Demetrius and the Gladiators
Starring: Victor Mature, Michael Rennie, Richard Egan, Ernest Borgnine, Susan Hayward, Debra Paget, Jay Robinson
Directed By: Delmer Daves
Composed By: Franz Waxman

What they say: The thrilling sequel to The Robe (1953), Demetrius and the Gladiators (1954) follows the further adventures of the Christian slave Demetrius (Victor Mature), sentenced to servitude as a gladiator in the Roman arena. There, his faith is tested in to-the-death combat and by the wiles of the seductive Messalina (Susan Hayward)—all under the obsessive eye of the mad Emperor Caligula (Jay Robinson). Director Delmer Daves brings epic sweep to the tale, supported by the bravura score of Franz Waxman (available here as an isolated track).
Enjoy the extensive Julie Kirgo liner notes and film art packaged with the Blu-ray disc.

What I say: After the huge success of The Robe production was began quickly by its producers. While missing some of the stars from The Robe, this time film focuses on Demetrius and how he deals with his faith being tested. The mad Emperor Caligula pits him in the Gladiator Arena in order to wear him down. Does Demetrius lose his faith? Does Caligula get The Robe? Well, I won’t spoil those answers here, but this film is very compelling in getting us to those answers.

The performances are all incredible, especially Jay Robinson as Caligula and Susan Hayward as seductress Messalina. As usual for Twilight Time is transfer is quite stunning and the film looks almost like it was brand new. The sound is also well represented along with an isolated score track.

A great film treated great is always welcome, and Twilight Time has done it again.

Film: 8/10
Blu-Ray: 9/10
Recommended!

Bite the Bullet
Starring: Candice Bergen, Ian Bannen, Dabney Coleman, Gene Hackman,James Coburn, Ben Johnson, Jan-Michael Vincent
Directed By: Richard Brooks
Composed By: Alex North

What they say: In Bite the Bullet (1975), writer/director Richard Brooks (The Professionals) gives us a Western on a grand scale, focusing on a 700-mile horse race across the bleakly beautiful landscape of the American Southwest. Entrants battling desert and mountain, freezing cold and blistering heat—not to mention their own inner demons—include a former Rough Rider (Gene Hackman); his old comrade-in-arms, now a gambler (James Coburn); a feisty onetime prostitute (Candice Bergen); a weary saddle tramp (Ben Johnson); a wealthy English toff (Ian Bannen); and an arrogant kid (Jan-Michael Vincent) looking to make his reputation. Featuring a score by the one and only Alex North (available here as an isolated track).
Enjoy the extensive Julie Kirgo liner notes and film art packaged with the Blu-ray disc.

What I say: Eight people go on a race to win $2000 in the old west. Sounds simple right? Well hold on pardner! There’s more to it than that. While fighting horrible conditions and each other, their own character goes either for or against them.

Bite the Bullet came toward the end of the Westerns reign at the Box Office and as such, it’s not as well known as it should be. This film has perhaps the most impressive cast I have ever seen in a western including Gene Hackman, Candice Bergen, Jan Michael Vincent, Ben Johnson, James Coburn, Dabney Coleman and a whole lot more. Needless to say, the cast is simply wonderful. Of course Twilight Time has brought us another gorgeous transfer. The colors especially really pop, and westerns generally are not known for the colors. The film looks pristine and it truly is a joy to watch.

Film: 8/10
Blu-Ray: 9/10
Recommended!

Each Twilight Time release is limited to 3000 copies then they are gone! They are also exclusively offered by screenarchives.com. You can order Demetrius and the Gladiators and Bite the Bullet now!

And finally the Twilight Time April releases have just landed here at the About Heroes satellite and will be reviewed VERY soon!