August 2009
EL CID (1961) and THE FALL OF THE ROMAN EMPIRE (1964) were produced by Samuel Bronston and directed by the brilliant Anthony Mann in 70mm and, as such, both overflow with rich vistas, towering sets and spectacular battles. The newly-remastered HDs show off the vivid colours and beautiful costumes in a level of detail not seen since the days of their original theatrical releases. A release by Spirit Media distributed by Koch Media on BluRay in Germany, these films are available for licence in other territories through Hollywood Classics.
EL CID stars Charlton Heston and Sophia Loren as star-crossed lovers in a story based on the life of the legendary Spanish hero Rodrigo Diaz de Vivar. Set in the 11th century, El Cid fights to unite Spain and to drive out its Moorish rulers. The magnificent backdrop is shown off by the work of cinematographer Robert Krasker and the action accompanied by an excellent Miklos Rosza musical score.
THE FALL OF THE ROMAN EMPIRE also stars Sophia Loren, this time with Stephen Boyd, Christopher Plummer, Alec Guinness and James Mason in a look at the beginnings of the fall of the Roman Empire in all of its grandeur, greed and action-packed glory. Again showcasing the cinematography of Robert Krasker, this film benefits from the nuanced film score of Dmitre Tiomkin as well as the authenticity provided by historian Will Durant.
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