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Rating:  - Movie 5 Stars... Transfer to DVD...0Stars
I caught this movie on Cable TV.... THIS VERSION, from Amazon is only 1:85:1....When I saw it on my Wide Screen TV,on Cable, It took up, edge to edge of my TV screen, and still had large bars on top and bottom.... It was much more like (2:35:1).... This movie was filmed in Panavision, and rightly so..This is a movie that defines Cinamatograpy,..It was beautifuly filmed, and deserves to be seen in its full Theatrical Realese Ratio... Amazon also has this same movie in,... (Anamorphic/Ratio)...I havent seen it, but if you really like this move, I would definately steer away from this version,..and try the Anamorphic Version...Even at 1:85:1, you'r only seeing 1/2 The picture... DVD, dosent stand for the quality it did, when it first originated....They will transfer just about any movie you ever wanted to DVD, and we have to live with grainy, poor transfers, from inferior video stock,...UPGRADED DIGITAL transfers are harder to find now... and dont get me started on HDVD-VS-Bluray, and mini DVD formats...give me a break!!
Rating:  - A great Jesus movie...
This is a great portrayal of Jesus as gentle savior, with some penetrating performances by an all-star cast (even John Wayne!). Max Von Snydow plays Jesus with extreme depth and subtle intensity. Though some liberites are taken with scripture, the message is strong and powerful and generally faithful to the spirit of the Gospels.
Comparisons to other Jesus movies:
Jesus of Nazareth
Last Temptaion of Christ
Godspell
Rating: - One of the best biblical epics
"The Greatest Story Ever Told" is one of my favorite biblical epics. While lacking much of the brutal power or authentic Aramaic language of Mel Gibson's "The Passion" other factors make this film just as fine a piece of art if not superior. The Cinematography is stunning; the film is full of very symboolic imagery and the fine landscape of the American Southwest. The acting is more than adequate, the cameos not hurting the film at all. Sydow's performance made up for the fact he certainly isn't ethnically Hebrew. Heston, Ferrer, and a multitude of famous or fairly well known actors make the film seem even more epic. The musical score is well done. Overall, an epic worthy of being called such.
Rating:  - 2nd Best, But Not Bad.
If you follow my reviews, you know that I see Franco Zeffirelli's "Jesus of Nazareth" (1977) as the best movie about Jesus. This earlier version with Max Von Sydow as Jesus falls short in several ways. (It lacks the deep character development, a lot of the educated speculation, as well as the artistic beauty of "Jesus of Nazareth.") Well, that said, this earlier version is not bad considering that it was made over a decade earlier. And there are some things that make this 2nd best version worth watching. (2nd Best isn't always so bad.) The first interesting thing is when Herod orders the killing of the children (in an attempt to kill Jesus early). Herod himself actually quotes "Jeremiah" 31:15. (See "Matthew" 2:16-18.) Thus the movie underlines that there IS such a thing as a conscious and deliberate attempt to fulfill a prophecy. Or for that matter, making our own ends coincide with a prophecy that has been sitting around for some time. Telly Savalas gives an interesting picture of Pilate. He simply wants to keep order. In his book "The Killing," Bishop Richard Holloway explains that Pilate was really no worse than anyone else who would have had that job. (Side note: For the record, Pilate has been the procurator for some time before the trial of Christ, and by the time Christ's trial came, Pilate was getting tired of his office.) Another interesting 'artistic liberty' taken is that Mary Magdalene meets Jesus when she is almost stoned for adultery. (See "John" 8:3-11.) Thus we see that one can go from a sinner to a saint. Also, Jesus tells the wealthy Lazarus some painful truths about wealth that upset him. But later Jesus raises Lazarus from the dead. Thus we see that Jesus loves us even though we have our shortcomings. Another interesting thing is that when Jesus casts out the changers from the temple (See "Matthew" 21:12-13), he explains that burnt offerings are NOT what God desires. To be sure, this movie does not have the memorable beauty of "Jesus of Nazareth." But Max Von Sydow actually does the role quite well. Granted, when there are several movie versions of one story, we usually have our favorites. But often, other versions do have interesting things to offer. Even if (as in my case) Robert Powell will always be Jesus to you, it won't hurt to give this version a chance.
Rating:  - Magnificent
`The Greatest Story Ever Told' is magnificent. It has a classic sweep and splendor that lives up to its title. While there are some questional interpretations, and some scenes are unnecessarily plodding, the performances are strong and the crowd scenes are often rousing. Filmed in Utah, the cinematography gives grandeur to match the film. Max Von Sydow provides a proper transcendence as Jesus, and Charlton Heston demonstrates both passion and prudent understatement as John the Baptist. Honorable mention goes to Telly Savalas who gives the right ambiance to Pilate. Furthermore, Judas's portrayal as the conflicted betrayor has a proper subtlety even if his lines don't always match the character. ("I don't want the money," the apostle known for robbing the common purse, says.) Sal Mineo, Sidney Poitier, Donald Pleasance and a myriad of others also guest star. Even John Wayne makes a token appearance as the centurion that can be measured in seconds, making 'The Greatest Story...' the 'A Bridge Too Far' of Christian cinema.
George Stevens wrote, directed, and produced this epic. His technical aspects solidify a masterful treatment. However, one could quibble with his directing for making it too tame in places and for his screenplay's discrepancies. (In another example, Martha chastises Jesus, but in the Bible she says, "Even now you could bring him [Lazarus] to life.") While Stevens' interpretations substitute scripture in places, the raising of Lazarus, Jesus triumphal entry into Jerusalem, and his crucifixion give the spark of passion this venue deserves. Furthermore, implementing Handel's Messiah in key scenes is a masterstroke. All said and done, 'The Greatest Story Ever Told' is a reverent and relevant portrayal of Jesus and his life.
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