Lawrence of Arabia 50th Anniversary Event: Digitally RestoredMovie Reviews

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Must Go! Based on 588 reviews
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Written October 5, 2012
Sensational!....A Rare Privilege....Bravo Fathom Events!

by Alon Patterson

Fathom Events PPV screenings drop the ball a LOT. Some come off just plain cheesy. NOT today. This event as screened with complete orchestra intro, interlude and intermission was so exceptional as to nearly be impossible to describe. I first saw this film on the screen when I was just a child. Seeing it again, in this most extraordinary restored format was one of the most incredible experiences I've ever had at the movies. For anyone who might doubt the sincerity of my accolade, I see hundreds of movies a year in theaters all around the world. I'm not a critic, it's what I do for fun. I've been doing this for a decade and a half, so I don't lavish praise upon very many films or events, but this one was just extraordinary, a genuine exception in every way. I HOPE Fathom will do an encore (I know I'll be there) but even if they don't, this restoration will be available on DVD in November. It is THE greatest treasure of film that exists. Buy it, see it, you'll never forget it.
- 9 out of 10 found this review helpful.
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Must Go!
Written October 5, 2012
Magical...Brought to you 50 years ago by men and women of courage and discipline.

by Good Fences

Magical, and a must see. The first movie that I was motivated enough to bring along three other friends for a Thursday 1:00 showing. All involved in the making of the movie worked in unbelievable conditions to bring an Epic movie together for all to enjoy that will stick with me for many years. I use the word magic because while viewing the movie as the word is defined; ?super natural powers over natural forces, extraordinary powers of influence?, comes to mind. During the intermission we had a chance speak with other movie goers and the majority of the discussion was what a wonder treasure this movie is and there was a lot of appreciation for this movie actually being completed; and it's all ours. The format of the showing (directors cut) was an important part to set up the movie, including Martin Scosese?s part which was pivotal prior to the start of the movie.
- 5 out of 5 found this review helpful.
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No
Written October 5, 2012
Faulty Advertising

by mcclainx

Both Fandango and Universal Citywalk misled in their advertising. This was promoted to be screened in the IMAX stadium seating theatre, but it was screened in just a regular theatre! As my first time seeing this epic film, I was EXTREMELY disappointed at both Citywalk and Fandango. Though, frankly, I should not be surprised with ****** Walk, as it is never a good experience having to brave the sea of yahoos you have to contend with when you go there. Film was great, make no mistake, but I would have held out to see it on a larger screen had I known they were shoving it in a regular theatre. Badly done.
- 4 out of 4 found this review helpful.
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Must Go!
Written October 12, 2012
Lawrence of Arabia

by killer123

I last saw Lawrence on the big screen in 1965.
I love the movie and have it on DVD (the remastered box set).
Had it on VHS before that.
But there is no substitute for seeing it (and hearing it - the score is great) on the big screen.
Since its been so long since I've seen the film version on the big screen, I couldn't comment on how the digital version would compare.
But the desert scenes were still grand and made the story, which is a fantastic retelling of an interesting bit of world history. A bit of history which reverberates loudly today.
And the story of an enigmatic Englishman.
Very glad I went.
Its still just as long!!
- 4 out of 4 found this review helpful.
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Must Go!
Written October 5, 2012
Lawrence of Arabia

by jmffinnigan56

At age seven, my mother took me and my older brother to see Lawrence of Arabia (spring 1963) at [I think] Uptown Theater in DC. I saw the 1989 restoration at the Uptown, and last night I saw the even more beautiful restoration at Balston Cinema in Arlington at 7 PM showing. After the screeing was over, the audience of 40-50 erupted in spontaneous applause. Truly the epic masterpiece of all time. It may have the greatest ever cast/characters in Peter O'Toole, Omar Shariif, Alec Guiness, Jack Hawkins, Claude Rains, Anthony Quayle, and Arthur Kennedy, and the most spectacular and honest battle scenes. It's prescient in dealing with dyamics of Arab nationalism (Washington Post headline that day on Turksih reprisals against Syria), the arrogance of British colonialism (e.g., all time classic scene where Lawrence and the Arab boy cause an uproar at the British officer's club).
- 4 out of 4 found this review helpful.
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Must Go!
Written October 5, 2012
Beautifully Restored

by KentonF

This movie has been reviewed many times, so I'll stick to the restoration. This is the first film that I have seen which has been restored to this kind of detail. Most movies are cooked in a computer till it looses information, becomes too soft looking and makes the faces look waxy. This movie was a new standard in restoration processes. You actually could see grains of sand and lines and pores on faces. It was probably a cleaner look than it was when it was only on celluloid. No tears, no scratches, no dust, no scene change indicators...it was virtually pristine and utterly beautiful allowing the performances for which this movie is so justly famous to shine through. It's coming onto Blu-ray in November. This is a must have. Any previous versions are seriously inadequate in comparison.
- 4 out of 4 found this review helpful.
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Must Go!
Written October 5, 2012
Lawrence Of Arabia

by moviefanmambo

The movie was AMAZING! I was a first time viewer of this film (don't know why) but was entranced the whole time. The restoration truly made you feel like you were there. The scenes were magnificent and the acting, well what can I say. Truly some of the greatest actors ever. Would highly recommend! Great job! Look forward to purchasing this when it comes out in November for my home collection.
- 5 out of 6 found this review helpful.
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Must Go!
Written October 5, 2012
An epic classic!!

by rimers2002

This movie is a classic and is a must see for anyone who loves movies..BIG movies!! I'm still thinking about it today, it is a real journey. YOU GOTTA SEE THIS FILM!!
- 4 out of 4 found this review helpful.
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Must Go!
Written October 5, 2012
Lawrence of Arabia

by deanelder

This was the first time I had seen Lawrence of Arabia since its original showing in 1962.
Yep, fifty years ago! The terms "epic:" and "sweeping" could not be more appropriate when applied to this film. Yes, were it made today, it would probably be riddled with hi-tech
effects, a more contemporary sound track. etc. Also, the infamous scene - way back then -
of Jose Ferrar's ripping off Peter O'Toole's shirt, followed up by lusty leers would have
been more vividly acted out. It didn't need more "realism:" We all got it back then and still do.
Although slightly technically dated, this is film making of the highest order. Anyone who truly loves movies will truly love this remarkable film.
- 5 out of 6 found this review helpful.
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Must Go!
Written October 6, 2012
A masterpeice

by

Every scene works , nothing is out of place, and the editing flows like a river. The dialouge is poetry. This movie is great in both the small details and the grand scale
- 4 out of 4 found this review helpful.
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Must Go!
Written October 5, 2012
Beautiful Lawrence

by captherp

I first saw this magnificent movie as a kid with my parents in the movies 50 years ago. I remember thinking that this was an awfully long movie. That thought did not occur to me this time, no doubt partly due to growing up, and partly due to the quality of the movie and to the unequalled scenery. The digitally restored copy was perfect, and while I rate this as "must go," the showing will not be repeated and customers will simply have to purchase the new Blu-ray copy coming out in the near future.

This is definitely not a movie for kids, simply because of the length. For people whose last experience of it was when it first came out it's a must-see, as well as for Peter O'Toole fans. A large number of prominent actors was in the movie, from O'Toole to Anthony Quinn, Sir Alec Guinness, Jack Hawkins and Claude Rains to name a few.

My date and I are part of the generation who first saw this movie, so it was a thrill for us, and the scenery is thrilling for all viewers. Perfect.
- 4 out of 4 found this review helpful.
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Must Go!
Written October 7, 2012
Lawrence of Arabia

by cdurnford

I was too young to see this movie when it came out so I've only seen it on TV. The first time was on a regular square TV, and the second was in letterbox on the same square TV. When I saw it in letterbox I was blown away with the amazing vistas, so I had to see it when it came out in the theatres. I took the afternoon off work to see this movie and I can only say BREATHTAKINGLY AMAZING. Glad I took the time off work to see it.
- 4 out of 4 found this review helpful.
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Must Go!
Written October 7, 2012
Lawrence of Arabia

by Sglas

I'd often thought I would like to see "Lawrence of Arabia" on a big screen and now I finally have, thanks to TCM. The movie was impactfull and I finally understand this story in history. The cinimatography is incredible. The musical score is hauntingly beautiful. I highly reccomend seeing this movie on a big screen. It is an experience in itself!
- 4 out of 4 found this review helpful.
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Must Go!
Written October 5, 2012
Lawrence of Arabia - "A+", Regal - St. Louis Mills Projection Staff - "D-"

by CribbageWitch

I have been a big fan of this film and was over-joyed to see it was once again on the Big Screen. I sat in my seat in great antis-------------ipation. The staff at this venue appeared to know absolutely nothing about the workings of the technology to project the film. Four other patrons and I sat for over an hour waiting for the bugs to be exterminated in the system so that we could enjoy "Lawrence" We would have loved to have seen, in their entirety, all of the featurettes that proceeded the film, But, we were shown only some. The first one was started only at a point a few minutes from its end and not restarted to its beginning. I felt that the five of us in the auditorium were not creating enough revenue to warrant the consideration for the entire featurette.

All-in-all, I would give the feature an "A+" and the staff a "D-".
- 4 out of 4 found this review helpful.
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Oh No!
Written October 5, 2012
LAWRENCE OF ARABIA

by FilmFlan

I bought a ticket for the one-time theater performance at Regal's Westbury Stadium Theatre in Nassau County, NY for 1:00 pm, Thursday, Oct. 4. After watching and waiting about 30 minutes through several promotional features, the performance started with the musical overture, which we seemed to hear twice over. The actual motion picture never started and we were asked by a secretary, to wait while the projectionist tried to fix a problem. Then the theater manager appeared about 1:45 pm and reported that it would take more time to make sre the "hard disk" would start, but that we could ask to see some other picture. One person asked for a refund and he said Yes. I asked when the picture would end because I would have to leave by 4:45 pm to make an appointment in NYC. I was told if the movie soon started it would not end until 5:30 pm, so I had to leave and asked for a refund. When I received a refund at the Ticket Office, I was told the disk had not been downloaded before the showing.
- 4 out of 4 found this review helpful.
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