One of the most requested titles for DVD release, Becket makes its long-awaited premiere in the medium as a superb special edition. I had the privilege of seeing the recently restored film in 35mm at New York's Film Forum theater earlier this year. It looked terrific, but the DVD edition looks even more impressive. Director Peter Glenville's adaptation of Jean Anouhilh's stage play was one of the most acclaimed films of 1964. It has been absent on home video since a laser disc edition went out of print many years ago.
Now MPI has released the movie in its original splendor thanks to a grant from the Film Foundation and AMPAS. It was worth the wait. The special edition DVD presents the film in a transfer of stunning quality. Adding to the enjoyment is a wealth of extras highlighted by the audio commentary from Peter O'Toole. Becket was his follow-up film after his star-making turn in David Lean's Lawrence of Arabia and his acclaimed performance cemented his reputation as one of the most promising actors of his generation. Acting against his friend and peer Richard Burton, the duo give textbook examples of the goals that actors should aspire to. Becket should be required viewing for every novice thespian. The other extras are brief but informative interviews with composer Laurence Rosenthal (who admits to being a dark horse candidate for the job over the objections of producer Hal Wallis) and legendary editor Anne V. Coates. Curiously, both Rosenthal and Coates feel the film might have benefited from an action sequence or two, but it is precisely this restraint on the part of director Glenville that makes Becket so unique. It would be virtually impossible for the film to be made today- it's pace would be considered too lethargic for modern audiences. Thankfully, one can revel in the fact that this is fine acting in its purest form, graced by a literate, engrossing script that does not require artificial action sequences to engage audience interest. The film presents O'Toole as King Henry II, a tempermental snob who appoints his fellow carouser and good friend Thomas Becket as Archbishop of Canterbury largely as a poke in the eye to his enemies in the church hierarchy. The drama unfolds when Becket unexpectedly takes his duties seriously, thus putting him on a collision course with his old friend.
The DVD is a thoroughly enjoyable experience and MPI has afforded many other extras including the original trailer, a 1967 reissue TV spot and a wealth of stills and publicity material. It's a first-rate presentation of a film that showcased two of the finest actors of our time at the peek of their talents. Put this on your "must-have" list.- Lee Pfeiffer
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A BECKET PHOTO TRIBUTE FROM THE ARCHIVES OF CINEMA RETRO