- Number of discs: 1
- Classification: Exempt
- ASIN: B000051WAG
- Amazon Bestsellers Rank: 290,368 in Film & TV (See Top 100 in Film & TV)
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Amazon.co.uk Review
A historically accurate look at the gladiators of ancient Rome is presented in this documentary filmed mostly in Rome and at the famed ruins of Pompeii. The roots of gladiatorial combat is traced to the harshness of Roman culture, and the way fighting between slaves went from casual attractions in town squares to enormous spectacles in specially built arenas throughout the Roman empire is explained by historians. Much of what we know about gladiators emerged from clues found when the buried Roman city of Pompeii was excavated and carefully examined, and drawings of gladiators found on walls in the ancient city are shown. The Roman gladiators became wildly popular cult figures, managed by businessmen and chased by what today we would call groupies. The "sport" of combat became increasingly violent, with each successive emperor raising the stakes until literally hundreds of people were involved in bloody spectacles staged for the entertainment of a screaming crowd. Using films of scholars who faithfully re-enact the roles of gladiators, as well as stock footage from Hollywood productions, this documentary provides a fairly comprehensive introduction to how gladiators lived, fought and died. --Robert J. McNamara
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3 reviews
12 of 14 people found the following review helpful
Very Irritating Flickering Scenes
29 May 2002
Format:DVD
This is the WORST DVD I ever bought technically! The movie excerpts are from clippings from old films and the clarity is beyond recognition. I find the excerpts very irritating. They were a lot of flickering (as if you are watching a movie or television show using an old television set or your set back to the 1950's when the frame of the TV screen keeps on flickering continuously until the screen stabilizes). The running time is actually more or less an hour and not 90 minutes as advertised. The special features are not really special anymore because they were just repeats of the main feature. You will realize that you will watching the same scenes a couple of times. Some scenes are shown more than five times just to stretch the time. Do not waste your money with this DVD. I wasted mine! This is not a DVD quality. The quality of the silent movies are much better!
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful
Great Video For Learning about Gladiators
21 Nov 2006
Format:DVD
As a high school teacher, I found that this video passes the basic test of an 'educational' video--it informs and entertains. My freshmen enjoyed it and stayed focused. The information is accurate and presented in an interesting and coherent manner. Good use is made of Hollywood archival footage as well as live shots from a school in northern Italy devoted to recreating the lives of gladiators down to the smallest detail. Backed by concise background information on the Roman Republic and Empire. It would also be of interest to anyone with an interest in the Roman Empire, and good background for such Hollywood films as Spartacus and Gladiator. Recommended. 4 and a half stars.
7 of 10 people found the following review helpful
The grim reality behind the Hollywood spectacle
3 May 2001
Format:VHS Tape
I thought this video was an excellent documentary, which should be viewed alongside the recent Academy Award winning movie. This documentary helps one really understand the times portrayed in the movie. I thorougly recommend this video.
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