Biblical epics may not be terribly fashionable nowadays, but I've always enjoyed them and The Robe is one of the best of the genre. It describes the events surrounding the familiar Biblical stories using characters from the Bible and fictional characters to flesh out the narrative. In this way it rather resembles how Ben Hur interweaves the Biblical story with fictional events of Ben Hur's life. This technique works well in The Robe and makes for fine historical fiction with a religious theme.

The print used for the Twentieth Century Fox DVD is in good condition. The CinemaScope images have been anamorphically enhanced and look stunning. The colours are bright and clear and there is hardly any visible damage. The sound likewise is good with no background noise. This DVD only has some trailers for extras, but anyone who enjoys Biblical epics will want to get The Robe.


"as for me, I have found another king"   April 27, 2004
 46 out of 48 found this review helpful

A marvelous epic melodrama, with portions that are emotionally stirring, and with two exceedingly attractive stars, this film ranks high in the "sword and sandals" genre.
This is prime-time Richard Burton, at age 27, heavenly to look at and even better to listen to; his crisp enunciation makes the English language shine, and though some of his scenes are a little "over the top", he carries them off with charismatic presence. Jean Simmons is exquisite as Diana, the woman who has loved Marcellus (Burton) since childhood, and their screen romance has a rare depth and spark.
Other notable performances come from Victor Mature as Demetrius the slave, with a mute but moving scene at Christ's crucifixion, and Michael Rennie is grand as Peter. Jay Robinson is wonderfully rotten as the vicious Caligula.

I always like a good fight sequence, and there is a brilliantly choreographed one between Marcellus and a centurion. It is the kind of swordplay great Shakespearean actors have perfected, and it is a delight to watch.
Directed by Henry Koster, it has an exceptional score by Alfred Newman, and vibrant Technicolor cinematography by Leon Shamroy. I like the way the night scenes have a deep blue glow to them, and the costumes are wonderful. Oscars went to Best Art Direction/Set Design (color) and Best Costume design (color). It was also nominated for Best Picture, Best Actor, and Best Cinematography (color), and was the first film to be released in CinemaScope.
I saw this film many years ago, and had thought it a little silly, but we have both aged well; I can now watch it repeatedly, and appreciate the depictions of courage, and the beauty and humanity of it. Total running time is 2 hours and 13 minutes.


The 1st ever Cinemascope Movie now on WideScreen DVD   September 16, 2002
 34 out of 39 found this review helpful

In 1953 Hollywood answered the threat of television by announcing a new WideScreen format called Cinemascope. Up until now all movies were Standard 4:3 ratio format. Now, with 20th Century Fox's Cinemascope a 255:1 ratio (this is really spectacular to see on your WideScreen Home Theatre)and the "THE ROBE" people would marvel over this larger than life Technicolor film experience.

With this 20th Century Fox DVD release we have GOOD news & BAD news; The GOOD news is this package provides an ANAMORPHIC WIDESCREEN presentation (this movie will adjust to any tv size uncluding HDTV 16:9). We also get 4.0 Surround Sound (great quality). The BAD news, the picture is NOT ENHANCED for WIDESCREEN TVs. (this makes for a grainy and dark presentation. The vibrant Technicolor is some what lost too.)

The movie "THE ROBE" itself remains one of the screens greatest biblical epics. Nominated for 5 Academy Awards including "BEST PICTURE & BEST ACTOR (Richard Burton)".

SUMMARY; A Roman Centurian (Burton) is charged with overseeing the crucifixion. He wins Christ's Robe in a gambling game at the foot of the cross & his life is changed forever. A grand supporting cast to include; Jean Simmons, Victor Mature & Michael Rennie.

The movie is 135 minutes in length. Extra Feature: Trailer Only

This is the movie which introduced us to Cinemascope and Hollywood would never be the same.

"The Robe" is a great Hollywood movie epic that should be experienced by everyone at least once.

Again my only reason for a 4 star rating is because of the graininess of the Home Theatre Wide Screen presentation. Enjoy.


Elaborate, moving Biblical epic   March 6, 2004
 19 out of 19 found this review helpful

Based on the best-selling novel by Lloyd C. Douglas, 20th Century Fox's production of "The Robe" has achieved immortality as the first film shot in Cinemascope, the now defunct wide-screen process designed to lure TV viewers out of their living rooms and back into theaters.

The elaborate drama, directed by Henry Koster, stars Richard Burton as a Roman tribune in charge of the crucifixion of Jesus (voiced by Cameron Mitchell but never fully visible). Burton is later haunted by nightmares of the horrifying scene, and through the efforts of a slave named Demetrius (Victor Mature), who has claimed possession of the Messiah's garment, comes to embrace Christianity, much to the distress of the Roman authorities.

Burton earned his second Oscar nomination for his role here, but his overblown theatrics, though effective, are overshadowed by the subtler performance of the non-nominated but highly praised Mature who was generally dismissed in those days as more beefcake than thespian. The rest of the cast is memorable with Jean Simmons luminous as always, Michael Rennie as a saintly Peter, Richard Boone as a commanding Pontius Pilate, and Jay Robinson particularly good as an hysterical Caligula who sends Burton to the gallows when the soldier's belief in Christ conflicts with his commitment to Rome. And, yes, fellow film fans, that's the great Ernest Thesiger, Dr. Pretorious of "Bride of Frankenstein," as Tiberius.

The production is first rate and, for the faithful, the story and its conclusion is very moving. This is the kind of epic Hollywood would never consider making in these more secular times.


Why isn't this on DVD?   July 10, 2000
 15 out of 15 found this review helpful

This is really a 3.5 star movie, but I rounded it up. Acting that seems a bit cheesy or unsophistocated by today's standards was the cream of the crop for the time it was released. Victor Mature and Richard Burton's performances are the most memorable.

This is a sweet and endearing film, but slow in quite a few places and often directed as though it was a play instead of a movie. As the first film to be shot in Cinemascope, it is a historical film for film buffs and students. The backdrops and costumes are good and this is a story you can safely watch with your kids.

This is a show that typically gets air time only during the Christmas season and near Easter, but not enough air time... I've only seen it shown on TV twice ever.

It would be nice to have this on DVD with interviews with the cast and crew... even though the majority of the cast and crew have now passed away, there were still interviews with these stars after the film was released. Clips of Oscar ceremonies where this film and stars received nominations would also be a nice touch, as would commentaries by film historians, etc.

Not a film for those who are phobic of religious-based film, but a nice epic-looking film that has a lot of tender moments.