DeMille's 'Ten Commandments' worth look

Cecil B. DeMille's classic 1956 film about the life of Moses has been reissued this week in a new "Special Collector's Edition" and is well worth a look for fans.

— "The Ten Commandments: Special Collector's Edition" (Paramount, 1956, G, $19.99, two discs). True, the special effects may seem a bit hokey compared to what can be done with computers today, but the film holds up as an amazing biblical spectacle, and is, arguably, the one by which all others should be measured.

That parting of the Red Sea — described on the audio commentary as "the money shot" — is alone worth the 3 1/2-hour running time. But the rest of the film also remains quite compelling, especially the second half.

Charlton Heston is magnificent in his first biblical role, as Moses, raised as an Egyptian but eventually to discover his true calling as a prophet to the Jews. Yul Brynner is also excellent as Pharaoh, with a marvelous supporting cast that includes Anne Baxter, Yvonne de Carlo, Edward G. Robinson, Vincent Price, John Carradine, etc.

There are many memorable scenes — the burning bush, Moses confronting Pharaoh with the plagues, the aforementioned escape through the parted Red Sea. But there are also a number of smaller scenes that are equally compelling, a personal favorite being the moment when Moses rescues his mother from being crushed by pyramid stones, though at this point he doesn't know who she is.

The film was released on a two-disc DVD set some time ago but without the bonus features included here. A new six-part making-of documentary is quite good. Even better is an excellent optional audio commentary by Katherine Orrison, author of a book about the making of the movie. Orrison isn't afraid to be critical of the film's weaknesses and even points out mistakes (such as the safety pin in baby Moses' diaper).

She also talks about Utah artist Arnold Friberg, who did paintings to publicize the film and contributed to the costume design (with a credit alongside Edith Head and three others). Friberg also hand-lettered the entire opening credits, to include illustrating the Paramount mountain logo!

There are also three trailers, including the 10-minute original, which was itself a sort of mini-making-of documentary, hosted by DeMille.

A great package, and the film itself holds up marvelously.

Extras: Widescreen, audio commentary, newsreel, making-of documentary 37 minutes), trailers, etc.

---

E-mail: hicks@desnews.com