Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #2767 in DVD
• Released on: 2005-09-12
• Rating: Suitable for 15 years and over
• Aspect ratio: 2.35:1
• Formats: Anamorphic, Box set, PAL, Special Edition, Widescreen
• Original language: English
• Number of discs: 3
• Running time: 164 minutes

Amazon.co.uk Review
A big-budget summer epic with money to burn and a scale worthy of its golden Hollywood predecessors, Ridley Scott's Gladiator is a rousing, grisly, action-packed epic that takes moviemaking back to the Roman Empire via computer-generated visual effects. While not as fluid as the computer work done for, say, Titanic, it's an impressive achievement that will leave you marveling at the glory that was Rome, when you're not marveling at the glory that is Russell Crowe. Starring as the heroic general Maximus, Crowe firmly cements his star status both in terms of screen presence and acting chops, carrying the film on his decidedly non-computer-generated shoulders as he goes from brave general to wounded fugitive to stoic slave to gladiator hero. Gladiator's plot is a whirlwind of faux-Shakespearean machinations of death, betrayal, power plays, and secret identities (with lots of faux-Shakespearean dialogue ladled on to keep the proceedings appropriately "classical"), but it's all briskly shot, edited, and paced with a contemporary sensibility. Even the action scenes, somewhat muted but graphic in terms of implied violence and liberal bloodletting, are shot with a veracity that brings to mind--believe it or not--Saving Private Ryan, even if everyone is wearing a toga. As Crowe's nemesis, the evil emperor Commodus, Joaquin Phoenix chews scenery with authority, whether he's damning Maximus's popularity with the Roman mobs or lusting after his sister Lucilla (beautiful but distant Connie Nielsen); Oliver Reed, in his last role, hits the perfect notes of camp and gravitas as the slave owner who rescues Maximus from death and turns him into a coliseum star. Director Scott's visual flair is abundantly in evidence, with breathtaking shots and beautiful (albeit digital) landscapes, but it's Crowe's star power that will keep you in thrall--he's a true gladiator, worthy of his legendary status. Hail the conquering hero! --Mark Englehart

Synopsis
Ridley Scott (Blade Runner, Alien) transports Hollywood to second-century Rome in this rousing historical epic that proudly harkens back to such films as Ben-Hur and Spartacus. Russell Crowe plays Maximus, a Roman general who leads the troops in conquering Germania for the empire. When an ageing Marcus Aurelius (Richard Harris) tells Maximus that he'd like him to rule Rome once he's gone, a classic confrontation ensues between the brave and charming soldier--who wants to return home to his wife, son, and farm--and the jealous and conniving Commodus (Joaquin Phoenix), the emperor's only son, who is thirsty for power. Bought as a slave by the profiteering Proximo (Oliver Reed, in his last role), Maximus must kill or be killed in the ring, battling to save not only himself but the future of the very empire that he loves and honours. The film features a terrific battle sequence (that recalls the beginning of Saving Private Ryan), huge crowd scenes of thousands of people, and even a little romance, albeit mostly taboo. The impeccably choreographed gladiator scenes are violent yet thrilling, flashing by like lightning. Gladiator is a glorious spectacle filled with heart and soul.

Customer Reviews

Powerful and emotional epic at its best.
Okay. so you have probably already seen Gladiator either at the cinema or on DVD. So whats special about this version and why should you but it? Thats the question I asked myself. Well, I already have the original version and so has to think about getting this one, but I am glad I did. I read other reviews saying not much was in this that isn't in the original, but I say they are wrong.

Okay, so theres nothing really new here, everything is the same right through to when Maximus (Crowe) gets to Rome. After this, there is nothing brethtakingly new, no new battle scenes, no amazing effects... but there is depth. The additional scenes add to the intigue, build the characters even further and adds a more understanding to the minds of the main characters. We have more behind the scenes plotting to bring about the downfall of the insane Commodu (Phoenix) including one scene where he stands in front of the fireing squad while two Soldiers are executed (if thats not mad I don't know what is!).
So, is it worth getting if you already have a copy of the original? In my view, yes it is because the understanding is heightened far beyond what we had before. If all you want is more battles and gore... don't bother. I will watch this version over and over, the original will stay in my collection bit this is the version for me.

Go ahead and buy it NOW!
I knew there was a reason why I never got around to buying the two disc edition, and now I know: I was waiting for this three-disc edition. I just didn't know what I was waiting for.

It was really interesting to see the new scenes, even though I understand why Ridley Scott cut them out of the big screen version. The film works very well without them - obviously, who didn't love it when they saw it on the big screen? - but if you're a Gladiator fan, you want to see it all. Love the Ridley/Crowe commentary as well.

Oh, just go ahead, you won't regret buying this DVD. I promise.

View the original first - Don't make the same mistake I did!
Fist of all the film itself gets 5 stars; it is an absolutely brilliant film. Well written, perfectly produced and you can easily immerse yourself in the on screen world. So what is my `mistake'?

I thought the extended version was similar to a director's cut (or maybe I thought longer is better) but as Ridley Scott said in the introduction, "the directors cut is the original film". - `Oh' I thought. From here on in I found the reason why certain scenes are cut from films, they just don't seem to work. As you go through this particular version you can pick out some of the added scenes and yes, they do help with characterisation, but only by soundly confirming what you have already picked up on. Some extra scenes just don't really flow with the rest of the film; the few that I found did seem to stand out as extras very clearly. I've never seen the original cinema release but after talking to a friend (and him seeing the various scenes) the few that I thought were extras, well, were.

So, if you haven't seen the original release, view that first, the extra scenes really just get in the way of a brilliant film. Then, if you really did enjoy the film (which you defiantly will) consider buying this if you like viewing the extras on a DVD like how the technical departments did their bit etc...but I wouldn't bother buying this on the merit that it has the extra scenes built into the film - just view these on the original DVD.