Lawrence of Arabia
'Lawrence of Arabia 50th Anniversary,' 1962, Sony, PG, 2-disc Blu-ray, $27; 4-disc Blu-ray collector's gift set, $96. The exploits of British Army officer Thomas Edward Lawrence in the Arab revolt were the inspiration for one of the greatest and most influential movies ever made -- director David Lean's 1962 desert epic, 'Lawrence of Arabia.' The 227-minute adventure film was a career breakthrough for Peter O'Toole in the title role and he was supported by a cast that included Alec Guinness, Omar Sharif, Claude Rains and Anthony Quinn and the sweeping vistas of desert itself. This new set has several features, including a look back by O'Toole and Secrets of Arabia (a picture and graphics feature that gives history and trivia about the film and region). It also comes with a soundtrack CD and an 88-page coffee table book. The film was nominated for 10 Academy Awards and won seven, including best picture and director.
