El Cid (Two-Disc Deluxe Edition) (The Miriam Collection) Reviews

• MAGNIFICENT

  
  By A3H9JSM1SUTE4O on 2007-11-12
  It has been a very long wait indeed for a proper, high resolution 2 disc anamorphic DVD of this epic medieval tale of passion and chivalry. The final results are breathtaking. The transfer is stunning and the sound is rich and full. This is rousing entertainment on the grandest scale.
  
  It's hard to understand why this film took so long to arrive on DVD. Perhaps, as some have suggested, the subject matter has been an issue in our over-sensitive, shrinking world of religious violence. Or our discomfort with nebulous concepts of love, forgiveness and peace. But most likely a matter of rights and licensing issues.
  
  The relevance of this extraordinary film remains current and is a monumental artistic achievements of world cinema. On a personal level, this terrific film provoked me into thinking about how belief systems -- especially about the nature of God (or Allah) -- benefit or harm our world.
  
  The essence of the conflict between warring Castilians and Moors and an invading Muslim threat is unflinching in the opening scene as the North African holy warrior Ben Yussuf quotes "the Prophet" as promising to conquer the world in the name of Allah.
  
  But the real conflict is the idea that there can be peace -- and perhaps even love -- between those who hate. This is exemplified in the troubled and intimate story of Rodrigo (Charlton Heston) and Ximena (Sophia Loren). It begins simply enough with a knight on his way to meet his bride when destiny forces a detour.
  
  El Cid, the legendary hero of Spain was a real person named Don Rodrigo Diaz de Bivar. He lived around 1035 A.D. Although he spent much of his time fighting on the side of the Moors, he became identified as the best incarnation of the true Castilian Christian spirit. His name came from the Arabic "sayyid" meaning "lord" or "chief."
  
  Charlton Heston and Sophia Loren are perfectly cast as larger than life figures of flesh and blood. Their reported confllcts on-set probably added a degree of on-screen realism. They are wonderful together. Too bad Heston and Loren were not able to do a full, shared commentary at the time of the transfer.
  
  Anthony Mann's direction is robust and true to the theme. The movie has a fine sense of composition that the terrific on-location cinematography only enhances. Numerous action-filled vistas fill the screen, richly detailed and beautifully photographed. No CGI elements can rival the texture of a real place captured on celluloid.
  
  The incredible flow of stunning images and the magnificent Miklos Rozsa score are a reminder of what movies can do when they tackle a worthy tale and go all the way.
  
  EL CID is about a real hero who selflessly followed his moral compass. It's also a reasonably true adapataion of the essence of the numerous medieval tales, plays and poems -- unlike the mangling of both poem and hero "Beowulf" in the recent movie of the same name.
  
  Amazing that this magnificent paradox of a tale -- after all, El Cid was a warrior and peacemaker -- continues to be told for a thousand years.
  
  The extras on the second disc include interesting featurettes on producer Sam Bronston, director Anthony Mann and composer Miklos Rozsa as well as vintage radio interviews with Heston and Loren and a "making of" documentary.
  
  The last scenes are a fitting epitaph for Charlton Heston the man and the actor. His passing is truly the end of an era.
  
  This great movie deserves a place in any digital library. Don't miss it.
  
  Highest recommendation.
  
  The 2 Disc Limited Collectors Edition is for a limited time only, comes in a box and contains a roadshow pressbook and vintage, miniature, lobby cards. The film itself and DVD extras are identical with the alternate consumer edition.
  
  

• MAJESTIC EPIC BEAUTIFULLY RESTORED

  
  By A3H9JSM1SUTE4O on 2007-11-18
  
  
  It has been a very long wait indeed for a proper, high resolution 2 disc anamorphic DVD of this epic medieval tale of passion and chivalry. The final results are breathtaking. The transfer is stunning and the sound is rich and full. This is rousing entertainment on the grandest scale.
  
  It's hard to understand why this film took so long to arrive on DVD. Perhaps, as some have suggested, the subject matter has been an issue in our over-sensitive, shrinking world of religious violence. Or our discomfort with nebulous concepts of love, forgiveness and peace. But most likely a matter of rights and licensing issues.
  
  The relevance of this extraordinary film remains current and is a monumental artistic achievements of world cinema. On a personal level, this terrific film provoked me into thinking about how belief systems -- especially about the nature of God (or Allah) -- benefit or harm our world.
  
  The essence of the conflict between warring Castilians and Moors and an invading Muslim threat is unflinching in the opening scene as the North African holy warrior Ben Yussuf quotes "the Prophet" as promising to conquer the world in the name of Allah.
  
  But the real conflict is the idea that there can be peace -- and perhaps even love -- between those who hate. This is exemplified in the troubled and intimate story of Rodrigo (Charlton Heston) and Ximena (Sophia Loren). It begins simply enough with a knight on his way to meet his bride when destiny forces a detour.
  
  El Cid, the legendary hero of Spain was a real person named Don Rodrigo Diaz de Bivar. He lived around 1035 A.D. Although he spent much of his time fighting on the side of the Moors, he became identified as the best incarnation of the true Castilian Christian spirit. His name came from the Arabic "sayyid" meaning "lord" or "chief."
  
  Charlton Heston and Sophia Loren are perfectly cast as larger than life figures of flesh and blood. Their reported confllcts on-set probably added a degree of on-screen realism. They are wonderful together. Too bad Heston and Loren were not able to do a full, shared commentary at the time of the transfer.
  
  Anthony Mann's direction is robust and true to the theme. The movie has a fine sense of composition that the terrific on-location cinematography only enhances. Numerous action-filled vistas fill the screen, richly detailed and beautifully photographed. No CGI elements can rival the texture of a real place captured on celluloid.
  
  The incredible flow of stunning images and the magnificent Miklos Rozsa score are a reminder of what movies can do when they tackle a worthy tale and go all the way.
  
  EL CID is about a real hero who selflessly followed his moral compass. It's also a reasonably true adapataion of the essence of the numerous medieval tales, plays and poems -- unlike the mangling of both poem and hero "Beowulf" in the recent movie of the same name.
  
  Amazing that this magnificent paradox of a tale -- after all, El Cid was a warrior and peacemaker -- continues to be told for a thousand years.
  
  The extras on the second disc include interesting featurettes on producer Sam Bronston, director Anthony Mann and composer Miklos Rozsa as well as vintage radio interviews with Heston and Loren and a "making of" documentary.
  
  The last scenes are a fitting epitaph for Charlton Heston the man and the actor. His passing is truly the end of an era.
  
  This great movie deserves a place in any digital library. Don't miss it.
  
  Highest recommendation.
  
  

• a massive, glorious spectacle

  
  By AQ8DU6XVA3USJ on 2004-05-23
  The imagery in this film is magnificent, with lavish, spectacular sets and vast battle scenes. The cast is great, with beautiful performances by Charlton Heston and Sophia Loren; they have terrific chemistry together, and how the camera loves them ! This was Heston's follow-up to Ben Hur, and he is equally heroic as Spain's hero El Cid. Others in the cast of note are Raf Vallone as Count Ordoñez, the man who also vies for Loren's love, and Genevieve Page, as Princess Urraca, who is secretly enamoured with El Cid. Herbert Lom, though one can only see his eyes, is marvelous and fiery as Ben Yussuf, the Moorish invader who says to his followers, "burn your books, make warriors of your poets, and make your doctors invent new poisons for our arrows !".

  Directed by Anthony Mann, the 11th century pageantry and medieval feel of this film has been meticulously created, and the cinematography, shot on location in Spain by Robert Krasker, is superb. The war-torn history of a divided Spain has been skimmed over and highly romanticized, but is very entertaining. There are family conflicts galore, murders and treachery, and lots of sword fights, where what amazed me was the sound of metal against metal; it has never to my knowledge been rendered so well, and adds much reality to the action.

  Surprisingly, the art/set direction and song/score were nominated for Oscars, but did not win. The score by Miklos Rozsa is fabulous, but unfortunately it was up against Mancini's "Breakfast at Tiffanys". Sophia Loren received a Best Actress Oscar for this year, but not this film; she won it for "Two Women", which was also released in 1961. Total running time is 180 minutes.

  History has many versions of El Cid (1040 ?-1099), depending on who wrote it (the Moors of course, painted him with a harsher brush), and at one point it seems he was a soldier of fortune, but based on the epic "Poema del Cid", he was both man and legend, and "one who lived and died the purest knight of all". This marvelous film has not been given the attention it deserves, and it will be enjoyed by everyone who likes historical dramas, and for Heston fans it is a must.
  
  

• Finally! EL CID on DVD!

  
  By A61EZQI51CCPB on 2001-03-02
  This has been my favorite film since it was screened for us as students in High School so many years ago. It was the first video I ever purchased, also many years ago, and I have always regretted that the pan&scan format cropped so much of the magnificent 70mm image out. This is a film that MUST be seen in the widescreen format! Both Heston and Loren were recent Oscar winners when they were teamed for this and both are at the height of their personal appeal and stardom. The justly famous tournament scene rivals the chariot race from BEN HUR for sheer excitement, and the lush location photography in Spain makes every scene vivid. Although a bit long, the story is well paced and you will wish for more. The exquisite score by Miklos Rozsa will benefit from DVD's improved sound quality. I can't wait to purchase my own copy on DVD!
  
  

• Stunning Epic with Heston and Loren at their best!!

  
  By A3GQKB1KF0CRPE on 2002-06-12
  Heston did so many 'costumers' it was easy to over look just how magnificent some were and this is one of the best. My favourite is the quieter War Lord, but El Cid never fails to move me. It works on many levels, the breathtaking epic, the love story between Heston and Loren, with the secondary characters, especially John Fraser and Herbert Lom, giving fine performances. The jousting sequences outstanding, the location work panoramic....a true experience.
  
  
• Romance On An Epic Scale
  By A3CE57YNGVWBQN on 2007-12-06
  This 1961 film has long been regarded as one of the finest of Hollywood's huge historical epics, and it is certainly one of the most intelligent ones. It stands alongside BEN HUR and A MAN FOR ALL SEASONS as an example of history-as-entertainment. The age-old legend of the Spanish hero known as "El Cid" has come down to us in poems and plays, and this film presents us with the best distillation of fact and fiction drawn from those sources.
  
  Director Anthony Mann assembled an impressive cast, gorgeous locations, and awesome battle scenes to tell the tale, but he and his colleagues did not forget the most important elements--a strong script and a touching, believable love story. Charlton Heston has never been more impressive than he is here, and Sophia Loren's Chimene is one of her finest roles. The two stars are perfect together, with able support from an A-list international cast. Add to this the stunning cinematography and Miklos Rozsa's majestic musical score, and you have a grand-scale, sweeping saga of love, valor and chivalry. EL CID is a feast for the eye and ear. Highly recommended.
  
  
• Romance On An Epic Scale
  By A3CE57YNGVWBQN on 2007-12-06
  This 1961 film has long been regarded as one of the finest of Hollywood's huge historical epics, and it is certainly one of the most intelligent ones. It stands alongside BEN HUR and A MAN FOR ALL SEASONS as an example of history-as-entertainment. The age-old legend of the Spanish hero known as "El Cid" has come down to us in poems and plays, and this film presents us with the best distillation of fact and fiction drawn from those sources.
  
  Director Anthony Mann assembled an impressive cast, gorgeous locations, and awesome battle scenes to tell the tale, but he and his colleagues did not forget the most important elements--a strong script and a touching, believable love story. Charlton Heston has never been more impressive than he is here, and Sophia Loren's Chimene is one of her finest roles. The two stars are perfect together, with able support from an A-list international cast. Add to this the stunning cinematography and Miklos Rozsa's majestic musical score, and you have a grand-scale, sweeping saga of love, valor and chivalry. EL CID is a feast for the eye and ear. Highly recommended.
  
  
• At last, at last....
  By A23US54A0OILE4 on 2008-01-02
  Finally, El Cid to be released in a digital format. I remember this film from 1961 when as a twelve year old I saw this movie while living on the navy base at Mare Island. It prompted me to visit the base library to see what I could find on the Cid. I remember being very disappointed when I found out he wasn't exactly what Hollywood portrayed in the movie. It didn't matter....the movie is a gem and I saw it again and again.
  
  Anthony Mann hit a homerun when he put Charlton Heston and Sophia Loren together on the screen. The magic is obvious from the first scenes of them together. A gripping screenplay, great locations, terrific photography, and an excellent score by Miklos Rozsa make this movie a benchmark for film making of another era. This, as another reviewer mentions, is the last great movie of Heston's to be released. Shame, shame for it taking so long.
  
  Are we too sensitive today for the contents of this film? Too politically correct? I hope not. The peaceful coexistence of Islam and Christianity, a topic touched on in the film, certainly is a topic of importance today. But that shouldn't be the main idea behind viewing this film. It should be viewed for the great picture it is. If its relevant, great. And what of Heston's stand on the Second Amendment? What difference does a political stand have on the greatness of this movie?
  
  You'll want to buy this one.
  
  
• Hollywood's greatest and purest myth
  By on 1999-06-04
  "El Cid" is Hollywood's greatest epic film by a long margin . Epics were fashionable between 1956 and 1963 which aimed through their spectacle and technology at getting patrons back into cinema seats after the damage TV had done to business . Anthony Mann's 50s westerns with James Stewart were the mythical , psychological and visual highpoint of that most mythical of genres . All Mann's virtues as a director of westerns have been transferred to this lofty story of medieval Spain . Charlton Heston was probably the only actor of his time with the authority and physical grace to carry with complete conviction and credibility a role of such heroic weight -this is far and away his best screen performance. Mann's imagery resonates through its clean , classical lines and stately compositions (and its awesome control of colour-greys , whites , blacks and browns). Miklos Rosza's intelligent score , based on medieval Spanish themes , lends the appropriate gravitas to complement Mann's visual imagination. Philip Yordan's necessarily stylised screenplay conveys the film's thoughtful mix of action and reflection . Sophia Loren is exquisitely lovely as the complex Chimene . And only Heston could have carried off the thrilling and uplifting finale where as a corpse strapped to his horse , he stirringly rides into legend-and the glory accorded to all mythical heroes .
  
  
• El Cid
  By on 2003-08-04
  Although El Cid has not been released in DVD to date, I have viewed the film on several occasions in other formats. Based on an epic poem, this film has a complex story-line set in feudal Spain. The film has richly colored landscapes supporting a story of knights in combat, loyality, threachery, a love affair, the power of friendship earned through virtue, and the importance of duty and honor. The musical score is moving and typical of the period of time in which the film was created, and the costumes are vibrant and help to create the feeling of feudal Spain. This is an excellent example of a particular film genre. The film is one of Charlton Heston's best performances. His acting is boldly appropriate and the film was an excellent vehicle for a highly competent supporting cast. It is one of the cast of thousands films that should be in every film affectionado's collection. It is worth viewing for the score, the landscapes and the fight sequences alone. I anxiously await a widescreen DVD release of this important film in digitally restored color, and sound. This is a film that can be viewed several times without boredom.
  
  
• Epic Telling of a Classic Story
  By A2TOU0N8XE68W4 on 2003-07-08
  Among all the great Epic productions produced by Hollywood in the late 1950's and early 1960's "El Cid", always seems to be largely forgotten. Yet I believe it really deserves to be included in that pantheon of greats like "Ben Hur", "Cleopatra", and "Spartacus". Filled as it is with a sweeping tale covering an important period in Spain's history, breathtaking settings, romance, gorgeous costumes, well staged battles and tournaments and a very poignant ending this production has something for everyone.

  Charlton Heston had one of his greatest roles in Roderigo Diaz de Vivar, better known as El Cid the legendary Spanish warrior that spent a lifetime trying to reconcile the Christians and Muslims of Spain in a united front against the onslaught of the African Moors. The story begins with young Roderigo on his way to his marriage to Jemina (Sophia Loren at her most fetching)when he is forced to fight a battle with the Moorish armies. Capturing five of their leaders he releases them on the promise that they will go and no longer raise arms against the Christian King of Spain. Unfortunately that is viewed as treason by the Spanish court and in the conflict to prove his innocense of treason Roderigo is forced to kill the father of his betrothed. Despite this set back in his marriage plans and after much conflict with Jemina the two are reconciled and eventually marry and experience a most happy life together. The intrigues of the court however make life difficult for Roderigo when King Ferdinand (Ralph Truman)dies and conflict begins to occur between his children. Supporting and then offering the crown to son Alfonso after the seige of Valencia it is finally seen that Roderigo is not trying to usurp the crown for himself but truly wishes to see all the factions in Spain united against the common enemy under their chosen King. At the all important seige of Valencia Roderigo is badly wounded by an arrow and bravely dies. Realising that the weak Alfonso cannot possibly rally the troops to a successful victory the generals take Roderigo's lifeless body and mount it on his horse and in this dramatic way Roderigo leds the army out of the city walls to attack the besieging Moors and bring about a victory for Spain's forces.

  "El Cid", as befitting the stunning story it is is a visual feast for the eyes with meticulous direction of both the quite violent battle and seige scenes and with proper care shown in the tender moments experienced between Roderigo and Jemina. Of particular significance is the pairs meeting with the hermit in the wilderness and the many scenes of their married life together.Real tenderness is shown here unexpectadly in a story filled with so much violence and bloodshed. The historical research into the film is I feel flawless. Some of the weapons may be of a later date but everything, including the Castle interiors, and the selected locations in Spain for filming come together to create a wonderful recreation of these times in Medieval Spain. The tournament scenes are beautifully staged and Charlton Heston is totally convincing as the firstly naive and later world weary warrior who spends his life in the service of his King and Country. Sophia Loren of course has the less showy role here but never is Jemina a doormat for the men in the story. It is a great performance from this talented actress and she is at times loving, feisty, and sacrificing. "El Cid", also has great performances from Genevieve Page, John Fraser and Gary Raymond as the warring children of King Ferdinand, and much of the necessary intrigue in such a tale as this comes in the powerful Palace scenes between them. Australian actor Frank Thring who around this time appeared in many Epic Productions also shines in the role of the devious Al Kadir who gets his just rewards for his underhanded dealings with the Spanish.

  I've always loved "El Cid", as a stirring drama from the medieval past. Despite its long running time (over three hours), I find my interest never wanes. It is a beautiful production that took years of planning and prepartion to achieve. Lavish without lacking a heart, exciting without loosing sight of the central story, romantic and colourful, I strongly recommend if you like historical dramas to have a look at this classic film, it really is a masterpiece of old Hollywwod movie making on the grand scale. Enjoy!
  
  

• Don Rodrigo has to Choose Between Love and Honor.
  By A1Y87E22UVYCE6 on 2007-01-16
  "El Cid" (1961) was undoubtedly a great box office success and deservedly. In a time that had seen a decade of great epic movies this was a very relevant one.
  
  Keeping a low profile and evading grandiloquence, director Anthony Mann (1906-1967) attained to deliver a first class action film. This was quite exotic because he was a specialist in westerns. He has successfully directed some classic of the genre as "Winchester `73" (1950), "The Naked Spur" (1953) and "The Tin Star" (1957). Still he will repeat this great achievement filming "The Fall of the Roman Empire" (1964).
  
  The story is based on the epic poem "El Cantar del Mio Cid"; it tells the adventurous life of Don Rodrigo Diaz de Vivar around year 1000 in convulsed Iberic Peninsula. There were Christian kingdoms and Muslim kingdoms fighting each other and competing among them ruthlessly.
  Don Rodrigo was going to his wedding when he has to stop and defend a small Christian town from the attack of the Moors. He defeats them and takes them prisoner. According to tradition he should have had them executed but some internal force lead him to mercy and leave them free.
  For this action he is accused of treason and has to confront the father of his bride in mortal combat. He is in a very tough spot: he looses his honor or he looses his love.
  He was a man of his times and honor was of paramount value, so there was no choice for him. This very sense of righteousness will time after time put Don Rodrigo in dreadful situations that finally lead him into exile.
  From there he will return as the perfect knight entering the legend.
  
  To flesh Don Rodrigo and Dona Jimena, Charlton Heston and Sophia Loren were selected. They were at a high point of their careers, both of them had won an Oscar the year before and they show why in this film.
  Two solid performances and great chemistry between them assure film's success.
  Raf Vallone as Count Ordonez and Genevieve Page as Dona Urraca are very good in supporting roles.
  
  Musical score, authored by Budapest born Miklos Rozsa, is delivered with his traditional proficiency underlining forcefully the movie scenes.
  
  It is a very entertaining epic film. If you like these kinds of movies do not miss this one!
  Reviewed by Max Yofre.
  
  
  
• A superbly crafted and highly under rated masterpiece
  By A28UOKS6KMEIVO on 2001-02-16
  I saw El Cid soon after its release in 1962 when I was just 12. I was then in an armed forces training school at Dehradun, India, and the entire college had to march five miles to the theater to see it as an inspiring and motivational film for future military leaders. We had never heard of the Cid or any other Spanish hero till then. But, when we left the hall, after seeing this 3-hour magnum opus, we were never to forget him. Since then I must have seen this film on video and in theaters scores of times. On every occasion I was moved afresh by the heroism and sacrifice of 'the man who rode away into legend'- El Cid. I do not think, except for Ben Hur, Sound of Music and Titanic, any other English film has made such a lasting impact. Yet, surprisingly and sadly, El Cid has never figured in the all time greats of Hollywood. Both Charlton Heston and Sophia Loren have given splendid and unforgettable performances, probably their best ever. Their characters and role have been superbly etched by a screenplay, which has done justice to a long but very well knit story. Both the indoor settings and outdoor locales, in which the film was magnificently shot, are so beautiful and natural, that one is literally transported into Spain in the Middle Ages. The lance duel on the plains of Calahara is superbly picturized in the timeless tradition of Hollywood immortal scenes. By the time the movie reaches its unforgettable climax you feel a hollowness creeping into your heart, for you realize that the magic of one of the greatest cinematic epics is about to end and you have no choice but to return to the dreary everyday world! I eagerly look forward to replace my ageing video cassette with the newly released DVD, which I am sure will give me viewing pleasure for as many years ahead as the tape and film versions had given me in the past.
  
  
• Sweeping, Majestic El Cid Finally On DVD!
  By A3BMRSE8N1858V on 2007-12-25
  After years of waiting, the epic 1961 film El Cid has been released on DVD. This film depicts the life of Rodrigo Valdez de Bivar, also known as El Cid, the national hero of Spain who led the revolt against centuries of Moorish rule. It tells a story of a reluctant hero, someone who does not wish to fight the Moors at first, but who becomes a revolutionary after suffering betrayal and personal loss.
  
  Produced by Samuel Bronston, directed by Anthony Mann, and starring Charlton Heston, this film is anchored by people who knew what it took to tell a grand, majestic story. This film is entertaining and enjoyable as an action adventure epic, as a historical film, and as a romantic movie.
  
  These kind of movies should never go out of style. Regardless of liberties taken with the facts or any other entertainment license, we are much poorer when we don't have movies like Braveheart, Gladiator, Spartacus, Taras Bulba, and El Cid. They thrill, entertain, and enlighten, and cause us to focus on ideals and principles greater than ourselves. Long live the Cid, and long live this kind of moviemaking!
  
  
• This movie is worth owning!
  By AWAV9TGXRIXI on 2001-02-14
  I am ordering this DVD of El Cid (Currently, it has yet to be released). I hope the picture and sound quality is a big improvement...

  I saw the original film in the theatre, and loved it so much, I travelled over an hour across town about 10 years ago to rent a copy of the VHS. The movie was still just as great, but the picture and sound quality of the VHS were a joke. It looked like someone had duplicated the film through a fisheye lens, then cut-away 75% of the picture to make it fit on a TV screen. Which is too sad, considering the original beautiful wide-screen scenery and cinematography. And the 2-VHS tape set still had the factory hologram seal in place! I've been waiting for some kind of improvement for a long while...

  Needless to say, Charleton Heston (a.k.a. Moses, NRA President) is perfect for the role of El Cid, and Sophia Loren is beautiful, sexy, desireable, and also gives a stellar performance. While it's been some years since I watched the 2-tape VHS version, I remember this movie to be absolutely top-notch. This movie has it all - suspense, romance, victory, battle, and sorrow. A medieval, gothic european castle is the perfect location for early dialogue between the two young stars. Seeing Loren prop-up the post-mortem El Cid in the last scene on his horse to give encouragement to his troops for a final battle...incredible.

  Like I said, I'm pre-ordering the DVD. It would be impossible not to exceed the quality of previous VHS releases (I just hope widescreen is an option). And seeing as how the movie itself is a high-caliber production, you can't go wrong. If you enjoy historically-based movies, medieval themes, lengthy epic Hollywood flicks, or Heston and/or Loren, buy this movie. If you liked Ben-Hur ('59), Gladiator (2000), Branagh's Hamlet ('96), Dr. Zhivago, etc, BUY El Cid!
  
  

• Preservation of a magnificent, splendidly cinematic event
  By A18ZJ6YEPM1QXA on 2004-07-20
  My sentiments are pretty much identical with the ones of the gentleman Sri, from India. I am very disapointed that this magnificantly depicted story has not found favor with the DVD formating industry. After all stories such as 'Tale of two cities', 'Count of Monte Christo', 'Man in the iron Mask','Scarlet Pimpernel', the list goes on..;has been formated in DVD format. I can only wonder if the reason for not having 'El Cid' on disc was a matter of preference or economics at time of decision? I understand that not everyone may enjoy this 'Genre'but personally I believe it's one of the best re-telling of a magnificent, by-gone era and is certainly worthy of DVD formating-if for nothing else but to retain History. I truly wish that this masterpiece of cinamatic splendor would be re-formated and re-mastered digitally. It is such a great story and so masterfully depicted that it most certainly worthy of telling to future generations-and what better way to preserve this on DVD format, since it keeps a lot better than Tape?
  
  
• Great debut for Miriam Collection
  By A3SO0X6I2FEOW2 on 2007-11-28
  It seems this title will be the premier release for the new "Miriam Collection" initiated by Genius Products and the Weinstein Co. The collection is slated to feature "the best of classic and contemporary cinema...with extensive bonus materials and digitally remastered picture and sound." Other Miriam titles scheduled are said to include "The Fall of the Roman Empire" and "55 Days at Peking".
  
  The film will be released in two seperate two-disc versions, a deluxe edition and a collector's edition. Both versions feature a digitally remastered version of the film with an introduction from Martin Scorsese.
  
  According to the Hollywood Reporter: "Bonus materials include cast interviews, as well as 1961 promotional radio interviews with Loren and Heston; a feature-length commentary from Bill Bronston, son of producer Sam Bronston, and historian-author Neal M. Rosendorf, assistant professor of US international history at Long Island University; a documentary on the importance of film preservation and restoration; featurettes on Bronston, Mann and composer Miklos Rozsa; and a "making of" documentary, Hollywood Conquers Spain."
  
  The collector's edition is described as including reproductions of the original 1961 souvenir program and El Cid comic book, as well as six color production stills.
  
  As many, including Leonard Maltin, have said, this release is long overdue but it seems it will be one of the dvd events of the new year.
  
  More information on the release can be found at www.hollywoodreporter.com
  
  
• El Cid
  By on 2000-01-02
  The movie itself is one of the best of it's kind The stars are great, the locations accurate, and the story very good and inspiring. My main complaint is with the video itself. I had the priviledge of seeing this film in it's original format when it was first released, and am very disappointed that it has not been restored to it's original format. This kind of film can not be appreciated in the poor, pan and scan format in which it is presented. Until it is fully restored to the original format, it will continue to be only a three star film. The format in which it is offered is vastly inadequet. Please restore this film to it's rightful glory. It deserves better treatment than this. Thank you.
  
  
• Be warned, Bad Transfer
  By A24FJWUPITOEPS on 2001-03-31
  This has no information on whether it is the restored version or not. It looks suspiciously like the dire UK region 2 version, in which case it should be avoided like the plague.
  
  
• DVD available on amazon.fr
  By A2D5FK0NKOFWNJ on 2004-07-05
  This film deserves a Criterion DVD complete with a restored print. It certainly is a timely film and I find its vision of mutual tolerance and charity between Christians and Muslims particularly welcome at the present moment (especially with all those frothering neocons yapping about a clash of civilizations). It will be interesting to see Ridley Scott's forthcoming Crusades film, which looks to be an avatar of El Cid.
  There is curently a DVD available from amazon.co.uk, but do not buy it. It is full screen, not widescreen. There is a DVD available from Amazon.fr, however, which does have widescreen. I saw the film when I was eight (for my birthday) in 1962 and saw it on television (wth a pan and scan edit) which butchered the 70 mm Technirama print. The fullscreen (tv) format gives one only less than two thirds of the actual frame. It's a wonder to see the French DVD version on my 23 inch flat computer screen. the only problems with htis DVD are that the print is not a great one--there are scratches every now nad then, and hte sound track is momentarily off for a few seconds. More troublesome is that the French subtitles were burned into the print, so they can't be removed when you watch the DVD in English (there is also a French dubbed version). And the various menu features don't work except for film and language tracks. Still, I'm glad I got it and recommend it until a DVD here becomes available.
  
  
• A great story plus Heston and Loren on screen.
  By A3FAC39YHQDISX on 1999-10-10
  For some reason we have made watching this a Christmas tradition. Heston and Loren make a more passionate leading couple than Liz and Dick by far. It is a long movie, with dialogue that is difficult to hear at times, so turn up the volume. (You will appreciate the great score even more.) The joust is thrilling and well made. There are many incidents where personal honor is the subject. It is also the major theme of the movie, and it's worth seeing just to appreciate that.
  
  
• A wonderful epic adventure!!
  By on 1999-01-19
  Director Anthony Mann has a big hit on his hands with "El Cid". It stars Charlton Heston as Rodrigo Diaz of Bivar, known in history as "El Cid". A man who has the courage of a thousand men and a man who has the vision to be just. This movie features some of the most stunning battle scenes on film. Sophia Loren turns in an excellent performance as Rodrigo's wife Chimene. The thing I believe steals the film is a spectacular score by Miklos Rosza. (which deservedly got an Oscar nomination) This is a film to see and see again. A wonderful movie!!
  
  
• 'The Perfect Knight' a PERFECT Film!
  By A31I3HXMD5H1EL on 2000-12-04
  'El Cid' is the IDEAL film for any fan of great tales of Knighthood, the Age of Chivalry, and great tales of adventure! Directed by Anthony Mann with reverence to the best elements of the genre, shot on location in Spain, the mammoth production stars perfectly-cast Charlton Heston as Rodrigo Díaz de Vivar, a warrior held in such respect by both friend and foe, that he is nicknamed 'El Cid' (The Man). Sophia Loren is luminous as his ladylove, Jimena (one might quibble that she NEVER ages through the film, but Loren is so radiant in the role, who cares?) The battle scenes are epically staged, the color photography is rich and tapestry-like, the sets and costumes capture the feel of medieval Spain, Miklós Rózsa's score is sweeping, wildly romantic, and, in its organ finale, triumphant; EVERY element in this film WORKS, and is a labor of love!

  The screenplay, by Philip Yordan, Fredric M. Frank, and Ben Barzman, uses Vivar as the definition of Chivalry; noble, with lofty ideals, he opens the film by defending the Crucifix in a small Spanish town, defeating a band of Moors, then showing them mercy, which earns their respect, and gains the blessing of the Church (the symbolism of 'El Cid' and the Cross is clearly juxtaposed; he is truly sent as an answer to Spain's prayers!)

  He and the beautiful Lady Jimena, daughter of the King's Champion, are to be wed, but when Vivar is forced to face him in a duel, killing him, as the elder attempts to defeat him by treachery, Jimena is sworn to avenge her father's death!

  Inheriting by default the title of Champion, Vivar is immediately thrust into a spectacular combat against a rebelling city's Champion, fought with an array of medieval weaponry; this scene is the first of many highpoints of the film, and is incredible! The hard-fought victory 'vindicates' Vivar's new title, and Christendom and Spain has its true Champion against the Moor!

  The film has all the classic elements; heroism and betrayal, pure love and jealous hatred, divine purpose and petty manipulations. Above all of this towers 'El Cid', whose lofty ideals are never compromised, whose only dream is to serve a united Spain. Nothing, not even death itself, will prevent him from fulfilling his destiny!

  If you have only one film about Knighthood or Chivalry in your collection, this should be it! No other movie even comes close to 'El Cid'...it is truly a triumph!
  
  

• FINALLY!!!
  By A1SGBK90R4QJW7 on 2007-11-11
  The last great film in Charlton Heston's catalog to be released on DVD, this is a must-have for lovers of spectacle and old-school Hollywood craft. Full of rousing action and majestic pageantry, this stands shoulder-to-shoulder with Heston's other great epic films. The Weinstein's have gone a long way to make up for past transgressions by releasing this. I can finally retire my Criterion laserdisc - been waiting for a legitimate release of EL CID on DVD for TEN years!
  
  
• A review of the epic film- El Cid
  By on 2002-02-01
  A lengthy, but outstanding epic about the wars during the middle ages between the Spaniards and the Moors. Charlton Heston and Sophia Loren deliver good performances. Good scenery and decent acting. A lot of action including jousts and sword fights. Many good supporting actors. A good plot. Highly recommended to anyone who enjoys history and movies in the style of Braveheart and Gladiator.
  
  
• Rodrigo's Christians against Ben Yussef's Moors
  By on 2004-05-29
  This grand, epic film tells many stories but the main thread is about the selfless, noble sacrifice of the gallant El Cid, Rodrigo Díaz de Vivar, who was able to effect an alliance of Christians and Moors to defend Spain against Ben Yussuf and the very real threat of a Moorish invasion from North Africa. El Cid faces many trials and tribulations in his quest for peace and freedom in war-torn Spain, where palace intrigue and plots, treachery and assassinations threaten the country's stability. Charlton Heston's Rodrigo is a man of courage and bravery who is also just and sees the senselessness of killing Emirs and spares the lives of five captives after a battle in order to spare the citizens from Emirs seeking revenge for the killing of their soldiers. Thus begins Rodrigo's long, lonely and often thankless struggle to free Spain from the fear of Ben Yussuf. Rodrigo's battle to defend his father's honor against the slurs made by Chimene's father is only the first of many trials he faces until many years later when the final battle and victory against the Moors is at hand and will bring peace and unity to Spain. Sophia Loren is quite lovely as Chimene who finally embraces Rodrigo as her husband and realizes that it is he who represents Spain's only hope for peace and freedom. The battle scenes are well done, with much of the action shown in close-quarters combat and the beauty of Spain's castles and countryside is captured in beautiful widescreen Technicolor. The superb production has a wonderful music score by Miklós Rózsa that is evocative of the beauty and sorrow of this quixotic land on the Iberian Peninsula...a land of contradictions with its own unique character and mystique.
  
  
• A wonderfully romantic version of the great warrior man
  By on 1999-09-18
  Yes, although the real story of EL Cid would, under today's approach to film making, result in a "slightly" different product, this was in its own right a very good film. True the acting from both leads was at times stiff and mechanical, the emphasis was obviously on getting the rather long story covered. Every one realizes this was an EPIC film. Covering this man's life even from the time of Ibn Yusuf's invasion of lower Andalusia to the fall of Valencia provides so much material that it could not all be contained or realistically scripted to work much more than action sequences. Forgive what some experts would point out are inaccuracies in the sequence of events and the various character's associated with the Cid. This was a great attempt and it did produce a great film. This certainly was a man of action and of principle (when it did not inconvience him). There is no doubting his heroism, his skill as a warrior and his leadership along with that of his king (as real history proves) at a critical time in the life of Espana. Those attributes well overshadowed his flaws. Excellant soundtrack! Excellant cinematography! Reproductions of the period closely detailed! Will always rate five stars in my book. Would love to see a new version, one with more development of the man and a bit more factual. But it will never take away from this version, of which I never tire seeing again and again!
  
  
• EL CID
  By A3UH9KRORVTKO4 on 2003-06-28
  I HAVE A COPY OF 'EL CID' ON DVD. IT IS A JAPANESE COPY WITH
  JAPANESE SUB-TITLES, WHICH YOU CAN ERASE. THE SOUND IS DOLBY DIGITAL AND IT IS FANTASTIC.OUR TV ROOM IS DOWNSTAIRS IN THE REC ROOM AND MY WIFE TELLS ME TO 'TURN IT DOWN, YOU'RE SHAKING THE WHOLE HOUSE! (YES DEAR) YEH RIGHT!THE COLOR IS EQUALLY FANTASTIC AND THE WIDESCREEN ALLOWS ME TO SEE THE 'WHOLE THING'
  FOR THE FIRST TIME SINCE SEEING IT IN THE THEATRE. WHAT A GREAT AND MAGNIFICENT MOVIE! THERE AIN'T ENOUGH STARS TO RATE THIS FLICK!
  
  
• The perfect knight
  By A220FJEQNGMSRN on 2007-12-30
  The first of Anthony Mann and Samuel Bronston's ambitious and intelligent epics, El Cid has to boast the most gorgeous use of the widescreen ever - the Cid and Chimene's first meeting makes the most of every inch of the screen, while Robert Krasker's gliding camera is remarkably sympathetic to screen format, architecture and exteriors alike. Indeed, the whole film displays Mann's typically intelligent use of location, here in interiors (often his weak spot) as well - during their bleak wedding feast, he keeps Chimene and the Cid at a distance, the staircase where he killed her father (never a great start to any marriage) prominent between them; and while the good king's court is filled with colour, light and people, once the weak Alfonso assumes power it is a dark, empty hall. Despite some occasional over emphatic Christian imagery - when he's not standing in front of a cross, he's literally carrying one - this spectacular account of Spain's greatest hero uniting Christians and Moors alike against a common enemy, making friends of enemies and teaching his weak king the path to greatness by example manages to put a surprisingly human face on the myth of the perfect knight: the Cid's quest to do the honourable and right thing brings him little joy and much sorrow and even his resolve is nearly broken by his burden.
  
  Charlton Heston when he was still an icon instead of a political target is one of the few actors who could carry off such a part, and he does it very well despite his curious conviction that Mann's superb direction was below par. The pomp and splendour never swamps the drama, and the setpiece duel for Calahora still stands out as one of the most remarkable and remarkably vicious screen swordfights of all time. A great score from Miklos Rozsa and good support from John Fraser and Douglas Wilmer too, although Andrew Cruickshank's portly King's champion implies that there was something seriously amiss in the kingdom long before the warring infantas succeeded to the throne!
  
  
• One Of The Best
  By A2VYKEDDAGSKR8 on 2000-05-08
  So far I've only seen the restored EL CID at the cinema, so can only comment on the film generally. This is certainly a great epic. Not as perfect or inspiring as Ben-Hur, or as brilliant and intellectually daring as Spartacus, it nevertheless impresses in every department, from the intelligent script to the incredibly convincing sets and costumes to Miklos Rozsa's stunning score. Far from the rather camp "knights" films of the fifties (PRINCE VALIANT, KNIGHTS OF THE ROUND TABLE etc), this is one film that takes itself utterly seriously, and is all the better for it, despite the complaints of those critics who can't, or don't want to, take any historical film seriously. Indeed I've read so many negative or luke-warm reviews of this film I sometimes wonder if there aren't 2 EL CID's! Well, each to his own, but for my money EL CID runs BEN-HUR and SPARTACUS, in that order, a close third. As I said, one of the very best of its kind.
  
  

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