- Actors: Russell Crowe, Joaquin Phoenix, Connie Nielsen, Oliver Reed, Richard Harris
- Directors: Ridley Scott
- Writers: David Franzoni, John Logan, William Nicholson
- Producers: Branko Lustig, David Franzoni, Douglas Wick, Laurie MacDonald
- Format: Box set, Limited Edition
- Language English
- Classification: 15
- Studio: Universal Pictures
- VHS Release Date: 20 Nov 2000
- Run Time: 155 minutes
- Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars See all reviews (501 customer reviews)
- ASIN: B00005226V
- Amazon Bestsellers Rank: 11,717 in Video (See Top 100 in Video)
Product details |
Product Description
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 movie making 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 marvelling at the glory that was Rome, when you are not marvelling 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 Saving Private Ryan. 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 Colosseum 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.
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
147 of 154 people found the following review helpful
Format:Blu-ray
Unreserved five stars for PQ on the remastered edition (the AQ was always excellent).
Now what you really want to know: how can you be sure you're getting the new edition, and not the shoddy first release? As of 9 September, NBC Universal UK have confirmed three things:
1. They have started shipping the new edition to retailers, but it's up to retailers as to when they sell it.
2. The new edition has a "Pocket-Blu" logo on the back, comprising the pocket BLU symbol and the words "pocket BLU"; this is the sole distinguishing mark. If it's there, you have the new edition; if not, the old.
3. The combined Robin Hood/Gladiator release includes the new edition of Gladiator.
Happy hunting!
Matthew
Now what you really want to know: how can you be sure you're getting the new edition, and not the shoddy first release? As of 9 September, NBC Universal UK have confirmed three things:
1. They have started shipping the new edition to retailers, but it's up to retailers as to when they sell it.
2. The new edition has a "Pocket-Blu" logo on the back, comprising the pocket BLU symbol and the words "pocket BLU"; this is the sole distinguishing mark. If it's there, you have the new edition; if not, the old.
3. The combined Robin Hood/Gladiator release includes the new edition of Gladiator.
Happy hunting!
Matthew
11 of 12 people found the following review helpful
Format:Blu-ray|Amazon Verified Purchase
Gladiator is a classic film, and this Blu Ray release brings it to life like never been seen before. I own the DVD of the original and extended editions, and I was shocked at the quality of the image and sound that Blu Ray gives. Some of the scenes looked surprisingly different because of the extra clarity, and the difference is breathtaking. I particularly like that this product includes the extended edition of the film in full HD, and these extra scenes just fill in a few gaps that were present in the cinema release. I was originally sceptical about the improvement that Blu Ray could give over traditional DVDs, but after seeing Gladiator I am converted. Absolutely stunning.
27 of 31 people found the following review helpful
Format:DVD
I remember the first time I watched this movie on TV, at my friend's place. He was all like "Aw man! You gotta see the action scenes!". So I went over to his place and watched it. We watched the battle in the start, and then he was all over the fast forward-button until we came to the scenes in the arenas. So I didn't quite know what this movie was all about, and at that time I hadn't heard of Russel Crowe before (Hey, I was only 14!).
But now I know much more. The movie is directed by one of the worlds most respected directors; Ridley Scott (Blade Runner, Alien, Hannibal). The cast list is also great, containing the names of such great actors as Russel Crowe, Connie Nielsen, Joaquin Phoenix and Richard Harris. The movie's soundtrack is also lovely! Mighty orchestral music composed by Hans Zimmer (Black Hawk Down, King Arthur), with a great supporting voice by Lisa Gerrard, which will make your tears fly.
The movie is about a great Roman general, named Maximus (Crowe), who is betrayed by the Emperor's son, Commodus, (Phoenix) when he finds out that the emperor (Harris) doesn't want to make Commodus emperor after him, but rather make Maximus emperor. Maximus is being captured and is sent far into the wild with some Roman soldiers. Maximus is to be executed there, but he manages to kill the Roman soldiers and escape. Unfortunately, one of the Roman soldiers manages to wound him before he dies himself. When he comes home to his wife and son on a farm in Spain, he finds them both crucified. Filled with sorrow and hatred, tired from the ride and badly injured by the Roman, Maximus drops to the ground and faints.
He is being picked up, and made a slave by a caravan of slavers. When the caravan reaches Zucchabar, most of the slaves, including Maximus, is bought by a Gladiator-trainer. After many gladiator-battles in different arenas, the remaining slaves travel to Rome, to fight in Colosseum. Maximus now realizes that this is his chance to get his vengeance on Commodus, who now is the emperor of Rome.
Rildey Scott takes Hollywood pictures to the next level, with his brilliant fighting scenes, as well as the sad scenes. This movie is quite violent, but at the same quite sad, which is great! Because then the movie is perfect for both girls and boys.
One of my favorite quotes is from this movie: "My name is Maximus Desmus Maridius. Commander of the armies of the north. General of the Felix legions. Loyal servant of the true emperor, Marcus Aurelius. Father to a murdered son, husband to a murdered wife - And I will have my vengeance, in this life or the next."
This quote is from the scene when Maximus meets Commodus for the first time in the arena, and Commodus finds out that Maximus is alive.
Just watch this movie, and buy the soundtrack while you're at it!
As I said to my friends; There is a reason that such a great movie as Spartacus got 4 Academy Awards, while Gladiator got 5...
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
Great
I bought this on DvD and loved it,now I have it on Blue Ray an love it more. It's a must for action lovers,I thought it had a great story to it too.
Published 5 days ago by David
wonderful version
This movie is great! The front cover is classic and I like the white color.
The video quality of blu-ray is fabulous and with enormous special features which makes this... Read more
The video quality of blu-ray is fabulous and with enormous special features which makes this... Read more
Published 25 days ago by Aaronball
Languages & Verdict
Blu Ray all zone (not confirmed)
Ratio of the feature film:
2.35:1
Length of the Theatrical Cut: 155 min
Length of the Extended Cut: 171 min... Read more
Ratio of the feature film:
2.35:1
Length of the Theatrical Cut: 155 min
Length of the Extended Cut: 171 min... Read more
Published 28 days ago by James
Magnificent film
The story line, the music score and the acting are excellent. Russell Crowe got the best actor oscar. Read more
Published 2 months ago by C. Stuart-monteith
Changes made to the orignal reduce is effectiveness as a film
The changes made to colouring, lighting etc.... for both the bluray version of the theathrical and extended release change the whole look and feel of the film. Read more
Published 2 months ago by J
ARE YOU NOT ENTERTAINED??!!!!
what can i say. this is a very good movie... nag - typical. brilliant from Scott (ALIEN, BLADE RUNNER etc). Read more
Published 3 months ago by Blackhound rise
Does NOT live up to the hype!
I struggled to stay awake through this over-long, wholly unoriginal film. It looks good, and no doubt the special effects are very clever, and but it's slow-moving and... Read more
Published 3 months ago by Mrs Norris
A Yank's report.
For some reason, this movie was cheaper for me to buy from the UK than the identical American version. Being region free, I jumped on it, as it is one of the few modern classics. Read more
Published 3 months ago by H. Robertson
ABSALUTELY INCREDIBLE!!!
This movie is amazing! This version is so crisp and clear you can see the form of the guys tear when he is crying. It is absalutely Fabulous. Read more
Published 4 months ago by SweetsLover
Awesome value - Review of 3disc Ext Spec Ed
This is better than the blu-ray versions out there - except for the sound. If you have a proper Audio Visual setup - then get the Blu-Ray; failing that, this version is ideal and... Read more
Published 4 months ago by Ginola14
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