Maximus to Crowe about in this Gladiator of a film (Gladiator (DVD))

Member Name: christianfilm

Product:	Gladiator (DVD)
Date:	28/09/07 (167 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: A decent story, brilliant drama, powerful action sequences, stunning performances and a great soundt

Disadvantages: At 2 hours 44 minutes it is a very long film

NB: This is a review of the 3 Disc, Extended Edition of Gladiator as although I requested this version to be added, Dooyoo informed me that they no longer add each version of a DVD to the system.


>>>> Synopsis

Having lead the Roman troops to victory in Germania, General Maximus (Russell Crowe) finds himself being favoured by the ageing Emperor, Marcus Aurelius (Richard Harris), that is until the Emperor's own son, Commodus (Joaquin Phoenix), betrays his father and sentences Maximus to death. But having escaped his impending doom, Maximus discovers that his wife as well as his son have been brutally murdered on the orders of Commodus. Desolate at the loss of his family, he finds himself in the slavery of Proximo (Oliver Reed) as a gladiator where he must learn to kill or be killed, especially when the gladiatorial spectacle returns to Rome for the pleasure of Commodus.


>>>> Opinion

"I'm not watching some historical rubbish" were the words a friend said when I invited them to watch Ridley Scotts "Gladiator" when it first hit the big screen. "That was absolutely brilliant" or words to that effect were the words I heard after I forced them to watch it and to be honest it is pretty much the way I have felt about the film ever since I first watched it. It has just about everything you could ask for from a modern film brilliant performances, stunning action, powerful soundtrack and most importantly a compelling storyline which drags you in to the thick of the action and takes you on a rollercoaster ride of blood, sweat and tears.

Now I will be the first to admit that I am no history expert and so wouldn't have a clue whether "Gladiator" is in the slightest historically accurate and it doesn't matter as the film is not about the history but about one mans journey from being a Roman General, to slave and onto being a Gladiator where he seeks closure for the ill deeds which have befallen his family. To be honest the overall plotline of a man seeking justice is as unoriginal as they come, but it is the way the story is moulded which makes "Gladiator" stand head and shoulders above numerous other films. Right from the opening sequence, which is amazingly powerful, the film builds up the story of Maximus the popular Roman General, but not just in the sense of his authority with the army or his popularity with the Emperor but also in his love for his family. But it doesn't stop there and right up to the dramatic climax, the story keeps on building with layer upon layer of detail, painting a marvellous picture which engulfs you in the life of this man. That is not to say it is all just about Maximus as the film is full of detail on all the major characters, from Commodus, Proximo and Maximus's brothers in arms, his fellow gladiators. If I was going to levy any criticism against the plot is that it is not so much predictable but doesn't really throw any twists at you, but then I question whether filling "Gladiator" with plot twists would have spoilt it.

One of the most impressive aspects to "Gladiator" is the intensity of the action sequences, and as previously mentioned the opening sequence which features the Roman Army taking on a Horde from Germania really is amazingly powerful, and could easily be compared to scenes from the equally stunning "Braveheart". In some ways the action could be classed as being quite blood thirsty, and at times the visualisation of some of the fighting does leave you drop jawed, but then I wouldn't class it in the least bit gratuitous and fits in perfectly with the atmosphere of the film as well as the story. Whilst the action is stunning it is without doubt aided by some equally stunning CGI effects and at times you struggle to work out what is stunt men plying their trade and what is computer graphics. But the film is not just about the action and the balance between drama, action and CGI is perfect in my mind. It is these stunning action sequences combined with the compelling plot and brilliant performances, not forgetting the soundtrack which helps "Gladiator" stand out compared to many other similar films.

Well you cannot mention "Gladiator" without also mentioning Russell Crowe, men want to be him, women want to be with him, or so I'm told. To be honest I have never been a huge fan of Crowe as in one breathe he can put in a stunning performance and then the next he puts in an equally dire, egotistical one. Thankfully his performance in Gladiator is one of his best, full of strength, passion but also sympathy for his co-stars allowing them to share the limelight with him; although it is such a great performance that even though I cannot criticise any of the other actors Crowe really is the star of the film. Crowe along with all the other actors do something which really makes a film for me, they get so involved in their characters that I forget I'm watching actors perform but instead feel immersed into the storyline as well as the action. The film really is studded with a plethora of star names with veterans such as Oliver Reed, Richard Harris and Derek Jacobi, as well as newer names such as Joaquin Phoenix, Connie Nielson and Djimon Hounsou all of which put in stunning performances.

The final element for me which makes "Gladiator" such a great cinematic experience is the beautifully subtle sound track, which is mainly composed by Hans Zimmer. I say subtle as throughout the film you hear the orchestral music but it never comes across as being over powering, working more in tandem with all the other films elements to create atmosphere and tension. Despite the subtlety it is very memorable and away from the film, on hearing one piece, which appears to be the main re-occurring theme, your thoughts immediately return to the splendour which is "Gladiator".


>>>> Film Summary

Well as I have already said, I think that "Gladiator" is absolutely brilliant, it has a decent story, brilliant drama, powerful action sequences, stunning performances and a great soundtrack, a film which I feel deserves being called an epic. Even my only criticism of a plot which lacks and real twists or turns is a minor one and on the whole I struggle to find fault. For me the appeal lies in the stunning action sequences but for others it is the exceptional acting, or the compelling story but also it appeals to a wide range of people, young and old, male and female. At nearly 3 hours long it surprisingly whips along at a great pace and you really don't notice the time as you become immersed in what is going on.


>>>> DVD Package

This extended version comes on 3 discs in a gatefold box set which also features a glossy booklet. Unfortunately the booklet features mainly photos from the film and provides very little information on the films making.

> Special Features

- Disc 1

As already mentioned this is the extended version and features 13 additional scenes totalling around 17 minutes of extra footage. To be honest you really need to know the film inside out to pick up on all the additional scenes without using one of the DVDs special features and very few add anything really new to the way the film comes across. The most notable inclusion is additional scenes surrounding the Roman Senators which paints them in a different light but also there are extra scenes which help show how psychotic the character of Commodus truly was. In a brief introduction to the film director Ridley Scott explains that this is not his directors cut as that was the original cinematic release and this is purely a version which includes cut scenes.

Also on Disc 1 is an audio commentary from Ridley Scott and Russell Crowe a nice addition seeing other DVD versions of "Gladiator" lacked this feature. The commentary is very specific to each scene and both Scott and Crowe contribute equally in a frank discussion of how things were done and also the problems. It is a very middle of the road commentary as when in full flow the two contributors provide plenty of information but then when they run out of things to say there are huge moments of silence. Some of the best moments are when Crowe starts talking about his fellow actors with plenty of humorous anecdotes.

Finally on Disc 1 is a feature called "Are You Not Entertained" which basically adds subtitles to the film that provide more information on how the film was made, how stunts were created and also historical references. It also has the useful feature that informs you when you are watching one of the additional scenes, making it a very useful feature for those who are not so familiar with the original cut.

- Disc 2

Disc 2 features just a single feature which is called "Strength and Honour" which is a 7 part documentary looking at the making of "Gladiator" and at over 3 hours long in total is an exceptionally good bonus feature. This really does cover everything and anything you ever wanted to know about how the film was made, from the initial concept, through to historical references and how they decided on the final cut. Each part of the documentary has interviews with different members of cast & crew as well as historians who all go into great depth on their part in creating the film as well as using behind the scenes footage to explain things. This has to be the best making of feature I have ever seen and well worth multiple viewings as you learn something new each time you watch it.

- Disc 3

The third disc is basically split into two sections with the first being "Image & Design" which has 2 features where members of the production team discuss how they created the look of Gladiator along with the scenery, costumes and also the storyboards. Surprisingly the information delivered in these two features is not just a duplicate of information from the making of documentary and sheds new light on how things were done. If that wasn't enough there is also a feature which allows you to use the multi-angle function of your DVD player to compare the storyboards to the actual final cut from three scenes in the film. This section also provides you with sever different galleries for your pleasure. Firstly is a production design gallery featuring a selection of over 150 photos both conceptual images as well as images from the film. Next is a storyboard gallery which features over 800 storyboard images from the original concept. Costume Design gallery has nearly 200 images of the original drawings for the costumes as well as stills from the actual film. Finally a photo gallery with over 300 stills taken from the film as well as behind the scenes. This first section of third disc really helps build on the amount of information given in the making of documentary and whilst usually I find the photo galleries quite boring some of the stills are worth taking the time to look at.

The second section of this third disc is called "Supplemental Archive" and starts of with a feature called "Abandoned Sequences & Deleted Scenes". First within this feature is a look at an alternate Title Design where the designer discusses why they dropped this one in favour of the one in the final cut. Next up within this feature are 3 deleted scenes which combine outtake footage, storyboards and CGI to show 3 scenes which were never finished, each of which come with commentary to explain why they were dropped before completion. Next up in this second section is a feature entitled "Visual Effects Explorations: Germania and Rome" where the CGI experts go into detail of how they created some of the spectacular fight scenes with the aid of computers. Again another highly interesting feature, which instead of being repetitive delivers greater detail on how the film was made. Finally we get a selection of trailers/ teasers for the film as well as trailers for other films.


Having previously watched the 2 disc version of "Gladiator" it is interesting to note that hardly any of the bonus features which appeared in that version make it into this 3 disc version. For me this is a slight disappointment as some of the original bonus features would have added even more to this nearly perfect DVD package. But then there would have been a lot of repetition of information and understand the decision not to include these original features in this one.

> Picture and Sound Quality

If I ever wanted a DVD to demonstrate the quality of a TV this would be the one. The picture is faultless with vibrant colours through out the whole film with absolutely no signs of transfer faults, softness or flickers. The picture is sharp at all times and the amount of minute detail which is visible is exceptional.

Matching the brilliant picture quality is an equally brilliant audio presentation which is at its best when the action sequences are in full flow. Dialogue moves around the front three channels beautifully whilst audio effects move around all the channels helping to immerse you into the film. Everything came across as crystal clear and not once did I struggle to hear the dialogue even when other sounds were occupying the rear channels.


>>>> DVD Summary

A first rate film deserves a first rate DVD package and this one certainly doesn't disappoint. The amount of features, as well as the depth of information is seriously impressive, with disc 2 standing out as being the best of the lot. Not once did I feel like a feature had been added just to pack out the presentation out and every single one delivers worth while information. The picture and sound quality is first rate and really helps to immerse you into the middle of the action. Would I recommend spending a few extra pennies to get this 3 disc edition, definitely as even if you have an earlier release you will be getting so much more worthwhile extras with this version.


>>>> Price & Availability

Amazon.co.uk: £6.96
Play.com: £7.99 (delivered)


>>>> Technical Details

Certificate: 15
Duration: 164 mins
Year of Release: 2000
Genre: Drama, Action, Sport

DVD Release: 2005
Subtitles: English
Audio: English
Aspect ratio: 2.35:1
Region: 2
Number of Discs: 3


Director(s): Ridley Scott
Writer(s): David Franzoni

Cast: Russell Crowe, Joaquin Phoenix, Connie Nielsen, Oliver Reed, Richard Harris, Derek Jacobi, Djimon Hounsou, David Schofield, John Shrapnel, Tomas Arana, Ralf Moeller, Spencer Treat Clark


© Christianfilm September 2007

Summary: Having been betrayed by Commodus , Maximus escapes and goes on a journey in search of revenge.