Receiving this film on blu-ray was a really nice surprise, a truly considerate gift. The visuals are stunning; the lighting is exceptional. Visconti has created an absorbing historical drama that avoids the superficiality common in many similar productions. Burt Lancaster gives a wonderful performance as a Sicilian Prince navigating his realm’s incorporation into Italy. Themes of romance, conflict, wealth, and hardship are all handled with skill and sensitivity, conveying a real feeling for how precarious things were. Alain Delon and Rina Morelli both shine, along with Claudia Cardinale, and Nino Rota's music is rich and beautiful throughout. You don’t need to be an expert on the historical context; the story progresses beautifully.

Source on TMDB