Don't see any mention of it here yet, so...

DVDAnswers has some details and a couple massive hi-res shots of the artwork for this upcoming release.

Very nice. I like Warner goes from snapper cases to 4-disc sets.

I already dumped the current DVD in anticipation of getting the new 4 disc set. I can hardly wait until September.

yeah, saw that this morning... here's hoping it'll be another set similar in scope/quality to the Gone with the Wind set!!!

What's the OAR of this film?

I think the other DVD is 2.76:1. I'm assuming that's correct.

There were many complaints to Warner Home Video that the image on the current Ben-Hur DVD is cropped; however, the studio has made it very clear in various interviews that the new transfer for the upcoming 4-Disc set has corrected that issue.

Nice. The first Ben-Hur DVD was really cheap, plus I got it over 4 years ago, so I have no problem with this double dip.

OK, so then what is the correct OAR?

I still have the current release and am looking forward to this new set. I am curious though about the OAR as well. I know the one I have has been cropped but am unaware of the correct OAR. I'm with Mike, what's the correct OAR?

Here's the technical specs of the film according imdb.

2.20 : 1 (70 mm non-anamorphic prints)
2.35 : 1 (35 mm anamorphic prints)
2.76 : 1 (70 mm anamorphic prints)

http://us.imdb.com/title/tt0052618/technical

OK, so then what is the official OAR of the film?


Seriously, why the big discrepency between the non-anamorphic and anamorphic 70mm prints?

looks great...and for the lazy

Title: Ben Hur
Starring: Charlton Heston
Released: September 2005
SRP: Price TBC

Further Details
Warner has kindly sent over artwork for a four-disc collector's edition of Ben Hur which should be arriving in shops this September. The set has yet to be officially announced I'm afraid, so details are still pretty sketchy at the moment. However, we can confirm that the set will feature an all-new transfer from newly restored 65mm elements, as well as the original 1925 silent film version of Ben-Hur. As for the extra material, you should expect an all new documentary, scene specific commentary by Charlton Heston, a Making of an Epic Documentary, screen tests and more. We'll bring you the full spec rundown, just as soon as we get it.

I think it's because the anamorphic and non-anamorphic use the same film real estate, but the difference is, you got cropped picture on non-anamorphic prints while you got squeezed picture on anamorphic prints. I could be wrong though.

Sounds about right.

I can't wait. Thanks for the info.

hell yeah. this looks hella sweet!!

Four discs is excessive for anyone who doesn't adore the film, BUT, that's what I love about WB. They package their DVDs with the film buffs in mind. I think they've done the best job with their classic film library in the sense of restoring them and packaging them as incredible DVD sets. Everyone's always riding Criterion's jock, but to me, WB's two-disc SEs are some of the best DVDs out there. They package a great film with no shortage of bonus materials. And usually at half the price of a CC title. But, no spine number = no love, I guess.

actually I'm more stoked about seeing the 1925 Silent "Ben Hur" film.

same...i have only seen clips....so this will be great

This may come as a shock to most, but I've never seen Heston's Ben-Hur. I've only ever seen clips of the chariot race and that's all.

not to go off on too much of a tangent, but what other films/DVD have this severe of an aspect ratio (2.76 : 1 (70 mm anamorphic prints).

Battle of the Bulge is very close to that ratio. I watched it on HDNet Movies a few months back and it was pretty weird having nearly half of my widescreen TV filled with black.

You are not alone. I have been wanting to see this and now with the 4 dvd set becoming available I can finally pick it up.

It's a Mad Mad Mad Mad World also has an extreme aspect ratio.

Good to know I held out on buying the old one for a reason...