The Robe is most famous now for being the first movie filmed in CinemaScope. It was not the first film shot in a widescreen process. There were a few experiments with widescreen in the twenties and thirties, but The Robe was the film which started the boom in the production of widescreen epics. The Robe therefore has a definite and important place in cinema history, but this would mean little today if it were not also a fine film in its own right. In this respect it does not disappoint. The story tells of Marcellus Gallio (Richard Burton), a Roman tribune sent to Palestine who oversees the crucifixion of Christ. He wins Christ's robe in a dice game, little realising the significance it will have for him. Burton is very good in this role and shows what a fine film actor he could be. Victor Mature is also entertaining as Demetrius, Burton's slave and later his friend. Best of all the film shows Jean Simmons at her best, playing Diana the woman Burton loves. My only complaint about her role is that she does not appear on screen enough. 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 blu ray edition picture quality is outstanding and shows it to be the epic it is. I hope they give the sequel the same treatment.Read full review
I saw this when it first came out and thoroughly enjoyed the movie. It was great to watch it on an original large Cinemascope screen in one of the old large movie theaters in Philadelphia Too bad it is all gone and reduced to my 55" HiDef TV. It "ain't" the same.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: New
...of a wonderful story. This was the first movie shot in Cinemascope and is visually stunning. No CGI here folks. A beautiful story for the whole family. A young Richard Burton is magnetic and Jean Simmons has timeless beauty.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
Great epic story not seen today. Acting superb and it is really story of the last week in Christ's life.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: New
Fantastic film. I give it a full-fledged recommendation.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: New
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