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It’s a bit hard to describe the grandeur of sets like the new “The Ten Commandments” box set. This thing is massive, contains 6 discs of content (3 BluRays and 3 DVD’s), reproduced materials, and a parting waters box set packaging. In addition, all 6 discs are housed in a tablet made to look like the pieces of holy rock Moses passed down to the Israelites. The irony is a tad humorous that the package is so grandiose (given that whole golden calf thing God was so upset about), but completists and film buffs will find this limited edition box sitting comfortably right next to the Gone With the Wind and The Wizard of Oz whose releases were equally massive. And why not? This is a “golden age of cinema” kind of a film, the kind they don’t quite make anymore. Lavish costumes, epic scenes, and classic performances make this set a must have for fans of classic Hollywood epics, one that is 4 hours long. The 2 disc BluRay and DVD sets are far more modest in their look and packaging, but I digress – let’s talk about what is inside the big box. I am not going to mention much about the film. It’s a classic Hollywood film the chronicles the story of Moses as he leads the people of Israel out of the Pharaoh’s rein. Cecil B Demille made the film, Charlton Heston and other Hollywood elite starred in it, and it went on to become one of the highest grossing films of all time. It was also DeMille’s last film before he died, one which was a remake of a silent version he made back in the 1920’s. The film lives on via ABC television through repeats on Easter and features set pieces that are legendary and at the time were the pinnacle of special effects work – such as the parting of the Red Sea among multiple others. Though the film is very much a product of its times, it still holds up as a masterpiece by a legendary filmmaker. Heston’s line delivery has been so thoroughly parodied that it is unintentionally hilarious to hear him speak his classic lines, and some of the acting is campy. But what doesn’t show its age is the print of the film. If you have a BluRay player, the restoration work done on “The Ten Commandments” is nothing short of breathtaking. Each frame is so colorful and detailed. Each costume and set piece is vividly brought to life, and at times you will be distracted by skin tones, make-up, and detail in the frame that otherwise might remain obscured. The archivist at Paramount, the care taken of the print of the film, and the restoration process did justice to the way the film looks and sounds. In addition, the sound mix is about as good as can be – filling the room nicely at times but obviously limited by the fact that this wasn’t natively made with 5.1 audio in mind. Still, it is one of the very best examples of why high definition is important – The BluRay makes a classic film look like it was made in modern day. The 2 disc DVD and BluRay sets feature a dense, informative, and never quiet commentary by Katherine Orrison who knows so much detail about the film, that it can be overwhelming. She authored a book on the film based on years of research and her commentary is a valuable tool for those wanting to know more. In addition, the 2 disc versions feature newsreel footage of the premiere (which looks to be in good shape) lasting around 2 minutes. But really, if you love the film, then Paramount’s overwhelming box set is the way to go. Not only does it feature the content from the 2 discs on BluRay, it gives a 3rd disc which features DeMille’s original 1923 version of “The Ten Commandments” with some color examples added. Still want more? There is a 75 minute documentary which shares insight from family and friends of the principals involved in making the film. It serves as a nice addition to the commentary. But what’s that, you don’t own a BluRay player? The 75 minute documentary as well as the feature (with commentary) and newsreel footage are in there on DVD as well. If you love this movie, you are getting a lot of content for the money. But if all that isn’t enough, there is a commemorative photo book, archival reproductions related to the film, sketches of costumes, and wonderfully hokey faux commandment packaging. If any downside to any of this could be mentioned, its that the 3 discs of BluRay content is only limited to 2 for those that don’t want the monstrous box set. The 2 disc set loses the silent film original and the Making Of piece, something that would be nice to have. Bottom line – long time fans of the film should indulge in the 6 disc box set, but the rest of us will be fine with the 2 disc. The DVD looks nice enough, but really the standout here is the BluRay. The difference between the DVD print and the BluRay one is night and day especially in terms of detail. This is a must own for lovers of classic cinema who will benefit most from the standout picture and audio, lovingly restored by Paramount.
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