“Quo Vadis” Two-Disc Special Edition - Restored And Remastered Classic Comes To DVD November 11 From Warner Home Video
(July 21, 2008 – Burbank, CA) – It’s taken more than half century but the wait is finally over. On November 11, “Quo Vadis,” one of the most lavish and spectacular films ever to be released, joins the impressive roster of Warner Home Video’s “Two-Disc Special Editions DVDs.” This panoramic spectacle -- an historic biblical epic with literally a cast of tens of thousands and filmed in brilliant Technicolor – has been the beneficiary of a meticulous photochemical restoration especially for its premiere DVD issue. This new release also restores -- and marks the video debut of -- composer Miklos Rozsa’s magnificent overture as originally presented during the film’s premiere roadshow theatrical engagements.
Nobody had ever made a movie quite like “Quo Vadis” prior to its release in 1951, five to ten years before other classic biblical spectaculars like “Ben Hur” and “The Ten Commandments.” The film was more than a decade in the making and was the most expensive movie made at the time of its release.
Directed by Mervyn LeRoy and based on the Nobel Prize-winning novel by Henry Siekiewicz,
“Quo Vadis” was filmed on location in Rome and starred Robert Taylor, Deborah Kerr, Leo Genn and Peter Ustinov, who was nominated for an Oscar® and won a Golden Globe® for his definitive performance as the Roman Emperor, Nero. Elizabeth Taylor, originally cast in a larger role but then replaced, made an uncredited cameo appearance as a slave, as did the relatively unknown Sophia Loren, who was appearing in her first American film.
“Quo Vadis” won two Golden Globes® (aforementioned Best Supporting Actor and Best Cinematography) and was nominated for a total of eight Academy Awards,® including Best Picture, but surprisingly took home none. Despite that fact, it was a huge hit, out grossing to date every other theatrical release, other than “Gone With the Wind.” It has continued to maintain its popularity throughout the world for nearly six decades.
Warner Home Video’s much anticipated release of “Quo Vadis Two Disc Special Edition” boasts not just a stunning restoration of the film, but also includes brand new special features, such as a documentary tracing the roots of the film from its start as a bestseller, and a commentary by filmmaker/writer F.X. Feeney on the details of the lavish and complicated production. “Quo Vadis Two Disc Special Edition” will be available for $20.97 SRP, with a Blu-ray™ Hi-Def version to follow just in time for Easter 2009. Order due date is October 7.
Synopsis
“Quo Vadis” takes place in ancient Rome from 64 – 68 AD during the reign of Emperor Nero (Ustinov). General Marcus Vinicius (Robert Taylor) returns home from war after three years to a city rife with conflict between the new Christianity and the corrupt Roman Empire. He finds himself falling in love with Lygia (Deborah Kerr), a devout follower of the new religion, and his loyalty to the megalomaniacal Nero is shattered. The characters and events depicted are a mixture of actual historical figures and situations and fictionalized ones.
Special Features
Disc 1
• Commentary by F. X. Feeney -- Filmmaker/writer Feeney explores the genesis of one of M-G-M's most glorious, grand-scale productions
• Theatrical trailer
• Teaser trailer Disc 2 • Commentary by F. X. Feeney continued from Disc 1
• Documentary – “In the Beginning: Quo Vadis and the Genesis of the Biblical Epic” - This documentary walks the road as long and complex as the film itself, from its roots as a Nobel Peace Prize-winning bestseller to its various ground-breaking adaptations to its place as the most daring and lavish film that MGM, and Louis B. Mayer, dared to undertake. Technical notes: “Quo Vadis” was made prior to the advent of widescreen projection and stereophonic sound. It is presented, as in its original theatrical release, with a 1.37:1 aspect ratio and monophonic soundtrack. Because of its extreme length and detailed photography, WHV has spread the film over two discs in order to maximize bit-rate and insure the highest quality picture presentation. Note: All enhanced content listed above is subject to change. With operations in 90 international territories, Warner Home Video, a Warner Bros. Entertainment Company, commands the largest distribution infrastructure in the global video marketplace. Warner Home Video's film library is the largest of any studio, offering top quality new and vintage titles from the repertoires of Warner Bros. Pictures, Turner Entertainment, Castle Rock Entertainment, HBO Home Video and New Line Home Entertainment.# # #
• Theatrical trailer
• Teaser trailer Disc 2 • Commentary by F. X. Feeney continued from Disc 1
• Documentary – “In the Beginning: Quo Vadis and the Genesis of the Biblical Epic” - This documentary walks the road as long and complex as the film itself, from its roots as a Nobel Peace Prize-winning bestseller to its various ground-breaking adaptations to its place as the most daring and lavish film that MGM, and Louis B. Mayer, dared to undertake. Technical notes: “Quo Vadis” was made prior to the advent of widescreen projection and stereophonic sound. It is presented, as in its original theatrical release, with a 1.37:1 aspect ratio and monophonic soundtrack. Because of its extreme length and detailed photography, WHV has spread the film over two discs in order to maximize bit-rate and insure the highest quality picture presentation. Note: All enhanced content listed above is subject to change. With operations in 90 international territories, Warner Home Video, a Warner Bros. Entertainment Company, commands the largest distribution infrastructure in the global video marketplace. Warner Home Video's film library is the largest of any studio, offering top quality new and vintage titles from the repertoires of Warner Bros. Pictures, Turner Entertainment, Castle Rock Entertainment, HBO Home Video and New Line Home Entertainment.