SEINFELD BLOG

Gladiator (Sapphire Series) [Blu-ray]

Aspect Ratio: 2.35:1
Audience Rating: R (Restricted)
Binding: Blu-ray
Brand: PARAMOUNT HOME VIDEO
EAN: 0097360715842
Format: AC-3, Color, Dolby, DTS Surround Sound, Dubbed, Special Edition, Subtitled, Widescreen
Item Dimensions: 25
Label: Paramount
Languages: EnglishOriginal LanguageFrenchOriginal LanguageSpanishOriginal LanguageEnglishSubtitledFrenchSubtitledSpanishSubtitledKoreanSubtitledFrenchDubbedSpanishDubbed
Manufacturer: Paramount
MPN: 071584
Number Of Items: 2
Publisher: Paramount
Region Code: 1
Release Date: September 01, 2009
Running Time: 171 minutes
Studio: Paramount
Theatrical Release Date: 2000

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Editorial Review:

Product Description:

Genre: Action/Adventure
Rating: R
Release Date: 1-SEP-2009
Media Type: Blu-Ray

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

Amazon.com:


Stills from Gladiator (Click for larger image)





































Rating: - Not sure what the sapphire series is all about, but...
this movie should be in one of the most prestigious jewel series: how about the triple diamond series?? LOL Anyway... The movie itself always makes me cry, even though I watch it only every 1-2 years. That is because every time, Crow's character, that of a true noble hero, stands out so admirably throughout the film. Something that is rare, even in present day reality. This is my favorite performance by Russell Crowe, a flawless delivery... Also, the BluRay quality (of the copy in my hands at least) is fantastic. No complaints here, at all.

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Rating: - Extended version tells so much more of the story...
Obviously one of the greatest films of all time, but have you seen the Extended Version? It's got a few scenes that weren't in the theatrical version and they add so much to the story. Definitely worth watching. Definitely worth watching on Blu-Ray.

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Rating: - Can a movie get any better?
I have loved this movie since the first time I saw it and now it is out on blu-ray! Awesome! If you loved the original, you will be so happy with this copy. I highly recommend it for anyone's collection.

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Rating: - Must own for Blu Fans!
This movie is a must own for all Blu Ray collectors. Both the Video and Audio quality are among the best that I have seen. Add in the fact that this is a fantastic movie that won the Academy Award for Best Picture, and it should be clear why this movie deserves a spot on your shelf!

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Rating: - Poor, poor transfer
Why pay money for a poor transfer? Wait until the re-release!

This sort of studio avarice is akin to that of the distributors of Lord of the Rings, who will release a Blu-ray in the shorter thetrical version in April, only to snatch more of your money by releasing the longer definitive version within the next 12 months thereafter.

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Copyright ©2003, Mark Carey.