MovieChat Forums > El Cid (1961) Discussion > Haven't seen it in years

Haven't seen it in years


I noted that there were recent posts and wondered where it was shown. I gather most recent posts are from those who own the DVD,because I've not seen it in many years. Don't recall it to be an especially great film, but I love Heston in epics and generally enjoy large scale films nonetheless.

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I would think the posts are from viewers of the DVD (it still awaits a proper restoration in Blu-ray like most epics have received). I can't recall it ever being shown on TCM/TV and the one theatrical showing I'm aware of was one I saw back in 1993(?) in Seattle of the film with newly added footage. If you generally enjoy large scale films this fits the bill. The location shooting, tremendous Rozsa score, and interesting historical backdrop (though highly fictionalized) are highlights.

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The DVD is apparently hard to find, or at least used to be (and I was one who did cause think this an underrated gem in the epic category).

You might be interested in this thread from the Spartacus board. Yes bring up cause shows I am not alone, but also some great talk on various epics.

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0054331/board/thread/227302719?p=1

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Yes unfortunately the DVD is hard to find now except at much higher prices on eBay etc. I have the 2008 Miriam Collection 2-disc Deluxe Edition which has an overall very good transfer and one disc of extras which are worthwhile. The film definitely is worthy of a new release in Blu-ray and I would love to see it in 70mm in a theatre again as I appreciate it much more now than I did at my first theatrical viewing in 1993. It's one of the great epic films.

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I'm still working off this version, which is about the poorest quality you could ever find unless you found it on in an off-TV VHS version.

https://www.amazon.com/El-Cid-DVD-CLASSIC-COLLECTIBLES/dp/B0006B7MS6/ref=tmm_dvd_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=&sr=

Some one on these boards said it was a Chinese pirated version stolen from a long before gone laser disk. Nothing about it makes me think that is not true.....including that the cover is half in Chinese.

Still love the movie though.

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That's the version I've got as well. It was the only copy I've ever seen in a store after a good while of keeping any eye out for it, so of course I picked it up immediately. A Blu-Ray release or even more unlikely another theatrical rerelease, as I've never gotten to see it that way before, would be very much obliged by me as well.

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There's a number of used Miriam Collection 2008 2-disc Deluxe Edition DVDs available at Amazon for example that are under $20 and listed as in very good to excellent condition. If I was in the market now for a DVD no longer sold in stores I'd definitely consider this. I've bought used DVDs from Amazon and eBay and haven't been disappointed yet. Maybe you guys can't view Region 1 USA Dvds or don't have a region-free player?

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I knew that came out, but then was convinced as soon as it did the Blue-Ray I was waiting for would be announced threes seconds after I hit the button. Guess been long enough waiting for that....you got me to order a used copy. Look for news of the Blue Ray in the near future though. :)

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I think you'll like the DVD. It's hard to say when or if a Blu-ray will be released. Best hope if they could get the rights would of course be Criterion. If they already have them they would have released the film in Blu-ray by now you'd think. This is an excellent and fair review of the Miriam Collection DVD: http://www.kqek.com/dvd_reviews/e/3279_ElCid.htm I was right the (newly restored) film was shown theatrically in 1993.

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Thanks -- I only watch it every three or four years, but the extras might be worth the price all by themselves.

And have to figure they have some way to turn the 70 mm into one fantastic Blue Ray, but we'll see on that.

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Damn. It's just so surreal to me that it's been going on three years since posting on that thread! Feels like it was yesterday. lol

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Time sure does fly, but darn good thread though. Think it helped that the OP asked with heart-in-hand an actual question that led to a productive convo. Amazing how that rarely happens in this place.

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[deleted]

I saw "El Cid" at the Somerville Theatre, not far from where I live, just this afternoon. It played as part of the Somerville Theatre's 3rd annual 70mm film Festival, and it was quite good, although rather intense. Since I hadn't seen it before, I was rather glad I'd seen it today.

Charleton Heston and Sophia Loren were excellent as the parts that they played in "El Cid", as were the other actors. It was an intensely riveting story, and it was beautifully photographed, as well..

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