Day 2 NYFF: A Classic and a Trilogy Provide Thrills

Stefan Kurt and Paraschiva Dragus in "Dreileben." Photos courtesy of New York Film Festival.

THE first full day of the 49th New York Film Festival opens ambitiously with the much ballyhoed digitally restored version of "Ben-Hur."

Warner Home Video undertook the restoration of the film, winner of 11 Oscars, to coincide with the 50th anniversary year (1959) of its release.

Not only does the audience get a treat in seeing such a visually superior version of "Ben-Hur," it will witness the introduction of the film by Catherine Wyler and Fraser Heston. They are the daughter of the director (William Wyler) and the son of the star (Charlton Heston).

The day continues with what are some of the strongest films in the festival: “Dreileben” Parts 1, 2 and 3), “The Loneliest Planet,” “A Separation,” and “Miss Bala.” Viewers who miss them today should not despair because most of the films in the “Main Slate” category will have multiple screenings.

Gael GarcÍa Bernal, Hani Furstenberg and Bidzina Gujabidze in "The Loneliest Planet."

Leila Hatami and Peyman Moadi in "A Separation."

Stephanie Sigman in "Miss Bala."

Visit http://www.filmlinc.com/nyff2011/schedule to learn more about the 49th New York Film Festival, including schedule, ticket and venue information.