Ben-Hur (1959) 4K Ultra HD Release Details and Collector’s Overview

One of the most celebrated epics in cinema history, Ben-Hur returns in breathtaking fashion with a new 4K Ultra HD release. Known for its massive scale, groundbreaking production, and record-setting awards success, this timeless classic continues to stand as a defining achievement of Hollywood filmmaking.

Ben Hur 4k film

Release Details

  • Ultra HD Blu-ray Languages: English, Spanish, French
  • Ultra HD Blu-ray Subtitles: English SDH, Spanish, French
  • Run Time: 212 minutes
  • Rating: G
  • Digital Street Date: February 17, 2026
  • Physical Street Date: February 17, 2026

The Film

Directed by William Wyler and produced by Sam Zimbalist, Ben-Hur is a remake of the 1925 silent film and an adaptation of Lew Wallace’s 1880 novel Ben-Hur: A Tale of Christ. The film stars Charlton Heston in the title role, alongside Jack Hawkins, Haya Harareet, Stephen Boyd, Hugh Griffith, Martha Scott, Cathy O’Donnell, and Sam Jaffe.

Upon its release, Ben-Hur achieved historic acclaim, winning a record 11 Academy Awards, including Best Picture, Best Director for Wyler, and Best Actor for Heston. Its unprecedented sweep cemented its place among the greatest films ever made.

In 2004, the film was selected for preservation in the United States National Film Registry by the Library of Congress, recognized as “culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant.”

About the Story

Set in ancient Judea during the time of the Roman Empire, Ben-Hur follows Judah Ben-Hur, a Jewish nobleman whose life is shattered by betrayal. When his childhood friend Messala returns as a Roman commander, their relationship collapses under the weight of political loyalty and oppression.

Falsely accused of treason, Judah is separated from his family and condemned to a life of hardship. His journey becomes one of survival, revenge, and ultimately redemption, unfolding against the backdrop of one of the most iconic chariot races ever put to film.

Blending spectacle with deeply personal storytelling, Ben-Hur remains a towering achievement in epic cinema.

Special Features

The 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray and digital release include an extensive collection of new and legacy bonus content:

  • Ben-Hur: Anatomy of an Epic (NEW)
  • The Cinematography of Scale (NEW)
  • Charlton Heston & Ben-Hur: A Personal Journey
  • Ben-Hur: The Making of an Epic
  • Ben-Hur: A Journey Through Pictures
  • Screen Tests: George Baker and William Russell
  • Screen Tests: Leslie Nielsen and Cesare Danova
  • Screen Tests: Leslie Nielsen and Yale Wexler
  • Screen Tests: Haya Harareet and Make-Up Test
  • Commentary by Film Historian T. Gene Hatcher with Charlton Heston (2 Parts)
  • Music Only Track Showcasing Miklós Rózsa’s Award-Winning Score (2 Parts)

With its monumental scale, unforgettable performances, and enduring legacy, Ben-Hur remains one of the greatest achievements in film history. This new 4K Ultra HD release offers a definitive presentation of the epic, allowing audiences to experience its grandeur with modern clarity and detail.

For collectors and classic film enthusiasts, this edition is an essential addition—preserving a landmark of cinema for generations to come.

 

 

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Publisher at Toronto Guardian. Photographer and Writer for Toronto Guardian and Joel Levy Photography