Antony and Cleopatra marks the film's first foray into the DVD market. After spending years as a rare find, it's finally available for mass audiences, giving it a new lease on life. The film wasn't a critical hit initially, and even on DVD, it isn't that spectacular of an offering. At the same time, it is easier to appreciate what Heston was aiming for with the release - an epic spectacular on a not-so-epic budget.
The film's plot is based on Shakespeare's play of the same name, though Heston's presentation is more of a loose adaptation than a straightforward, filmed version of the play. The plot follows the relationship between Cleopatra (Hildegarde Neil), famed Queen of Eygpt, and Mark Antony (Charlton Heston), one of the three men placed in charge of Rome after Caesar's death.
Heston is faithful to the play's central theme - the love story between the two rulers - but takes some liberties with lines, locations and the order of events. None are distracting, though some of the changes trip the core story, creating a few holes. The original isn't one of my favorite plays, but the story is still great. Unfortunately, at times, it feels like the desire for a Ben-Hur-like spectacle takes precedence over the story. The scale and scope of the presentation is understood, but the story suffers. There are a few awkward moments in the first two acts and the third absolutely drags.
As with Mother Lode, the real treat is the chance to see a long-lost film. The only extra is a "Making of..." feature with Fraser C. Heston. The feature presents a retrospective look at the film, particularly Heston's desire to make the film and how he was able to bring the film to the screen.
Antony and Cleopatra is flawed, but at the same time, it's hard to watch the film and not see it as a labor of love. It's by no means a "Must See," but when coupled with the "Making of..." feature, it's a good addition to any film historian's collection.
