Sorry, this item is not available in
Image not available for
Color:
Image not available

To view this video download Flash Player

 

or
Sign in to turn on 1-Click ordering.
Sell Us Your Item
For up to a $4.60 Gift Card
Trade in
More Buying Choices
VSB-FBA Add to Cart
$25.82  & FREE Shipping. Details
newbury_comics Add to Cart
$29.99  & FREE Shipping. Details
Have one to sell? Sell yours here

The King of Kings (The Criterion Collection) (2004)

H.B. Warner , Dorothy Cumming , Cecil B. DeMille  |  NR |  DVD
4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (44 customer reviews)

List Price: $39.95
Price: $25.06 & FREE Shipping. Details
You Save: $14.89 (37%)
o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o
In Stock.
Ships from and sold by Amazon.com. Gift-wrap available.
Want it Tuesday, May 28? Choose One-Day Shipping at checkout. Details
"Star Trek Into Darkness" Available for Pre-order on Blu-ray and DVD
From director J.J. Abrams comes the next installment in the Star Trek saga, Star Trek Into Darkness. See it at Cinemark theaters now and pre-order on Blu-ray, 3D Blu-ray, DVD, and the Exclusive Starfleet Phaser Gift Set. Shop Star Trek Into Darkness and more in the Star Trek Store. Learn more

Frequently Bought Together

The King of Kings (The Criterion Collection) + Jesus of Nazareth + The Greatest Story Ever Told
Price for all three: $45.72

Buy the selected items together

What Other Items Do Customers Buy After Viewing This Item?


Product Details

  • Actors: H.B. Warner, Dorothy Cumming, Ernest Torrence, Joseph Schildkraut, James Neill
  • Directors: Cecil B. DeMille
  • Writers: Jeanie Macpherson
  • Producers: Cecil B. DeMille
  • Format: Black & White, Closed-captioned, Color, Full Screen, Silent, NTSC
  • Language: English
  • Subtitles: English
  • Region: Region 1 (U.S. and Canada only. Read more about DVD formats.)
  • Aspect Ratio: 1.33:1
  • Number of discs: 2
  • Rated: NR (Not Rated)
  • Studio: Criterion
  • DVD Release Date: December 7, 2004
  • Run Time: 267 minutes
  • Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (44 customer reviews)
  • ASIN: B00005JNGA
  • Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #57,355 in Movies & TV (See Top 100 in Movies & TV)
  • Learn more about "The King of Kings (The Criterion Collection)" on IMDb

Special Features

  • New, restored digital transfers of both versions of The King of Kings: DeMille's 155-minute roadshow version and his subsequent 112-minute general release
  • New Dolby Digital 5.1 scores by composers Donald Sosin (1927 Version) and Timothy J. Tikker (1931 version)
  • Behind-the-scenes footage from the making of The King of Kings
  • Cast portraits by photographer W.M. Mortensen
  • Production and costume sketches by renowned artist Dan Sayre Groesbeck
  • Original illustrated program and press book
  • Plus: a booklet featuring a 1927 essay by DeMille, an excerpt from Robert S. Birchard's new book Cecil B. DeMille's Hollywood, production notes, and a new essay by film critic Peter Matthews

Editorial Reviews

With this silent-era spectacle, Cecil B. DeMille cemented his reputation as the master of the biblical epic. DeMille tells the story of Christ's life and Passion with great attention to historical accuracy, along the way paying homage to the religious illustrations of Da Vinci and Doré, and, in a modern flourish, restaging Christ's resurrection in luminous Technicolor. In time for Christmas, Criterion will present fully restored editions of both versions of this glorious spectacle in a heavenly two-disc set: the original 155-minute silent version from 1927 - never before available on home video - and the 1931 release, re-cut by DeMille to 112 minutes. The DVD edition will also include new Dolby Digital 5.1 scores by composers Donald Sosin (1927 version) and Timothy J. Tikker (1931 version); the original score for the 1931 release by Hugo Riesenfeld; behind-the-scenes footage from the making of the film; cast portraits, production and costume sketches, a stills gallery of production photos and promotional material; the original illustrated program and press book featuring photographs from the film's gala premiere; and more.

Customer Reviews

4.8 out of 5 stars
(44)
4.8 out of 5 stars
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
71 of 71 people found the following review helpful
Format:DVD
Calling The King of Kings a cinematic masterpiece barely begins to do it justice, and this Criterion Collection release is absolutely beautiful, turning the widespread notion of silent movies completely on its head. This print looks like it could have been made yesterday, not 1927, boasting some incredible special effects for its time. Cecil B. DeMille was a genius who helped turn moviemaking into an art form. With The King of Kings, he also retold the story of Jesus Christ in a serious and emotionally powerful way that has effectively helped spread the Gospel for over seventy-five years. This Criterion Collection release is itself a heavenly release that gives viewers the chance to own the film in its original, uncut form for the first time.

While DeMille's film is a reverent retelling of life and heavenly mission of Jesus, it does take some liberties with the Gospel accounts, sometimes combining different events into one and introducing several of its own elements in an attempt to emphasize the linear nature and importance of the story. Mark, for example, is presented as a child healed by Jesus who is there to witness the ministry and ultimate sacrifice of Christ. Judas Iscariot is constantly shoved to the forefront of events, heavily emphasizing his misinterpretation of the Messiah's mission and ultimate betrayal of Jesus. He is depicted as a selfish and ruthless man who only joined Jesus' band of followers because he expected to be made a great man in the traditional kingdom he expected Jesus to found on earth. Most interestingly, Mary Magdalene is depicted as a consort to Judas who first comes to Jesus in order to confront Him for having stolen Judas' attention away from her. The film also shows Judas witnessing the events his kiss of betrayal set in motion, hanging himself only after witnessing Jesus' death on the cross.

The film begins strangely, with an extended scene of Mary Magdalene living lavishly among a group of male admirers and then zooming out on her zebra-driven chariot to steal her man Judas back from Jesus. As for Jesus, His first appearance could not be more beautifully done, as we first see His face through the eyes of an adorable blind girl as she is healed by the Master. H.B. Warner looks a little too old to be playing Jesus, but he gives a masterful performance, one heightened by the constant aura of slight luminescence DeMille gives him throughout the film. One of the most memorable scenes is the release of the seven demons from Mary Magdalene - the special effects are just incredible and seemingly decades ahead of their time. Speaking of incredible special effects, one has to mention the earthquake scene that follows Jesus' death on the cross - again, it's just incredible to watch. The resurrection scene is also memorable for the Technicolor aspects DeMille gave it to emphasize the awe-inspiring magnificence of Jesus' victory over death.

The 1928 general release of The King of Kings was 112 minutes long, but the film that first debuted at the opening of Grauman's Chinese Theatre in 1927 was 155 minutes. Both versions of the film are included in this set, and I must say the original, uncut version of the film, rarely seen by the public over the decades, is the definitive version presenting a much richer, detailed account of Jesus' ministry. This Criterion Collection release boasts a number of extras, including new film scores alongside the originals, documentary materials on the making of the film and its reception by the public, trailers, portrait galleries, and a 40-page commemorative booklet on this Biblical masterpiece. Have I mentioned how pristine the digital transfer is? This film looks better than many films I've seen from the 1970s and 1980s.

Christians will be awe-struck and inspired by the wonderful message of The King of Kings, but no one can watch this film and not be impressed by the cinematic artistry and genius on full display. This is easily the most impressive silent movie I have ever seen.
Was this review helpful to you?
37 of 39 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars CRITERION DVD IS MARVELOUS! November 6, 2004
Format:DVD
Having just seen an advance copy of the two disc DVD set of Criterions release for Cecil B. DeMille's 1927 THE KING OF KINGS, I can tell you that you don't know just how great this film is until you have seen the uncut 155-minute roadshow version as first shown at the Grauman's Chinese Theatre in LA and the Gaiety Theatre in New York.

Running 37-minutes longer then the fine 1928 shorter version (also included in this set with the original Hugo Riesenfeld score and sound effects as released in 1928, and an excellent newly recorded pipe organ score by Timothy J. Tikker), this is a marvel to experience! Beautifully preserved by the DeMille family, it has been transferred complete with two Technicolor sequences (rather then just one as we are used to seeing), and it has an outstanding orchestra score by Donald Sosin, that adds a new dimension to the film.

THE KING OF KINGS in its longer version is a far greater film then it ever was in its shorter form. This is easily the finest rendering of the Life of Christ ever put on film. A reviewer for The Saturday Evening Post (1927) correctly stated that:

"DeMille has achieved a masterpiece...a picture that is worth more than all the sermons ever preached. It is Spirit, on the screen."

The Criterion Collection DVD release includes 2-versions of the film with three music tracks, a wealth of "Extras", including almost 15 minutes of wonderful behind-the-scenes on the set footage, reproductions of press books, the theatrical program, a trailer for the NY run of the film, stills, sketches, and a booklet.

This is the finest DVD to date on a silent classic, even surpassing Fox's excellent job on F.W. Murnau's SUNRISE. This is a MUST HAVE DVD!
Comment | 
Was this review helpful to you?
33 of 35 people found the following review helpful
By sml17
Format:VHS Tape
Imagine seeing this film, in a small theatre with folding chairs, at the age of seven, or six. It was around 1968, during the Christian season of Lent. This imaginative little boy believed that, since it was a silent film, and silent films were made in the olden days, this film must've been shot starring the actual Jesus and his disciples. Now, over thirty years later, I saw this spectacu- lar again, with a live organ accompaniment in San Diego. If one is either a film buff, a DeMille fan, a Christian, or a seeker, buy this video. CB DeMille uses drama, lighting, action, and sets with "reverent" (the oft-used adjective for this movie) restraint and artfulness. This film is also a lesson in itself of premiere silent acting style, early (and believeable) special effects, and wonderful scoring. This home video version also features sound effects and the legendary technicolour sequence of the Resurrection morning. This Jesus movie is surpassed ONLY by Zefirelli's 6-hour opus (trimmed from a reputed 12 hours) miniseries "Jesus Of Nazareth". Buy them both.
Comment | 
Was this review helpful to you?
Most Recent Customer Reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars THE PASSION OF THE JUDAS
To begin with, I love this film. Every frame is beautiful. That said, the film gave more time to Judas, his decision to betray Christ, and his soul-crushing remorse afterwards... Read more
Published 5 days ago by Jacquelyn Bailey
5.0 out of 5 stars Best of the best
We originally saw this on tv at Easter and were totally amazed that it was the best of all the movies about Jesus. Read more
Published 21 days ago by Chris
5.0 out of 5 stars Silent Movie
Silent Movie ,,,, When Directed for it's time. a few minor Technicalness in written Bible events but enjoyable.Better then some current DVD of the same subject
Published 1 month ago by Walt R. Gauthier
5.0 out of 5 stars King Of Kings
This film took me back to my grammer sckool days when Lent started we viewed this film 1926 to 1934 at St Marys School Staten Island NY 10305 Never forgot it and have never seen... Read more
Published 3 months ago by Donald Patti
5.0 out of 5 stars Enlightening
Although, this movie was not in sound, it still captivated the essence of a great movie and was interesting to see how movies were portrayed back in the 20's.
Published 4 months ago by nikki hineman
5.0 out of 5 stars My VHS tape.
This tape is about the King of Kings The Lord Jesus Christ. It has a color sequence in it as well.
Published 5 months ago by Nile Fraschetti
5.0 out of 5 stars INTRIGUED
This was my first silent movie that I have ever rented. I enjoyed this film because of it's originality. I left me with a lot of my own imagination, in a spiritual way. Read more
Published 7 months ago by HAPPYJ
5.0 out of 5 stars The King of Kings (The Criterion Collection)
The King of Kings (The Criterion Collection) is a 1927 silent film directed by Cecil B. Demille starring H.B Warner as Christ and Joseph Schildkraut in the role of Judas. Read more
Published 10 months ago by Bjorn Viberg
5.0 out of 5 stars A Masterpiece
This film is the best one ever done on the life of Christ, it gives you a glimpse of his divinity as light. Read more
Published 15 months ago by Desiree Morales
5.0 out of 5 stars classic must see! timless!
excellent movie that will stand the test of time! religious true to the Bible. Christen and non-christen would enjoy this beautful movie! Read more
Published 22 months ago by mary
Search Customer Reviews
Only search this product's reviews

Customers Who Bought This Item Also Bought


Forums

Have something you'd like to share about this product?
Start a new discussion
Topic:
First post:
Prompts for sign-in
 


Search Customer Discussions
Search all Amazon discussions


Look for Similar Items by Category