LAWRENCE OF ARABIA
What is perhaps David Lean's most critically acclaimed film, "LAWRENCE OF ARABIA" has finally been released on dvd.  While this reviewer actually considers "RYAN'S DAUGHTER" to be his best film, "LAWRENCE OF ARABIA" is more accessible for the masses, and has something for everyone.   As a youngster, I can recall how mesmerized I was while viewing some 8mm silent film footage of an obviously pan&scan version of it on my father's projector.  The footage was primarily of the raid on a railroad, just one of many spectacular moments.  Even in this rough, mediocre format, the images were startling.  "NOW" that the film is being presented on dvd, after being restored by restoration expert Robert Harris, the film is destined to continue winning over many new fans. 
The film is an epic in every sense.  While it explores the clashing of
several cultures, as well as the beginning of an end of an empire, it
also explores the difference a single individual "can" make to the world
in a large and "defined" sense!  Lawrence was a leader!  By example, he was able to unite varying factions for a common goal and win over the respect and admiration of those who had first distrusted him.  While one expected someone one of his magnitude to die a more glorious death than he did, the way in which Lean handles this moment, brilliantly "demythologizes" the man and causes the viewer to realize, again, the potential we have in what "By history's standards" is a short lifetime. 
Lean's films have often been criticized for being more concerned with
the visual elements than character and story development.  In "LAWRENCE OF ARABIA", Robert Bolt's script is as compelling as the brilliant images.  Time and events progress in a manner that never fails to captivate the viewer.  The cast, especially Peter O' Toole as Lawrence,  is brilliant!  Every role, no matter how small, is perfectly cast. 
Lean's film follows Lawrence's daring, awe-inspiring, and perhaps
"crazy" tactical maneuvers to unite the Arabs against the Turks in WW2.
Every military maneuver is captured in fascinating detail here.  It's
hard not to sit on the edge of the seat throughout most of the film. 
COLUMBIA TRISTAR has preserved the film's correct 2.20:1 aspect ratio with 16:9 enhancement.  While it spans two discs in an excellent shell package, the original theatrical intermission separates the two discs,  so the change isn't intrusive.  The color values are extremely solid.
Fleshtones appear natural throughout the film.  The contrast is
excellent, with fine detail and deep blacks and grays. While there are
some artifacts present, they're only minimally intrusive.
COLUMBIA TRISTAR has included a dolby digital 5.1 remix for this release and it's quite good, although surround effects are minimal.  While there are some fine bass sequences, especially during the epic battles, LFE effects are virtually non-existent.  The dialogue is virtually always intelligible but there is some minor distortion in a few scenes.
Maurice Jarre's unforgettable score is well complimented, although its
clarity on this dvd doesn't match what was achieved on a regular cd.
COLUMBIA TRISTAR has packaged the film over two dvds, and as mentioned the original theatrical intermission separates the two discs properly.
The 2nd disc offers a substantial number of supplements.  "THE MAKING OF LAWRENCE OF ARABIA" is a brilliant documentary, running over an hour!
It's loaded with interviews, and all of the principals from the film,
Sharif, Quinn, Guiness, O'Toole, and Lean, are featured.  The
documentary provides substantial information about the film's actual
production, but also a great deal of info about the restoration of it as
well.
"A CONVERSATION WITH STEVEN SPIELBERG" offers perhaps the greatest "living" director the opportunity to express his love for perhaps the greatest director of all time.  Spielberg explains and gives examples of how Lean influenced his filmmaking aspirations in several instances.
It's also humbling to hear someone as gifted as Spielberg gushing about
another filmmaker.
There are also four short featurettes from the '60s. "Winds, Sand and
Star:The making of a Classic" is the same featurette I viewed as a kid
on 8mm, and it's no less impressive today! The other featurettes are
fine and equally as short, but slightly less impressive. 
There are a substantial amount of DVD-ROM features as well, including "ARCHIVES OF ARABIA," a segment comparing the film, its production, and the historical facts behind it.  This is an ingenious segment in which the screen is segmented into three sections.  One section allows for the actual film to be played, another section provides information about the production, and yet another section provides photographs.  It's a great use of the multi-media capabilities of this format.  Another great DVD-ROM segment, "JOURNEY WITH LAWRENCE" allows for a map of the Middle East, wherein the viewer traces Lawrence's treks and becomes educated as to the historical outcomes of these areas. 
There is another section devoted to Trailers and the nostalgic "NEW YORK PREMIERE".  Theatrical trailers of other Lean films available from COLUMBIA TRISTAR are also included, though they vary from anamorphic to non-anamorphic.