UHD Review A Few Words About A few words about…™ The Ten Commandments (1956) - in 4k UHD Blu-ray (1 Viewer)

[Robert Harris]

Updated 4/2/21

Cecil B. DeMille's second epic consideration of that trek across the desert, and all the surrounding hoopla has made it to 4k, with its VistaVision look intact.

The new release appears to be derived from the same restorative efforts performed c. 2008, and while 4k does add some extra resolution, those who already own the earlier Blu-ray, which is a high quality affair, may want to think twice before upgrading, unless they have a large screen.

The two variants appear the same in all areas. The single problem that I had with the Blu-ray was a lack of air in the blacks, and the 4k has precisely the same anomaly, with detail missing in virtually anything black. This does not come from HDR, which seems to have been used sparingly. The film plays nicely with projectors.

I’m also pleased to report that the matte lines are not a problem. Same as Blu.

No doubt about it. The film is historically important. Dialogue sequences still play akin to a filmed stage drama, but in the end, it's great fun.

Audio is requisitely huge for the era.

As to the set itself - It's three discs 1-4k, and the same two Blu-rays that appeared earlier. If the 1923 version could have been included, dropping the Blu-ray, and leaving the extras, this would have been a more intriguing release.

4k Image – 4.5

Audio – 5 (DTD-HD MA 5.1)

Pass / Fail – Pass

Upgrade from Blu-ray - If you love the film, and have a large screen

Highly Recommended

RAH

 

[Alan Tully]

It's about time I looked at this again. It is very stagey, & downright camp, & once Moses grows that big beard & starts talking in stentorian tones, it's not so much fun, but I do enjoy it if I'm in the right mood.

...& making those mud bricks without straw, well wouldn't that be a problem more for the Egyptians than the slaves (assuming that it's the Egyptians who would be using the bricks).

 

[Angelo Colombus]

I enjoy the film more with the excellent commentary by Katherine Orrison.

 

[bujaki]

Cecil B. DeMille's second epic consideration of that trek across the desert, and all the surrounding hoopla has made it to 4k, with its VistaVision look intact.

The new release appears to be derived from the same restorative efforts performed c. 2008, and while 4k does add some extra resolution, those who already own the earlier Blu-ray, which is a high quality affair, may want to think twice before upgrading, unless they have a large screen.

The two variants appear the same in all areas. The single problem that I had with the Blu-ray was a lack of air in the blacks, and the 4k has precisely the same anomaly, with detail missing in virtually anything black. This does not come from HDR, which seems to have been used sparingly. The film plays nicely with projectors.

I’m also pleased to report that the matte lines are not a problem. Same as Blu.

No doubt about it. The film is historically important. Dialogue sequences still play akin to a filmed stage drama, but in the end, it's great fun.

Audio is requisitely huge for the era.

I do have one small problem with the production, and hopefully HBO and on line streamers will attend to this when it makes its annual Easter appearance.

It should be noted that with tens of thousands of actors playing Jewish slaves, helping to build the Egyptian empire, the majority of the actors, well...

aren't.

And that's just wrong-headed.

I'm not suggesting that the film be removed from distribution, but it's time to make amends.

As to the set itself - It's three discs 1-4k, and the same two Blu-rays that appeared earlier. If the 1923 version could have been included, dropping the Blu-ray, and leaving the extras, this would have been a more intriguing release.

4k Image – 4.5

Audio – 5 (DTD-HD MA 5.1)

Pass / Fail – Pass

Upgrade from Blu-ray - If you love the film, and have a large screen

Highly Recommended

RAH

I'm not suggesting that the film be removed from distribution, but it's time to make amends.

It's time to "cancel" the 10 commandments!

 

[old mole]

Casting Call! 10,000 Jewish Slaves needed. Only Jews need audition. Are You Kidding Me! Please, Mr.Harris.

 

[David Norman]

Casting Call! 10,000 Jewish Slaves needed. Only Jews need audition. Are You Kidding Me! Please, Mr.Harris.

If this feels kind of like trolling for New Fish on their First night Shawshank, I think Mr Harris wins again.

 

[Robert Crawford]

If this feels kind of like trolling for New Fish on their First night Shawshank, I think Mr Harris wins again.

It's really quite comical in a way.

 

[lark144]

Hey, ya got Manny Goldenberg doing "Moses, I'm the big guy here, see?' Can't get more Jewish than that.

 

[Robert Harris]

Hey, ya got Manny Goldenberg doing "Moses, I'm the big guy here, see?' Can't get more Jewish than that.

That’s One.

 

[cinemel1]

I enjoy the film more with the excellent commentary by Katherine Orrison.

Katherine Orrison really loves this film and it comes through in her commentary. Her book “Written in Stone” also gives a detailed account of the film’s production.

 

[Robert Crawford]

I enjoy the film more with the excellent commentary by Katherine Orrison.

That commentary is now included in the iTunes extras which wasn't the case just a few days ago.

 

[B-ROLL]

Hey, ya got Manny Goldenberg doing "Moses, I'm the big guy here, see?' Can't get more Jewish than that.

Well this CBdM movie is about a third or more off

Melvin Kaminsky as Moshe !

 

[RichMurphy]

Paramount's press release for this 4K release stated "The move to Dolby Vision created the opportunity to further improve the look of the film: blacks are enhanced and improvements were made to smooth out special effects mattes to create the most vibrant and pristine image possible."

Mr. Harris is his review makes mention of both the black levels and the mattes, saying that both are similar to the Blu-Ray.

Was that just PR hype from Paramount, or did Mr. Harris slip the wrong disc into his player? (Just kidding)

 

[Garysb]

I have cancelled my preorder. The blu ray is beautiful and is fine for now. If in the future the 4K set is available at a great price I may purchase.

 

[Robert Harris]

Paramount's press release for this 4K release stated "The move to Dolby Vision created the opportunity to further improve the look of the film: blacks are enhanced and improvements were made to smooth out special effects mattes to create the most vibrant and pristine image possible."

Mr. Harris is his review makes mention of both the black levels and the mattes, saying that both are similar to the Blu-Ray.

Was that just PR hype from Paramount, or did Mr. Harris slip the wrong disc into his player? (Just kidding)

I viewed the 4k vs the BD in the 4k set vs the old BD.

All appear to be the same base element, which is normal.

 

[AlexNH]

I canceled my pre-order and bought "The Greatest Show on Earth" instead. It sounds like my blu ray will be just fine.

 

[RichMurphy]

I viewed the 4k vs the BD in the 4k set vs the old BD.

All appear to be the same base element, which is normal.

I knew you did, of course.

I am keeping my pre-order, since I have a fairly large projection screen. Plus, I want to lend my support to Paramount for finally resuming disc releases. So it shall be written, so it shall be done.

 

[Robert Harris]

I knew you did, of course.

I am keeping my pre-order, since I have a fairly large projection screen. Plus, I want to lend my support to Paramount for finally resuming disc releases. So it shall be written, so it shall be done.

In projection, and on a large screen, the advantages of 4k should come to the fore.

 

[Angelo Colombus]

Thought about canceling the 4K disc but i have the Ultimate Collectors box set and one of the hubs that holds the discs is broken plus to get to the discs takes some time. Will keep the pre-order.

 

[DanH1972]

I didn't buy the Blu-ray, so this'll do nicely whenever I'm in the mood for some 50's epic campiness.