Plot: What’s it about?
I admit that I’ve never seen the original Ben-Hur. I’m more than aware of the film and its status, but I simply never got around to seeing it. I can’t say I was overly eager to. While I can’t quite put my finger on it, it was just never one that piqued my interest. The exhausting running time is something that always kept me away for sure, but maybe one day I’ll give it a spin. By all accounts, many were fine with that version, but Hollywood still decided to give it an update. That brings us to 2016’s version. While I do think Hollywood should leave the classics alone, I had no strong feelings either way as I went into this remake. That being said, viewers should proceed with caution. I’m ultimately still on the fence with this version. It’s never quite the disaster that some would expect, but it’s also not some modern masterpiece either.
This version begins with Judah Ben-Hur (Jack Huston) and his adopted brother Messala (Toby Kebbell) who have very different upbringings. Ben-Hur was raised as a Jew while Messala a Roman. It was the intention of their father for the two of them to be at peace and help bring unity, but the opposite happened. Eventually Judah is forced into slavery and falsely accused of treason by Messala. He then seeks revenge by entering a high stakes contest against his brother. There are some other plot points here and there, but really the action is this version’s biggest selling point. To be fair, some of it is impressive, but I found myself somewhat detached during the whole thing. None of the acting really stands out, and the film is more than a little boring on several occasions. There’s a bit too much CGI here for my liking and it took away from the film I felt. I do feel the PG-13 rating is a bit limited as there was some potential for some hardcore action. I didn’t expect Gladiator style violence, but it would’ve been nice to see it unleashed. Still, I suppose it’s passable enough for the running time. Just don’t expect it to stay with you after it has ended.
Video: How’s it look?
It can be said that this film looks quite nice on Blu-Ray. I skipped it theatrically, but the transfer is strong throughout. Details are solid on all fronts whether it be clothing or facial features or the effects. It all shines here. Background shots were solid as well with no major issues to speak of. There’s a nice balance to things here. The image is AVC encoded with a 2.40:1 ratio.
Audio: How’s it sound?
Also solid is the DTS HD track that keeps things shaking throughout the film. Vocals are all fine, but the action sequences are what really elevate this track. It really adds a nice depth and helps involve the viewer and make us feel like we’re right there with the characters, especially during the big race sequence. All in all, this track is more than satisfying and accompanies the strong transfer as well.
Supplements: What are the extras?
- Ben-Hur: The Legacy – For those wanting a walk down memory lane, we get a look at the previous adaptations of this film, the original book and how this version was adapted for the screen.
- The Epic Cast – Not just the cast, but the epic cast! We get a look at some of the key players and what made them stand out from the countless other actors who auditioned for the roles.
- A Tale for Our Times – I suppose this is justification for re-making this movie (which no one really needed or wanted), but some of the things that the director brought to the project as well as showing locales, costume and production design.
- The Chariot Race – Let’s face it, when you think Ben-Hur, you think of the chariot race scene. This version did have it and we see a breakdown of this iconic scene.
- Deleted & Extended Scenes – Seven total, running nearly ten minutes.
- Music Videos Three total, as well as some behind the scenes footage for two.
- “The Only Way Out” by Andra Day as well as some behind the scenes footage.
- “Ceasefire” by For King and Country as well as some behind the scenes footage.
- “Back to You” by Mary Mary
The Bottom Line
This 2016 update on Ben-Hur does pass the time OK, but it can’t overcome some obstacles such as bad CGI, weak acting and that unnecessary feeling. The action sequences are exciting at times, but this will likely be forgotten by the time the credits roll. I suppose it’s worth a rental for those curious, but nothing else.
