Review by Gary Tooze

Production:

Disc:

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Audio:

● Commentary with Chris Mankieqicz, Tom Mankiewicz, Martin Landau and Jack Brodsky
● Cleopatra: The Film That Changed Hollywood (1:59:07)
● The Fourth Star of Cleopatra (9:06)
● Fox Movietone News (6:19 in total)
○ Archival Footage of the New York Premiere
○ Archival Footage of the Hollywood Premiere
● Theatrical Trailers (10:03)

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Description: In honor of the iconic film’s 50th anniversary, the 243-minute premiere version of CLEOPATRA has been meticulously restored and presented on Blu-ray for a stunning high definition in-home viewing experience. Artfully packaged with a full-color book featuring rare images from the making of the film, the 2-disc Blu-ray edition is packed with dazzling bonus materials featuring never-before-seen exclusive content including Cleopatra’s lost footage, commentary from Chris Mankiewicz, Tom Mankiewicz, Martin Landau and Jack Brodsky, behind-the-scenes featurettes, and more. Additionally, fans can watch footage from the film’s original theatrical premieres in both New York and Los Angeles.

To kick-off a global celebration commemorating the film and its special edition Blu-ray release, Richard Burton will receive a posthumous star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame today, Friday, March 1. Burton’s star will be placed next to Dame Elizabeth Taylor’s, honoring one of the most famous theatrical relationships and greatest love stories in history. The campaign for Burton’s star was spearheaded by the Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama to celebrate the actor’s heritage.

Directed by Academy Award winner Joseph L. Mankiewicz, the historical epic shot on 70mm film was the highest grossing film of 1963, bringing in more than $24 million in its initial release. The film cost an unprecedented $42 million to make (equivalent to over $300 million today) and nearly bankrupted Twentieth Century Fox. In addition to elaborate sets and costumes, production delays and the relocation of principal filming from London to Rome added to the skyrocketing budget. A very public love affair between Taylor and Burton that blossomed during the three-year production meant that there was as much romance and intrigue off-screen as on-screen. The film later won four Academy Awards, and was nominated for five more, including Best Picture.*

The opulence and grandeur of this epic spectacle has never been more glorious, as it comes to Blu-ray for the very first time. This 2-Disc 50th Anniversary Edition includes a collectible book that provides a fascinating behind-the-scenes look at the making of this legendary film.

Elizabeth Taylor stars as Cleopatra, the glamorous and cunning queen of Egypt. To secure her hold on power, she seduces the rulers of Rome, only to meet her match in Mark Antony, played by Richard Burton. Their passionate romance could decide the fate of the world’s greatest empires.

 

 

The Film:

Excerpt from TimeOut located HERE

Image :    NOTE: The below Blu-ray captures were taken directly from the Blu-ray disc.

Cleopatra looks ravishing on Blu-ray from Fox.  Colors are vibrant, detail tight and there is even a wonderful touch of grain. The film is divided over two dual-layered Blu-ray discs. The extensive Art direction and the endless sets produce a vivid, highly impressive presentation. Contrast via the 1080P resolution is exceptional. I don't have much more to say than the below screen captures can determine. Brilliant and highly impressive.

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The lossless DTS-HD Master 5.1 track at 3699 kbps sounds terrific. The iconic Alex North (The Misfits, Spartacus, Man with the Gun, Viva Zapata!, A Streetcar Named Desire) composed the rich score (Overture, Entr'acte, Exit music interludes included) and it radiates the epic feel of the film. The music is tight, robust and resonant. Effects and dialogue are perfection with no audible flaws anywhere. There are foreign-language DUBs and plenty of subtitle options supporting the 2 discs as being region FREE - playable on Blu-ray machines worldwide.

 

Extras :

 

 

Blu-ray Disc 2

 

 

BOTTOM LINE:
Despite the film being such a long, drawn out dud, one can't help but be impressed with the incredible appearance and spectacle - especially via this pristine Blu-ray. This eye-catching image is great to have on to showcase your system to friends. 50-years old and the a/v remains... mesmerizing. To those enraptured by this gargantuan epic, and even those just keen to view it on their system - this film, along with extensive extras detaling its incredible history, are recommended! 

Gary Tooze

May 24th, 2013

Also available in Digibook Form: