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The Bible

Actor(s): Michael Parks, Ulla Bergryd, Richard Harris, John Huston, Stephen Boyd
Director(s): John Huston
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Details

MPAA Rating: G
Content Advisory: Suitable for Children
Movie Release: 1966
DVD Release: 03/16/2004
Format: DVD - Enhanced Wide Screen Letterbox for 16x9 TV - Closed Captioned
Audio Tracks: English, French
Subtitles: English, Spanish
SwapaDVD Credits: 1
Number of Discs: 1
Run Time: 2 hrs 52 mins
Studio: 20th Century Fox
Members Wishing: 2
Genres: Epic, Religious Epic, Hagiography

Synopsis

The Bible was intended by producer Dino De Laurentiis as the first in a series of films which would eventually cover the Old and New Testament in their entireties. The many directors engaged for this project dropped out one by one, leaving only the adventurous John Huston. As a result, this film was the first and last in the series; its subtitle In the Beginning refers to the fact that only the first 22 chapters of Genesis ended up on film. After creation, we are introduced to the buff-naked Adam and Eve (Michael Parks and Ulla Bergyd), whose fall from grace segues into the Cain and Abel story. Next on the docket is the story of Noah, played by director Huston, who'd originally wanted Charlie Chaplin for the role. Abraham's sacrifice is then dramatized, with George C. Scott as the beleaguered protagonist. In quick succession, we are offered the Tower of Babel, the defiance of Nimrod, and Sodom and Gomorroh. Tying together these Old Testament episodes is Peter O'Toole as three angels; Ava Gardner also shows up in the role of Sarah. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide

Cast

Michael Parks - Adam
Ulla Bergryd - Eve
Richard Harris - Cain
John Huston - Narrator
John Huston - Noah
Stephen Boyd - Nimrod

Awards

1966	Best Original Score (nominee)	Golden Globe	Toshiro Mayuzumi
1966	Best Original Score (nominee)	Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Scie	Toshiro Mayuzumi

Editorial Review

Filmed with a cast of thousands (as the old saying goes) this chronicle of the Old Testament is sometimes breathtaking to behold visually, though audiences did not exactly line up around the block to see it when it was originally released in the mid-'60s. 20th Century Fox Home Entertainment's DVD of the biblical epic probably won't win over many new converts, but the disc is nevertheless excellent, if a bit sparse on the extras front. The anamorphic widescreen picture (2.55:1) is wonderful and is relatively free of digital artifacts. The image is consistently sharp and colorful. To be honest, critics have never been kind to this film. But there are more than enough visually splendid (and almost surreal) moments to keep things lively, especially during the opening scenes in the Garden of Eden and the later Tower of Babel scenes. The disc has been given a new two-channel Dolby Digital English soundtrack, though the original English mono track has thankfully been supplied as well. A French mono soundtrack is also available and the disc has been given English and Spanish subtitle options. The original theatrical trailer has been included, along with other Fox DVD trailers. ~ Derek Hill, All Movie Guide