offering a richer visual feast that honors the film's legacy while embracing technological advancements.

"The Ten Commandments" transcends mere movie-making; it is a historical tapestry woven with the threads of epic storytelling, magnificent production values, and groundbreaking special effects, all underscored by DeMille's visionary direction. In an era where modern reinterpretations often rely on CGI, this classic stands as a testament to the power of practical effects and meticulous set design to create a sense of awe-inspiring scale. Its enduring popularity is not just a celebration of biblical history but a remembrance of Hollywood's golden age of storytelling, where filmmakers like DeMille dared to dream big and achieve even bigger. This film not only narrates the emancipation of the Hebrews but also symbolizes the triumph of human spirit and faith—a narrative that resonates deeply even in contemporary times.

Paramount Home Entertainment's release of "The Ten Commandments" on 4K UHD Blu-ray is an event that transcends mere home video upgrade, delivering an experience that is as monumental as Cecil B. DeMille's directorial ambition. With a Dolby Vision/HDR10 transfer that accentuates every detail, the film's legendary status is both preserved and elevated, showcasing its unparalleled opulence, from the grandeur of its set design to the vibrancy of its costume palette. The crisp and meticulously detailed picture quality, coupled with a dynamic DTS-HD 5.1 Master Audio surround sound, breathes new life into this classic piece of American cinema, ensuring that its tale of faith, strength, and freedom is as emotionally satisfying and thematically profound as ever. Despite some minor quibbles about the portrayal of matte visuals and the exclusion of certain extras, such as DeMille's original 1923 silent version, these do little to detract from the overall excellence of the presentation.

This release not only stands as a testament to the grand storytelling and filmmaking of Hollywood's Golden Age but also sets a new benchmark for the treatment of classic films in the era of high-definition home entertainment. It's a marvel of visual and auditory restoration that respects the original work's integrity while employing modern technology to enhance its timeless qualities. The attention to detail in the transfer ensures that for both aficionados and newcomers, the spectacle of "The Ten Commandments" is as awe-inspiring today as it was at its premiere. The limited extras package, although noted as a drawback by some, still provides adequate content to enrich viewers' appreciation of the film and its historic production.

In conclusion, Paramount's 4K UHD release of "The Ten Commandments" is a monumental achievement that not only celebrates but revitalizes one of the most important and beloved epics in cinema history. It embodies the best of both worlds: faithful to the source material's epic scale and spiritual depth while showcasing the latest in home video technology. Despite any minor limitations concerning supplemental features, this release comes highly recommended, offering an unparalleled viewing experience that makes this essential viewing for cinephiles and historians alike. The grandiosity of DeMille’s vision has truly found its match in this spectacular home video format, ensuring that "The Ten Commandments" looms larger than ever before in the pantheon of cinematic masterpieces.