Solomon and Sheba is a so-so Biblical war-drama with some good performances by Yul Brynner and Gina Lollobrigida and fine cinematography giving the film an epic feel. The Blu-ray released by Twilight Time offers good video and audio transfers however the bonus material is relatively sparse so considering the high $30 price point, unless you get it on sale, probably not worth it.
Solomon and Sheba
(1959)
REVIEW NAVIGATION
The Movie | Special Features | Video Quality | Audio Quality | Overall
Genre(s): Drama, War, Romance
Twilight Time | NR – 142 min. – $29.95 | March 10, 2015
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MOVIE INFO: Directed by: King Vidor Writer(s): Anthony Veiller, Paul Dudley, George Bruce (screenplay), Crane Wilbur (story) Cast: Yul Brynner, Gina Lollobrigida, George Sanders, Marisa Pavan, David Farrar DISC INFO: Audio: English (DTS-HD MA 2.0) |
** Click Here to Purchase Solomon and Sheba on Blu-ray from Screen Archives **
THE MOVIE
The last film from director King Vidor (The Crowd, Duel in the Sun), this 1959 Biblical epic stars Yul Brynner — replacing Tyrone Power who died on set — as the wise lader and singer of sons, Solomon, who finds his world turned upside down with the appearance of the wily temptress Sheba (GINA LOLLBRIGIDA).
SPECIAL FEATURES – 0.5/5
The disc is light on features only including two Theatrical Trailers and an Isolated Score Track.
VIDEO – 4.0/5
Solomon and Sheba arrives on Blu-ray presented in its original 2.35 widescreen aspect ratio and a 1080p high-definition transfer (AVC codec). The picture is by no means perfect but still pretty darn impressive as its going on 50+ years. Colors appear to be well balanced including skin tones, though at times they might’ve been a bit too warm. Details are good yet the noise was pretty heavy and during some scenes there appeared to some minor edge enhancement.
AUDIO – 3.75/5
The DTS-HD Master Audio Stereo track provides clear dialogue throughout but it is limited due to being restricted to two channels. The action-oriented scenes do sound pretty good and there were no noticeable pops, hisses or other ailments making for a fine aural experience, albeit not really worthy of showing off to friends and family.
OVERALL – 3.0/5
Overall, Solomon and Sheba is a so-so Biblical war-drama with some good performances by Yul Brynner and Gina Lollobrigida and fine cinematography giving the film an epic feel. The Blu-ray released by Twilight Time offers good video and audio transfers however the bonus material is relatively sparse so considering the high $30 price point, unless you get it on sale, probably not worth it.
Published: 03/25/2015
Check out some more screen caps by going to page 2. Please note, these do contain spoilers.