Eleventh-century Spain is divided into Christian kingdoms and Moorish strongholds. The young Rodrigo Diaz de Bivar, who has been dubbed El Cid by his followers, vows to see his country at peace, free from the invader. Showing clemency to some emirs, he faces treason charges at court. His accuser, Gomez, father of his fiancee, Chimene, dies in the resulting duel. Chimene's avowed vengeance plot fails and Rodrigo is given her hand. When King Ferdinand dies, his kingdom is divided among his three children. Sancho challenges the decision and imprisons Alfonso, who is released by El Cid. Then Sancho is assassinated by an African war-lord. Alfonso now claims that throne, too, and exiles El Cid. Chimene realizes the nobility of her husband and joins him. The years pass and El Cid becomes a revered warrior, but refuses to aid Alfonso. He lays siege to Valencia, catapulting food into its starving garrison. The Valencians kill their evil ruler and offer the crown to El Cid. He sends it to Alfonso, who rushes to his side. But El Cid has been hit by a stray arrow. Attended by Chimene, he hides the wound from his men and prepares a final bid to drive the Moors from Spain.

Two-disc deluxe ed. Originally released as a motion picture in 1961. First half of film plays on 1st disc, film is continued on 2nd disc. Special features: Disc 1: Feature commentary with Bill Bronston and Neal M. Rosendorf; vintage radio interviews with Charlton Heston and Sophia Loren; still galleries; filmographies. Disc 2: Hollywood conquers Spain: the making of El Cid; Samuel Bronston: the epic journey of a dreamer; behind the camera: Anthony Mann and El Cid; Miklós Rózsa: maestro of the movies; preserving our legacy: Gerry Byrne on film preservation and restoration; trailer gallery.

Disc 1. El Cid [pt. 1]; special features -- disc. 2. El Cid [pt. 2]; special features.