Posted Fri May 10, 2013 at 10:30 AM PDT by Steven Cohen
The 1963 Academy Award nominee for Best Picture is coming to Blu-ray in May.
As previously reported, 20th Century Fox is preparing 'Cleopatra' for Blu-ray. Though originally slated for May 21, the film will now be available on May 28.
Elizabeth Taylor stars as Cleopatra, the glamorous and cunning queen of Egypt. To secure her hold on power, she seduces the rulers of Rome, only to meet her match in Mark Antony, played by Richard Burton. Their passionate romance could decide the fate of the world's greatest empires.
Directed by Academy Award winner Joseph L. Mankiewicz, the historical epic shot on 70mm film was the highest grossing film of 1963, bringing in more than $24 million in its initial release. The film cost an unprecedented $42 million to make (equivalent to over $300 million today) and nearly bankrupted Twentieth Century Fox. In addition to elaborate sets and costumes, production delays and the relocation of principal filming from London to Rome added to the skyrocketing budget. A very public love affair between Taylor and Burton that blossomed during the three-year production meant that there was as much romance and intrigue off-screen as on-screen. The film later won four Academy Awards, and was nominated for five more, including Best Picture.
'Cleopatra' will make its Blu-ray debut in a 2-Disc 50th Anniversary Edition artfully packaged with a full-color book featuring rare images that provides a fascinating behind-the-scenes look at the making of this legendary film. The Blu-ray is packed with dazzling bonus materials featuring never-before-seen exclusive content including Cleopatra’s lost footage, commentary from Chris Mankiewicz, Tom Mankiewicz, Martin Landau and Jack Brodsky, behind-the-scenes featurettes, and more. Additionally, fans can watch footage from the film’s original theatrical premieres in both New York and Los Angeles.
Twentieth Century Fox has meticulously restored the 243-minute original theatrical version of 'Cleopatra' to commemorate its 50th anniversary. The new digitally restored transfer will receive a world premiere as an official selection of Cannes Classics at the 2013 Cannes Film Festival on May 21 in the Sixtieth Anniversary Theater. Following the premiere at Cannes, Twentieth Century Fox will re-release 'Cleopatra' with a limited theatrical engagement in more than 200 theaters around the world beginning May 22. The film will play in the Cinemark Classic Film Series among other theater chains. In select markets, Bulgari will host receptions in-store in advance of the screenings. Additional details and screening locations to be announced at a later date.
Suggested list price for the Blu-ray is $24.99 while a Blu-ray digibook will also be available at $34.99.
You can find the latest specs for 'Cleopatra' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it's indexed under May 28.
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