MGM/UA has garnered a reputation over the last couple of years as one of the favorite labels of laser collectors. The new release of 'Ben-Hur' will undoubtedly enhance this well deserved reputation. This version of 'Ben-Hur' was originally released in 1959 so MGM calls this new laser release a "commemorative 35th anniversary edition". This was most likely just an excuse to re-release a film that has been a cash cow for MGM for some time. Whatever the reason, fans of this big screen epic are in for a treat.
Since it's initial release, I have considered the first letterboxed transfer of 'Ben-Hur' to be quite good and was curious to see if recent advances in the transfer art would offer any real improvements. The answer is a resounding "yes". The greatest improvements are in color accuracy and shadow detail. The color balance on the new disc is gorgeous. By comparison, the older disc has a somewhat greenish tint and reds tend toward orange. The new transfer has much better flesh tones and bright, vivid reds. The colors also appear more solid with less smearing. Contrast and fine detail are much improved, giving the image a more film-like look.
Another concern of mine was the aspect ratio. MGM took a lot of heat when the first letterboxed edition of 'Ben-Hur' was released. George Feltenstein was reported to have said he would never frame a video transfer that wide again. The film was shot in a process called Camera 65. This process was a precursor to Ultra Panavision and used a 65mm camera negative and appplied a 1.25 anamorphic squeeze. This yielded a projected ratio of 2.76:1. The ratio on the older disc was about 2.65:1. Fortunately, times and tastes have changed since the first wide 'Ben-Hur' disc was released and MGM has retained the exact same framing on the new transfer.
The audio is similar to that on the previous transfer, though perhaps a bit cleaner. Overall, the soundtrack is very clear with good dynamics and seperations for the score but somewhat more limited seperations in the dialog and effects. The liner notes indicate that the Dolby matrix was derived from the original 6 track magnetic masters.
'Ben-Hur' is quite long, 3 hours and 32 minutes (the jacket incorrectly lists 3 hours and 42 minutes) and MGM has released this edition in the CAV format. The film is spread to 8 sides and contains 67 chapter markers. The theatrical trailer follows the film at the end of side 8. The older disc did not have either chapters or the trailer. MGM has also produced a very interesting documentary on the making of 'Ben-Hur' and has included this on a fifth disc. The documentary runs 58 minutes and is on a single side in CLV. Unfortunately, many will find the price, $100.00, prohibitively high, but I consider this the finest presentation of this epic film outside of a theater and highly recommend it.
This review is copyright, and may not be reproduced without the written consent of the author.
