There is an expression that is commonly heard especially with us of the older generation; ‘they just don’t make movies like that any more.’ Of all the genres of film that are possible this phrase is extremely true of the historical epic. At one time movies of this sort were all the rage. Each year there was always the released of some huge movie that would become the most popular film around. These movies had a scope and grandeur that is virtually unheard of today. It isn’t for lack of money; a big action flick can have a budget of some $200 million. The cast of thousands that was one of the primary element of the epic can’t be it; it is easier than ever with computer generated graphics to whip up millions of extras if need be. It is just the public seems to have lost interest in this format of film. It is a shame that this type of film is not produced anymore. Perhaps it is because going to the movies has become a regular occurrence. Back when the epic movie ruled the movies was an event. Couples would dress up and go to theaters that were themselves works of art, not the tiny boxes with a screen we have today. These were more than films they were events. Thankfully all is not lost. Many of the classic epic movies are being released on DVD so you can enjoy them in the comfort of your living room. Twentieth Century Fox has dug deep into their amazing archives of films and come up with one of the most famous epics ever’ ;The Robe’. Originally released in 1953 this film has stood up over the decades and remains as sweeping and spectacular as it was fifty six years ago. Fox has added a little frosting to the cake of this new release; it is in Blu-ray so it will look and sound better than it ever has.

This was the first film to use the Cinemascope method. This was considered high tech back in the fifties and itself was a major attraction. At this time the movies were starting to compete with the new means of family entertainment, the television. Cinemascope offered an aspect ratio of up to 2.66:1, twice the ratio of TV. It used an anamorphic lens system that compressed the image on the film and then expanded it during projection. This resulted in a large brilliantly colored image that amazed the audience. It also provided four magnetic audio tracks on the film that gave a new surround sound thrill to everyone in the theater. There have been regular DVD releases of this film over the years but it took the advent of high definition to restore it to the majesty that it originally held. When I discovered I was getting a chance to review the Blu-ray version I pulled out the DVD release to better judge the difference. I was simply put blown away by the increase in resolution in both the audio and video. Many may feel that Blu-ray is best for new films but classics like this prove that it is the preferred way to go with all movies.

Like many epic movies this one was adapted from a best selling novel. The book was written by Lloyd C. Douglas it takes a special skill for a script writer to translate a novel everybody knows well to the screen but this was a case where it was done with flair. Handling the screenplay were Albert Maltz and Philip Dunne based on an adaptation by Gina Kaus. Originally Maltz was unaccredited for his work here due to the fact that he was blacklisted as an alleged communist and part of the Hollywood Ten who were unfairly banned from films. His previous screenplay, ‘Broken Arrow’ garnered him an Academy Award. Dunne would go on to pen the sequel to this film ‘Demetrius and the Gladiators’. This was also a time when a religious themed move could be released without the accompanying controversy and protests that are commonplace now. Back then this was just another ‘sword and sandals’ movie and they were one of the standards of the epic format. The story looked at the early days of Christianity when it was forbidden by the Roman Empire. The most interesting aspect of the story told here was the vantage point; it was through the eyes of a Roman Centurion. This viewpoint changed the focus of the story to one of a deeply moving look at a man who experiences a profound change in his religious beliefs. The basis of the story is from only a couple of lines in the Bible that describes the cloak that Jesus Christ wore to his death being won in a game of dice by a Roman solider. From that simple starting point it looks at the turbulent religious ad political environment that existed in ancient Rome.

The film was directed by Henry Koster whohad a long and illustrious career but there is little doubt that this was his best known work. Directing an epic is much akin to being a general of an invading army. He has to command a vast number of technical personal, crew members and a legion of extras to get a scene to work. These movies were also known for combing the top stars of the day resulting in bruised egos an conflicts in the cast that had to be overcome by the director. There is no other term that could apply here but sweeping. The drama unfolds over time showing the plight of the early Christians as they were hunted, captured and tortured by the Roman government. It is a moving story filled with action, drama and romance and works on almost all of those levels.

Richard Burton plays Marcellus Gallio, who is sent to Jerusalem because of he disagree with Caligula (Jay Robinson), the powerful nephew of the emperor Tiberius (Ernest Thesiger). The source of the friction is a woman, Diana (Jean Simmons) and to get back at Caligula he purchases the Greek slave Demetrius (Victor Mature) whom Caligula had his sights set on. Marcellus is sent to a legion in Jerusalem, far from a choice assignment where he is part of the squad sent to execute Jesus at Calvary. There he wins the robe of Christ in a dice game. Shortly thereafter Marcellus is haunted by dreams of the man he knew was innocent. This leads him to the growing underground Christian community. Eventually Marcellus is discovered as part of the cult and refuses to denounce his faith in order to save his own life.

Although this film would garner Burton his first nomination for an Academy Award for best actor it was far from his best performance. In his autobiography Burton did note that this was not a role he enjoyed and it showed. Still, with a consummate actor like Burton his worse day is better than the abilities of most actors on their best. He underplays thins a lot here but the emotions come across anyway due in large part to a fantastic supporting cast.

This new high definition release is incredible. The 1080p video restores the feel of Cinemascope and brings it into your home. The colors are vivid and well balanced and the audio will give a sound stage that encompasses the entire room. Fox has gone all out with this release giving plenty of extras to take you behind the scenes. No, they don’t make films like this any more but thankfully they are still around inBlu-ray and DVD.

Introduction By Martin Scorsese
Commentary With Film Composer David Newman And Film Historians Jon Burlingame, Julie Kirgo And Nick Redman
Isolated Score: The Music Of The Robe
The Making Of The Robe
The Cinemascope Story
From Scripture To Script: The Bible And Hollywood
Audio Interview With Screenwriter Philip Dunne (1969)
BonusView Picture In Picture
Fox Movietonews
Still Galleries
Interactive Pressbook