The feature section includes two newsreels, "The Camera's Window of the World" gives an account of the production of the Sermon on the Mount scene in Spain, while "Premiere Newsreel" shows photographs of Hollywood notables at the premiere showing of the film. The features also includes the dynamic and intense trailer.
King of Kings accounts from the birth of Jesus in a Bethlehem manger to His crucifixion and resurrection. The background of political turbulence contrasts the peaceful Jesus with the revolutionary Barabbas and the political upheaval between Jewish hierarchy and Roman authority. The movie centers on the political fervor and highlights the ministry, miracles and healings of the Savior. For authenticity, Director Samuel Bronson gave special attention to the Sermon on the Mount scene, where he employed 10,000 extras and filmed on location in Spain. The movie follows through with Jesus' betrayal by Judas, the arrest through to His crucifixion and resurrection with dramatic intensity.
King of Kings has been remastered and looks fantastic, especially considering its age. Everything looks crisp and clear and the epic landscape vistas are stunning. While you can hear the film thorugh your Surround Sound speakers, it didn't have any punch to it, so it seems as though they did what they could with the aged audio.
King of Kings was not necessarily Biblically and historically accurate, but presented an understandable and reverent Jesus where inaccuracies might only be argued by various Christian teachers. This is a classic film of great proportion, and I suggest that it be viewed for its story benefit and the life of Jesus. However, I believe we have come a long way from the 60's in movie portrayal, and I would recommend the Mel Gibson and the Jesus of Nazareth versions as more inspirational and accurate. However, this release of the King of Kings is actually on-target for the Easter Season, and if you love history, the cinema, and epic films, this will be a good one to add to your family collection.
