The Greatest Story Ever Told (Movie Only Edition)

Starring:Max von Sydow, Michael Anderson Jr., Carroll Baker, Ina Balin, Pat Boone, Victor Buono, Richard Conte, Joanna Dunham, JosÃ© Ferrer, Van Heflin, Charlton Heston, Martin Landau, Angela Lansbury, Janet Margolin, David McCallum, Roddy McDowall, Dorothy McGuire, Sal Mineo, Nehemiah Persoff, Donald Pleasence
Director: Jean Negulesco, David Lean, George Stevens
Studio: MGM (Video & DVD)
Product Type: DVD

Amazon.com

The life of Christ got an excessively long treatment (260 minutes, later trimmed to 195) in this 1965 film directed by George Stevens (The Diary of Anne Frank). Max von Sydow does beautiful work as Jesus--his spontaneous mourning at discovering his friend Lazarus has died is not like anything in other New Testament epics--and Stevens renders the familiar tale with a handsome authenticity. But the project is nearly undone by an unwise gimmick in which seemingly half of Hollywood's living stars at the time make brief (often very brief) cameo appearances, some of which are ridiculous. But there is a lot to like in the film, and Von Sydow's sensitive nobility sticks in the memory. --Tom Keogh

Description

"A magnificent film, handled with reverence, artistic appreciation and admirable restraint" (NewYork Daily News), this glorious epic is an inspiring, grand-scale recreation of the life of Jesus of Nazareth, from His humble birth and teachings to His crucifixion and ultimate Resurrection. Lavishly produced at a cost of $20 millionan enormous amount for the timeand honored with five 1965 Academy AwardÂ(r) nominations*, this exceptional motion picture is exquisitely beautiful. Now fully restored to its original theatrical brilliance with intermission and overture, it is truly The Greatest Story Ever Told. *Cinematography (Color), Original Score, Art Direction (Color), Costume Design (Color), Special Visual Effects

Customer Reviews:

2nd Best, But Not Bad. .......2007-05-25

If you follow my reviews, you know that I see Franco Zeffirelli's "Jesus of Nazareth" (1977) as the best movie about Jesus. This earlier version with Max Von Sydow as Jesus falls short in several ways. (It lacks the deep character development, a lot of the educated speculation, as well as the artistic beauty of "Jesus of Nazareth.") Well, that said, this earlier version is not bad considering that it was made over a decade earlier. And there are some things that make this 2nd best version worth watching. (2nd Best isn't always so bad.) The first interesting thing is when Herod orders the killing of the children (in an attempt to kill Jesus early). Herod himself actually quotes "Jeremiah" 31:15. (See "Matthew" 2:16-18.) Thus the movie underlines that there IS such a thing as a conscious and deliberate attempt to fulfill a prophecy. Or for that matter, making our own ends coincide with a prophecy that has been sitting around for some time. Telly Savalas gives an interesting picture of Pilate. He simply wants to keep order. In his book "The Killing," Bishop Richard Holloway explains that Pilate was really no worse than anyone else who would have had that job. (Side note: For the record, Pilate has been the procurator for some time before the trial of Christ, and by the time Christ's trial came, Pilate was getting tired of his office.) Another interesting 'artistic liberty' taken is that Mary Magdalene meets Jesus when she is almost stoned for adultery. (See "John" 8:3-11.) Thus we see that one can go from a sinner to a saint. Also, Jesus tells the wealthy Lazarus some painful truths about wealth that upset him. But later Jesus raises Lazarus from the dead. Thus we see that Jesus loves us even though we have our shortcomings. Another interesting thing is that when Jesus casts out the changers from the temple (See "Matthew" 21:12-13), he explains that burnt offerings are NOT what God desires. To be sure, this movie does not have the memorable beauty of "Jesus of Nazareth." But Max Von Sydow actually does the role quite well. Granted, when there are several movie versions of one story, we usually have our favorites. But often, other versions do have interesting things to offer. Even if (as in my case) Robert Powell will always be Jesus to you, it won't hurt to give this version a chance.

Magnificent.......2007-03-11

`The Greatest Story Ever Told' is magnificent. It has a classic sweep and splendor that lives up to its title. While there are some questional interpretations, and some scenes are unnecessarily plodding, the performances are strong and the crowd scenes are often rousing. Filmed in Utah, the cinematography gives grandeur to match the film. Max Von Sydow provides a proper transcendence as Jesus, and Charlton Heston demonstrates both passion and prudent understatement as John the Baptist. Honorable mention goes to Telly Savalas who gives the right ambiance to Pilate. Furthermore, Judas's portrayal as the conflicted betrayor has a proper subtlety even if his lines don't always match the character. ("I don't want the money," the apostle known for robbing the common purse, says.) Sal Mineo, Sidney Poitier, Donald Pleasance and a myriad of others also guest star. Even John Wayne makes a token appearance as the centurion that can be measured in seconds, making 'The Greatest Story...' the 'A Bridge Too Far' of Christian cinema.

George Stevens wrote, directed, and produced this epic. His technical aspects solidify a masterful treatment. However, one could quibble with his directing for making it too tame in places and for his screenplay's discrepancies. (In another example, Martha chastises Jesus, but in the Bible she says, "Even now you could bring him [Lazarus] to life.") While Stevens' interpretations substitute scripture in places, the raising of Lazarus, Jesus triumphal entry into Jerusalem, and his crucifixion give the spark of passion this venue deserves. Furthermore, implementing Handel's Messiah in key scenes is a masterstroke. All said and done, 'The Greatest Story Ever Told' is a reverent and relevant portrayal of Jesus and his life.

Restoration status?.......2007-02-15

Has anyone heard if the the original "Road Show" 4 hour + print of this movie still exists?-And if there are any plans to release it on DVD?
Sure The cameos are hokey-But between Van Sydow's performance, Alfred Newman's score, the cinematography, and George Stevens' magnificent very wide screen compositions-Can anyone really say that "King of Kings" (1961)
had any more resonance?

Right On time.......2007-02-02

We really enjoyed this movie. During the Christmas holidays, it used to be traditonal viewing biblical movies and stories on Christ. This movie is one of those that is enjoyable to watch anytime and more so during this time of year...the birthday celebration of Christ.

The best Biblical epic!.......2007-01-17

George Stevens masterpiece is, for me, the best of all the Biblical epics. It takes dramatic license in setting the scripture and the events, but it does so in a very peaceful and profound manner. The script is very well written, presenting scripture in a poetic, dramatic manner and the musical score is superb. Biblical scholars disagree over the meaning of the Matthew 16:18 passage "on this rock I will build my church" - here seemingly presented to refer to Peter himself as the rock when the true meaning and most accurate translation would appear to be that the statement of Peter - that Jesus is the Christ and the Son of the living God - is the rock or foundation on which the church is built. The cast of this film is very large, with cameo roles from many of the major stars of the day. Max von Sydow is an exceptional actor who captures the loving, caring spirit of Jesus. The location, including the four corners region of the US, is a striking background for the story of the life and ministry of Jesus Christ.

Average customer rating:

2nd Best, But Not Bad.
Magnificent
Restoration status?
Right On time
The best Biblical epic!

The Greatest Story Ever Told
Starring: Max von Sydow , Michael Anderson Jr. , Carroll Baker , Ina Balin , and Pat Boone
Director: Jean Negulesco , David Lean , and George Stevens
Manufacturer: MGM (Video & DVD)
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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Jesus of Nazareth
The Ten Commandments (50th Anniversary Collection)
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The Bible ... In the Beginning
Ben-Hur (Four-Disc Collector's Edition)

ASIN: B000056H24
Release Date: 2001-03-06

Amazon.com

Customer Reviews:

2nd Best, But Not Bad. .......2007-05-25

Magnificent.......2007-03-11

Restoration status?.......2007-02-15

Right On time.......2007-02-02

The best Biblical epic!.......2007-01-17

Average customer rating:

too short, too shallow
An amusing dilema...
A short but very funny film!!!

The Second Greatest Story Ever Told
Starring: Mira Sorvino; Malcolm McDowell; Rhya Khilstadt; Shira Lee-Shalit; Josh Pais; Ann Byrne; Ivan Byrne; CC Lovelace
Director: Katharina Otto-Bernstein and Ralph Howard
Manufacturer: Film Manufacturers Inc
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Comedy | Genres | DVD | Video

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Comedy | Independently Distributed | Stores | DVD | Video

Independently Distributed | Indie & Art House | Stores | DVD | Video
ASIN: B000F0UQYU
Release Date: 2006-03-15

Customer Reviews:

too short, too shallow.......2001-12-25

This is a good beginning for a film--in fact, the first screen says "Chapter One." It was an unpleasant surprise to have it abruptly end before anything happened that I could sink my emotional teeth into. THIS FILM IS LESS THAN 30 MINUTES LONG, which was not stated in the descriptions. I wish I could get my money back.

An amusing dilema..........2001-09-21

This is a really fun film, that has a pretty sharp knack for taking an irreverent, yet at the same time respectful view of religious beliefs. How Mira Sorvino, as a modern-day Virgin Mary, gets pregnant is outrageous in and of itslef, but the angst she goes through afterward leading up to the blessed event is sometimes funny, sometimes sweet and filled with sentiment. It's a low-budget movie (though with stars) and some of the scenes work better than others (the tempo varies) but the jokes and story are good, as is the acting. It's, all in all, a little gem.

A short but very funny film!!!.......2001-05-05

A girl uses the public toilet on a fairground. Nothing special? Maybe right..if she wasn't pregnant suddenly. Wondering what happened to her and why, she tries to get along with her life when one night a very funny archangel Gabriel (brilliant: Malcolm McDowell) comes through her window and gives the answers, while joking around what types of girls god prefers. The film is short, but rather funny and I really enjoyed the story. For all those who don't like to read the bible ;)

Average customer rating:

2nd Best, But Not Bad.
Magnificent
Restoration status?
Right On time
The best Biblical epic!

The Greatest Story Ever Told [Region 2]
Starring: Max von Sydow , Michael Anderson Jr. , Carroll Baker , Ina Balin , and Pat Boone
Director: Jean Negulesco , David Lean , and George Stevens
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Drama | Genres | DVD | Video