The Sign of the Cross is a pre-code biblical film from iconic director Cecil B. DeMille, the man behind some of the greatest classic films in cinema including Reap the Wild Wind, Samson and Delilah and The Ten Commandments. This picture stars three of the best performers in cinema, Fredric March (Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde), Claudette Colbert (Imitation of Life) and Charles Laughton (Island of Lost Souls).
In the year 64 A.D., the corrupt and maniacal Emperor Nero Claudius Caesar (Laughton) burns Rome down and decides to blame it on unsuspecting Christians. When the Christians are caught, they are sent to an arena and held in captivity. Meanwhile, the highest-ranking officer in Rome, Prefect Marcus Superbus (March) falls in love for an innocent and beautiful Christian maiden, Mercia (Elissa Landi, After the Thin Man). He wants to free her from captivity. Empress Poppaea (Colbert) learns that she has some competition for Marcus’s love, she partners with Emperor Nero have all the Christians to the arena to meet their maker.
The Sign of The Cross, when first announced, was a movie I was not sure I would be interested in since biblical themed movies are not my thing. But I decided to give it a spin and I am glad I did. This is a fantastic film, with several unforgettable moments. Seeing Claudette Colbert in an erotic milk bathing scene and some brutal slayings in the arena probably startled a few people. Claudette Colbert who many, like me for example, are used to seeing her as the everyday woman, the victim in many films, here plays a wickedly evil character perfectly. She was a magnificent actress. Fredric March and Charles Laughton once again show us why they are legendary screen greats. Cecil B. DeMille directs this with a taste for the flair, the unusual and for shock value. The cinematography by Karl Struss (Sunrise) is so magnificent, that he received an Oscar nomination. The music and dance numbers by Rudolph G. Kopp is also magnificent.
The Sign of the Cross arrives on Blu-ray from Kino Lorber, and it is a wonderful black and white presentation. The image qualify for this release is superior. The movie is on a dual-layered BD-50 disc with a higher contrast, resulting in the film showing a great amount of clarity and detail in scenes taking place both indoors and outdoors. The film has a nice smooth, polished appearance. The grey scale is balanced, with strong textures to interiors. Film grain is present, and no DNR enhancements were detected. The amount of detail for this film on Blu-ray is remarkable. It’s a very strong video presentation.
The English DTS-HD master audio 2.0 track is also crisp and clear. There is a great deal of depth to both dialog and musical numbers. I did not detect any hissing or audio defects. Optional English Subtitles are available.
Extras include not one, but two audio commentaries, one by film historian Mark A. Vieira and the other is by commentary legend and film historian extraordinaire David Del Valle. Both commentaries are worth your time. Mark Vieira focuses shares his thoughts and insights about The Sign of the Cross and director Cecil B. DeMille. The commentary by David Del Valle also has extensive coverage about the film but also talks in detail about British film historian John Kobol and his book that he strongly recommends, The Lost World of DeVille.
There are plenty of theatrical trailers for this release for your viewing pleasure. The Sign of the Cross, The Paradine Case, The Eagle and the Hawk, Death Takes a Holiday, Since You Were Away, Reap the Wild Wind, Bluebeard’s Eight Wife, and Witness for the Prosecution are included on this Blu-ray
The Sign of the Cross is an epic film, a masterpiece by a master-filmmaker. Kino Lorber’s Blu-ray of it is top-notch and is a no-brainer for one’s film collection. HIGHLY recommended!
The Sign of the Cross
Director- Cecil B. DeMille
Cast- Fredric March, Claudette Colbert, Charles Laughton, Elissa Landi
Country of Origin- US
Distributor – Kino Lorber
Number of Discs – 1
Reviewed by – David Steigman
Date- 8/31/20