The Making of 'Lawrence of Arabia' (2000)

A behind-the-scene look at the filming and evolution of the Academy Award-winning film, including interviews with the cast and crew.

Part 1: Making of Lawrence of Arabia
An informative, exclusive hour-long making-of feature that explores not just the production history of Lawrence of Arabia but the meaning of the film as well. Documentary recalls the life of T.E. Lawrence, the marriage of Lawrence's story and film, the initial film discussions and how David Lean came to be attached to the project, the process of assembling a script, casting, costuming, working in the desert and scouting desert locations, the challenges of the shoot, Lean's exacting ways, anecdotes from the set, cinematography and the process of crafting some of the film's most difficult scenes, Sam Spiegel's arrest during the shoot, themes and character arcs, the editing process, scoring the film, the film's release, its restoration, and its legacy.

Part 2: More Special Features
1. A Conversation with Steven Spielberg (SD, 8:49): The acclaimed director recalls his first screening, its later impact on his life and career, his fascination with how the film was put together, his reaction to the core story, the picture's artistic licenses and the benefits thereof in this instance, his first meeting with David Lean, his role in the restoration, a unique "live commentary" experience with Lean, and the positives of the film's "natural" filmmaking techniques.
2. Four Original Featurettes: – Maan, Jordan: The Camels Are Cast (SD, 2:00): A vintage two-minute black-and-white news segment looking at the camels' work, role in the film, and life on the set. – In search of Lawrence (SD, 5:00): Another vintage five-minute black-and-white "making-of" promotional featurette that examines the difficult process of shooting in an unforgiving desert. – Romance of Arabia (SD, 4:37): A short vintage four-and-a-half-minute "making-of" feature that looks at the history and natural beauty of one of the world's most fascinating and historically important regions. The piece follows to briefly look at the making of the film. – Wind, Sand and Star: The Making of a Classic (1970) (SD, 4:32): Cast and crew reflect on the film's great success, intercut with making-of footage and voiceover narration covering the difficulties of the shoot. The piece includes some material from other vintage featurettes.
3. New York Premiere (SD, 1:08): Original newsreel footage of the New York premiere.
4. Advertising Campaigns (SD, 4:51): About five minutes long, with music and narration, this little featurette offers quick overviews of the film's advertisement campaigns around the world from its various releases and cuts over the years. (SD, 31:03:06)