The Egyptian (1954) [ Blu-Ray, Reg.A/B/C Import - Spain ]

The Egyptian is a classic Hollywood film. The first time I saw it, I thought it was just one of those hokey, old, inaccurate films about the ancient world. However, after purchasing and watching it again (several years later) and looking up information on the novel that inspired the movie, I've found a new appreciation for the film, even if it does have several historical inaccuracies, such as combining a fictional character from the Middle Kingdom with the time of Pharaoh Akhenaton in the New Kingdom and calling the ankh the 'cross of life' in a quasi-Christian way. The movie also has several accurate details that make it clear that the original novel was fairly well researched, though a work of fiction, of course. I'm amazed that this film has not been cleaned up and released on DVD, since it had an all-star cast for its time and actresses Marylin Monroe and Greta Garbo wanted to play the role of Nefer, not to mention Marlon Brando was also almost in it as well (he backed out at the last minute)! It was also a huge hit of its day and the novel that inspired it has been published in 40 languages (originally published in Finnish), and it was the most sold foreign novel in the US from its release in 1949 until 1980!The VHS video itself is a bit grainy, but I think this is to be expected with a film of this age that has not been digitally remastered. Overall, I'm very satisfied.

This is a generally fun 50s movie that takes liberties with both history and its own source material, but so what? They all did; Roman warships were not rowed by slaves, did reviewers dump on "Ben-Hur" for that?"The Egyptian" has many strengths if you like historicals. Its provocative score (Herrmann/Newman) seduces you into enjoying the excellent set pieces that were the hallmark of the 50s spectaculars; it also reminds you that the modern, computer-generated designs are hopelessly forgettable in comparison. The story is clearly boiled down from Waltari's interesting but unwieldy novel and the action, excepting the aggravating subplot with Bella Darvi, moves along smartly.Mentioning Darvi, it must be pointd out that the cast is hugely uneven. Darvi is effective in a hopeless role, Jean Simmons is wasted completely -- and she usually steals every picture she is in. Vic Mature is a stiff but acceptable Horumheb, easily making you forget Michael Wilding's exceptionally dreary Akhenaten.If Wilding's gloominess is almost matched by Edmund Purdom in the title role, it must be pointed out that the character in the novel was just as mopey. It's unfair to blame the star; he did the best with what he had. But cheer up: Making up for whatever shortcomings exist in the cast comes Gene Tierney, a wonderful performer at her best here. As Princess Beketamun, Tierney scowls, schemes, swigs beer and generally makes the audience remember how great she was in junk like "Tobacco Road." When she informs Purdom that he is HER BROTHER, and he is the TRUE PHARAOH, and that she wants to MARRY HIM and MURDER AKHENATEN, it's not possible to do anything but gasp in delight. It's a Twilight Zone moment in a lust-in-the-dust movie, and nobody but Gene Tierney could have pulled it off.As history, "The Egyptian" is hash; but it's got some of that great Hollywood magic.

Often attacked for being historically inaccurate (who cares?), The Egyptian is spellbinding from start to finish. Edmund Purdom is in top form as the truth seeking physician who loses all his wordly goods, twice, in return for eventual spiritual enlightenment. Michael Wilding as the pharoah who believes in one God plays the part of the peace loving Akhnaton with enormous sensitivity. The thematic music is sensational, most particularly in the destruction of Aton's temple in a sequence known as The Martyrdom of Merit, played by Jean Simmons. Henry Daniels is on top form as the scheming high priest. Bella Darvi as the femme fatale is riveting as the high class prostitute who manages to avoid sex altogether. Seldom shown on cable TV, The Egyptian is a must!

1st: "I thought Victor would be the Egyptian!2nd: Edmond Purdom gives another Great Performance to Rival: The Prodigal!3rd: Gorgeous* Gene Tierney took Me Back to:Leave Her to Heaven"Victor is A Very Good Villian! Thanks. Karl

Blu-ray purchased. This is the second time I had to purchase this product (Previous order returned) and now I have to return this one too - WILL NOT LOAD OR PLAY -UGGGH!!! I checked all language, settings, play-back, and network settings on my Blu-Ray player for both disks tried. They just will not load or play.

This is another version of this movie that is not the original. It has been edited. I have seen the original. I lost it. I am trying to find the original. This one isn't it. Maybe you can help me find the original so I can purchase it. I don't like this one.

What I disliked is that it doesn't play on my BLU-RAY player, Can't watch it.

this movie was a very interesting plot yes it is Christian but that is why i bought it never heard of it but glad i bought it yes i would recommend this movie to any one looking for great prices great quality & a great movie on top a deffinent winner!!!

One of the great Films of the 50s . This Blue Ray version might not be of the highest transfer quality. It is very watchable and enjoyable.Spanish sub titles can be turned off.

Eine Empfehlung für alle, die die Englische Sprache beherrschen, wobei keine übertriebenen Ansprüche an die Sprachkenntnise gestellt werden. Denn die Schauspieler sprechen recht deutlich und fast akzentfrei ( In der Serie Spartacus hatte ich zum Vergleich dazu gosse Probleme wegen der teilweise sehr schlechten Aussprache).Das Bild ist, gemessen an dem Alter, sehr gut. Lediglich einige wenige Szenen sind etwas verunglückt. Selbstverständlich ist auch der Ton mit heutigen Standards nicht vergleichbar.Trotz einiger kleiner Mängel sehr sehenswert.

Esta versión tristemente esta grabada en un Blu Ray regrabable, la calidad de imagen se pudo tratar mejor. La compré porque, al parecer, es la única versión de Sinuhe el Egipcio que viene en idioma español, existen otras versiones que están mejor trabajadas en la calidad de imagen y audio, pero tristemente no vienen en español. Quien quiera comprarla ya sabe a lo que se atiene, sobre advertencia no hay engaño.

Have been looking for this one for ages and found it unexpectedly in bluray and at a great price.

Recordando la novela y luego esta película volvemos al pasado cuando el cine no se hacía por ordenador. Ahora en blu-ray y proyectada en casa verdaderamente vuelves a aquellos tiempos