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 enlarge | Director: Boris Sagal
Actors: Peter O'toole, Peter Strauss, Barbara Carrera, Anthony Quayle, David Warner
Studio: Koch Vision
Category: DVD
List Price: $29.98
Buy New: $13.93
You Save: $16.05 (54%)
New (38) Used (8) from $12.99
Rating:  88 reviews
Sales Rank: 2889
Format: Color, Full Screen, Ntsc
Language: English (Original Language)
Rating: NR (Not Rated)
Number Of Items: 2
Running Time: 394
Aspect Ratio: 1.33:1
Shipping Weight (lbs): 1
Dimensions (in): 7.5 x 5.3 x 0.6
MPN: KCHDKOC6482D
UPC: 741952648291
EAN: 0741952648291
ASIN: B000S0KYTE
Theatrical Release Date: April 5, 1981
Release Date: September 11, 2007
Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days
Shipping: Expedited shipping available
Shipping: International shipping available
Condition: BRAND NEW AND FACTORY SEALED
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| Customer Reviews:
 the best that TV mini-series can offer July 24, 2008
1 out of 1 found this review helpful
This is a very good made-4-tv melodrama based on the historical myth of the Jewish struggle against the Romans. So far as I could see, in telling a complex story with many layers and on an epic scale, it strove for a level of historical accuracy that is rare for TV. This could not be done as well in a 2-hour movie - it merits 6 hours.
At the center of the film is the conflict between two charismatic leaders. O'Toole is the Roman general, who is hard yet reasonable and not cruel. Strauss is the leader of the zealots: hardly a religious fanatic, he wants to preserve the freedom of his people and is willing to risk everything to do so. Both are deeply conflicted: the aristocratic Roman is exhausted, having lost his beloved wife while on campaign and taking solace in drink. Strauss is wracked with personal doubts, yet is a brilliant tactitian and natural leader. After some good-faith negotiations that fail due to Roman politics, the two enter an end-game struggle that will decide both of their fates. The acting is so good that the viewer can believe them completely.
There are also plots within plots, which are very interesting. On the one hand, O'Toole must contend with the poisonous creatures of Roman political intrigues, who interfere with his professional maneuvering in the field. This pits him and his gifted military engineer against a number of his former intimates, perhaps even the emperor himself. His idealism remains intact, if compromised by realities. Another subplot is his taking on a concubine slave, the unbelievably beautiful Carrera in her prime. On the other hand, the Jews are also fighting eachother, debating what course to take in ever murderous risks. The performances are wonderfully subtle and nuanced, if at times melodramatic.
Then there is the setting, which in the real place is absolutely spectacular. They are fighting over a desert, which is of little strategic military value, highlighting the political nature of the conflict. It is splendidly ironic in my viewing and the Roman engineering of a platform and siege vehicle is fascinating.
As a history buff, I was not entirely comfortable with the "take" of the film. It fits into official myths, which are very current in the contemporary Middle East, leaving little space to rival interpretations. That is, there is a great controversy as to the true nature of the zealots: the only written source is Josephous, who transcribed the tale from several alleged survivors and later used by Moshe Dayan as a propagandistic image for military training. Their version does not entirely jibe with the archaeological evidence, which points to a less unified or accepted actions by the zealots. Indeed, there is a blatant plug for Israeli nationalism at the beginning and end of the series, which explains Masada in crude patriotic terms. It is the only thing that mars the series.
Recommended. It will stimulate and fascinate.
 el cid & masada July 20, 2008
both excellent dvds. Cannot wait for 55 days at Peking.What about a special edition King of Kings. Going off the subject slightly. I am anxious to purchase the following dvds in the very near future if they ever become available: Master of the Game by Sidney Sheldon, AD-Anno Domini & Washington Behind Closed Doors. Again excellent value and presentation.
Masada - The Complete Mini-Series June 10, 2008
As good as I remembered it. It was great to be able to view the whole series at once.
Masada - My visit & the mini-series. May 28, 2008
My wife & I visited Masada recently while on a "Holy Land Tour". While at Masada, I learned about the mini-series and was excited to order it after returning to the US. The DVD gives the viewer actual 1981 footage of Israel Army (IDF) recruits being sworn into military service at the begining and end of the film. It is my understanding that this practice ended approx 10 years ago; however it emphasizes how important Masada is to the national heritage of Israel. In fact one Israel tour internet site states that it is the second most visited historical site behind Jerusalem itself. The DVD gives excellant footage of Masada and the surrounding area of the Dead Sea. Several sets in the DVD, including the synagogue, closely resemble the actual ruins. This 1981 mini-series may not be of "2008 picture quality" but it is an excellant portrayal of actual events and is a must see for anyone going to, or having been on Masada. I highly recommend it.
Such an Awesome Movie May 26, 2008
I just really enjoyed watching this epic series. I watched it for several nights and enjoyed every minute of it!
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