Review by Gary Tooze

Production:

Disc:

Video:

Audio:

• Audio Commentary with Film Historians Alain Silver and James Ursini
• Isolated Score Track
• Original Theatrical Trailer (2:51 in 480i)
• 8-page liner notes leaflet with essay by Julie Kirgo

Bitrate:

 

Description: Based on the novel by Mika Waltari and helmed by Casablanca director Michael Curtiz, The Egyptian, a lavish period soaper,... is set several centuries before the birth of Jesus Christ. Young Egyptian healer Sinuhe Edmund Purdom (ere accompanied by his servant, Kaptah, played by Peter Ustinov) draws the affection of barmaid Merit (Jean Simmons) who seeks his hand in marriage. Sinuhe provides medical assistance to the epileptic Pharoah, Akhnaton (Michael Wilding), who, meanwhile, becomes convinced that only one god exists, and thus infuriates all of his polytheistic priests, who secretly plot to assassinate him. Sinuhe has an affair with a Babylonian whore, Nefer (Bella Darvi), but grows listless with her and eventually ends the relationship, harkening back to Merit. However, she is soon extinguished, with an arrow through the heart, for also being monotheistic. Angered by this, and believing Akhnaton's ideas directly responsible for Merit's death, Sinuhe and his muscular friend, the affable Horemheb (screen heartthrob Victor Mature) poison the Pharoah. Akhnaton then dies while Horemheb prepares to ascend to the throne. Ingmar Bergman had a point when he admonished the idea of falling for one's lead actress, and it is a lesson one wishes producer Daryl Zanuck had learned; he purportedly had an extramarital affair with Darvi, taking her as a plaything, but grew sick of her after casting her in seven films. Her career then torpedoed. (Little wonder - her horrendous performance in this film must be seen to be believed; Variety called it less than believable or skilled.) This $4.2 million film (a massive amount for 1954) suffered from additional production problems as well, with Marlon Brando originally slated to star, but replaced, at the very last minute, by Purdom, a contract player for 20th Century-Fox.

~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide.

 

 

The Film:

In eighteenth-dynasty Egypt, Sinuhe, a poor orphan, becomes a brilliant physician and with his friend Horemheb is appointed to the service of the new Pharoah. Sinuhe's personal triumphs and tragedies are played against the larger canvas of the turbulent events of the 18th dynasty. As Sinuhe is drawn into court intrigues, and bizarre secrets are revealed to him, he learns the answers to the questions he has sought since his birth. Short on historical accuracy but strong on plot and characterization.

CLICK EACH BLU-RAY CAPTURE TO SEE ALL IMAGES IN FULL 1920X1080 RESOLUTION

 

 

Audio :

I'd say the audio commentary is an extremely valuable addition. Film Historians Alain Silver and James Ursini are two of the absolute best in the business and have done many a commentary in tandem. This is filled with all the tidbits on the performers and production that fans will be keen to know. Excellent. Twilight Time and included the option to indulge in the Isolated Score in lossless. It's a treat with two of the best composers of the era. Lastly is an original Theatrical Trailer. There is also an 8-page liner notes leaflet with essay by Julie Kirgo.

BOTTOM LINE:
I wouldn't say the film was any masterpiece but it has that indefinable epic feel with some expense put into the production and so many stars. I'd like to recommend the Blu-ray but I found the price exorbitant for what is being offered. I admit to being entertained and really had a relaxing time with the 2+ hour film - also appreciating the commentary and isolated score. Those keen should indulge as it is limited to 3,000 copies.