The Greatest Story Ever Told (English, German, DVD)

Reviews

Reviewed by Dirk Joubert - 19 June 2009

Cast includes Max Von Sydow in his first major American role playing the role of Jesus Christ. Until then he'd only been featured in little known films made in Scandinavia. In this movie he is supported by a huge cast of big name movie stars. Most are forgotten (or dead) today but believe me they were big in 1965! George Stevens was once described as a water buffalo of film art and one wonders what inspired him to tackle the story of Jesus. It's not as though it hadn't been done several times before. Samuel Bronston's "King of Kings" had been released in 1961 a mere 4 years before, so I can only think that George Stevens felt he could do a better job! He had, after all, directed some stunning movies prior to this one, like "The Diary of Anne Frank" which gave Shelly Winters her first Best Supporting Actress Oscar and also James Dean's last movie "Giant". Apparently George Stevens was very upset at the negative response he got from the critics and you can read more about it by checking out the books mentioned below. This gigantic production of the life of Jesus is hugely serious, respectful of its subject matter and incredibly boring unless you're a biblical scholar or just enjoy spectacle. However there are a few camply amusing moments like Handel's Hallelujah Chorus being used to underscore the raising of Lazarus from the tomb and the late great John Wayne as a Roman soldier, informing us with his one solitary line "Truly, this man was the son of God". Anyway if, like me, you enjoy sword and sandal biblical epics, you'll enjoy this one. Also it's fun to play spot the movie star. Once again if you're old enough to remember them! By the way, if you happen to have the Nu-Metro release you'll see on the back of the DVD box that the Intermission and Overture have been restored to this version. Forget it. It's not there! Neither are ANY of the so-called "Special Features" proudly advertised. So if this stuff makes your hair blow back (it does mine) you'll be disappointed. However, the movie itself has been beautifully restored and the 5.1 surround soundtrack is awesome - especially the Hallelujah Chorus and Alfred Newman's stunning score!