The King of Kings - Criterion Collection
by Cecil B. DeMille
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DVD Cover Information
Actor: Dorothy Cumming, Ernest Torrence, H.B. Warner, James Neill, Joseph SchildkrautDirector: Cecil B. DeMille
Brand: Image Entertainment
Cinematographer: J. Peverell Marley
Producer: Cecil B. DeMille
Editor: Anne Bauchens
Editor: Harold McLernon
Writer: Jeanie Macpherson
DVD: Region Code 1
Audio: English (Original Language); English (Subtitled)
Format: Black & White, Closed-captioned, Color, DVD-Video, Full Screen, NTSC
Picture Format: 1.33:1
Running Time: 267 minutes
DVD Release Date: 2004-12-07
Audience Rating: NR (Not Rated)
Studio: Criterion
Movie Reviews of The King of Kings - Criterion Collection
Movie Review: One of the best of its kind
Summary: 5 Stars
It is said that the art of the silent film peaked around the time of their extinction in 1927-28. Much of the masterpieces of that era ("The Patriot," "London After Midnight," etc.) have not survived, but we can truly be thankful that "King of Kings" does.
This is an excellent rendition of the Story of Christ. Much of the tale is directly from the Biblical source (as shown in the title cards that quote chapter and verse) including the more obscure ones. The main characters are well fleshed-out, and as far as I can see, one of the few portions of the film that are not strictly Biblical in origin is the backstory of Mary Madgeline (who was never actually identified as a harlot in the scriptures, contrary to popular belief) and her love affair with Judas. Speaking of Judas, this film adds far more dimension to him as the villain of the story than any other version I've seen. Especially when he excitedly tries to crown Christ as an earthly King.
Jewish viewers, however, should be warned. The portrayal of the scribes and pharisees is unsubtle in the extreme (the trecharous chief rabbi even bangs a gong shaped into the Star of David). Even then, many Jewish groups were not thrilled by this (although a Rabbi was among those who blessed the film upon its debut).
H.B. Warner is also brilliant as Christ. He seems to have the proper mixture of humility and roughteous outrage (during the clearing of the moneychangers from the temple scene). He is also quite convincing in the role. Ironically, he later played a drunk in "It's a Wonderful Life." Aside form what other viewers have described, I particularly liked the dialogue between Christ and the two thieves during the crucifixion scene and when Mary embraces one of the thieves' mother. Quite well done. The 1920s style technicolor is also quite effective in the resurrection scene (similar to the nativity in the 1925 version of "Ben Hur," another early classic).
Watch the long version (1927) first before seeing the shorter 1928 version with the original soundtrack. It's interesting to compare the two. It is said that missionaires made much use of this film in the years to come. You can see why, as it's still quite powerful.
Most silent dramas are now too mawkish for most modern viewers to watch more than once. This is not one of them. See it and be moved.
Summary of The King of Kings - Criterion Collection
With this silent-era spectacle, Cecil B. DeMille cemented his reputation as the master of the biblical epic. DeMille tells the story of Christ's life and Passion with great attention to historical accuracy, along the way paying homage to the religious illustrations of Da Vinci and Dor?, and, in a modern flourish, restaging Christ's resurrection in luminous Technicolor. In time for Christmas, Criterion will present fully restored editions of both versions of this glorious spectacle in a heavenly two-disc set: the original 155-minute silent version from 1927 - never before available on home video - and the 1931 release, re-cut by DeMille to 112 minutes. The DVD edition will also include new Dolby Digital 5.1 scores by composers Donald Sosin (1927 version) and Timothy J. Tikker (1931 version); the original score for the 1931 release by Hugo Riesenfeld; behind-the-scenes footage from the making of the film; cast portraits, production and costume sketches, a stills gallery of production photos and promotional material; the original illustrated program and press book featuring photographs from the film's gala premiere; and more.Classics DVD Video
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