Product: Gladiator [VHS] (2000)
Rating: 4.0
This Century's "Spartacus" A Film of Epic Proportions!
Having had this film on standard dvd it was worth the upgrade to blu-ray to get both the Thearetical and Extended releases and the special feature documentaries. I didn't get the "remastered" version and being based in Singapore it means it's difficult to get a replacement but truth be told, I didn't even notice the "imperfections" until I was told about them and until then I was quite happy with the overall much improved picture and sound quality over the standard dvd that I originally had. The opening war scene sounded excellent in the DTS-HD MA 5.1 surround mode for example and the 1080p definition made the picture quality the best I had ever seen it. Ridley Scott in the introduction to the extended version makes it clear that it is not the Director's cut which he says is still the thearetical version however my personal preference is for the extended version which I feel does make the film a little better and the actions of the cast a little more understandable. The greatness of this film comes from an excellent script coupled with excellent performances from a great cast and other than the principal actors special mention should be made for Oliver Reed and Derek Jacobi's roles as well; old-timers who can still effortlessly steal the show.Do contact customer service first if you want to get the remastered version which is something I would have done had I known about the issue in advance but as far as this still being a great movie that looks and sounds even better in 1080p and DTS-HD MA 5.1 surround with two versions of the film there is no doubt.Still recommended!