Bumper DVD package for Heston fans
Part of a series of classic Oscar winners, Ben-Hur Four Disc Collector’s Edition (Warner, €37.95) is the daddy of them all.
With a stunning 11 Oscars, William Wyler’s Roman masterpiece is topped off by a chariot race finale that still stands out.
With four discs, the extras are impressive, including the 1925 silent version with an orchestra score by composer Carl Davis, audio commentary by film historian T Gene Hatcher and scene specific commentary by Charlton Heston.
Documentaries include one on how the film changed cinema, with contributions from Ridley Scott and George Lucas among others, a special feature on Wyler and an excellent ‘making of’ look at Ben Hur. And there’s more.
: 4/5.


