Joseph L. Mankiewicz's Cleopatra Heading to Blu-ray
Posted September 30, 2011 02:39 AM by Webmaster
The UK branch of 20th Century Fox Entertainment has revealed that it will release Joseph L. Mankiewicz's legendary Cleopatra, starring Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton. The exact technical specs, supplemental features, and region coding status for this release are unknown at the moment, but the preliminary release date set by the studio is January 30th.
Special Features:
Cleopatra Through The Ages: A Cultural History
Cleopatra's Missing Footage
Fox Movie Channel presents Fox Legacy with Tom Rothman
Commentary with Chris Mankiewicz, Tom Mankiewicz, Martin Landau and Jack Brodsky
The Cleopatra Papers: A Private Correspondence
Cleopatra: The Film That Changed Hollywood
The Fourth Star of Cleopatra
Archival Footage of the New York Premiere
Archival Footage of the Hollywood Premiere
Theatrical Trailers
Note: A U.S. release date for Cleopatra is expected to be revealed soon.
I too would like to see a specially-packaged US version of this landmark film which, while considered a masterpiece today, nearly put its studio, Fox, out of business at the time of its production due to its gargantuan costs and overruns, recouped only after several years.
Hopefully we will see a US Release announced soon as well. Fox did wonders with The Sound of Music when brought to Blu-Ray - and Cleopatra was produced in Todd-AO 70mm 6-Track, the same process used for both movies. With the same attention Cleopatra should be just as impressive visually and soundtrack, too. Been on my short list for many years. Hope we hear from Fox soon with a US Release update.
"The exact technical specs, supplemental features, and region coding status for this release are unknown at the moment"... and then you list special features.
This should be a great BD set. Cleopatra's entrance into Rome should be awesome. Hopefully North American fans of this film won't have to wait too long after Jan. 30th.
I loved the feature-length documentary, but I found the movie tedious. Apparently it was supposed to be a two-part, 5-6 hour epic. I'd give that a try, assuming it's more cohesive, but I'll never watch this version again.
This is one I really wanted to see when Liz passed a few months ago, but held off in the hopes of a Blu-ray release. I wanted my first time seeing this movie to be on Blu-ray. So.....YES!!!
Great news! Cleopatra is one of "The Epic" films of all time. Liz Taylor is breathtaking. Rex Harrison is perfectly cast as Ceasar. Richard Burton's portrayal of Anthony is excellent. Great score. Great sets. I hope they spread this over two discs as was done for "Ben-Hur" and "The Ten Commandments". It is truly a delight to be getting these epic films of the 50's and 60's.
bboisvert: As the news post states, the "exact" technical specs and special features are unknown at the moment because Fox has not sent an official press sheet. What is currently known is what has been revealed. In other words, the listed extras are neither "exact" nor "final".
I know it could be confusing at times, but there is a big difference between an official announcement with "exact"/"final" specs and a preliminary announcement, which is what we have here.
This movie was nominated for 9 Osccars including Best Director, Best Actor (Rex Harrison) and of course Best Picture! The film won 4 Academy Awards for Best Art Direction/Set Design, Best Cinematography, Best Costume Design and Best Visual Effects. Hopefully the studio will do this film justice by giving it the outstanding Blu Ray release it deserves! In my book Richard Burton, Elizabeth Taylor and Rex Harrison could never be boring as they were three of the silver screens greatest actors!
I wanted to add one comment... As denger76 said, Rex Harrison was nominated for the Academy Award for his brilliant portrayal of Julius Ceasar. The cover art (Which may not be the final cover) only lists Liz Taylor and Richard Burton. I do hope they include Rex Harrison on the cover. He is certainly worthy of that recognition. I hope we hear an announcement for a US release soon.
Mankiewicz , wrote the dialogues , great litreture and the critics snobed this great film. how could they . First class actors, Best scenary ever made, Theatrical stage dialogues and above all Liz (rest in peace.
Strange enough critics get exited by Festival films made in Pakistan, chine, Iran, with pamphlet topics . how much love passion and professional experience were needed in order to creat Alexander or Cleopatra.
Thank you for cleopatra.
This is fantastic news, and one I've been dying to see released on blu. Cleopatra was as "epic" as 50's and 60's epics ever got. Not just a brilliant Mankiewicz script, with great performances and stunning visuals, but the back story of its over-the-top almost-studio-busting production -- all set amidst the soap-operatic genesis of the Taylor-Burton romance -- should make for an epic "Silver Screen" piece. Bring it on, Robert! As pro-bassoonist says, let's wait and see and hope that the official notice will include a U.S. release.
What fantastic news, If the quality of this release matches the recent release of Ben Hur, At least the studios are paying attention to the fact that these old films need to undergo major restoration before their release on the blu ray format.
Cleopatra is a stunning film, Creatively and Visually, Wonderful Music, Great performances from Elizabeth Taylor, Rex Harrison and Richard Burton. Supporting cast includes other british talents Sir Robert Stephens, Roddy McDowell, Jean Marsh, Richard O' Sullivan, George Cole and Francesca Annis, kenneth Haigh and Andrew Kerr.
Other supporting players, Including Martin Landau, Hume Cronyn, and Cesare Danova.
Joseph L. Mankiewicz the director of Cleopatra is the father of Tom Mankiewicz.
Tom went on become a prolific screen writer in his own right, Which includes Superman The Movie (1978), Superman II(1980), Bond Movies, Diamonds Are Forever (1971), Live And Let Die(1973), The Man With The Golden Gun(1974).
This is fantastic news! The film was sown recently on one of the cable channels in high def but in 1.33:1, missing most of the picture. But the picture was stunning, I have high hopes for the Blu-ray. Time to start digging for material for the Silver Screen column:-). Now if we can get more Rodgers and Hammerstein!
