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Becket - DVD (Wmt) | 
| Director: Peter Glenville
Actors: Felix Aylmer, Geoffrey Bayldon, Pamela Brown, Gino Cervi, Hamilton Dyce
Studio: MPI Home Video
Category: DVD
List Price: CDN$ 32.99
Buy New: CDN$ 19.80
You Save: CDN$ 13.19 (40%)
New (18) Used (3) from CDN$ 18.99
Rating:  36 reviews
Sales Rank: 7803
Format: Dolby, Ntsc, Restored
Languages: English (Original Language), English (Published), French (Published)
Region: 1
Aspect Ratio: 2.35:1
Shipping Weight (lbs): 0.3
Dimensions (in): 7.5 x 5.4 x 0.7
MPN: D1053D
UPC: 030306105390
EAN: 0030306105390
ASIN: B00007G1WH
Theatrical Release Date: March 11, 1964
Release Date: May 15, 2007
Availability: Usually ships within 1 - 2 business days
Shipping: Expedited shipping available
Shipping: International shipping available
Condition: Ships from the USA. ALL ITEMS ARE BRAND NEW! Delivery takes from 10-14 Working Days.
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| Customer Reviews: Read 31 more reviews...
 Will this EVER be on DVD?? July 3, 2004
2 out of 3 found this review helpful
What a wonderful movie buta horrific version on VHS. Some of the scenes are so dark you have to really stretch to even make out basic facial features. It's sad indeed, with one of the best films by both Burton and O'Toole.
 Rendering unto Caesar... April 3, 2004
JLind555
7 out of 7 found this review helpful
"Becket" explores the question put to Christ two millenia ago of whether man owes his primary loyalty to his monarch or to God. The search for the resolution of that question, and how it was answered, makes "Becket" one of the best historical dramas ever made. Peter O'Toole and Richard Burton are in top form as the young Henry II of England and his partner-in-mayhem Thomas Becket, whose primary interests are wine and women and not necessarily in that order. England in the 12th century was devoutly Roman Catholic, and the Catholic hierarchy enjoyed a level of power and prestige equal to, if not higher than, the king himself. But when the old archbishop dies and Henry needs to appoint a successor in his place, Henry outfoxes everyone by doing an end run around the bishops and naming Becket as the new archbishop. The bishops are upset; they believe Henry intends for Becket to be a puppet figure to be used to further the king's own ends. But to everyone's surprise, Becket takes his job more seriously than Henry ever intended. No one could be more stunned and shocked at this development than Henry himself.pThe confrontation between Henry and the clergy is set immediately following the old archbishop's death, when Henry informs the assembled bishops that there will only be one head honcho in England, and that is the king. The bishops are not used to having their power abrogated by anyone outside the church; they answer only to the pope and to God. The king and clergy are on collision course, and Henry, to his chagrin, finds that Becket is solidly on the side of the Church his king has appointed him to represent. There will be no compromise here. The stage is thus set for a fateful confrontation.pOne has to wonder: when Henry blurted out his petulant rhetorical question "Will no one rid me of this turbulent priest?", did he really not expect to be taken at his word? He's made it clear over and over again that he is the king, and the king is the law. So it's hard not to feel a sense of disgust at Henry's hypocrisy as he undergoes a ritual flogging in the cathedral crypt to expiate his guilt at having instigated Becket's murder, and immediately afterwards announces on the church steps that Becket will be venerated as a saint. Power-hungry to the last, Henry has abrogated to himself the privilege of an announcement that should have come from the new archbishop, or from the pope who alone has the power of canonization.pThe film has everything going for it: a great plot, two excellent performances by Burton and O'Toole, terrific direction and cinematography, and fine historical accuracy. The Gregorian chant running through the scenes in the cathedral transport the viewer 700 years back in time. For two unforgettable hours, we're part of 12th century England.pAnd finally, let me add my request to those of the other reviewers of this excellent movie: Will someone please hurry up and release this film on DVD? I'll be first in line to buy it.
Dual Portraits: Monarch and Martyr February 17, 2004
Robert Morris (Dallas, Texas)
3 out of 3 found this review helpful
Peter Glenville's direction of this film in no way diminishes the quality of acting among members of the cast, notably Burton and O'Toole, both of whom were nominated for an Academy Award for best actor in a leading role; however, Glenville allows a somewhat sluggish pace which reduces the dramatic impact of the plot, and especially of the multi-dimensional relationship between Thomas Becket (Burton) and his monarch, Henry II (O'Toole). In fact, Edward Anhalt received an Academy Award for his adaptation of Jean Anouilh's play. I wish Glenville had made better use of his cast as well as of Anhalt's screenplay. That said, Burton and O'Toole are magnificent. They portray youthful best friends who share a commitment to hedonism...and to little else. Later, Henry II selects an obviously reluctant Becket (by then a priest) to serve as Archbishop of Canterbury. Becket's acceptance marks a defining moment which he recognizes but his king does not: Henceforth his highest loyalty will be to Almighty God, not to the occupant of the English throne. Opinions vary as to whether or not the historical Henry specifically ordered Becket's assassination but all agree that he would never have authorized it to be done in Canterbury Cathedral. Nonetheless it was.pThis is a visually stunning film, perhaps even moreso than (for example) The Lion in Winter (1968) in which O'Toole also appears as Henry II. Granted, the relationship between Henry and Eleanor in that film is quite different from Henry's relationship with Becket. Also, The Lion in Winter covers only a few days during one Christmas season whereas the timeframe in Becket extends over several decades. However, both films focus on conflicting as well as congenial relationships. In Becket, Henry (in effect) finds himself competing with God for Becket's loyalty and devotion. He loses. The supporting cast is first-rate. Notably John Gielgud (Louis VII), Donald Wolfit (Bishop Folliot), Martita Hunt (Queen Matilda), and Gino Cervi (Cardinal Zambelli). The role of Queen Eleanor (Pamela Brown) is minor when contrasted with Eleanor (Katherine Hepburn) as she is presented in The Lion in Winter. pQuestion: Why is there no DVD version of Becket?pThose who share my high regard for this film are urged to check out the aforementioned The Lion in Winter as well as Cromwell (1970), Elizabeth (1998), A Man for All Seasons (1966), Anne of the Thousand Days (1969), and Mary, Queen of Scots (1971).
Well Thomas, is the Honor of God satisfied now? October 2, 2003
the wizard of uz (Studio City, CA United States)
2 out of 2 found this review helpful
Peter O'Toole, two years after his breakthrough into stardom with Lawrence of Arabia teamed up with Richard Burton in what became one of the most powerful and engaging films of all time: Becket.pThe title role is played by Burton , Becket the libertine Saxon who loves good things--and good things are Norman, while O'Toole plays Henry the Second, Norman Plantagenet king of England, grandson of William the Conqueror. He's also a libertine, a 'perennial adolescent' but deeply loves the only friend he ever had, the 'man he raised from nothing', Becket , who, unlike Henry, is an intellectual mastermind, loyal to his friend and king but unable to forgive himself for having lost his honor, long ago, when he decided that the good life meant collaborating with the hated Normans. pWhew! (For historical nitpickers Becket was a Norman as well, but never mind, the author needed the contrast and it plays wonderfully)pWhen The Archbishop of Canterbury dies of old age Henry believes he's hit upon a masterstroke to outfox any rivals to this powerfull post: He'll appoint Becket.br brSample dialogue:pBecket: 'Have you considered what the Pope will say?' brHenry: 'I'll pay his price'brBecket: 'My lord, I beg you do not do this!'brHenry: 'Why?'brBecket: 'It frightens me'brHenry: 'I thought you had God in the palm of your hand 'pAnd at this point I wish to apologise for not doing enough justice to this masterpiece of wit, plot--and honor...pTo say the acting is superb is an understatement. pUnfortunately since both Burton and O'Toole were 'leads' The Academy split and neither won the Oscar for Best Actor. pPeter O'Toole later recreated the character of Henry, decades older in The Lion in Winter with Katherine Hepburn--another great film. As to Burton, even taking into consideration Who is Afraid of Virginia Woolf with Elizabeth Taylor--again a great film and a great performance--'Becket' was by far, his greatest role, his best achievement.pBut don't take my word for it. pWatch this film and see what great acting can be. . .
Superb Acting September 2, 2003
Peter Kenney (Birmingham, Alabama, USA)
1 out of 1 found this review helpful
BECKET is a movie about the Saxon Thomas Becket and his friendship with the Norman King Henry II. Seking more influence over the Roman Catholic Church of England Henry appoints Becket as the Archbishop of Canterbury. After assuming his new duties Becket takes the job too seriously for the king's liking. Henry feels betrayed and from this point on the film moves relentlessly toward its tragic conclusion.pThe acting is superb led by Richard Burton as Becket and Peter O'Toole as Henry II. The strong supporting cast includes John Gielgud, Donald Wolfit, Gino Cervi and Paola Stoppa.pBECKET received an Oscar for Best Adapted Screenplay and eleven other nominations including Best Picture, Director (Peter Glenville), Actor (Richard Burton and Peter O'Toole) and Supporting Actor (John Gielgud). The main competition for Academy Awards in 1964 came from MY FAIR LADY and MARY POPPINS.
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