Add 'Commandments' to DVD classics collection

By Tracy L. Scott
Washington Post

One of the most popular biblical movies ever made, Cecil B. DeMille's 1956 Academy Award-winning classic, the "Ten Commandments," comes to DVD Tuesday.

The film was nominated for seven Oscars, including best picture, and won an Oscar for its special effects, which include the fiery bush that does not burn and the memorable parting of the Red Sea.

The special-edition collection includes a five-part documentary that features information on the real Moses and DeMille.

Charlton Heston stars as the prophet and leader who escapes death by edict as an infant. To spare his life, his birth mother places him in a basket on the river. He is found by royalty and raised as an Egyptian prince, but when he discovers his Hebrew heritage, he recognizes the horrors the enslaved Israelites endure.

Moses decides to live among his native people and accepts their religion. Following orders from God, he demands the pharaoh release the slaves.

Several miraculous events, including the first Passover, persuade the prince of Egypt (Yul Brynner) to free the Israelites.

More miracles follow, including the inscription of the 10 commandments upon two stone tablets.

The impressive cast includes Anne Baxter and Vincent Price.

220 minutes, rated G.

Current releases

• "Best of the Improv" (Koch; six-disc DVD). This collector's set includes six volumes of some of the best-known stage and TV comedians. Jerry Seinfeld, Steve Harvey, Ellen DeGeneres, Ray Romano, Janeane Garofalo and Chris Rock are featured. Comedian bios are included.

• "Brother Son, Sister Moon" (Paramount). From Academy Award-winning director Franco Zeffirelli, this movie stars Graham Faulkner as heir to a textile fortune, but he chooses to live as a monk.

• "Funny Ladies Collection" (Koch; four-disc DVD). Thirty-two of the world's funniest women are featured in this collection. Margaret Cho, Ellen DeGeneres, Rosie O'Donnell and Janeane Garofalo are among those featured.

• "To Serve Them All My Days" (Acorn). This "Masterpiece Theatre" production stars John Duttine as a traumatized soldier who becomes a teacher and changes lives, including his own.

• "What's New Scooby-Doo? Safari, So Goodi!" (Warner Home Video). Daphne, Fred, Shaggy, Velma and Scooby are back on the case. Four episodes are featured: "It's Mean, It's Green, It's the Mystery Machine," "Riva Ras Vegas," "Roller Ghoster Ride" and "Safari, So Goodi!"