harrymos Reviews

Samson and Delilah (1949)

A DVD version of "Samson and Delilah" well worth waiting for!

[10/10 · 14 April 2013]

This DVD version of Cecil B. DeMille's 1949 Biblical box-office hit "Samson and Delilah" ("S & D") is an excellent high-grade update featuring sharp, crisp visuals and better sound quality than the video version. These technical improvements help to enhance the already famous story of the Biblical strongman who fell victim to the deceptive femme fatale Delilah.

I must admit that, even before the release of this excellent DVD version, I was already a big fan of this film and of DeMille's films in general. In fact, "S & D" is my second favorite film of all-time, right after DeMille's 1956 super spectacular "The Ten Commandments."

Now for specifics. First of all, the improvement of colors is incredible. Even if you already own the VHS video tape of "S & D" (as I do), you should consider upgrading to this DVD. As the DVD box claims, the film has been "meticulously restored." The rich, deep colors of this DVD version almost burst off your TV screen in clean, sharp, crisp hues that must be very close to those which theater audiences first saw in 1949 when the film was released. In addition to improved colors, other visual improvements include a much "cleaner" image with no blotches or stray marks. This means that Edith Head's Oscar-winning costumes and the Oscar-winning art direction can look more beautiful than ever.

The sound quality has also been improved quite a bit. Victor Young's exquisitely lovely musical score can be enjoyed throughout the film, and many lines of background dialogue that were muffled or lost before can now be heard much more clearly. And improved sound is an added benefit of this film, because "S & D" features an intelligent, articulate, easy-on-the-ear script filled with poetic and literary value. Many of the lines are taken directly from the Biblical account found in the book of Judges, chapters 13 to 16.

Although this DVD version is not a Blu-ray version, it is nevertheless a great improvement over the VHS video tape version. In fact, if you have a Blu-ray player, you could do as I did and play this "regular" DVD film in your Blu-ray player and enjoy a slight boost in image clarity sharpness, making it very "close" to a Blu-ray film.

And here's one final advantage of the "S & D" DVD: it does offer scene selection, so if you want to thrill again and again to any of the big action scenes of this film (and there are many!), you can just press a button and go instantly and directly to one of those spectacular scenes.

So, my rating is 10 out of 10 for this DVD treatment of DeMille's great "Samson and Delilah." It will hold us very nicely until Paramount or some other studio makes a true Blu-ray version of it containing running commentary and documentaries. And let's hope that comes along very soon!

1776 (1972)

A great film which every American should see!

[28 January 2007]

I love this film! I play it every Fourth of July to help me remember the true meaning of that important holiday to our nation.

The fifteen-minute segment when the Founding Fathers are discussing WHY we need to write a declaration of independence is very dramatic and very moving. The debate between Adams and Dickinson is particular helpful in pinpointing the reasons that the colonists felt we needed to break away from England.

I appreciate the extensive research done on this film and the true-to-life feel of the costumes, props, and scenery. It makes me feel like I am actually there with the real larger-than-life personages from our nation's history. I especially love Benjamin Franklin!

Every American who values the freedoms we enjoy in this country should see this wonderful and delightful film.

The King of Kings (1927)

A moving, reverent, cinematic miracle!

[10/10 · 31 December 2006]

DeMille's 1927 film about the last three years of the life of Jesus Christ is easily the most beautiful, reverent, and deeply moving film ever made about Jesus.

I first saw this landmark silent film around 1960 when I was about fourteen years old. It was shown at my church as part of a requirement for people who were preparing for baptism. Even at my young age of fourteen, I was overwhelmed by the film's deep reverence for its subject matter. I was thrilled by the incredible special effects used during the climactic crucifixion scene. And I was (and still am!) spiritually uplifted by the superb resurrection scene. Even to this day, every time Easter Sunday morning comes around, I get out my DVD copy of this film and play the resurrection scene. It still moves me to tears each time I watch it.

DeMille once said that in all of his films, there were at least a few scenes that he either did not like or was embarrassed by--except for one: King of Kings. It is clearly a classic--and even more than that: it's a motion picture miracle!

I thank God that DeMille left us such a marvelous remembrance of Jesus Christ, the king of kings.

The Ten Commandments (1956)

It is the greatest film of all time!

[10/10 · 29 October 2006]

Without exception, DeMille's 1956 Ten Commandments is truly the greatest film of all time. In fact, to refer to it as "a film" is like referring to the American flag as just a piece of cloth.

The Ten Commentments (1956) is a dramatic, beautifully photographed, deeply moving religious experience which, like the Commandments themselves, can speak to all people of any time period.

The recent made-for-TV remake (2006) paled by comparison.

I don't care how many stand-up comics make fun of Edward G. Robinson in his role as Dathan. As far as I'm concerned, DeMille must have been guided by God Himself in making this film, for DeMille has given all believers a truly inspiration document of faith that will stand forever.