MGM has announced that three major action epics starring Yul Brynner
will be released on DVD for the first time in February, 2008. The
titles are Solomon and Sheba, Taras Bulba and Kings of the Sun. The
latter two titles in particular have been on many action fan's "most
wanted" lists in terms of films that should be released on DVD. The DVDs will be available on March 25. No word yet as to what extras will be included. Here is the official MGM press releaseL
KINGS OF THE
SUN,
SOLOMON AND SHEBA and
TARAS
BULBA
Starring Silver Screen
Legends Yul Brynner, Tony Curtis, Gina Lollobrigida,
George Chakiris and
George Sanders
Available
For The First Time On DVD March 25
CENTURY CITY, Calif. – Venture through time with three
enduring historical sagas - Kings Of The Sun, Solomon And
Sheba and Taras Bulba – each available for the first time
on DVD March 25, 2008, from MGM Home Entertainment. Part of the
United Artists catalog, these epic classics are being released as part of the
larger United Artists 90th Anniversary campaign, an 18-month global
celebration leading up to the 90th anniversary of the studio in
2009.
Starring Oscarâ winner Yul Brynner* (The King And
I, The Ten Commandments) and Oscarâ winner George Chakiris** (West Side
Story), the 1963 film Kings Of The Sun is set in Mesoamerica
and follows the intense battle between the immigrant Mayans and the native
Indian tribes over territory. The 1959 Biblical epic Solomon And
Sheba stars Yul Brynner, Gina Lollobrigida (Beat The Devil,
“Falcon Crestâ€) and Oscarâ winner George Sanders*** (All About
Eve, The Quiller Memorandum). Set in ancient Israel, Solomon And Sheba follows
two brothers as they struggle to succeed their father, King David, to the
throne; however, one finds the temptation of a woman may lead him astray.
Based on the 1835 short historical novel
by the Russian author Nikolai Gogol, Taras Bulba is the
sentimental, adventure tale of a Ukrainian Cossack and his two sons as they set
out and battle the Polish nobles in Ukraine. Directed by J. Lee Thompson, the 1962
film stars Yul Brynner and Oscarâ nominee Tony Curtis**** (The Defiant
Ones, Some Like It Hot).
Perfect for film collectors and
enthusiasts alike, each DVD will be available for
the suggested retail price of $19.98 U.S. / $25.98 Canada.
KINGS OF THE SUN
Synopsis
Yul Brenner (The Ten
Commandments) and George Chakiris (West Side Story) shine as the
kings of two clashing cultures forced to form an alliance against a mutual
threat in this gripping historical saga. Packed with intense action and
thrilling drama, Kings of the Sun is “a breath-taker†(Greater
Amusements)! After a terrible battle leaves young Balam (Chakiris) king of
his Mayan tribe, he leads his people out of Mexico to escape the
rival clan still hunting them. But upon reaching their new home, a hostile
Native American tribe attacks and the Mayans manage to capture Black Eagle
(Brynner), the Native American leader. While held prisoner, Black Eagle manages
to earn Balam’s respect and the kings agree to peace. But when Balam’s old
rivals arrive looking for a fight, the newly allied kings must take up arms and
stand together in order to repel the invading force and save their people.
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SOLOMON
AND SHEBA Synopsis
In this glorious biblical epic
scripted by Anthony Veiller, Paul Dudley and George Bruce, director King Vidor
(War and Peace) cinematically explores the evils of flesh and pagan
worship, creating “an eye-compelling film which...should entertain millionsâ€
(Variety). Shot in Spain, the picture chronicles the exploits of its
larger-than-life characters. Yul Brynner is a strong and idealistic Solomon. And
the sensual Gina Lollobrigida is magnificent as the sultry and seductive
Sheba. A
clash between King Solomon and his brother is further complicated when the Queen
of Sheba seduces Solomon in an attempt to bring about Israel’s downfall. The
film is a spectacular and humbling statement –
beautiful to watch and worthwhile to remember.
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TARAS
BULBA
Synopsis
Four centuries ago, in a barbaric
age ruled by violence, vast armies clashed in desperate battles and fierce men
struggled to regain their freedom. This is the world of Taras Bulba, a
breathtaking epic that engulfs the screen with high adventure. Set in the
Ukraine of
the 16th century, Taras Bulba stars Yul Brynner in one of his most
colorful roles as a powerful Cossack chieftain determined to regain his land
from treacherous Polish invaders. Despite bitter dissension in the ranks, he is
soon leading his soldiers into savage warfare. But further conflict erupts when
his headstrong son Andrei (Tony Curtis) falls deeply in love with a Polish girl.
Spectacular battle scenes highlight the nonstop action, arriving at a shattering
climax in which father and son must ultimately confront the rift between them.
With sharp direction by J. Lee Thompson and a strong supporting cast that
includes Christine Kaufmann, Sam Wanamaker and George Macready, Taras Bulba
recreates a long-vanished era with a splendor and excitement that enthralls
from beginning to end.
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