Product: Gladiator [VHS] (2000)
Rating: 4.0
MAGNIFICENT EPIC
GLADIATOR Extended Edition (DreamWorks, $40) is another historical epic that's getting an ambitious new DVD release.Already among the top 15 best-selling DVDs, equally popular among men and women, the new three-disc edition features 17 minutes of previously unseen material and a very entertaining and revealing commentary with director Ridley Scott and star Russell Crowe, a first for the latter.The fresh extras on the additional discs are extremely well done and very watchable. The highlight is the lengthy, 200 minute, richly detailed documentary Strength and Honor: Creating the World of Gladiator that focuses on the films evolving screenplay structure, production and remarkable visuals - battles, props and weapons, costumes, practical and digital sets, etc. I was emotionally touched by the featurette on Oliver Reed, his unexpected death during production and how the film was finished using previously recorded elements that included Reed's image or his singular voice.The glory that was Rome and the final homeward journey of a wronged but honorable pagan seeking, finally, only his family is magnificently portrayed. DreamWorks has set the bar high with this DVD Special Edition.