DVD Corner

Land Of The Pharaohs Blu-ray Review

“Land Of The Pharaohs” is a true cinematic spectacle. 

In 1955’s “Land Of The Pharaohs,” writers William Faulkner, Harry Kurnitz and Harold Jack Bloom tell a fictional historical tale about the Egyptian ruler Pharaoh Khufu. Khufu desires to be buried in a tomb with his treasure, but is concerned about grave robbers. Enter the captive brilliant architect (Vashtar) who devises a way to make his dream come true. And so, after a bargain with Vashtar, the construction of the ambitious Great Pyramid begins. Within that primary story are storylines involving Khufu’s first wife and son and his duplicitous second wife Princess Nellifer, architect Vashtar and his son Senta, the loyal High Priest Hamar

Director Howard Hawks was no stranger to exploring different genres whether it be westerns (“Red River”), screwball comedies (“His Girl Friday”) and even early sci-fi (“The Thing From Another World”). With “Land Of The Pharaohs,” the legendary filmmaker directed this historical epic. While a box office bomb at the time of its release, ‘Land’ is the type of movie that deserves more recognition. It’s a big spectacle filled with extras, costumes, props, sets, animals, boats, a grand score by Dimitri Tiomkin, and a Cinemsascope and Warner Color presentation. It’s the type of movie you’d never see today (especially not without overdone CGI), but more than that it’s the type of cinematic marvel that takes full advantage of the film medium. On top of that, it’s an involving story about history, egotism, greed, materialism, and sacrifice.

Cast wise, there aren’t any superstars here (which may have been a reason for the film’s poor box office), but there’s no shortage of notable performances despite the unfortunate whitewashing. English actor Jack Hawkins makes no attempt to hide his British accent which definitely throws his performance a little, but the actor has such a commanding screen presence that it makes up for it. Joan Collins shines as the scheming and alluring Princess Nellifer. James Robertson Justice gives a very understated performance as Vashtar. 

“Land Of The Pharaohs” is available on Movie Zyng and through other online retailers.

Video/Audio:

Presentation: 2.55:1 1080p. How does it look? Expect a splendid print with rich colors. You really get a feel for the scope of the film with this transfer.

Audio Track: 5.1 DTS-HD MA. How does it sound? A loud and lively 5.1 track (the score packs a real punch).

Extras:
* Theatrical trailer
* Commentary by the late director and film expert Peter Bogdanovich with archival comments by Howard Hawks.

Note: The cartoon “Sahara Hare” is listed as an extra but was not on the disc.

July 12, 2023 - Posted by nicklyons1 | Blu-Ray review | Egypt, Epic Movie, Howard Hawks, Jack Hawkins, Joan Collins, Land Of The Pharaohs Blu-ray Review, Warner Archive