Ben Hur: 4-Disc Collector's Edition (With Bible Story) (Collector's Edition)

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The numbers speak volumes: 100,000 costumes, 8,000 extras, 300 sets and a staggering budget in its day the largest in movie history. "Ben-Hur's" creators made it the best, the greatest Biblical-era epic ever. Charlton Heston brings a muscular physical and moral presence to the role of Judah Ben-Hur, a Jewish nobleman in Palestine whose heroic odyssey includes enslavement by the Romans, a bold escape from an embattled slave galley, vengeance against his tormentors during a furious arena chariot race and fateful encounters with Jesus Christ. Heston's charismatic performance brought him the Best Actor Oscar; the winner as 1959's Best Picture with the legendary William Wyler earning his third Best Director trophy, the film won a total 11 Academy Awards -- a tally unequaled until 1997's "Titanic" set sail. After his boyhood friend Messala's fanatic loyalty to Rome makes him a powerful enemy, Jewish nobleman Judah Ben-Hur (Heston) is found guilty of an attempted murder he did not commit. His family is banished and he is enslaved on a warship. Yet, through his ferocity in a fierce sea battle, Ben-Hur is able to escape and become a horse trainer. To exact his revenge, Ben-Hur competes against Messala (Boyd) in the Roman chariot races. They race, locked in a battle to the death. Barely surviving, Ben-Hur forsakes the sword for Christ and finally finds redemption.

Audio Commentary by Film Historian T. Gene Hatcher with Scene Specific Comments from Charlton Heston. New Documentary: "Ben-Hur: The Epic That Changed Cinema" - Current filmmakers such as Ridley Scott and George Lucas reflect on the importance and influence of the film. 1994 Documentary:"Ben-Hur: The Making Of An Epic" - Hosted by Christopher Plummer, Directed by William Wyler - 1986 Emmy Award-nominated documentary featuring the last interview with Wyler before his death.