I think some people think Heston's was the original. It wasn't. As far as the story, it's been said that this new version is far closer to the 1880 novel it's based on, than the other three versions before it. I saw the movie, and liked it. It's not great-but it's not horrible, either. It's worth the price of admission for the great sea battle scenes and the chariot race alone. If you like that kind of thing, this movie did them really well. It just isn't the kind of movie that will appeal to the general audience, sadly. As far as it being better than the 1959 version, I don't like Heston, so I have never seen that version, and probably never will. I think, had the 1959 version never existed, this movie wouldn't be getting half the flack it is getting. It isn't bad, at all. Worth a watch, but maybe for some of you, on half price night or something.