Starring: Russell Crowe, Joaquin Phoenix, Connie Nielsen, Oliver Reed, Richard Harris Directed By: Ridley Scott Average Rating: Aspect Ratio: 2.35:1 Audience Rating: R (Restricted) Binding: DVD Format: Color, Dolby, Dubbed, DVD, Subtitled, Widescreen, NTSC Label: Dreamworks Video Number of Items: 3 Region Code: 1 Release Date: August 23, 2005 Running Time: 155 minutes Theatrical Release Date: May 05, 2000
Product Description: A Roman general is reduced to slavery as a gladiator when he suspects the new emperor of killing the beloved old emperor to gain power prematurely. No Track Information Available Media Type: DVD Artist: GLADIATOR Title: GLADIATOR Street Release Date: 08/23/2005 Domestic Genre: ACTION / ADVENTURE
Amazon.com essential video: 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
Practically the best "sword and sandals" epic yet!! For many wags and cynics in Hollywood, the days of the epic "sword and sandals" flick was over but like the Western, if it's done right like it here--you can have a winner!! Russell Crowe and director Ridley Scott have made a film almost comparable to Kubrick's "Spartacus" in depicting a man's quest for freedom--how universal can you get? Supported by a fine cast which includes Oscar nominee Joaquin Phoenix in a break-through role, Connie Nielsen, the late Richard Harris and Oliver Reed plus "I Claudius" Derek Jacobi, "Gladiator" will dazzle and entrance you. I will never understand why a critic like Roger Ebert would give this absorbing film such a negative review--I'm sure his late colleague Gene Siskel would've give this a thumbs up. I've seen this film several times in the theater and on video--and I can't wait for the Blu-ray edition to come out.
Violent, Yes, But Interesting and Well Done I watch very very few movies these days. My husband and I have started watching quite a few recently that we have then turned off in the middle because they were so disappointing for whatever reason. This one we both enjoyed.
Yes, it was violent, so if you are sensitive to violence I would say you should find something else to watch. But, I really enjoyed the story (even though it was fiction with historical characters thrown in) the setting, the costumes, the acting...I really enjoyed it all. I really liked the warfare in the beginning and seeing what technology they had available at the time.
I thought this was a good action adventure movie with a fascinating historical setting as a backdrop.
Review of Recent Purchase Excellent service- I had a problem with the dvd-the seller promptly replaced the item. Would use this seller, again
One of the greatest movie ever Finally, it's here, the blu-ray disc. I expected this for a long, long time. Can't wait to see the HD picture of this great movie.
great movie!! I absolutely love this movie! I was so glad to see it at a reasonable price so I got it! Came fast and in great condition. THanks
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