People's taste in films changes over time. Look at Ben Hur: eleven Academy Awards, an initial release Box Office of almost $150M (in 1959 dollars; that's over $1.4B in today's money), first TV airing was watched by 85 Million. It used to be shown on TV every year around the Easter season.
Today, you have to search to find it.
Since today is Palm Sunday, I'm doing the work for you. Here is Miklós Rózsa's Oscar-winning music which is actually very appropriate for the celebration of Palm Sunday.
I saw Ben-Hur as a kid in a downtown theater and we even got a program book that we brought home.
ReplyDeleteWhen I watched the movie on TV over the years, it was always lacking.
Turns out it was lacking about 2 hours of material.
About ten years ago it came on Turner Classics in its full 4 hour length.
What a revelation. We stayed up til midnight on a worknight to watch the whole thing.
Bought the DVD set and lend it out.
What a treasure!
It's a Christmas movie and an Easter movie!
I really like how much fun Andre Rieu has when he performs. The talent and performances are extraordinary. Not sure when he will be in the States again, well worth a visit!
ReplyDeleteI, too, watched Ben Hur when it came out in 1959 at Cinerama in Boston as part of a class trip. I will have to get the long version on DVD.
Fathom events shows the movie now and again on big screens around the country. You have to see it at least once on a big screen as it's remastered. A masterpiece in every way and still my favorite movie of all time
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