An Epic Success

Rating: 9/10 (25 June 2004)

"Spartacus" remains an epic success even on DVD. It was released in 1960. This was at a time when the modern computerized imaging was not available. The mob scenes are made up of real people, and this cannot be accomplished any longer because of the overwhelming cost to the studios. There is truly a need to see this film on the big screen. However, with a good sound system and big screen there is adequate appreciation for the film. Kirk Douglas plays the lead role in Howard Fast's greatest novel. Jean Simmons plays Verinia, the slave woman with whom he falls in love. Charles Laughton and Peter Ustinov give perfect performances as Roman senator and Gladiator school director respectively. If one has not seen it before, it should be on their must see list. It is a classic for all time.