"The Last Temptation of Christ" was not a blockbuster, either. To have recognized schlock like "The Ten Commandments" but now to ignore Gibson's film is telling.
Aaw come on the Ten Commandments is so much fun! To make a film that's almost 4 hours long and not boring for a moment is an achievement. And Demille was just as sincere in his intentions with the film as Gibson was. He was actively trying to make a film for the ages.