Why So Blu?

The Ten Commandments (4K UHD Blu-ray Review)

Throughout film history, Hollywood has produced a number of sweeping epics and generation-defining movies. However, one film – Cecil B. DeMille’s The Ten Commandments – has stood the test of time. Universally recognized among critics as a cinematic masterpiece, this unforgettable motion picture has also been recognized by The American Film Institute as one of the “Top Ten” epics of all time. From its Academy Award-winning director* and revolutionary Oscar-winning special effects** to its memorable music score and all-star cast, The Ten Commandments presents the story of Moses in all of its stunning glory. Starring Charlton Heston, Yul Brynner, Anne Baxter and a “who’s who” of legendary screen talent, the film was nominated for seven Academy Awards, including Best Picture of 1956***. The Ten Commandments 4K UHD Blu-ray is available now!

Film 

The Ten Commandments was most recently released in 2020 on Blu-ray in a special digipack edition. You can read my colleague Adam Toroni-Byrne’s thoughts on the film here:

The Ten Commandments (Blu-ray Review)

 

Video 

Encoding: HEVC / H.265

Resolution: 2160p

Dolby Vision: Yes

HDR: HDR10

WCG: Yes

Size: BD-100

Aspect Ratio: 1.85:1

Clarity/Detail: This new restoration is sourced from the 2011 6K restoration done by Paramount. The clarity and detail on this 4K UHD Blu-ray is out of this world. I did not detect any instances of post-production tweaking or intrusion. Sharpness levels are properly balanced, as well.

Depth: There’s natural sheen that envelops the overall image – it looks like a moving painting. You can feel the heat of the sun in those scenes taking place in Egypt.

Black Levels: Black levels are deep, inky, and crush free.

Color Reproduction: The color palette enhanced by the Dolby Vision pass is outstanding. The scenes that stand out in the best possible way are those in the final act when Moses sees the burning bush. The animated flames twist and swirl and those reds and oranges pop out in amazing fashion.

Flesh Tones: Flesh tones are accurate. Characters that are meant to be out in the sun have an olive to sun burnt complexion and this 4K transfer showcases that.

Noise/Artifacts: Noise, dirt, artifacts have been removed. A nice layer of consistent grain is present.

Audio 

Audio Format(s): English DTS-HD MA 5.1 (48kHz, 24-bit), German Dolby Digital Mono, French Dolby Digital Mono

Subtitles: English, English SDH, French, German

This edition uses the previously published audio track from the Blu-ray released in 2011 and last year’s 2020 reissue. The only difference being that the 4K disc has removed certain language and subtitle options. You can read my colleague Adam Toroni-Byrne’s Blu-ray review here:

The Ten Commandments (Blu-ray Review)

 

Extras 

The extras on this release drop everything that was on the big deluxe edition (on the 3rd disc) that was released in 2011. It’s also not a digibook edition. This 4K UHD Blu-ray only has a slipcover.

You can read my colleague Adam Toroni-Byrne’s Blu-ray review here:

The Ten Commandments (Blu-ray Review)

 

Summary

Having seen this restoration back in 2011 at the Paramount studios lot – it was like coming home. The film is still timeless and terrific, even if you’re not religious. The video truly shines in Dolby Vision 4K, and the previously ported over audio still stands the test of time. The special features, outside of the original 1923 from the giant deluxe set are more than adequate for this release. The Ten Commandments has come home on 4K UHD Blu-ray! Highly recommended!

 

 

DISCLAIMER: The Ten Commandments 4K UHD Blu-ray was judged and graded using the following 4K certified Ultra HD Premium television set found HERE , 4K UHD Blu-ray player HERE, and Dolby Atmos 7.2 AVR HERE.  Make sure to check out all our 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray reviews archived HERE.  The images used above within the review are not actual 4K screenshots. They are for illustrative purposes only.  

 

 

The Ten Commandments is now

available on 4K UHD Blu-ray!

ORDER NOW!