Of all the epics that have been released on Blu-ray thus far, I think this is my favourite. I have had the special edition DVDs for some time now and was very glad to see this arrive on Blu-ray.
Bungy0745 is not exaggerating about the picture quality, it really is suburb. The image clarity is amazing, and may even equal Goldfinger for quality of restoration, I dont think I spotted one blemish. The sound is great too, presented in 5.1 DTS.
Elizabeth Taylor was 31 when this was finished, and she was a stunning woman by any standard. One memorable scene is when she realises her Library is on fire, she storms into Caesars command looking every inch the movie star she was in the most beautiful figure hugging dress with that wonderful line, do you smell smoke?
While the film is not really historically accurate, there were many liberties taken in order to make it pleasing to watch, but it is fairly close to what a modern audience would understand.
Rex Harrison and Richard Burton give excellent performances, as does Roddy McDowell but Elizabeth steals the show hands down. It is fitting to note that the dear lady passed away last year, but it is also fitting to note that she left a wonderful back catalogue of work for us to enjoy.
At four hours long, Cleopatra is a great piece of cinema from the decade of epics, and it can hold its own among them. The set pieces are all spectacular and everything from the costume design to the cinematography is impressive. The entrance into Rome is one of the highlights of the film and one of the most memorable pieces of film ever shot.
This is a two disc presentation, with overture, intermission and exit music. The extras are worth watching, particularly the two hour documentary about how Cleopatra changed Hollywood. Tom Rothman does a very interesting documentary on the way Cleopatra was perceived and what it cost.
This is a wonderful film beautifully restored and I highly recommend it.