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Helen of Troy [VHS] | ![Helen of Troy [VHS]](http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51ZSNTG7N2L._SL160_.jpg) | Director: Robert Wise
Actors: Stanley Baker, Rossana Podestà, Brigitte Bardot, Jacques Sernas, Cedric Hardwicke
Studio: Warner Home Video
Category: Video
List Price: $14.98
Buy Used: $1.35
as of 9/2/2010 18:04 CDT details
You Save: $13.63 (91%)
New (14) Used (25) Collectible (8) from $1.35
Rating:  32 reviews
Format: Closed-captioned, Color, Dolby, HiFi Sound, NTSC
Rating: NR (Not Rated)
Media: VHS Tape
Discs: 1
Running Time: 118 Minutes
Shipping Weight (lbs): 0.4
Dimensions (in): 7.3 x 4.2 x 1.1
ISBN: 6304071787
UPC: 085391155737
EAN: 9780790727554
Theatrical Release Date: January 26, 1956
Release Date: June 18, 1996
Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days
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Description
Homer's Illiad surges to the screen in Helen Of Troy, from the '50s heyday of big-screen spectaculars. Robert Wise (Westside Story, The Sound Of Music) directs this lavish epic capturing some 30,000 people on screen at a then huge cost of $6 million.
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| Customer Reviews:
Showing reviews 1-5 of 32
 The best Helen of Troy May 14, 2010
Dr. Neal H. Seymour
1 out of 1 found this review helpful
Robert Wise did a fantastic job on this epic. The production design is magnificent. Forget digital effects -- this is the real thing! What you see is full scale in scope and number of actors. Stanley Baker shines. The bonus features are also great. It is sad that this is being over-shadowed by newer (and weaker) versions. But Warner Bros. got top people to spend a fortune in making this a respectable epic.
 Colorful, but ho-hum December 26, 2009
D. Steinmetz (Georgia)
2 out of 4 found this review helpful
In the 1950's and lasting well into the early 60's, there was virtual flood of 'sword and sandal' epics. This is one in which Warner Brothers invested a great deal, and were rewarded with a lackluster effort. While "Helen of Troy" is not a bad film, it just isn't that great.
My main problem was with the cast. There's just not any real stand-outs. Stanley Baker (Achilles), who's been a favorite of mine since seeing him in 'Zulu', is limited to acting pissy and having a few emotional outbursts. Even Sir Cedric Hardwicke (King Priam), who did such a fine job in 'The Ten Commandments', barely gets enough screen time to show his talent. Harry Andrews, an instantly likeable British actor who plays Hector. You would expect Troy's greatest warrior to have a buff, youthful and handsome appearance. Instead we have Andrews, who, with his middle-aged looks and beard, would seem more at home behind the wheel of a big rig and wearing a John Deere cap. And then there's Rosanna Podesta as Helen. She is not hard on the eyes, far from being ugly. But unfortunately, she's also far from being the jaw-dropping beauty of legend whose face launched a thousand ships. Her performance, like most others in the film, wavers between wooden and one-dimensional to cautiously restrained. Even composer Max Steiner delivers a sub-par effort, failing to give any memorable flourishes as he did so well with 'Gone With The Wind' and 'A Summer Place'.
French actor Jacques Sernas as Paris (listed as Jack Sernas in the credits) and Torin Thatcher as Ulysses had two of the better roles. Torin in particular seemed right at home and very much at ease in front of the camera. Sernas much less so, but still gave a decent performance.
Director Robert Wise had the unenviable job of squeezing a legendary event, which transpired over the course of several years, into a 2 hour movie. He managed to produce a surprisingly balanced effort. The blood and battle scenes, although well filmed, were tame by today's standards and lasted just long enough to see the true chaos that any ancient war would have been. These scenes were counterbalanced by the internal political conflicts taking place in Greece and Troy, caused by the ill-fated lovers Paris and Helen, as well as their own romance. Their relationship never develops any real sparks, probably a result of 1950's morality, but it never sinks to the level of soap opera stupidity either. The DVD transfer looks really good. The colors seem muted but bright, and overall picture and sound quality is excellent. Even the special effects, limited as they were, looked quite good for a film of this era. And done back in the day when special effects had to be done the hard way, not by some geek sitting at a computer.
Overall, a pretty decent film. Not outstanding, but a good choice for a rainy day when there's nothing better to watch. A movie that's worth at least one good viewing, and that will probably be enough.
Jack Sernas whom you may have never seen September 21, 2009
William Dakota (Lima, Ohio)
1 out of 2 found this review helpful
Jacques Sernas was featured in LA DOLCE VITA. His looks stood out as he was very handsome. I saw him in person in Hollywood at a fund raiser for the widow of the owner of the Mocambo. Frank Sinatra was performing that night.
Jack was with his wife?
Anyway, I had missed the theatrical run of HELEN OF TROY. Rossana Podesta was the female lead and Brigitte Bardot had a small part in the beginning.
This was made in the '50's or '60's. It cannot compare with the new TROY starring Brad Pitt. But the actions scenes are spectacular. No computerized imaging (CPI) in those days. Real cast members and hundreds in the battle scenes. Jack is extremely handsone as is Rossana.
It is truly a collectible and one you can watch over and over. Beautiful transfer. I bought it on Amazon too. Doubtful if this is in any rental store.
Helen of Troy Good video June 1, 2009
Safirenzi (Western U.S.A.)
2 out of 2 found this review helpful
My boy, who is 8, saw this movie on t.v. and loved it. I liked the unique twist of having the movie be from Helen's point of view. I thought some of the acting was over the top, but hey this was the time of the big Hollywood epic. I wholeheartedly recommend this movie. It is suitable for kids as the violence is not graphic.
GREAT! May 2, 2009
E. Redwine
1 out of 1 found this review helpful
I saw the movie in Germany in 1956. It was a great movie then and it is still a great movie. I received the product in just a few days and it was in excellent condition. I am very satisfied and would buy from this seller again.
Showing reviews 1-5 of 32
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