MovieChat Forums > El Cid (1961) Discussion > El Cid coming to DVD (twice)

El Cid coming to DVD (twice)

posted 17 years ago by tween_us
20 replies | jump to latest

GIVIN’ YOU EL: One of the films most requested at Movies Unlimited, El Cid (1961), the epic produced by Samuel Bronston and directed by Anthony Mann, finally lands on DVD in two different versions with a spectacular new transfer. Charlton Heston plays the title role of Rodrigo Diaz, a disgraced Castilian knight who leads the Spanish people against the invading Moors from North Africa in 1060. Sophia Loren, Raf Vallone, and Herbert Lom also star in this spectacle that boasts gorgeous scenery (to go with gorgeous Sophia), thrilling battle scenes, and a sweeping historical story. There are a pair of two-disc sets on the way: El Cid (Deluxe Edition), with interviews, commentary, trailers, and more, and El Cid (Limited Collector’s Edition), with all the bells and whistles, plus a special book. Later on the horizon from the Weinsteins and Genius are the other Bronston efforts: The Rise And Fall Of The Roman Empire, 55 Days At Peking, and Circus World.

[–] hobnob53 17 years ago

I just saw the MU site with this announcement...although they still have no release date as of this posting (10/11/07).

I'm also looking forward to the release of the other Bronston titles mentioned, long rumored to appear in 2008 -- but MU should exercise more care: the title of one of those films is THE FALL OF THE ROMAN EMPIRE, not "The Rise and Fall...".

[–] Eric-62-2 17 years ago

Be nice to see this and the other Bronston titles on DVD at last. I could finally toss my LD versions that I can never watch anyway since I don't have room to hook up the LD player! (El Cid though would be an exception, since many Criterion LD features would never get duplicated. The Image releases of the other three titles though, I would gladly say goodbye to!).

[–] hobnob53 17 years ago

You were lucky -- I never bothered with Laser, and have only VHS (manufactured or off-the-air). Actualy, I don't have EL at all -- I was never particularly interested in this film. But when I read of its imminent appearance I figured, why not be the first kid on the block to announce it on IMDb? (Well, almost.) The other Bronston title supposedly on its way is CIRCUS WORLD, not an especially good flick. I'll be interested to see if they release the original, full-length version of THE FALL OF THE ROMAN EMPIRE, or the shorter, general release print (or both?).

Now, over to 55....

[–] Eric-62-2 17 years ago

I'm sure Roman Empire will be the full version since that's what was released on LD originally.

[–] hobnob53 17 years ago

Yeah, I'd expect so. Best element there is Tiomkin's score -- and that amazing Roman forum set, I believe the largest ever constructed. If Sam had had computers, maybe he wouldn't have bankrupted himself so quickly!

[–] tween_us 17 years ago

CD Universe lists a release date of January 29, 2008.

http://www.cduniverse.com/productinfo.asp?pid=7534081&style=movie

[–] TrevorAclea 17 years ago

It's missing a couple of scenes, most notably the 'trilemma' discussion when Plummer and Boyd first meet up. The only complete version known to exist is the 16mm Scope negative and the Super 8mm prints that were struck from it - the 16mm neg was struck before the film and the original negative was cut.

The Bronston family have long wanted to release a four hour version including many scenes that were shot but never used (even before release there was pressure to keep the running time down because of the problems the four-hour version of Cleopatra had), but the Bronstons no longer have any stake in the film at all. And let's face it, Miramax don't have a reputation for putting footage back in films!

"This time it's no more Mr. Passive Resistance!"

[–] csu16387 17 years ago

Great news. I'm dying to see El Cid.

"Dry your eyes baby, it's out of character."

[–] dalbrech 17 years ago

I will believe it when I can preorder it on Amazon or another on line store.
I hope it's true,but there have been so many phony announcemensts and rumors I am more then a little skeptical until something official comes out.

I'll Teach You To Laugh At Something's That's Funny
Homer Simpson

[–] dalbrech 17 years ago

AMazon is now listing this as the Special Edition 2 DVD Set of "El Cid",with a release date of Jan 29th. You cannot yet preorder,but maybe,just maybe,this will actually happen.
I'll Teach You To Laugh At Something's That's Funny
Homer Simpson

[–] dalbrech 17 years ago

Now It has a AISN serial number at the Amazon site. It looks as if it might actually happen this time,afte years of false alarms.

I'll Teach You To Laugh At Something's That's Funny
Homer Simpson

[–] RivenWinner 17 years ago

The Digital Bits is reporting as well.

It's finally happening folks!

Can't wait to get this, it's been long over due! Soon to follow are "The Fall of the Roman Empire" "55 Days in Peking" and "Circus World." This is going to be awesome.

----
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[–] LordJR 16 years ago

This is great news!!! First Blade Runner, then Dragonlance, and now El Cid.. all my dream team movies are finally going to be released in 2008!

[–] Horsefrnd 16 years ago

I guess you can believe it then since Amazon does have a pre-order listing for it.

http://www.amazon.com/El-Cid-2-Disc-Nerio-Bernardi/dp/B000WMFZMY

Why they have no art when other merchants do is beyond me.

[–] MacDubhgal 16 years ago

Time to believe! Amazon have it available for Pre-Order! :D

[–] dalbrech 16 years ago

Amazon has also listed the 2DVD SE for "Fall Of The ROman Empire" as being avaialbe in April.You cannot pre order yet,but you can be put on a list to be emailed when it is available to order.

I'll Teach You To Laugh At Something's That's Funny
Homer Simpson

[–] jihadaeon 17 years ago

I already got my DVD in glorious widescreen format, fully restored version.
Where might you ask did I get that copy?
FROM KOWLOON CHINA! THATS WHERE!! In 2005 I paid $3.99 for the movie and $3.00 shipping on Ebay!!
Best $7.00 I ever spent!! :D
TAKE THAT WHOEVER TRIED TO THROW EL CID INTO THE BLACK HOLE OF FILM HISTORY!!

[–] dalbrech 17 years ago

Actual ,various Asian Multi regional Editions have been available for a couple of years,but the quality of the transfer is lacking in all of them.
And the Two Disc Format for the US Version indicates there might be some nice extras as well.
And there was no "plot" to keep El Cid off the US Market,it was just there were legal problems that were not resolved until now.
I'll Teach You To Laugh At Something's That's Funny
Homer Simpson

[–] semsox 16 years ago

Go to DVDTALK.com they have a nice long review on the deluxe edition. Says video has improved, but still soft looking. Audio received an excellent grade.

[–] Cartwheeling 16 years ago

So they are also releasing 55 Days At Peking one of these days?? It's available on region 2 but it has no features whatsoever, I'd have no problem holding out to get a DVD with some special features like El Cid had.

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