Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #301 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

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

ONE REVIEW ONE SENTENCE
The Gladiator surpasses all expectations for a nights entertainment with Crowe, as Roman General Maximus, who delivers a perfect performance as a man driven by revenge, and also for bringing Oliver Reed back to life!

A true masterpiece
This perhaps my favourite film of all time, I have een it many times and it does not loose it's appeal, an action film with real heart and soul. Gladiator has a superb cat Oliver Reeds(superb as Proximo) Richard Harris (Marcus Aurellius) Russle Crowe (Gladiator) are the stand outs in my view. Crowe delivers a strong emotional performance he portrays a constant conflict of anger and sadness. The special effeccts make you feel like rome is there to be grapsed(the collesium is spectacular)
The film is even better for the extnded edition... bits put back in that were left out for the cinema. The extras are superb as well particuarly the piece looking at how oliver reeds part was completed after his death.

If you have not seen the fil i think you must a film for all ages great action scenes and great directing from Ridley Scott.

Superior.
As a great fan of the likes of 'Ben Hur' and 'Spartacus', I was ready to dismiss Gladiator as a generic amalgamation of the sword and sandle genre.
Unfortunately my snobbish take was somewhat derailed by a production of considerable merit. Ridley Scotts direction has given the movie a distinctive flavour enabling the principles to create characters which are far from derivitive.
This special edition enhanced my enjoyment of a film which provokes a broad spectrum of emotion without being pretentious or unduely challenging.
Just a great film to watch.....That Crowe guy's not too bad either.