Rating summary
| Movie |  | 3.0 |
| Video |  | 4.0 |
| Audio | | 3.0 |
| Extras |  | 1.5 |
| Overall |  | 3.5 |
David and Bathsheba Blu-ray Movie Review
Reviewed by Brian Orndorf January 15, 2017
The 1950s were an amazing time for biblical epics. Studios were attempting to best one another with different tales of Heavenly might, and they were spending serious coin to produce these varied tales, keeping productions immense, with thousands of extras, towering sets, and ornate costuming. The bible provides plenty of opportunity for flashy extravaganza, and a major player in the race was 1951’s “David and Bathsheba,” which turned to a particularly dark section of scripture to fuel a big screen journey that takes on life and death, sex and temptation, and giants and sin.
Gregory Peck stars as King David, matched well with co-star Susan Hayward, who portrays Bathsheba, the object of lust that brings the royal man to his knees. “David and Bathsheba” plays like a highlight reel of biblical scenes, which works to a certain extent for director Henry King, who always shows more interest in the scale of the movie than he does its dramatic power. The feature can be sluggish at times, losing interest in conflict, but “David and Bathsheba” comes back to life when fully engaged in cinematic interests, including the introduction of the Ark of the Covenant, which brings a mystery of faith to a film that sorely needs the suspense.
David and Bathsheba Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality
The AVC encoded image (1.37:1 aspect ratio) presentation retains the Technicolor power of the original cinematography, with hues remaining vivid and exaggerated, finding everything presented onscreen contributing to the effort's cinematic presence. Such craftsmanship is also well-served in the detail department, with sharpness generally capable with aged tech achievements, bringing out textures on sets and costuming, and locations maintain depth. Delineation is secure. Grain is filmic. Source isn't plagued with issues, remaining free of overt damage.
David and Bathsheba Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality
The 2.0 DTS-HD MA sound mix shows more distinct signs of age. Hiss and crackling are present throughout the listening experience, which softens scoring cues and dialogue exchanges. Dramatic intentions are still understood, but highs periodically fuzz out. Atmospherics are blunt but present, dealing with crowd sequences and exterior adventures.
David and Bathsheba Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras
- "Once in 3000 Years" (3:38, SD) is an amusing piece of promotion where star Gregory Peck recreates how he got the "David and Bathsheba" job, meeting with director Henry King and screenwriter Philip Dunne, and visiting art departments to learn more about the production. The featurette ends abruptly, so an original run time isn't available.
- Two T.V. Spots (:54, SD) are offered.
- And a Theatrical Trailer (2:42, SD) is included.
David and Bathsheba Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation
Peck and Hayward carry themselves well, as does the supporting cast, who really play into the biblical atmosphere of the picture. "David and Bathsheba" sustains as much power as it can through thespian efforts, which blend well with production accomplishments. However, it's not a terribly engrossing film, missing a sense of urgency that should naturally come from Godly power. Instead, "David and Bathsheba" goes for regality, which does little for overall pace.
