Film epic, Ben-Hur, Remastered with Bible Study Guide

Heston brings a solid physical and moral presence to the title role of Judah Ben-Hur, and his charismatic performance earned him one of the film’s 11 Academy Awards ( a feat equaled only by Titanic and The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King). In addition to the Best Actor award, Ben-Hur also captured Oscars ® for Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Supporting Actor (Griffith).

The movie was filmed in a process known as MGM Camera 65, one of the widest prints ever made with a width almost three times its height. This allowed for spectacular panoramic shots and bold action sequences. Even by today's standards, Ben-Hur’s now legendary chariot race still astonishes. The lack of computer-generated effects, the visually stunning MGM Camera 65 process, and excellent cinematography all make the scene one of the most memorable in modern cinema. Rating: NR, Run Time: 222 Minutes (Film Only).

Synopsis
After his boyhood friend Messala’s fanatic loyalty to Rome makes him a powerful enemy, Jewish nobleman Judah Ben-Hur (Heston) is found guilty of an attempted murder he did not commit. His family is banished and he is enslaved on a warship. Yet, through his ferocity in a fierce sea battle, Ben-Hur is able to escape and become a horse trainer. To exact his revenge, Ben-Hur competes against Messala (Boyd) in the Roman chariot races. They race, locked in a battle to the death. Barely surviving, Ben-Hur forsakes the sword for Christ and finally finds redemption.

DVD Special Features Include:

Disc One & Two: The Movie

• Newly Remastered and Restored from Original 65mm Film Elements
• Dolby Digital 5.1 Audio
• Commentary by Film Historian T. Gene Hatcher with Scene Specific Comments from Charlton Heston
• Music-Only Track Showcasing Miklos Rozsa’s Score

Disc Three: The 1925 Silent Version

• The Thames Television Restoration with Stereophonic Orchestral Score by Composer Carl Davis

Disc Four: About the Movies

• New Documentary: Ben-Hur: The Epic That Changed Cinema - Current filmmakers such as Ridley Scott and George Lucas reflect on the importance and influence of the film
• 1994 Documentary: Ben-Hur: The Making of an Epic Hosted by Christopher Plummer
• Ben-Hur: A Journey Through Pictures - New audiovisual recreation of the film via stills, storyboards, sketches, music and dialogue
• Screen Tests
• Vintage Newsreels Gallery
• Highlights from the 1960 Academy Awards Ceremony
• Theatrical Trailer Gallery